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I Sailed On Royal Caribbean’s President’s Cruise, And Here’s Why I Would Do It Again

By on August 18, 2023 in BEYOND the 615, Beyond the 615 | travel, Music, Special Events, Travel

Photo credit: Royal Caribbean International

[BEYOND the 615 – Travel Feature]  What’s the President’s Cruise on Royal Caribbean? It’s a special, annual cruise that the President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International, Michael Bayley, plans a fun-filled, week-long cruise onboard one of Royal Caribbean’s modern, innovative ships and travels on along with the Executive Staff to celebrate all things Royal Caribbean with their most loyal cruisers.

Michael Bayley and the Executive Staff onboard Allure of the Seas for the President’s Cruise. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

Anyone can book this cruise.  No invitation is needed to sail on it, but it depends on your tier level with Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program, the Crown & Anchor Society, as to what special events onboard for the week you’ll be invited to take part in.

There were plenty of fun activities for everyone onboard, regardless of loyalty tier level, to enjoy every day.  Plus, there were more intimate, exclusive events that week planned for the two highest tiers: Pinnacle Club and Diamond Plus that included cocktail parties, trivia with the Executive Staff & hosted by Super Mario, Common Ground meeting with the president, sharing memories & memorabilia from past Royal Caribbean cruises with the President and Executive Staff by individuals, and a fun pool party.  There were also daily activities reserved for only the highest and most loyal tier of the Crown & Anchor Society, Pinnacle Club, with daily meals shared together and exclusive surprises for them.

Pinnacle Club & Diamond Plus loyalty tier members enjoying a special Crown & Anchor Society Pool Party onboard Allure of the Seas in the Solarium during the 2023 President’s Cruise. July 2023 – Photo credit:  Joe Zicari

Loyalty gains you special privileges, perks, and recognition onboard every Royal Caribbean cruise throughout the year with their loyalty program, Crown & Anchor Society, but during the annual President’s Cruise, your loyalty is uniquely-rewarded in different ways and taken to a heightened level depending on your tier status with them.

Each day I received surprises and special theme memorabilia to take home with me. Pictured are a few of the fun gifts I was given onboard during the President’s Cruise. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

Each day I was treated to a fun gift in my cabin or at an event that included a President’s Cruise-themed magnet on my cabin door to greet me on embarkment day along with my themed cowboy hat in the color of my choice at the cruise terminal, a bottle of champagne with a special note thanking me for my loyalty, a President’s Cruise-themed insulated bottle to take home, themed beach bag, a chocolate bar from Royal Day at Costa Maya, and a limited release 25th anniversary baseball hat.  It was so much fun to open my cabin door to find special treats left for me.  There were also daily drawings for luxe prizes that everyone onboard the cruise was entered in to at the largest events that week.

Watch a short video of highlights HERE.

Some of the managers of crew onboard Allure of the Seas during the President’s Cruise greeting passengers. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

Now in its 6th year, this year’s President’s Cruise took place on the beautiful Allure of the Seas, part of Royal Caribbean’s oasis class of ships, from July 23-30, 2023 to the Western Caribbean ports of Roatan, Honduras, Costa Maya, Mexico and Cozumel, Mexico.

Allure of the Seas
Photo credit: Royal Caribbean International

Sailing out of Royal Caribbean’s brand new cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas, this President’s Cruise promised to be bigger & bolder than previous President’s Cruises with the much-awarded cruiseline celebrating 25 years of the Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program, a new, state-of-the-art cruise terminal, and the most phenomenal comeback of all the cruiselines following the pandemic shut down back in 2020 as their stock prices continue to soar and prepare to launch 2 brand-new ships in 2024 (The highly-anticipated Icon of the Seas in January and Utopia of the Seas in July.)

Royal Caribbean’s brand new, state-of-the-art, multimillion dollar cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas that opened in November 2022. Photo credit: Royal Caribbean International

The oasis class is currently the largest class of ships in the world out of all the cruiselines, featuring: Wonder of the Seas (newest, launched March 2022), Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas.  With the final ship in this innovative class to be unveiled in July 2024, Utopia of the Seas.

Watch a short video of highlights HERE.

This was my first President’s Cruise to have the pleasure of sailing on, but it definitely won’t be my last if I can help it.  I can say without hesitation that this was my very favorite cruise I have ever been on in my 30 years of cruising.  Being a long-time fan of Royal Caribbean since my very first cruise ever onboard their then state-of-the-art Sovereign of the Seas back in 1993, I was sailing as a Diamond Plus tier member with their loyalty program, Crown & Anchor Society.  I have so many past cruises to compare this one to, so saying it was my favorite is no small feat.

Watch a short video of highlights HERE.

As an added special treat, 10-time GRAMMY Award winner & musical icon, Chaka Khan, was onboard sailing all week with her family and band.  She performed an exclusive concert twice while sailing during the 7-night voyage.  Only a limited number of guests were able to see her perform in-person in the ship’s Amber Theater, but the concert was livestreamed all across the ship for special viewing parties in various venues onboard for all guests onboard to enjoy.  You can watch some clips from her performance onboard HERE.

