Razz
WXTU/Philadelphia Ups Mark Razz To PD
BEASLEY MEDIA GROUP has promoted MARK RAZZ to PD for Country WXTU/PHILADELPHIA, effective immediately. RAZZ has most recently served as APD/MD/afternoon host for 'XTU for more than a decade. “Nobody deserves this opportunity more than ...
Tommy Austin Ascends To iHeartMedia SVPP/Nat'l Programming Group; D.C.'s James Howard Replaces Austin In Chicago
After six years as iHEARTMEDIA SVPP/CHICAGO, TOMMY AUSTIN has been promoted to SVPP/National Programming Group, reporting to EVPP JON ZELLNER. AUSTIN is being replaced in CHICAGO by ...
Whoever's idea it was to team Brantley Gilbert and Lindsay Ell together for a duet ... THANK YOU. The familiar grit of Brantley's sound paired with Lindsay's perfectly pitched, soothing vocals is exactly what a Country breakup song needs, and then some. This mid-tempo track will have listeners singing along with its story-telling chorus: "'Cause what happens in a small town stays in a small town / Every back road we've ever gone down / Friday night bleachers, Sunday pews / Ain't a county line mile without a memory of you / Every whisper, every room I walk in / Every time the bartender fills it up again / Everybody knows why I'm here and you ain't around / 'Cause what happens in a small town stays in a small town." The lyrics may be all too relatable for tons of listeners, which makes it an automatic sing-along (and maybe even a text to their ex). The hype for this track was worth the wait, but let's not leave it in a small town; let's take it nationwide, bringing Gilbert his fifth career #1 and Ell her well-earned first. Add "What Happens In A Small Town" to your playlist ASAP.
EMI Nashville's Eric Church has us "desperate" for another single off his latest album, "Desperate Man," and with the new year here, we don't have to wait any longer. Church's new single, "Some Of It," stays true to his signature style, pairing a chill vibe with lyrics that make you feel like he's having a conversation directly with you (over an ice cold beer, of course!). In the song's chorus, Church sings, "Some of it you learn the hard way / Some of it you read on a page / Some of it comes from heartbreak / Most of it comes with age / And none of it ever comes easy / A bunch of it you maybe can’t use / I know I don’t probably know what I think I do / But there’s something to some of it." With the wisdom and relatability of this single, forget 'Some Of It,' listeners will want to hear ALL of it! 
This autobiographical song has been buzzed about ever since the Arkansas native debuted it on the Grand Ole Opry in 2017. In McBryde’s gifted songwriting hands, some cutting, cruel comments from a less-than-supportive educator are turned into a motivating anthem about overcoming naysayers and living your dreams. Listeners can’t help but be moved by the unflinching lyrics, coupled with with rising artist’s defiant delivery that somehow manages to be more uplifting than angry. “Don't waste your life behind that guitar / You may get gone, but you won't get far / You're not the first, you won't be the last / And you can tell us all about it when you come crawling back,” the song begins. But then McBryde turns her attention to her current life and career, singing, “When the lights come up and I hear the band / And where they said I'd never be is exactly where I am / I hear the crowd / I look around / And I can't find an empty chair / Not bad for a girl goin' nowhere.” If you’re not misty-eyed by the end, check your pulse.
Anyone who grew up in a small town will easily relate to this track about making your own fun when there’s not much else to do on a Friday night (or any night) in a town that “ain’t even big enough to be a map dot.” Louisiana native Scott wrote the song with John Taylor and Matt Alderman, and with a Brooks & Dunn reference tossed into the lyrics, it has all the makings of Scott’s third hit, with lyrics like: “Around here we work and we play / Cuss and we pray / And at the end of a long, hard day / We got a little something, something we can throw on ice / Find us somewhere that we can drink it while the moon’s up high / With your girl and your boys / By the fire, making noise.” Scott has been on a roll the last couple of years, with his first #1, the Platinum-certified “My Girl,” in 2017 being followed up this year with the Gold-certified, Top 5 hit, “Hooked.” More recently, he was selected by Country radio to be one of the performers at Country Radio Seminar’s “New Faces” show in February 2019. Scott is set to head out on the road with with support act Seth Ennis on his 19-date “Nothing To Do Town Tour,” kicking off Thursday, January 17th, 2019 in New York.
