Michael Ray’s Multi-Week No. 1, ‘Whiskey And Rain,’ Goes Platinum
Pictured (L-R): Buffy Cooper (Morris Higham Management), Shane Tarleton (Warner Music Nashville EVP Artist Development), Michael Ray, Ben Kline (Warner Music Nashville Co-President), Jackie Jones (RIAA VP Artist and Industry Relations) and Justin Luffman (Warner Music Nashville VP Artist Development). Photo: Warner Music Nashville
Michael Ray’s “Whiskey And Rain” has reached another milestone, earning RIAA Platinum certification after notching the Florida-native’s fourth chart topper and his first multi-week No. 1. The track was written by Josh Thompson and Jesse Frasure.
“When I first heard ‘Whiskey And Rain,’ I connected with the idea of letting yourself really live in a moment where it can wash over you,” shares Ray. “To say I’m proud of this song would be an understatement. I’m very grateful that it’s found a home in the hearts of fans. I couldn’t do this without them or the team I have behind me.”
“Holy Water,” the second single from Ray’s Higher Education EP, continues to climb the charts at country radio. The song was penned by Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson and Michael Hardy.
He is set to perform a slew of festival and headlining dates this summer before re-joining Lee Brice on the “Label Me Proud Tour.” For a full list of upcoming dates, click here.
Joe Nichols Plans Big Screen Debut With Murder At Yellowstone City
Joe Nichols as Colin Hodge in Murder At Yellowstone City. Photo: Courtesy of Murder At Yellowstone City
Quartz Hill Records’ Joe Nichols is set to make his big screen debut in the new western film, Murder At Yellowstone City, available now in select theaters, on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and more.
In Murder At Yellowstone City, a former slave who arrives in Yellowstone City, Montana looks for a place to call home. On that same day, a local prospector discovers gold–and is murdered. Written by Eric Belgau, the film was directed by Richard Gray and stars Gabriel Byrne, Thomas Jane, Isaiah Mustafa, Richard Dreyfuss, Nat Wolff, Anna Camp, Aimee Garcia, Emma Kenney and Zach McGowan.
Nichols plays Colin Hodge, the son of a dirt farmer and the grandson of a defender of the Alamo. Since surviving a mine collapse he’s fallen on hard times–living in a tent on the edge of town and drowning his memories and nerves in alcohol. His constant singing, beautiful in its sadness, is a fixture in town.
“I am so excited for everyone to see the film,” says Nichols. “It was a lot of fun to make. I loved old westerns as a kid and had a great time on set.”
The film premieres on the heels of Nichols recently released Good Day For Living. His first new full-length project in four years, the 13-song collection reunites the multi-Platinum entertainer with producers Mickey Jack Cones and Derek George, who helmed his 2013 album Crickets containing back-to-back No. 1 Gold-certified hits “Sunny and 75” and “Yeah.”
Nashville Meets London Adds Sarah Darling, Ruthie Collins, More To 2022 Festival Lineup
Nashville Meets London (NML) has announced the next round of performers added to the 2022 Music Festival lineup, including Sarah Darling, Candi Carpenter, Ruthie Collins, and Arbor North.
The NML Music Festival will be held on Aug. 24 and 25 at the Trinity Buoy Wharf in East London. The festival will feature performances by 12 artists, with six sets scheduled between 4-11 p.m. on both days. The newly added talent joins previously announced artists Priscilla Block, Shy Carter, Manny Blu, and Kyle Daniel. More talent will be announced in the coming days.
NML organizers have also announced the addition of live performances by Daniel and Vicki Manser to the NML Country Music River Cruise, which will be held on Aug. 19. Tickets for the NML River Cruise and the NML Music Festival are limited and available for purchase here.
Leading up to the festivities, NML Presents! monthly residency shows will take place on June 29 with Jeff Cohen and July 27 with Alannah McCready.
7eventh Time Down’s ‘God Is On The Move’ Receives Gold Treatment
Pictured (L-R): Tyson Paoletti, Senior Director of Marketing, BEC Recordings; Derek Bruner, First Company Management; 7eventh Time Down’s Cliff Williams, Austin Miller and Mikey Howard; Brandon Ebel, President, BEC Recordings and Tooth & Nail Records; Brian Ortize, A&R, BEC Recordings; Lauren Sieh, Director of Promotions, BEC Recordings; and Jennifer Mouttet, Jen Mouttet Promotions.
BEC Recordings’ band 7eventh Time Down is celebrating the Gold certification of their 2016 multi-week No. 1 “God Is On The Move.” With sales exceeding 500,000 units, the career-defining hit remains one of the most popular songs in the band’s discography.
Penned by 7eventh Time Down members Cliff Williams and Mikey Howard, along with Ian Eskelin and Tony Wood, the track celebrates the Lord’s work through the lives of His people.
“After more than 25 years in the music industry, I know how rare it is to encounter a song that touches so many lives in such impactful ways,” says Brandon Ebel, President, BEC Recordings and Tooth & Nail Records. “’God Is On The Move’ is one of those songs—an inspiration to thousands of people, including me and my family. Congratulations to 7eventh Time Down for this well-deserved RIAA Gold single. It is an honor for us to be part of your musical journey.”
“We write songs and send them out into the ocean like rescue boats for the lost and hurting, and even the saved who need a boost of encouragement or a reminder that they are not alone,” shares Howard. “It’s not that we write a song and hope it goes Gold—although we are deeply appreciative of the honor—we simply hope that when the boat comes back, it’s full of people who needed help.” He adds, “I thank God for the team behind ‘God Is On The Move. I’m grateful to have played a small part in the success of this song, and we give God all the glory.”
7eventh Time Down is comprised of lead vocalist Howard, drummer Austin Miller and bassist Williams. The group has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry and shared the stage with such artists as Newsboys, For King & Country and Matthew West, among others.
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