I had access to most of the special events planned, including seeing Chaka Khan perform live onboard this mammoth vessel, which was one of the highlights of the cruise for me.  Hearing her iconic hit songs again and seeing her perform in-person brought back so many great memories for me as a teenager growing up in the 1980’s, which was during the heighth of Chaka Khan’s career.  She still has an incredibly-powerful voice after all these years and puts on a great show.  I couldn’t help myself as I stood and sang along to “I’m Every Woman”, and I was out of my seat dancing for most of the show, as well.  So much fun!

Super Mario having a little fun with the Executive Staff as he hosts a trivia game with them during the President’s Cruise. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

This special cruise included a milestone silver anniversary celebration of 25 years since the creation of the Crown & Anchor Society, which offers the best perks for loyalty out of all the cruiselines, in my opinion.  Everyone onboard was able to enjoy this beautiful, silver-themed celebration in the ornate Royal Promanade.

There was the fun day at the port of Costa Maya where Royal Caribbean took over the entire port to celebrate Royal Day with free food, drinks, and entertainment at every turn that all guests onboard got to enjoy.  You can see some of the highlights of the celebration HERE.

Royal Caribbean tookover the port of Costa Maya in Mexico for one day dubbing it Royal Day. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

The Royal Roundup, a country music-themed party held in Studio B, was a big hit among guests as drinks were served and people took to the dance floor for some fun linedancing doning their complimentary President’s Cruise cowboy hats that we all received on embarkment day at the new cruise terminal in Galveston as we prepared to sail away later that day.  A great time had by all for some fabulous, boot-scootin’ fun!

Another highlight was the Garden Spritz party I got to enjoy along with other Diamond Plus tier members in the Central Park neighborhood of the ship, which was beautifully-decorated with touches of orange since sponsored by Chandon for this special occasion.

The Garden Spritz mixer sponsored by Chandon in the Central Park neighborhood onboard was beautifully-decorated and decked out in orange for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club tier members only to enjoy. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

New Pinnacle Club members, Patrick and Janice Moan, enjoying the Garden Spritz mixer sponsored by Chandon in Central Park neighborhood onboard Allure of the Seas during the President’s Cruise 2023. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

The Central Park neighborhood is always one of my favorite places to visit because it is so beautiful and a wonderful place of tranquility to escape to for a nice dinner at one of the specialty restaurants, a peaceful stroll, listen to some jazz music, or to enjoy a nightcap whenever sailing on one of Royal Caribbean’s oasis class ships only.

This is a view of the Central Park neighborhood onboard Allure of the Seas from a little-known, tucked away public balcony accessible from deck 9 by the elevators on both sides. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

There is just so much I could write about, but I’m afraid this article would become a long novel if I go on about it much longer.  So, I’m going to wrap it up now! I would book this particular themed cruise again and again in a heartbeat.  It was a level of amped up fun that only Royal Caribbean International, its President and his Executive Staff knows how to truly bring!

The Island Jam with Michael Bayley held at the beautiful Turquoise Bay Dive & Beach Resort in Roatan, Honduras for the President’s Cruise. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

This cruise had everything, even all-you-can-eat lobster tails with a full, fresh seafood spread available for all guests on the first day in the Windjammer Cafe along with specialty procured excursions filled with unique experiences designed for the President’s Cruise only, like the Island Jam with Michael Bayley, held at the beautiful Turquoise Bay Dive & Beach Resort in Roatan, Honduras featuring an all-you-can-eat, mouthwatering spread of local favorites, fresh coconut water served in handcrafted coconuts with the President’s Cruise logo emblazoned on it, local music, dancing, and tasty tropical drinks with little umbrellas served by an attentive staff on sugar white sand beaches overlooking clear, turquoise-colored water.  It was a slice of paradise for the day that I never wanted to leave!

If you are looking for an all-inclusive vacation that will appeal to the entire family, you can’t go wrong with a Royal Caribbean cruise onboard one of their 26 ships, but especially on an oasis class ship like Allure of the Seas.  From great food, included in the cruise ticket cost per person, full Broadway shows like “Mamma Mia” in the Amber Theater, an aerial, acrobatic, highdiving, water-themed spectacular show in the Aquatheater that is a must-see (on oasis class ships only), an ice skating rink by day turned into an entertaining ice skating show inside Studio B featuring elite level ice skaters from around the world, comedy club featuring rotating featured comedians, highly-organized  by staff kids programs for all ages, a surfing simulator, pools, hot tubs, waterside, a zip-line, arcade, movies, shopping, live music in various nightclubs, dance classes, theme parties, parades through the Royal Promanade, trivia, bingo, full-access ship & kitchen tours with brunch, shipboard activities designed for athletes &

Enjoying breakfast in Coastal Kitchen on Allure of the Seas.
Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

foodies, specialty dining, spa, health club, staff-led exercise classes, the adult-only fun of the Solarium featuring a pool & bar area and Casino Royale. (Don’t forget to insert your Seapass into the slot machines as you play or hand to the dealer at table games to become a member of Club Royale to earn points towards perks like free drinks, free cruises, onboard comps, invitations to special casino events, and more.)