The reigning CMA New Artist Of The Year slows down the tempo for the fifth single from his Platinum-certified River House Artists/Columbia Nashville debut album, “This One’s For You.” This track has big shoes to fill since Combs’ first four singles all went to #1, but this romantic, relatable ballad about an “unpredictable, unforgettable, unusual, unbelievable” lady shouldn’t have any trouble matching that feat. The newly-engaged Combs, one of three writers on this song, is thoroughly believable as he sings, “Beautiful crazy / She can’t help but amaze me / The way that she dances, ain’t afraid to take chances / And wears her heart on her sleeve / Yeah she’s crazy, but her crazy’s beautiful to me.” Combs’ 2019 “Beer Never Broke My Heart Tour,” which kicks off January 31st, 2019, already boasts 27 sold-out venues.
Throughout this past year, we've all gotten to know the name Devin Dawson from hearing songs like "All On Me" and "Asking For A Friend." As a California native, Dawson has brought his own style of Country music to the table, and it's really showcased in his new single, "Dark Horse," which also happens to be the title track of his debut album. The autobiographical tune describes Dawson to a T within the first verse: "People always ask why I wear black / Where'd I get my style, and why I never smile in pictures / They ask me what I drink / I'll sip on anything, but I'm a little more California smoke than liquor." As mentioned earlier, Dawson's style is one-of-a-kind in the best way; he knows who he is as an artist and as a person, and that's what he sticks to by only posting in black and white on Instagram, wearing dark-colored clothing, and rarely showing off a full-teeth smile. (But, don't let these things fool you...he's a great guy). Throughout the entirety of "Dark Horse," the passion in Dawson's voice rings out, but even more within the chorus: "I'll side with the outsiders / Those long-shot, last-round fighters / Anyone who ain't afraid to stray off course / My heart bleeds for Country music / Where the honest, outlaw truth is / No, I ain't no white knight / I'm a little more / Dark horse." Let's not leave this "Dark Horse" in the dark; put it in Light, and let your listeners enjoy all that is Devin Dawson.
Just in time for the holidays comes the gift of tempo from Triple Tigers. This hooky third single from Dickerson’s 2017 debt album, “Yours,” comes on the heels of the # 1 hits, “Yours” and “Blue Tacoma,” and it sounds like another winner from this Platinum-selling star. Opening with an Alabama band reference, the song goes on to compare his love to Seattle and Sonoma as the lyrics declare, “She’s everybody’s dream girl but she’s all mine.” A pair of triple repeated phrases make the chorus particularly catchy as Dickerson sings, “I love every little, every little, every little thing about her love / And just a little, just a little, just a little ain’t enough.” Dickerson and pal Carly Pearce will team up beginning in January for the 11-city “The Way Back Tour.” Since both stars now have singles titled “Every Little Thing,” there could be opportunities some fun mashup moments onstage.
Garth Brooks could hardly make eye contact with wife Trisha Yearwood when he debuted this poignant, emotional ballad on the November 14th CMA Awards in Nashville, and by the time he finished performing it there wasn’t a dry eye between them. On his weekly Facebook Live series, “Inside Studio G,” two days before the show, Brooks explained that he had been keeping the song under wraps until Yearwood could hear it for the first time on the CMAs. Now that the live CMA version has been serviced to radio, however, everyone can give it a listen. Just make sure you have tissues handy as Brooks details all the ways his wife tops him in the emotional strength department, singing, “I always thought I had to have the answers / Be her strength and take the lead / But when it comes to anything that really matters, you’re stronger than me.” If that doesn’t get you, wait until he finishes the song with this emotional wallop: “If I have a choice I pray God takes me first / Cause you’re stronger than me.”
