Tracy Lawrence Unveils His Live Show…To Go

tracyTracy Lawrence and his label, Rocky Comfort Records, are offering an exclusive and innovative digital music download package to live music enthusiasts. In partnership with Basecamp Productions, a production and online distribution company, Lawrence and Rocky Comfort have introduced the Front Porch Live Concert Series, a download service offering fans the opportunity to purchase a digital download package of select Tracy Lawrence concerts.

Fans can purchase the raw, uncut audio recordings of Lawrence’s concerts for $14.99. The download package includes a high quality recording of the entire show with each song individually tracked in 256K, DRM-free MP3 format, exclusive photographs from the show and a copy of the set-list. Live audio performances from recent show dates have already been produced and are available directly from Lawrence’s web site (www.tracylawrence.com). Concerts from upcoming concert dates are being added weekly.

“This is an amazing outlet to deliver music to the fans at the touch of a fingertip,” said Lawrence.  “It’s another way to connect with my fans around the world. If you weren’t there…you can be!”

Int’l Songwriting Competition Announces Winners

iscThe International Songwriting Competition (ISC) has announced its 2008 winners. The grand prize goes to Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall of Brisbane, Australia for their song “Caught In The Crowd,” a pop song with a message about schoolyard bullying and peer pressure. The Grand Prize winners take home $25,000 and over $20,000 in prizes – the largest Grand Prize of any songwriting competition. With judges including Tom Waits, Rob Thomas, Ray Davies, Chaka Khan, McCoy Tyner, Jerry Lee Lewis, and The Cure’s Robert Smith , the ISC Grand Prize recognizes excellence in the craft of songwriting. In its seventh year, ISC received over 15,500 songs from amateur and professional songwriters from 100 countries worldwide, confirming ISC’s status as the leading global songwriting event. In all, ISC bestows prizes on 62 winners, awarding more than $150,000 in cash and prizes. For a complete list of 2008 ISC winners and to hear the winning songs, click here.

Ms. Wilson Goes to Washington

0b7ef4df-3048-8909-cc86ae93c7a2b07d_200This Tuesday (5/5), Columbia Nashville artist Gretchen Wilson will travel to Capitol Hill to hand deliver nearly 10,000 letters from volunteers across the nation to both Tennessee congressmen and senators urging them to increase funding for adult education programs. For Wilson, the issue of adult education is very personal. Until last year, she was one of the millions of Americans who hadn’t finished their high school education. A dedicated mother, it was important for Wilson to earn her diploma not only for herself, but to prove to her 8-year old daughter Grace how important education is.

Wilson had the financial resources to pick up where she left off at the age of 15, but the majority are dependent on federally funded public education programs. Because those programs are so underfunded, 80,000 adults were waitlisted for federally funded programs last year. Wilson will testify in a hearing before the Subcommittee on Higher Education about her experiences in earning her G.E.D., urging Tennessee legislators to support adult education on the state and national level. She will testify alongside Dollar General President and adult literacy advocate David Beré, to help rally support and awareness for the cause. “I truly believe that we can be better parents and better Americans if we make adult education more accessible,” Wilson said.

It is Wilson’s hope that by sharing her success story, she will be able to help those parents in similar situations to get the resources to gain the education they need to be their child’s first and most important teacher. To learn more about adult education, click here.

On The Cover—Jake Owen

jowen2_jamesminchinLabel: RCA Nashville
Current Album: Easy Does It
Current Single & Video: “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You”
Current Producer: Jimmy Ritchey
Hometown: Vero Beach, Florida
Birthdate: August 28
Management: Morris Management Group
Booking: Dale Morris & Associates
Recent Hits: “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You,” “Startin’ with Me,” “Something About a Woman,” “Yee Haw”
Awards: Jake is the recently crowned ACM Top New Male Vocalist and has been an ACM, CMA, and Grammy nominee.
Interesting Facts: Jake co-wrote eight of the songs on Easy Does It, and he’s been a writer on each of his first four hits.
Touring & Special Appearances: Since the release of his debut album, Jake has toured with Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood, and more. He recently made his second appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America.
Musical Influences: Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams, Jr.
Website(s): www.jakeowen.net; www.myspace.com/jakeowen

Jake Owen’s major label life kicked off back in 2006 with a rowdy “Yee Haw,” the leadoff single from his RCA debut, Startin’ With Me. That song hit the Top 10 and earned the Florida native his first ACM nomination for Top New Male Vocalist. His participation in the multi-artist single, “Life In A Northern Town” helped to kick the singer/songwriter’s career into high gear and led to his first CMA and Grammy nominations in 2008. That momentum continued with “Don’t Think I Don’t Love You,” the hit single and video and leadoff track from his sophomore release, Easy Does It. The album’s title sums up Owen’s reaction to what might have been a sophomore curse.