Enjoying a cosmopolitan in the Diamond Lounge during Happy Hour onboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. July 2023 – Photo credit: Patrice Majors | BEYOND the 615 (part of FOCUS on the 615)

There is just SO much to experience and do onboard Royal Caribbean’s innovative fleet of ships that will appeal to all ages and you’ll never be bored.  I promise! So, what are you waiting for? Go to their site by clicking HERE to book a cruise now to see how fabulous a vacation at sea can be.  Whether you’re a solo traveler, celebrating your honeymoon, a family traveling together, or enjoying retirement in your golden years, there is something onboard for everyone on a Royal Caribbean ship to the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal, Europe, Greece, Asia, Australia, and more.

Want to find out when & where the next Royal Caribbean President’s Cruise is? Just watch the video below to find out!

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Launch Of BEYOND the 615

By on August 12, 2023 in BEYOND the 615, Beyond the 615 | travel, Travel

We are excited to launch a new section of FOCUS on the 615 called BEYOND the 615 to include travel and entertainment from outside of Nashville aka the 615.

Be on the lookout for a feature here soon as we started things off for BEYOND the 615 sailing onboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas from July 23-30, 2023 for their annual President’s Cruise.

 

 

 

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Maroon 5 Release New Version Of “Middle Ground” Featuring Mickey Guyton Today

By on August 11, 2023 in In The Press, Press Releases

Listen HERE

BAND ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF M5LV: THE RESIDENCY INTO 2024

LOS ANGELES (August 11, 2023) – Today, three-time GRAMMY Award-winning multi-platinum band Maroon 5 share a new version of their latest single “Middle Ground,” now featuring country music star Mickey Guyton. Listen to “Middle Ground” [feat. Mickey Guyton] HERE via 222/Interscope Records. The record will impact at pop radio immediately.

History-making GRAMMY Award-nominated country songstress Guyton enriches and enlivens “Middle Ground” with a soulful and spirited verse. Her powerhouse vocal performance and intimate delivery add another perspective to this heartfelt anthem.

Guyton will join Maroon 5 onstage in Las Vegas on Saturday, for the final night of their 2023 Residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM to perform the song live.

The original “Middle Ground” has generated north of 28.5 million global streams in addition to 3.6 million YouTube views on the music video directed by frequent collaborator David Dobkin [Sugar, Memories]. Beyond plugs from the likes of Rolling Stone, Billboard, and more, People hailed it as “reflective,” while the band also delivered a powerful stripped-back performance of “Middle Ground” on The Voice. At radio, it broke into the Top 15 at Hot AC and Top 30 at AC, and remains Top 20 on the Hot AC charts. Not to mention, they remain the #26 “most listened-to artist in the world on Spotify.”

In addition, Maroon 5 have extended their successful Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM into 2024. Presented in partnership by Live Nation and MGM Resorts International, M5LV: The Residency opened in March 2023 to rave reviews from fans and critics alike. Billboard crowned the band “a perfect fit for a Las Vegas residency.”

Be on the lookout for new show dates and more announcements from Maroon 5 soon.

Maroon 5 stands out as not only one of pop music’s most enduring artists, but also one of the 21st century’s biggest acts. Since they released their renowned debut album, Songs About Jane, to date, the Los Angeles band have achieved three GRAMMY® Awards, as well as selling a staggering 96+ million albums and 658+ million singles worldwide. Maroon 5 currently has more than 20 billion combined streams on Spotify and has the most billion plus streamed songs by a group, with nine.

Maroon 5 was the first artist to reach over 3 billion views on a music video on YouTube and they currently have more then 20 billion combined views on YouTube channels. Maroon 5 has 32 records on the BILLBOARD HOT 100 since their first release in 2002. 26 of those hit the Top 50, with 22 in the Top 25, 15 in the Top 10 and 10 in the Top 5; of which three are Diamond Certified and 23 are Platinum certified. Maroon 5 has the most Top 10’s in this century by a duo or group, the most #1’s on the HOT 100 this century by a duo or group, and the most #1’s by a duo or group in the history of the Top 40 chart. In January of 2023, “Moves Like Jagger” was announced the #2 most downloaded song of all-time.

In 2022, Maroon 5 performed in front of the Pyramids of Giza, performed to over 100,000 people in Tel Aviv across two sold out shows, and to over 125,000 people in Japan on their sold out “Dome Tour,” with two nights in Tokyo and one in Osaka.