A driving beat fuels this catchy song that is also about driving — specifically, a lover driving away from her man after he fails to drop those three little words in a timely manner. It’s completely relatable to anyone who has ever had regrets over not adequately conveying their feelings in a relationship. As Swindell sings, “She’s out there rolling down some old interstate / Wide open, wide open, couldn’t make her stay / Probably cranking up some new freedom song / Wide open, wide open, won’t pick up her phone / While I’m dying here tonight staring goodbye in the face / For saying ‘I love you’ too late.” Ouch! He’s well aware he should have told her how he feels “a couple county lines ago.” Much like the Georgia native’s newly-launched Peppermint Moonshine, this song has a little bite, and a smooth finish. It’s the proven hit maker’s latest release from his No. 1 selling third album, “All Of It.”
Following the success of her debut #1 single, "Every Little Thing," and Top 15 hit, "Hide The Wine," Carly Pearce is ready to explore the next era of her music with her latest single at Country radio, "Closer To You." With an immediate, undeniable beat, the song's tempo will have you bobbing right along with it, and luckily for programmers, Pearce's recent successes have made her a familiar voice to listeners, making her an easy add to the playlist. Plus, you can't help but wonder if the song's lyrics about missing a loved one while away from them is about her precious relationship with Michael Ray, and how amazingly they balance the road life apart. The chorus rings out, "There's a diamond sky that's waiting for us just outside of town / With the moon hanging for me and you, baby / We can cut the headlights out when there ain't no one else around / Kill the space in between, slide across that leather seat / Heart to heart, face to face, you know all I wanna do / Is get closer, closer, closer to you / Closer to you." With this tune, Carly Pearce is getting closer, closer, and closer to being a superstar female act in our format; she is a force to be reckoned with, with no signs of slowing down. As the add date -- which is Monday, November 19th for those who need a reminder! -- for "Closer To You" is creeping up, let's get Closer To Making Carly Pearce A Country Superstar.
Ohhh, boy. Here we go. As Luke says in the opening line of his latest single, "People talkin' 'bout what is and what ain't Country." It is a debate that has raged on for decades. Strings in Country music?! That ain't Country! Drums? No, Lord, say it ain't so! These were the cries of the generations before us. Now, we dwell upon Pop rhythms, tight pants, and ball caps. But, here's the thing. Just like Luke says, "Just be proud of what makes you Country." This song is a straight-across-the-plate home run for Luke Bryan, who is a staple on Country radio and a household name all across America. "What Makes You Country" isn't just the title track from Luke's most recent album, it's also an anthem for those who put in their 40 hours during the week and like to play in the dirt on the weekends. It's a sing-along song with all the signatures of a Luke Bryan hit. "I got my dirt road cred when I was twelve / On a no cab tractor haulin' them bails / Backin' in boats, fishin' limb lines / Runnin' bird dogs through the Georgia pines / Step-side covered down in peanut dust / Friday night spotlightin', that was us / It might not have been you, but I can't just / Just be proud of what makes you Country." What makes Luke Bryan Country is a stable full of hits coupled with Pop culture relevance. That one-two punch will not only keep him selling out stadiums, but will surely keep him a contender for quick adds and power rotations.
FGL is breaking it down and turning up the heat in their newest single at Country radio, "Talk You Out Of It," and I am here to talk you IN to adding it to your playlist (not that you'll need any help, if we're being honest). T-Hubb and BK are pullin' out all of the sex appeal for the track, which kicks off with a banjo riff before heading into a slow tempo beat for the verses. Featuring phrases like "I know you had a long day;" "Got a bottle at your favorite place; "Lookin' like a grown man's dream;" and "We can start with a kiss;" you should be picking up what they're putting down. Now, before we get into discussing the chorus, I am gonna take a brief moment to warn you that it's probably best to not be looking around the crowd if you're at a live FGL show when this song comes on, because you WILL be surrounded by couples making out. Especially as the chorus bursts through: "I talked you into slippin' down the hall, baby, turn it on / Your playlist you play when you're in the shower / Talked you into taking up my time, making up your mind / Switching back and forth for an hour / And now you're lookin' like a line from a Vandross song / I'm looking at that fine little dress you got on / Don't get me wrong, girl, I love it / Now, I just wanna talk you out of it." Regardless of the couples getting too touchy at shows to "Talk You Out Of It," I think this ones just as S-I-M-P-L-E as FGL's last hit, and don't let anyone talk you out of that.
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." 
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. 
Ain't Nothin' To It
