Latest news with #MusicRow
New York Post
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Country star Gavin Adcock, 26, arrested for reckless driving
Gavin Adcock can likely use a cigarette right about now. The rising country star, 26, was arrested in Tennessee for reckless driving and violation of open container laws on Wednesday, May 21, The Post confirmed. Adcock — known for hits like 'Deep End,' 'Ain't No Cure,' and 'A Cigarette' — was taken into custody by the Tennessee Highway Patrol in Oconee, Tenn., and booked at 11:15 p.m., the online jail record shows. Advertisement The singer's bond was set at $1,000 for the reckless driving charge, and he's already been released. 7 Gavin Adcock, 26, smiles in his mugshot after his reckless driving arrest. WILSON COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE 7 The star is considered one of country music's most unpredicted rising acts. Penske Media via Getty Images Advertisement Adcock spent roughly five hours in jail, with online records showing he was released from custody at 4:34 a.m. on Thursday, May 22. The star's mugshot obtained by The Post shows him cheesing it up with a huge smile despite the arrest. Adcock is currently on tour, with his next show set to take place on Saturday, May 24, at the Choctaw Casino in Grant, Oklahoma. 7 Hours before his arrest, Gavin Adcock posted a selfie from the gym. gavinadcockmusic/Instagram Advertisement His last stop on his 'Need to Tour' before his arrest was The Pinnacle in Nashville, where he performed two sold-out nights on Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18, per Music Row. No other details about his arrest were available. The Post reached out to Adcock and the Wilson County Sheriff's Office for comment but did not immediately hear back. 7 The singer was arrested for reckless driving and violation of open container laws on Wednesday in Tennessee. Getty Images Advertisement 7 The singer last performed in Nashville May 17 and May 18. His upcoming show on May 24 is set to take place in Oklahoma. Getty Images 7 Gavin Adcock was released from jail on Thursday morning. Getty Images The 'On One' singer has not addressed the arrest publicly, but hours before getting locked up, he posted a gym selfie on his Instagram Stories Wednesday afternoon. 'Back on my gym s–t sweatin out demons,' he wrote as the caption. This isn't the first time the Georgia native has had a run-in with law enforcement, reported country magazine Holler. 7 This reportedly isn't his first run-in with law enforcement. Getty Images for Churchill Downs Adcock was reportedly arrested for a suspended license at one point and discussed it on social media in June 2023. 'Went to jail one time because of a suspended license, sat in there for 10 hours and made friends with my cell mates,' the singer allegedly wrote on X. Advertisement Adcock is no doubt one of country music's most unpredictable rising acts, with his rowdy anthems like 'Actin' Up Again' and 'Past Actions' to his heartfelt singles like 'Sober' and 'My Dear My Darlin.' During his shows in Nashville, the hitmaker reportedly appeared on the stage with a bottle of Jack Daniels in his hand, according to Music Row, which also noted that cups of beer were flying through the air by excited fans. Adcock even brought out country star Tracy Lawrence as a surprise guest, and the two sang a duet of 'Time Marches On,' which allegedly sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Associated Press
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Rising Star Neah McMeen Inks Exclusive Publicity Deal With Renowned PLA Media
'I first heard Neah sing on a demo her producer sent me. I was mesmerized by her vocal prowess. When I met her, I was enthralled by her beauty and laser focus for understanding and marketing her brand.' — Chuck Rhodes NASHVILLE, TN, UNITED STATES, March 28, 2025 / / -- PLA Media is proud to welcome promising country music artist Neah McMeen to its top-notch client roster. Recently turning heads with her somewhat salty debut single, 'Bitter,' she stopped fans and music industry insiders in their tracks, leaving them hungry for her next release. The relatable tune is driven by an engaging, 'been there-done that' delivery that leaves no doubt she has lived those lyrics. McMeen's star-power is further proven by a recent TikTok video from her last Nashville photo/video shoot that, within 48 hours, gained viral status nearing 500,000 views. 'Music has the power to bring people together, to tell stories that matter, and to remind us where we come from,' says McMeen. 'I'm beyond excited to partner with PLA Media, a team that understands my journey and shares my passion for making meaningful connections through music.' 