M5LV THE RESIDENCY DATES

AUGUST 11th – LAS VEGAS, NV – DOLBY LIVE

 

AUGUST 12th  – LAS VEGAS, NV – DOLBY LIVE

 

 

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LISTEN: Carly Pearce Releases New Song “Country Music Made Me Do It”

By on August 11, 2023 in In The Press, Press Releases

CARLY PEARCE RELEASES NEW SONG
“COUNTRY MUSIC MADE ME DO IT” – LISTEN NOW

Tickets to Pearce’s North American Headline COUNTRY MUSIC MADE ME DO IT TOUR
Now Available

NASHVILLE, TN (August 11, 2023) – Today, GRAMMY, CMA and ACM Award-winning singer/songwriter Carly Pearce releases brand new song “Country Music Made Me Do It” via Big Machine Records. An upbeat, cheeky love letter to the genre, the song chronicles Pearce’s long-standing relationship to Country music and the impact it has had on her life. Listen to the track HERE.

“‘Country Music Made Me Do It’ is the essence of this next chapter for me,” Pearce shared recently. “I wrote this song as an autobiographical anthem, but I can’t wait to hear the ways YOUR story has been influenced by country music.”

Tickets are now available for Pearce’s North American headline COUNTRY MUSIC MADE ME DO IT TOUR, kicking off October 5 at The Town Hall in New York City. Presented by Conundrum Wines, the 10+ city tour will continue through cities like Boston, St. Louis, Los Angeles, and more before concluding on November 18 in Detroit. Adam Doleac and Hannah Ellis will join Pearce as support on select dates. For more information, please visit CarlyPearce.com.

“I’m SO excited to bring the ‘Country Music Made Me Do It’ Tour to life this fall, to celebrate the true beginning of a turned page in my life, both musically and personally,” Pearce added.

This week, Pearce earned another Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) Platinum certification for her No. 1 hit “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” with Ashley McBryde, in addition to earning a Female Artist of the Year nomination for the 35th Annual MusicRow Awards.

Pearce has been busy at work on her next musical chapter starting with her rising single “We Don’t Fight Anymore” featuring Chris Stapleton which was released June 16 to widespread praise from fans and critics alike. Starting March 2024, Pearce will join Tim McGraw as direct support on all dates of his STANDING ROOM ONLY TOUR.

# # #

Carly Pearce – COUNTRY MUSIC MADE ME DO IT TOUR Dates
^Adam Doleac
*Hannah Ellis
+No support
Date City Venue October 5, 2023 New York, NY The Town Hall^ October 6, 2023 Boston, MA House of Blues^ October 7, 2023 Silver Spring, MD The Filmore^ October 12, 2023 Madison, WI  The Sylvee* October 13, 2023 St. Louis, MO            Stifel Theatre*  October 14, 2023 Norman, OK  Riverwind Casino+ October 20, 2023 Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues^ October 21, 2023 Augusta, GA Miller Theater^ October 27, 2023 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern^ November 1, 2023 Paso Robles, CA Vina Robles Amphitheatre^ November 2, 2023 Santa Rosa, CA Luther Burbank Center^ November 18, 2023 Detroit, MI The Fillmore ^

About Carly Pearce
Fiercely rooted in the classics, the girl who left her Kentucky home and high school at 16 to take a job at Dollywood has grown into a woman who embraces the genre’s forward progression. GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter Carly Pearce lit a fire with her debut album Every Little Thing and the PLATINUM-certified history-making title track, and she hasn’t slowed down since. Pearce’s 3x PLATINUM-certified “I Hope You’re Happy Now” with Lee Brice won both the 2020 CMA Awards Musical Event and 2021 ACM Awards Music Event, plus ACM Single of the Year. Pearce, now a Grand Ole Opry and Kentucky Music Hall of Fame member, has come a long way from the pain she felt writing her critically acclaimed and commercially lauded third studio album 29 which includes Country Radio chart toppers “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” with Ashley McBryde and  “What He Didn’t Do.” For the PLATINUM-certified “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” Pearce picked up her second consecutive ACM Music Event of the Year in 2022 and marked the third duet between two solo women to top Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. The song also took home the 2022 CMA Musical Event of the Year and won a GRAMMY® Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance, marking Pearce’s first and making history as the first female pairing to win in the category. Earlier this year, Pearce joined Blake Shelton’s BACK TO THE HONKY TONK TOUR and made her 100th performance at the Grand Ole Opry. As she closed out that pivotal 29 chapter with her first live album 29: WRITTEN IN STONE (LIVE FROM MUSIC CITY), Pearce now steps into the next chapter of her musical career with the praised release of her new single “We Don’t Fight Anymore” (featuring Chris Stapleton) in June and August release of “Country Music Made Me Do It.”  Pearce will embark on her 2023 fall headline COUNTRY MUSIC MADE ME DO IT TOUR starting October 5 through November 18. In March 2024, Pearce will join Tim McGraw’s 2024 STANDING ROOM ONLY TOUR as direct support. Honored as one of CMT’s 2022 Artists of The Year, the 2021 CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and 2022 ACM Awards Female Artist of the Year, Pearce continues to resonate with her honest lyrics and timeless musicality. For tour dates and more, visit CarlyPearce.com.