“My main goal with this album was to make music that’s not overdone or over thought,” Owen said. “I just went in the studio and sang. I’d sing the song from start to finish a couple of times and then leave because there was no doubt in my mind that I’d done the best I could do. Whether it’s perfect or not, it’s who I am.”

Throughout Easy Does It, Owen does indeed sound more relaxed and confident as an artist. “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You” is the perfect example of how the personal experiences inspire his lyrics. Partly inspired by his father’s devotion to his mother over the years, the song is just the first of several songs written specifically about romantic relationships. Though some of the love songs on Easy Does It, such as “Eight Second Ride,” veer toward the rowdy side, Owen has his own set of standards when it comes to addressing the fairer sex.

“It’s really important for me when I’m writing songs that speak to women that I speak to them in a way of respect,” Owen says. “I try to write in a way where a guy listening would say, ‘Man, I’d say that to a girl.’ Conway Twitty did that. He sang songs to women all the time, but it was a very masculine way of saying it. It wasn’t soft. I don’t think any of my love songs on this record are soft.”

As he works to refine his own musical identity in the studio, Owen gives a lot of credit to his producer, Jimmy Ritchey. Their working relationship provides the perfect environment for Owen to experiment with his emerging sound. As a result, Easy Does It offers a freewheeling and creative brand of country music that goes well beyond the standard country radio fare. Whether it’s the haunting bagpipe passage that closes the album on “Nothin’ Grows in Shadows” or the expansive musical build-up that leads in to the opening track, “Tell Me,” every song on Easy Does It contains echoes of Owen’s musical heroes while allowing him to forge his own musical path.

“I’m not doing this for the money,” he says. “It’s about believing in what you do, and doing it because you love it. Making music is what I love to do.”

Swift Goes Back To High School

Taylor Swift recently performed for the students at Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia outside of Washington, DC. The students won a contest sponsored by Swift tour sponsor Verizon Wireless, out-texting every other high school in the country to get the singer to perform at their school. Needless to say, the kids went berserk when Swift hit the stage. This video from the website of the Washington Post provides a glimpse of the power of Swift’s music and her celebrity and just how well the singer/songwriter handles all of the attention. Click below to get a taste of Taylor-mania.

DISClaimer (4/24/09)

mandisa-freedom150The soul sisters rule in today’s Christian-music column.

The presence of legends such as The Lewis Family and The Easter Brothers, plus the ultra-popular Chris Tomlin, cannot dim the shining stars of Mary Mary and Music City’s own Mandisa. To the last-named we offer a Disc of the Day award.

We hope your Gospel Music Week is a dandy celebration.

MARY MARY/God In Me
Writer: Warryn Campbell/Erica Campbell/Tina Campbell; Producer: Warryn Campbell; Publisher: EMI April/Wet Ink Red/That’s Plum/It’s Tea Tyme, ASCAP; Columbia (track)
—I love this R&B duo. These ladies have been locked in the top-10 on both the CCM and Gospel charts for two months with their The Sound CD. This new single features the team being joined by hip hopper Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, who has her own solo hit, “Praise Him Now.” The beats and raps here are the equals of anything on the mainstream charts. “God in Me” is the follow up to Mary Mary’s more melodic hit “Get Up.” One clever audio devise is a deep radio voice announcing, “You’re listening to The Sound” in between the album’s tracks.

CHRIS TOMLIN/I Will Rise
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Sixsteps/Sparrow/EMI CMG (track)
—Tomlin won at last night’s (4/23) Dove Awards for his contributions to Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song and Special Event Album, and his Hello Love album is selling like hotcakes. Currently No. 2 on the CCM chart, it is bound to pick up even more steam as this new, yearning ballad gets more and more spins. The sweet tenor vocal is backed by a chiming piano and billowing strings.

