New Music Rundown

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Australia's 2009 Telstra Road to Tamworth winner, Peter McWhirter, has finished recording his debut album in Nashville with veteran producer and fellow Aussie Mark Moffatt. The first single is slated for release in Australia in August. Pictured: Moffat (L) with McWhirter (R) Photo: Kenny Mims

Australia's 2009 Telstra Road to Tamworth winner, Peter McWhirter, has finished recording his debut album in Nashville with veteran producer and fellow Aussie Mark Moffatt. The first single is slated for release in Australia in August. Pictured: Moffat (L) with McWhirter (R) Photo: Kenny Mims

Larry Gatlin—the man Johnny Cash called “Pilgrim”—and the Gatlin Brothers are working on the upcoming release of The Pilgrimage, their new album on Curb Records. On it the Gatlins celebrate their love and respect for Mr. Cash and collaborate with his son John Carter Cash as producer. The lead single “Johnny Cash is Dead and His House Burned Down” is garnering attention, and the group performed it live on FOX TV’s Huckabee show this past weekend.

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This past weekend, Texas’ own Aaron Watson recorded his next project entitled Deep In The Heart Of Texas: Aaron Watson LIVE from the Hog Creek Icehouse’s backyard amphitheater in Waco, Texas. This live recording is set to be released as a combo CD/DVD package on September 15. “Incredible,” was about the only word that Aaron could think of when recapping the electric evening. With the help of a few thousand fans, Aaron kicked off the exhilarating two-hour show with his first nationwide single “Love Makin’ Song” from his most recent album Angels and Outlaws.

This past weekend, Texas’ own Aaron Watson recorded "Deep In The Heart Of Texas: Aaron Watson LIVE" at the Hog Creek Icehouse’s backyard amphitheater in Waco. It will be released as a combo CD/DVD package on Sept. 15. With the help of a few thousand fans, he kicked off the two-hour show with his first nationwide single “Love Makin’ Song” from his most recent album Angels and Outlaws.

Big Kenny’s solo single “Long After I’m Gone” is at radio now, and a music video has also been released. The song is being promoted by Bigger Picture Entertainment/Love Everybody. It was written by Big Kenny, Marc Beeson, and Richie Supa.
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Well-known songwriter Vince Melamed (“Walkaway Joe,” “What Mattered Most,” “I’ll Take That As a Yes,” “She’d Give Anything”) is releasing a solo album on Adroit Records. It includes the aforementioned hits as well as six other songs. Jim Tract, president of Adroit records, produced the new album, What Matters Most. In his illustrious career, Melamed has toured or recorded with Bob Dylan, The Eagles,  Dan Fogelberg, Glen Frey, J.D. Souther, Rodney Crowell, and Jimmy Buffett. He has written songs for Tina Turner, Trisha Yearwood, John Anderson, and most recently Phil Vasser.
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Emerging country artist Brittini Black (Slugfest Records / Star Tour Records, Nashville) has released  “America,” written by Dustin James, to country radio as her newest single. A video will follow soon on GAC and CMT and is available now at www.brittiniblack.com.
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Rising country crooner Cooper Boone proves his cooking prowess on his weekly online cooking show “Cowboy Kitchen.” The multi-talented Boone is also a farmer, store owner, doctor of psychology and all-around entrepreneur. On “Cowboy Kitchen,” he treats viewers to a song while waiting for the pots to simmer. Boone’s self-titled debut album comes out August 4 on Green Rooster Records. See what “Coop’s Cookin'” here.

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George King, President of Size 10 Records in Nashville, has formed a cross-promotional partnership with Mansion Entertainment to launch the sophomore single from its flagship artist Dennis Wilson. Wilson is set to introduce his second single, “Gotta Get Away,” from his debut CD, Castles In The Sand, in early July. More than 100 radio stations are anticipated to participate in the “Gotta Get Away” radio promotion headed up by veteran radio-man Jerry Duncan of Jerry Duncan Promotions. Headed by founding President Gene Bicknell, The Mansion Entertainment and Media Center is the umbrella company of various entertainment venues and productions in Branson.

Photos: Rascal Flatts, Rhonda Towns, Colt Ford

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Jay DeMarcus

Jay DeMarcus Photo: Zach Henderson

Rascal Flatts visited a JC Penney store in a Washington, D.C. suburb prior to their show at the Nissan Pavilion on June 27. The band created a little “fan fare” when their secret visit was leaked by a local radio station and hundreds of fans showed up to greet them. The retailer’s American Living clothing line sponsors their tour- “Rascal Flatts American Living Unstoppable Tour.”

rhonda

Rhonda with Gwen Foster/KMLE Music Director

Rhonda Towns (Dawn Records/Spinville Records) is on a radio tour to promote the remix of her current single “Slow Rain,” and on Wednesday, June 24 visited the staff and radio personalities at Camel Country–KMLE Country 108 in Phoenix.