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Carrie Underwood Releases New Song “Give Her That” Off Upcoming Denim & Rhinestones Deluxe Edition

By on August 11, 2023 in In The Press, Press Releases

Carrie Underwood Releases New Song “Give Her That” Off Upcoming Denim & Rhinestones Deluxe Edition 

Deluxe Edition Digital Pre-Order Available Now | Full Track Listing Below

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 11, 2023) – Eight-time Grammy Award-winning superstar Carrie Underwood releases brand new track “Give Her That” today. Written by Underwood with David Garcia and Lydia Vaughan, “Give Her That” appears on the Deluxe Edition of Underwood’s critically acclaimed Denim & Rhinestones album. Physical and digital pre-order for the Sept. 22 deluxe release available HERE.

Listen to “Give Her That” HERE

Underwood recently revealed she returns for the 11th consecutive show open for NBC’s Sunday Night Football this fall. Additionally, Underwood’s upcoming concert dates include performances at the Grand Ole Opry, joining Guns N’ Roses at GEODIS Park in Nashville, and her REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency at Resorts World Theatre continues this September. Fans can also tune into her year-round, exclusive CARRIE’S COUNTRY SiriusXM channel 60.

Denim & Rhinestones Deluxe Edition track listing:

 

1. Denim & Rhinestones

 

2. Velvet Heartbreak

 

3. Ghost Story

 

4. Hate My Heart

 

5. Burn

 

6. Crazy Angels

 

7. Faster

 

8. Pink Champagne

 

9. Wanted Woman

 

10. Poor Everybody Else

 

11. She Don’t Know

 

12. Garden

 

13. Out Of That Truck*

 

14. Give Her That*

 

15. Drunk And Hungover*

 

16. Damage*

 

17. Take Me Out*

 

18. She Don’t Know (LIVE from The Denim & Rhinestones Tour)*

 

*Deluxe Edition tracks

Photo credit: Randee St. Nicholas

 

 

 

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Switchfoot Teams With Ingrid Andress For Reimagined “On Fire”

By on August 11, 2023 in In The Press, Press Releases

Today, GRAMMY-winning rock group Switchfoot teams up with four-time GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Ingrid Andress to release a reimagined version of Switchfoot’s 2003 track “On Fire.”

This new rendition will be included on ‘The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version) [Deluxe Edition],’ a recently announced 25-track celebration of 2003’s breakthrough album ‘The Beautiful Letdown’ featuring new recordings by The Jonas Brothers, OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, Jon Bellion, Dayglow, Twenty One Pilots’ Tyler Joseph + more.

One of the brightest stars in contemporary country music, Andress’ reimagined “On Fire” adopts an almost inspirational tone that contrasts Switchfoot’s lovelorn original. On top of a steady rhythmic backing complete with acoustic guitar and a subtle plucked banjo, Andress’ assured vocal performance is a proud declaration of love and yearning, and her charged new rendition provides yet another example of the enduring influence of Switchfoot’s timeless songwriting.

 

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Jason Crabb, Dylan Scott React To GMA Dove Award Nomination For “Good Morning Mercy” Collaboration

By on August 10, 2023 in In The Press, Press Releases

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 10, 2023) – Nominations for the 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards were announced this morning during a live broadcast via the Gospel Music Association’s YouTube Channel. Nominations were announced by Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey, JJ Hairston, Jordan Feliz, and Jason Crabb.

Jason Crabb and Dylan Scott were honored to be nominated for their collaboration on the hit single “Good Morning Mercy.”

The song was recorded live, in studio, and produced by Red Street Records owner, Jay DeMarcus, along with Kevin Rooney.

Jason Crabb expressed his gratitude, stating, “Being nominated for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Song of the Year for” Good Morning Mercy” is truly a blessing. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner than my good buddy, Dylan Scott, to bring this song to life. A huge thank you to Red Street Records for their unwavering support and to the Gospel Music Association voters for this honor. It’s a testament to the power of music and faith combined.”

Echoing the sentiment, Dylan Scott remarked, “So grateful for my friend Jason including me on this song. To be nominated for a GMA Dove award with him is something I never expected. My mom is smiling down on us today.”

“Having these two incredible singers in the room together was a real honor,” said Jay DeMarcus. “We cut this one in a very unconventional way, with having everyone in the room and going down live. I am very proud to have been a part of this!”

Voted on by the GMA Professional Membership, this year’s nominees were chosen from over 2,046 submitted entries. The GMA Dove Awards Nashville event will be held October 17, 2023, and will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN app on Friday, October 20, 2023 8:00 p.m. ET and 10:00 p.m. ET.