MANDISA/My Deliverer
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Sparrow/EMI CMG
—This Nashville resident and Fisk graduate rose to fame on
 American Idol in 2006. A year later, the Christian community threw its arms open wide for her debut album, True Beauty. Last year, she issued a sterling Christmas collection. Freedom was issued last month, and this is its jubilant, sunshiny debut single. The uptempo bopper is presently chugging its way up the charts toward the top 10, and deservedly so. She sings her face off, and the track rocks. This is the sound of stardom.

JEFF & SHERI EASTER, LEWIS FAMILY & EASTER BROTHERS/They’re Holding Up The Ladder
Writer: Russell Easter/James Easter/Edd Easter; Producer: Jeff & Sheri Easter; Publisher: EBEA, BMI; Daywind (track) (www.jeffandsherieaster.com)
—My introduction to bluegrass gospel was the wildly entertaining Lewis Family, and this song was/is my favorite of theirs. I didn’t know it was an Easter Brothers song until just now. So here’s the deal: Jeff Easter is the son of James Easter, and his wife Sheri is the daughter of Polly Lewis. We Are Family is an album that celebrates and combines the clans. I grinned from ear-to-ear at its sublimely country sound.

CHRISTY SUTHERLAND/You Can Get There from Here
Writer: Kyle Matthews/Christy Sutherland; Producer: Christy Sutherland; Publisher: Universal/Cumberland Belle/Mattmoosic/Country Drive, ASCAP/BMI; CS (track) (www.christysutherland.net)
—Christy was previously noted on Music Row as a country artist for Sony and Giant. Since her marriage to Matt Dudney, she has charted a new course. With Matt managing, she has been making inroads as a Christian artist with a 2008 Christmas project and two self-produced EPs, You Call Me Yours and You Can Get There from Here. On the title tune to the last-named, she sings soulfully of surviving adversity, picking yourself up after a fall and looking to brighter days. Considering her musical history, I have to think this is more than a little autobiographical. The piano work, guitar playing and other instrumental work here is sterling, but it’s her strong, true singing voice that commands your attention. For those of you needing a nudge, Matt is the son of Ken Dudney and Barbara Mandrell, both of whom are duly thanked in the liner notes.

DISClaimer (4/22/09)

israelhoughton-one150It’s Gospel Music Week.

What better time to survey what’s newsy and happening in this Nashville-based genre? As you might expect, many of CCM’s hottest acts have current products in the marketplace.

You can’t escape the sheer sonic charisma of the new album by Israel Houghton. It is easily the Disc of the Day.

vota-vota150I don’t know who Vota is, but this trio captivated me with its disc debut and earned a DisCovery Award.

ISRAEL HOUGHTON/Just Wanna Say
Writer: Israel Houghton/Aaron Lindsey/Tommy Sims; Producer: Tommy Sims, Aaron Lindsey & Israel Houghton; Publisher: Integrity’s Praise/Sound of the New Breed/Warner-Tamerlane/Aaron Lindsey/Chi-Legacy, BMI/ASCAP; Integrity/Columbia (track)
—Perched at No. 1 on the Christian album chart this week is the solo debut from this lead singer of Israel & The New Breed. Titled The Power of One, it features this soulfully rocking single with an unmistakably hooky chorus and a track packed with percussion, shouted interjections, static sounds and claps. This is an ultra contemporary sound, co-produced by Nashville’s own Tommy Sims. On the album’s ballads, Israel’s soft tenor is a thing of shimmering beauty.

RONNIE MILSAP/How Great Thou Art
Writer: Stuart K. Hine; Producer: Rob Galbraith & Ronnie Milsap; Publisher: Manna, ASCAP; Star Song (track) (www.ronniemilsap.com)
—Country superstar Milsap has a new double CD called Then Sings My Soul that collects 24 gospel standards. The title is, of course, drawn from the lyrics of this chestnut. His reading of it is straightforward, with simple guitar-piano-percussion accompaniment, plus a chorale led by Bergen White. Other faves on the album include “Farther Along,” “I’ll Fly Away,” “Amazing Grace,” “In the Garden,” “Peace in the Valley,” “Rock of Ages,” “Precious Memories” and “It Is No Secret,” plus the soul songs “People Get Ready” and “Stand By Me” and a reworking of the star’s hit “What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life.”