'Neah is the winning combo Music Row's in constant search for,' says PLA Media President/CEO Pam Lewis. 'She has a natural poise, that small-town, Midwest charm, raw talent, and a work ethic few can keep pace with.' Just 20 years old, Neah has already proven she is a musical force to be reckoned with. Her unforgettably powerful voice, glamourous appeal, and personality so warm it draws people in like an autumn campfire, have attracted the attention of some of Music Row's most iconic star makers, including legendary manager Chuck Rhodes and hit-generating songwriter/producer Buddy Hyatt, both of whom are now building and steering her budding career. Neah's all-important social media campaign is led by Addison Oaks. 'I first heard Neah sing on a demo her producer, Buddy Hyatt, had sent me. I was mesmerized by her vocal prowess,' Rhodes recalled. 'When I met her, I was enthralled by her beauty and laser focus for understanding and marketing her brand. I could not be more honored and humbled to be working with an artist that has such major potential in this business we call music.' Neah has opened for the likes of established country artists like Lucas Hoge. Her rousing, knock 'em dead performance of 'The Star Spangled Banner' at several NFL and MLB events has further endeared her to sports – and country music – lovers. Hailing from Webber, Kansas, her country soul is deeply rooted in America's heartland. When she's not performing, she's a full-time sophomore at The University of Kansas, where she is pursuing a degree in Health Sciences. Her engaging personality puts her front-and-center in most campus activities. She is also a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. For updates on McMeen and her upcoming projects, visit Krista Dykes +1 615-327-0100 TikTok Legal Disclaimer:
Axios
11-03-2025
- Health
- Axios
Mental health crisis in music industry inspires new initiative
There is a mental health crisis in the music industry, many insiders agree. A Nashville nonprofit is teaming up with Universal Music Group to deal with it. Why it matters: The crisis touches everyone from aspiring young musicians in the tumultuous early stages of their careers to top Music Row executives navigating high-stress jobs. Driving the news: The Music Health Alliance is using a newly established music mental health fund to connect music industry professionals from every rung of the ladder to mental health resources. UMG is pumping money into the fund. Threat level: According to the Music City Census, a large survey of music industry members last year, 29% reported struggling with mental health. What she's saying:"Mental health has been the furiously fastest growing need within our industry," Music Health Alliance founder Tatum Hauck Allsep tells Axios. "I think it's not new. Since the dawn of time, the creative brain, we've known has fired differently." Hauck adds that she doesn't think the music industry has done "a good job taking care of our executives," whose jobs are viewed as light and glamorous, but are actually grueling and highly stressful. The big picture: The Music Health Alliance launched in 2012 to address broader health care needs in the music industry. The organization helps music industry pros buy health insurance, pay for life-saving diagnostic tests and get dental and vision checkups. Flashback: Hauck Allsep, a former Music Row executive, says she became passionate about helping the music community navigate the health system after her own harrowing experience. When she gave birth to twin boys who spent nine weeks in intensive care, she said she was "almost bankrupted by medical bills." "I thought my situation was isolated, but I quickly learned from so many friends in the music industry that it wasn't." The intrigue: The new mental health initiative rolled out a few weeks after singer-songwriter Chappell Roan challenged the industry to take better care of young artists, especially when it comes to their health. The new fund was in the works prior to Roan's speech, but Hauck Allsep says she appreciated the young artist's perspective. "This [need] isn't new, but what is new is the destigmatization of mental health and people feeling comfortable asking for help," she says. Zoom in: Hauck Allsep says the mental health fund, which is open to current or previous music industry workers nationwide, will do more than provide a therapist's phone number. Her team will make individualized recommendations for counselors and psychiatrists in addition to providing grants to offset costs. They can also recommend other funding resources to ensure continuity of care. The new fund is an expansion of a preexisting partnership between Universal and Music Health Alliance. Go deeper for more information on the fund including how to get help.