Two-time GRAMMY® award-winning Red Street Records recording artist Jason Crabb and multi-platinum, multi-number one country artist Dylan Scott met by chance one day when Crabb bumped into Scott while getting a haircut. The rest, as the old saying goes, is history.

The original release of “Good Morning Mercy” became a fast hit on the Christian radio charts and in concerts, as well as garnering millions of streams on multiple platforms. The epic collab of Crabb and Scott further propelled the song’s popularity, with the song being featured by People.com with an exclusive video premiere, CMT, Country Now, along with a host of other outlets.

For more information on Jason Crabb, visit https://jasoncrabb.com.

For more information on Dylan Scott, visit https://dylanscottcountry.com.

 

 

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Annie Bosko Industry Ink: Stone Country Records/Brown Sellers Brown & CAA

By on August 10, 2023 in In The Press, Press Releases

Annie Bosko signs with Brown Sellers Brown, Randy Bernard for artist management, Stone Country Records for label (not pictured: CAA for Agency and Essential Broadcast Media, LLC for PR). 
(L-R front: Benny Brown, Founder/CEO at Brown Sellers Brown and Stone Country Records; Annie Bosko, artist; Randy Bernard, Artist Manager; L-R back: April Rider, Senior VP at Brown Sellers Brown; Angela Wheeler, day to day manager at Brown Sellers Brown; Jason Sellers, Partner at Brown Sellers Brown)
Photo courtesy of Brown Sellers Brown

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A California farmer’s daughter, Annie Bosko’s soulful, honey-soaked vocals and neo-traditional country sound has been perfected over the course of her 10,000 + hours in this industry. Bosko has written songs for Willie Nelson, recorded duets with music legends Vince Gill and Dwight Yoakam and performed alongside music giants Adele and Darius Rucker.

 

Bosko’s hard work and progress paid off, catching the attention of Benny Brown, founder of BBR Music Group, and together they assembled an A-list team including Randy Bernard, whose only other client is Garth Brooks (whom he shares with industry icon Bob Doyle of Bob Doyle and Associates) and CAA’s Rod Essig and Ethan Goldish.

 

“We are very excited to be working with Annie,” shares Brown. “Her incredible talent as a vocalist and entertainer along with her work ethic make her the perfect addition to the Stone Country family.”

 

Today, Bernard joins forces with Brown Sellers Brown (BSB) Management in a joint venture representing Bosko for artist management alongside BSB’s Benny Brown, Jason Sellers and Angela Wheeler. Bosko has also inked a recording contract with Brown’s Stone Country Records.

 

“The first time I heard Annie, I was very impressed. The first time I watched Annie perform live,  I was blown away,” reflects Bernard. “I am very excited to work with Annie, Benny and his entire team.”

 

“I met Annie 10 years ago and I could tell then how great of a singer she was. Since then, I’ve come to find she’s equally as talented as a songwriter and entertainer,” shares Sellers. “Really excited to be a part of these next steps in her journey.”

 

Having already slotted gigs as direct support for Tim McGraw, CAA is betting on Bosko, as Essig shares “Annie is an incredible singer, great performer and very insightful. We are proud to represent her.”

 

Combining musical influences from Patsy Cline and Shania Twain, to George Strait and The Beatles, Bosko is preparing new music for release this year. At the helm producing are Derek George (Randy Houser, Joe Nichols and Bryan White) an accomplished singer and producer with over 40 cuts and 25 years of experience in the music business and Mickey Jack Cones (Carrie Underwood, Dustin Lynch, Kelly Clarkson, Thomas Rhett) who has 39 No. 1’s; 275+ Billion streams; 90+ Million units sold; 2 Grammy nominations and countless multi-platinum records to his name.

 

For more information and to keep up with new releases, visit AnnieBosko.com or follow @AnnieBosko on social media platforms.

 

About Stone Country Records:

Stone Country Records is a full-service country music label, whose parent company, Brown Sellers Brown, LLC is led by industry veterans Benny Brown, Paul Brown and award-winning songwriter, Jason Sellers. The sister label to Quartz Hill Records, which is home to Thompson Square, Joe Nichols, Nate Barnes and Runaway June, Stone County Records was launched in January 2022 and along with Quartz Hill Records, and is distributed globally in partnership with OneRPM. Stone Country Records is home to chart-topper Easton Corbin, triple threat singer/songwriter/guitarist, Ben Gallaher and Rolling Stone country artist to watch, Annie Bosko.