MERCYME/Only Temporary
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; INO (track)
—MercyMe is currently on the Christian charts with its long-running album All That Is Within Me. But released earlier this month is a CD/DVD titled 10 that celebrates this tuneful pop/rock band’s first decade in the business. In addition to its hits, it includes this dynamite new audio track that wooshes straight into your brain and sticks there. The band is super tight, and the melody is undeniable. The DVD disc includes live performances and concept videos of all of the group’s best songs. A great value and highly recommended.

VOTA/Hard To Believe
Writer: Bryan Olesen/Case Maranville/Scott Rutz; Producer: Nathan Dantzler; Publisher: Magnificent/Integrity Media/MyDeas/Melodoso/S Acre, ASCAP; INO (track) (www.votaband.com)
—This rock trio issued its self-titled debut disc last fall, and this propulsive, electro-magnetic track is its first single. Think British new wave or classic Wham! and you’ll have the general idea.

CODY SCHULER & PINE MOUNTAIN RAILROAD/My Eyes Shall Be On Canaan’s Land
Writer: Cody Schuler; Producer: Cody Schuler & Pine Mountain Railroad; Publisher: Pine Mountain Railroad, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.codyschuler.com)
—This bluegrass ensemble was nominated for a Dove Award in the country category. The lead-off song on its Pickin,’ Praisin’ & Singin’ CD tells you why. The fiddle and banjo scamper along, the high lead tenor voice soars and the call-and-response quartet harmonies on the choruses are absolutely inspiring.

BIGWish Gala to Feature Rascal Flatts

big-galaSuperstar trio Rascal Flatts will perform a private concert at the BIGWish Silver Anniversary Gala celebration benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. The May 9 event on the 50-yard line of the famed Ohio Stadium at The Ohio State University is expected to draw more than 800 guests from the tri-state area and raise $1 million. Several volunteers and supporters will make the trip to Columbus, according to Executive Director Juli Miller.  According to Miller, the Indiana Region, which merged with the Greater Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana Chapter in 2005, grants approximately 260 wishes annually. Guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner, a spectacular auction featuring priceless “grown up” wish experiences: playing a round of golf with Jack Nicklaus, sitting among the stars at the 2009 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, driving a Formula One race car in Barcelona, Spain, and other unique packages. Major sponsors include Fifth Third Bank, Kahiki Foods, Kokosing,  Medical Mutual of Ohio, NetJets and Trane Commercial Systems. Corporate sponsorships and tickets to the BIGWish Gala are still available. Individual tickets are available for $400 each; tables are available for $3,000-$10,000. Volunteers are needed May 2-8 for load in and set-up and load out and clean-up May 10-12. To learn more, call (877) 206-WISH or click here.

Scott Siman Comments on McGraw Exit

scott-siman-05“It’s been an amazing run with Tim and I wish him nothing but the best,” said RPM Management’s Scott Siman, commenting on the departure of Tim McGraw from his RPM Management roster. “While it is a disappointment that we weren’t able to re-sign Tim, we are excited about rebuilding the roster of clients and the great things happening at RPM Music Group.” In addition to McGraw, RPM has previously represented such acts as Jessica Andrews, Billy Gilman, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Julianne Hough.  RPM Music has had a string of major publishing hits over the last five years and is currently riding the charts with Montgomery Gentry’s “One in Every Crowd.”

Mac McAnally Donates Single Royaties

macsideShow Dog artist and longtime member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, Mac McAnally has pledged to donate all his artist royalties from his debut single, “You First,” to the Wounded Warriors Project, whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. The commitment to helping wounded soldiers fits well with the song’s theme of brotherly love. The single, which is available through all digital music retailers, is a prelude to a full album expected to be completed in June as McAnally works recording into his touring schedule. McAnally is also well known as a successful songwriter. He wrote the recent No. 1 hit “Down The Road,” which he recorded as a duet with country superstar Kenny Chesney.