Axios
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Nashville valentines: Celebrating what we love about Music City
Love takes many forms, and on this Valentine's Day we wanted to celebrate our love for the city we call home. We composed valentines for some of our favorite things about Music City. Adam's valentines 🎨 Murals: Art is everywhere in Nashville. Bright and beautiful murals can be found on garage doors, under bridges and on the side of old silos. Some celebrate our city's rich musical heritage, others elevate the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement who once called Nashville home. My personal favorites are the more inscrutable pieces like the Black Cat Tips mural on Charlotte Avenue. The bottom line: Our public art scene stretches way beyond the Angel Wings. ✍️ Songwriters: Musical geniuses live among us in Nashville. Of course some of them are instantly recognizable superstars, but many of the biggest talents on Music Row are career songwriters who make a living writing songs that other artists make famous. You might run into Taylor Swift collaborator Liz Rose at the airport. "Strawberry Wine" writer Matraca Berg might be standing beside you in the Kroger check-out line. Erin Enderlin was a student at Middle Tennessee State University when she wrote a hit for Alan Jackson. Pro tip: Visit The Bluebird Cafe to see these songwriters take their own star turns. 🧁 The Cupcake Collection: This locally owned Germantown bakery has been serving delicious treats since 2008. They have served more than 5 million cupcakes to date. My favorites are the strawberry and red velvet flavors. The bakery offers same-day delivery online and through Uber Eats, in case you're looking for last-minute gift ideas. You can read founder Mignon Francois' inspiring life story in her memoir "Made From Scratch." Nate's valentines 🎶 Music teachers: As you may expect in Music City, Nashville is home to some amazing music educators. Our 8th grader plays trumpet in the magnificent Meigs Middle band, which is led by the impossibly talented director of bands Franklin Norris. Our 5th grader is developing a love for the piano thanks to his fantastic teacher Janne Henshaw. Thanks to these teachers, our boys are likely to end up like singer-songwriter mom and not their dad, whose only musical skill is singing R.E.M. songs off-key in the shower. ☕️ Thriving coffee shops: The number of fantastic locally-operated coffee shops in Nashville has proliferated in the last 15 years. There are too many great shops to single out just one. A few of my favorites are Beck's Farmhouse Coffee in Joelton, Crema in SoBro and East Nashville, Weak Coffee Co. in East Nashville and Steadfast in Germantown. 🍞 Sourdough at Spread Market & Larder: The bakery, craft grocer and wine shop in Germantown may be home to the best sourdough in the city. In addition to their sourdough loaves, Spread does an impossibly good sourdough cinnamon rolls.
New York Times
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
The War and Treaty Are Writing Their Love Story Into Country Music History
There's a dressing room backstage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville called 'It Takes Two' that's filled with photos of some of country music's most famous duos. It's Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter's favorite spot to get ready before they perform there as the War and Treaty, which is so often, they've lost count. They hope to become members someday. (It's on Tanya's vision board.) And they don't want to just be inducted. They want to be the first Black artists on that wall. 'How about right over there, by Marty Stuart and Connie Smith?' Michael, 42, said last month while laying across his wife's lap in a pair of leather trousers, their bodies forming a plus sign. Tanya, 52, shook her head while patting the top of her husband's, the pair's offstage chemistry mirroring their onstage warmth. 'I like that big blank wall,' she replied, indicating a bare corner where they could pioneer their own space. This has long been the War and Treaty's approach in Nashville: working within the genre's traditions while building something new for people who have rarely seen themselves in country music. Blending blues, gospel, soul, bluegrass and R&B while rooting their sound in passionate harmonies, they've managed to straddle both Music Row and Americana. They've earned a best new artist nod at the 2024 Grammys, toured alongside Chris Stapleton, Orville Peck and John Legend, and collaborated on a platinum single with Zach Bryan. Their fourth album, 'Plus One,' is due Friday. It hasn't been easy. Together, they've fought through canceled record deals, homelessness, post-traumatic stress disorder and countless barriers to bring listeners a heartfelt message: that love, and forgiveness, is a salve for all. 'Michael and Tanya's love, their story, and their music are all so inspiring and moving,' Legend wrote in an email. 'They're so genuine, soulful and deeply committed to the mission of spreading love and unity through music. Their art comes from such a place of authenticity and truth. They remind us all that real change begins with staying true to who we are.' The War and Treaty have made clear that part of their responsibility is to speak out on behalf of Black artists and fans in a genre that is known for not welcoming them. Beyoncé just became the first Black artist to win the Grammy for best country album, yet 'Cowboy Carter' received zero Country Music Association Award nominations. And while artists including Rhiannon Giddens, Rissi Palmer, Mickey Guyton and Kane Brown — alongside organizations like the Black Opry — are driving a conversation around country music's longtime exclusion of Black voices and history, the genre remains overwhelmingly white, especially when it comes to Music Row and mainstream radio. 