 

About Brown Sellers Brown Management:

BSB Management is a full-service management company helmed by industry veterans Benny Brown, Jason Sellers and Paul Brown. The company’s artist roster includes multi-platinum chart-topper Joe Nichols, chart-topper Easton Corbin, triple threat singer/songwriter/ guitarist Ben Gallaher, hit makers Thompson Square and Runaway June, as well as up-and-coming country stylist Nate Barnes and singer/songwriter/entertainer, Annie Bosko

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NEEDTOBREATHE Releases Uplifting Single “Hideaway”

By on August 10, 2023 in In The Press, Press Releases, Uncategorized

NEEDTOBREATHE RELEASES UPLIFTING SINGLE “HIDEAWAY” FROM NEW ALBUM CAVES, DUE SEPT. 15

Tickets for Fall Arena Tour On Sale Now

Photo Credit: David Od

Nashville, TN – August 10, 2023 – “ Chase down the silver lining, we’re gonna find a way,” lead singer Bear Rinehart of multi-platinum rock band NEEDTOBREATHE recites on their newest single, “Hideaway,” released today.

 

Co-written by Rinehart and notable Nashville songwriters Trent Dabbs and John-Luke Carter, “Hideaway” is a catchy, uplifting track that will resonate with listeners that have ever felt tired, beaten down or alone.

 

Described as “hopeful and joyful” (Rolling Stone) and as “delivering a passion through their music that leaves their fans feeling like they’ve just climbed down from a mountain” (Forbes) the comforting message of “Hideaway” encourages resiliency through the hard times.

 

It’s also what initiated the recording process for the band’s new album CAVES. “We traveled to Utah to do pre-production on some new songs and ‘Hideaway’ came together in a really magical way,” NEEDTOBREATHE explains, “It’s one of our favorite moments on the record.”

 

Fans can listen to “Hideaway” HERE today and pre-order or pre-save CAVES HERE.

 

Due out September 15, CAVES is a collection of awe-inspiring melodies, breathtaking instrumentation and epic-scale energy, giving the band’s soul-probing approach a bigger, more expansive new scope––one that American Songwriter writes is “brimming with anthemic, arena-worthy sounds” and has “larger-than-life productions.”

 

The album features a diverse lineup of special guests, including country hitmakers Carly Pearce and Old Dominion, Northern Irish singer-songwriter Foy Vance and alternative rock band Judah & The Lion, who will be touring with NEEDTOBREATHE this fall. Tickets are on sale now HERE.

 

CAVES was written in two post-pandemic phases – first during their aforementioned getaway in Utah, where the group was finally able to get together again, and then again after they returned to the road, re-acclimating to massive crowds alongside OneRepublic. The making of the album was captured in a two-part documentary “A World Without A Mirror: The Making of CAVES”. To watch part one, click HERE.

 

CAVES Tracklist

1. The Cave

2. Everknown

3. How Wonderful We Are

4. Dreams (ft. Judah & The Lion)

5. When You Forgive Someone

6. Wasting Time (ft. Old Dominion)

7. Fall On Me (ft. Carly Pearce)

8. Hideaway

9. By and By

10. Reaching Out To Find You

11. Temporary Tears (ft. Foy Vance)

 

 

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About NEEDTOBREATHE

Despite a 20-year history that includes all the accolades of an iconic band, GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum band NEEDTOBREATHE came into their latest studio album with a much different frame of mind. They still felt they had something to prove. In truth, this is a band who have loomed large for years, leveraging a unique fusion of modern rock, purpose-driven soul and irresistible pop appeal into a stat line which puts them in exceedingly rare company. Formed in South Carolina in 2001, NEEDTOBREATHE has grown and evolved to occupy a unique position in the modern genre landscape. They’ve placed five Number One albums all across the Billboard chart spectrum, from Rock and Alternative. They’ve racked up two billion career streams and scored multi-platinum chart topping hits – deep-feeling anthems with a spiritual conscious like “Brother” (feat. Gavin DeGraw), “Who Am I,” “Let’s Stay Home Tonight” and dozens more. And they’ve done it all while filling venues across the globe, either as headliners or with a diverse array of superstars like Taylor Swift, OneRepublic and Tim McGraw. Ask their fans and it’s been two decades of spirit-mining songs, master musicianship and elemental artistry, digging deep to create a series of sonic monuments to the human condition. Yet for all they’ve built, the five-piece group remains a veiled figure in the shadowed fringe of modern rock to some – so on their ninth studio album, CAVES, they’re coming out into the light. Due September 15, CAVES is a collection of awe-inspiring melodies, breathtaking instrumentation and epic-scale energy, giving the band’s soul-probing approach a bigger, more expansive new scope. To learn more, visit NEEDTOBREATHE.com.

 

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Restless Road Announce Debut Album LAST RODEO – Due Out October 20th

By on August 9, 2023 in In The Press, Press Releases

NEW TRACK “ROLL TIDE ROLL” OUT FRIDAY

{Nashville, TN, August 9, 2023} – Rising trio Restless Road (Zach Beeken, Garrett Nichols and Colton Pack) announce their debut album Last Rodeo will be released on October 20th.  The 18 track album features brand new hits as well as already released tracks “Last Rodeo,” “I Don’t Wanna Be That Guy,” “Sundown Somewhere,” “On My Way,” their breakout success “Growing Old With You” and fan favorite “Bar Friends.”  You can watch the trailer here.