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coltColt Ford (Average Joe’s Entertainment) has reached sales of over 100,000 paid downloads, and was recently awarded a “100,000 Downloads” certification from Tunecore, the digital distributor utilized by outlets such as iTunes and Amazon. With CD sales exceeding 40,000 units (Soundscan) his album, Ride Through The Country, is being featured in Wal-Mart’s “Country Picks” section (shown in the photo). The project features guest performances by Jamey Johnson, John Michael Montgomery, Adrian Young (of No Doubt), rapper Bonecrusher, and more. The title track is the current single.

How Artists Are Spending the 4th

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Broken Bow Records' Dean Brody will be included in "Operation Music City," a special to air on the Pentagon Channel over the 4th of July weekend. While the talented singer/songwriter's newest single, "Gravity," will hit the hearts of radio listeners with its romantic message of undying love. Starting July 3rd through 5th, members of the U.S Armed Forces will be able to tune into the Pentagon Channel to watch Sgt. Ted Macdonald interview Brody and talk about his debut single, "Brothers." The top 25 single connected with military families across the world due to its honest lyrics and touching sentiment. The Pentagon Channel broadcasts military news and info for 2.6 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces and is distributed 24/7.

Broken Bow Records' Dean Brody will be included in "Operation Music City," a special to air on the Pentagon Channel over the 4th of July weekend. He talks about his debut single "Brothers" with Sgt. Ted MacDonald and also discusses new single "Gravity."

Here’s a list of what a few artists are doing this weekend. What is your artist up to? Add a comment below and let us know.

Nashville always celebrates the 4th of July with style and this year’s 25th anniversary event will be better than ever with headliner Wynonna Judd performing alongside the Symphony Orchestra. The Riverfront Park free festivities will begin at noon with the Family Fun Zone, presented by Coca-Cola. The NowPlayingNashville.com First Stage will feature music beginning at 2 PM with Frankie Ballard, The Grascals, MTA’s “Transit,” Lee Roy Parnell and more. The main stage concert will kick off at 7 PM with the Fisk Jubilee Singers and the Nashville Symphony Orchestra performing the national anthem, then there will be a patriotic salute by Mayor Karl Dean, followed by The Gabe Dixon Band and Wynonna. The evening will conclude with fireworks dancing to the rhythm of the Nashville Symphony at around 9:25 PM. Wynonna will also be appearing at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum on the afternoon of July 4th to sign autographs from 2-4 PM. http://www.musiccityjuly4th.com/

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Charlie Daniels, Phil Vassar and Jimmy Webb will appear on a new singer-songwriter series called Legends & Lyrics, airing Saturday, July 4 at 10 p.m. on local Nashville public television channel WNPT. The program, which debuted on May 9, pairs legendary songwriters and performers with promising new talent in an “in-the-round” writer’s format that features performances and interviews with the artists. Daniels recently returned from his third international trip to visit military troops in Iraq and Kuwait and is currently touring the U.S. through the end of 2009.

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StarCity Recording artist Brady Seals visits host Harry Chapman on the set of News Channel 5+’s Words & Music this Sat., July 4 at 4:00 pm. Words & Music: The Showcase for Nashville’s Songwriters gives viewers an inside look at some of the area’s most successful songwriters and the stories behind some of their biggest hits. Seals will perform “God Blessed Texas,” a #1 single he co-wrote during his time with Little Texas, and “Ho Down,” the debut single from his upcoming solo album, Play Time.

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Jack Records/Warner Bros. Records Comedian Larry the Cable Guy will release his first 4th Of July Special, Tailgate Party, digitally on the holiday. The digital download package will be distributed exclusively by Basecamp Productions and will be available at http://live.larrythecableguy.com. The special was taped during a unique performance at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, NE on Independence Day in support of Husker Fans on the UNL Campus.

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American Roots Records Group TelluRide will head south to Daytona Beach on the 4th of July for a performance on the Coca Cola Fan Stage prior to the Coke Zero 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup Race that evening at the Daytona International Speedway.

Toby K., Holly W., Luke B. and Aaron T.