'As beautiful as these photos are, they're one-sided,' Michael said, glancing up at a picture of Johnny Cash, his key inspiration and a fellow military veteran. 'We've got an opportunity. What part of history are you going to write? Tanya and I have a big ol' pen.' They've already set some precedent. Since releasing their debut album, 'Healing Tide,' in 2018, the War and Treaty have become the first Black duo to be nominated for both CMA and Association of Country Music Awards, where they make regular appearances onstage. 'That's the history I'm chasing,' Michael said, 'so the next Black, white, Asian, whatever couple can come along.' 'Plus One' is a document of this push and pull that uses every corner of the Americana and country musical landscape alongside the Trotters' powerhouse vocals. Recorded at Fame studios in Muscle Shoals, Ala., birthplace of the 'Muscle Shoals Sound' that shot a new kind of soul and blues into country music, it's a record about both the Trotters' relationship as a married couple and the relationship between sounds and styles — and, as in romance, unlikely pairings often come together in deep harmony. Gospel shouts sit side by side with fast-picking bluegrass (via an appearance from Billy Strings, on 'Drink From Me'). There's a rap about Legend on 'I Can't Let You Go,' and a little R&B on 'Love Like Whiskey,' a twangy song written with Miranda Lambert. 'We might have on some turquoise and cowboy boots, but you're not going to get a cowboy show,' Tanya said, her fingers around a bolo tie necklace that she wore over a burnt-orange dress. 'You're going to get what country music is to us. Not so much the sound, but the culture.' TANYA TROTTER WAS not new to a country lifestyle when the couple formed the War and Treaty in 2014, but she was new to country music. Growing up the daughter of a sharecropper, she lived on a farm in North Carolina where the family owned tractors 'or whatever people want to call country,' she said. 'But then we walked across the street to the Black Baptist church.' After singing in choir in church and at Morgan State University in Baltimore, she started a career in R&B under her maiden name, Tanya Blount. She appeared in the second 'Sister Act' movie and a few songs from her debut album, 'Natural Thing,' hit the charts; 'Through the Rain,' a soulful ballad, even cracked the Hot 100. She eventually signed to Sean Combs's Bad Boy Records, but was dropped before an album materialized. (Tanya has said she was 'appalled' by the allegations about her former label boss.) Her old friends are still shocked that she transitioned to country: 'I didn't make a big speech about switching genres,' she said. 'I just did the work. I booked tours at coffee houses and tea shops.' Michael grew up in Cleveland, in a religious household where the artists his future wife idolized, like Salt-N-Pepa, were strictly prohibited. He joined the Army in 2003 and deployed to Baghdad, where he came to music in a very unusual way: tinkering on a piano that belonged to Saddam Hussein while stationed at one of his palaces. His commanding officer, Robert Sheetz, encouraged him, seeing how it soothed Michael and others. When Sheetz died in combat, Michael was devastated. He wrote a song to process his emotions and pay tribute, and then continued to sing at the services of fallen soldiers. Michael shares his war stories, but in the past he was hesitant to center his veteran status, though there's a long history of foregrounding patriotism in country music. 'I did bleed and hold the hands of the dying,' he said. 'I did stand in front of the enemy and represent my country. Now's the time to wear it proud.' The couple met at — of all places — a festival called Spirit of Love in Maryland in the fall of 2010. Michael was performing solo after winning 'Military Idol,' the Army's version of the singing competition, and had just come through a difficult divorce. Tanya was struggling too, after the end of her record deal left her facing financial hardship. They connected instantly, and were married a year later. When they started singing together, all of their influences melded: their gospel upbringings, their love of country and roots, her past recording career, his experiences healing from war. They signed to the indie Thirty Tigers in 2018, and made the switch to the major label UMG Nashville a few years ago as country music began embracing them. 'When you look at the scope of the music business, where can someone like the War and Treaty thrive?' Trotter asked. He was holding back tears. 'We've got nowhere to go, but somehow we're writing our own way.' Michael's time as a soldier has had a lasting impact on their relationship: He struggled with debilitating PTSD for years, and at one point, considered taking his own life. He recalled disassociating when Tanya was giving birth to their first child together (they have three from previous relationships). They were homeless at the time, living in a friend's basement. 'I was a piece of [expletive] for years, and that is the truth,' he said, stiffening up on the couch before dissolving back into his wife's arms. 'And that's why 'Plus One' is so important. I want people to see how we weathered that storm, and how I am completely changed, and so is Tanya.' The 18 songs of 'Plus One' trace the highs and lows of a long-term relationship. The duo sing about struggles with their weight (both are spokespeople for Ozempic), dealing with feelings for prior partners, and the pressure to succeed. 'You said I ain't got what it takes,' Michael sings on 'Skyscraper.' 'Just a fat man with a fat chance. 'In the War and Treaty's songs, love is often heralded as a steadying force, whether it's directed at a partner, a stranger or ourselves. Love and connection is vital to the War and Treaty's mission. They hope to bring R&B fans and artists to country music, and country fans and artists to R&B. 'I'm not trying to break records,' Tanya said, her husband's head resting on her shoulder. 'I'm trying to break chains.'