“If you would have told us a few years ago that we would be where we are today we wouldn’t have believed you,” says Restless Road.  “We’ve been through so many ups and downs as a band, and that’s what this is about. Never giving up and always keeping your eyes on the road. It’s about believing in yourself even when people tell you no, and persevering until your dreams become a reality. And that’s why the three of us are so excited for the biggest thing we’ve done yet.”

Last Rodeo Album Track List

 

1. Last Rodeo (Trannie Anderson/Lindsay Rimes/Garrett Nichols/Zach Beeken/Colton Pack)

2. Head Over Heels (Zach Beeken/Garrett Nichols/Colton Pack/Jacob Rice/Kyle Sturrock)

3. Growing Old With You (Charles Kelley/Jordan Minton/Jordan Reynolds)

4. Could’ve Been a Love Song (Zach Crowell/Ben Hayslip/Hunter Phelps)

5. Roll Tide Roll (Zach Beeken/Garrett Nichols/Kyle Sturrock)

6. Bar Friends (Geoff Warburton/Jordan Schmidt/Kyle Clark/Tyler Filmore)

7. Tell Me Not To (Zach Beeken/Emma-Lee/Garrett Nichols/Colton Pack)

8. Go Get Her (Josh Jenkins/Brice Long/Mark Nesler)

9. I Don’t Wanna Be That Guy (Colton Pack/Garrett Nichols/Zach Beeken/Jared Keim/Travis Wood)

10. 10 Things (Zach Beeken/Devin Dawson/Jared Keim/Garrett Nichols)

11. Leave Them Boots On (Zach Beeken/Garrett Nichols/Colton Pack/Jonathan Smith)

12. Easy for You to Say (Zach Beeken/Josh Kear/Garrett Nichols/Colton Pack/Lindsay Rimes)

13. You Don’t Have to Love Me (Austin Shawn/Zach Beeken/Nate Kenyon/Garrett Nichols/Colton Pack)

14. No Can Do (Jessi Alexander/Zach Beeken/Matt Jenkins/Garrett Nichols/Colton Pack/Jacob Rice)

15. That Town and You (Ben Burgess/Devin Dawson/Joshua Kerr/Jordan Reynolds)

16. Most Nights (feat. Erin Kinsey) (Zach Beeken/Garrett Nichols/Colton Pack/John Pierce/Lindsay Rimes)

17. Sundown Somewhere (Ben Hayslip/Jacob Rice/Cole Swindell/Cole Taylor)

18. On My Way (Zach Beeken/Kyle Clark/Garrett Nichols/Colton Pack/Lindsay Rimes)

2023 started with a bang with the trio being named as one of Spotify’s Hot Country Artists To Watch, and releasing a number of tracks including “On My Way,” “I Don’t Wanna Be That Guy,” and “Last Rodeo.”  Country Central raved “Last Rodeo,” is “undeniably catchy, built around big pop rock guitars,” while Country Now claims, “Letting their hard-hitting storytelling skills take the lead, the band adds a bit of fuel to the fire in a post-breakup tune that doubles as a fresh summertime anthem.

The guys tour kicked off the year touring in Europe/UK with Kane Brown, played Stagecoach for the very first time, was all over CMA Fest (including having their very own dunk tank). They will continue through the rest of the year touring with Russell Dickerson and make spots at various festivals along the way.  For more information on touring please visit www.restlessroad.com.

 

About Restless Road

Made up of three different but complementary voices, country band Restless Road is “one of the most intriguing and exciting acts of the year” (Wide Open Country). Praised by People, Taste of Country, Billboard, and more, the trio’s powerhouse harmonies and soul-baring lyrics have accumulated nearly 200 million cumulative career streams and amassed a following of over 4 million on their social media platforms. As NBC’s Today Show host Hoda Kotb put it, “That harmony…you feel it in your soul.”

In 2019, Restless Road (Zach Beeken, Colton Pack and Garrett Nichols) has been honing their craft, nurturing their songwriting skills, and perfecting their signature harmonies.  After signing with Kane Brown’s joint venture with Sony Music Nashville, the band began their journey to success.

The trio released their self-titled debut EP in 2020, as well as a string of singles including “Bar Friends,” “Sundown Somewhere,” and their Sirius XM The Highway #1 hit “Growing Old With You.”  The success of the track and a performance on ABC’s The Bachelor catapulted the trio into a new level of stardom.  With the trios “captivating melody and lyrics” (American Songwriter), the trio has been featured by Billboard, CMT, EXTRA, The Today Show, and more and was recently named as one of Opry’s Next Stage Artists.

With all signs indicating Restless Road as a contender for best new vocal group, its members continue to write, sing, and perform together as they take the next steps down country music’s long and winding road.

For more information on Restless Road including tour dates and their latest music, visit www.restlessroad.com

 

 

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