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Holly Williams recently visited E’s Chelsea Lately (pictured here with host Chelsea Handler). She will also perform, interview and sign autographs tomorrow (6/3) at 1:30 PM at the Country Music Hall of Fame, followed by her Grand Ole Opry debut that night.

Holly Williams recently visited E’s "Chelsea Lately" (pictured here with host Chelsea Handler). Williams will also perform, interview and sign autographs tomorrow (6/3) at 1:30 PM at the Country Music Hall of Fame, followed by her Grand Ole Opry debut that night.

Toby Keith‘s sixth annual golf and music fundraising weekend to benefit Ally’s House raised more than a half-million dollars to help children with cancer and their families in Keith’s native Oklahoma. The $550,000 raised brings the to-date total to nearly $3 million. The dinner, music and auction saw several big ticket items drawing huge bids. A dinner party for 20 with Keith earned $32,500. The Alaskan Adventure with Deadliest Catch boat captain Sig Hansen brought in $13,000, and a Costa Rica getaway to the Four Seasons drew a $19,000 bid. More than 40 sports and music celebrities were in attendance, including Keith’s Beer For My Horses co-star and co-writer Rodney Carrington, and baseball player Roger Clemens.
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Luke Bryan hosted Yahoo! Music’s first Country Music Wednesdays on Twitter last night. Fans were able to watch the conversation by adding twitter.com/lukebryanonline and twitter.com/yahoo_music to their “follow” list. Bryan also debuted the video for his current single “Do I” on Amazon this week, where fans can watch the video, buy the single, and pre-order his Capitol Nashville album Doin’ My Thing, which will be released Oct. 6. Bryan is on the road all summer on his Miller Lite sponsored tour.
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Aaron Tippin has launched a line of nutritional supplements called Aaron Tippin Nutrition (ATN). In his mid 20s the singer was a competitive bodybuilder and he’s been a fitness buff ever since, which led to him starting what he describes as this new “way-of-life” program.

Jackson Sales Surge But Country Lags

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hannahmontana3_238x257The week ending 6/28/09 saw week-over-week (w/w) country sales drop 24% and overall music sales fall 8%. For country it was the week after Fathers Day and the CMT Awards, plus there were no new country CD debuts to give fans an extra reason to shop. For the overall industry, it was the week that Michael Jackson died—stirring a firestorm of media attention and copious downloads. In fact, the top 3 selling albums this week were all from the deceased King of Pop, with each one selling over 100k units: Number Ones (107,808); Essential Michael Jackson (102,023); and Thriller (101,042). Also noteworthy, according to SoundScan, 57% of all MJ album sales (421,000) this week were digital (241,000).

Digital Download Dialog
Among country consumers, the digital album sales picture is nowhere as large as might be indicated based upon the MJ stats. Last year, digital country album sales as a percentage of total album sales equaled about 7.2%. This year (2009) country album downloads have jumped to 11.4%. A nice leap to be sure, but a far cry from the tech-savvy mouse clicks of the pop consumers where about 21.5% of total CD sales are digital.

Current Country
The Hannah Montana movie soundtrack (34,397) remained in the top spot on Current Country Albums (10th consecutive week), but sales only exceeded the No. 2 contender, Taylor Swift, by 397 units. Moving up to the No. 3 position is the feisty Zac Brown Band which scanned 23,799 units this week. Kenny Chesney (22,209) and Jason Aldean (20,533) filled out the Top 5.

Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me” was the top country digital track, downloading 74,968 copies this week placing the song in soon-to-be Platinum status (825k). Miley Cyrus sold 53,712 digital “Climb” tracks for a to-date total of about 1.87 million. “Out Last Night” from Kenny Chesney came in third, clicking its way to 41,510 downloads in its fourth week on the tracks chart.

Looking ahead we have the just released American Saturday Night from Brad Paisley which should add some spice to next week’s totals…

CMT Ratings Continue Upward Trend

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cmtComing off ratings wins for premieres of the 2009 CMT Music Awards and The Singing Bee series debut, CMT has wrapped its most-watched second quarter ever among total viewers. According to Nielsen Media Research, the network increased total viewers for both total day (+14%) and primetime (+13%) when compared to the same quarter in 2008, and second quarter was CMT’s most-watched quarter since 2006.

In addition, the network increased viewers among adults 18-49 for total day (+6%) and primetime (+9%) over last year. The June 16 Awards were the network’s highest-rated telecast of the year.

Music video hours have also increased on the channel, with ratings up +17% versus the same quarter last year among total viewers, and up +14% among adults 18-49. In addition, video streams are up +23% for CMT.com for second quarter when compared to the same quarter last year.

New Artists Now

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davidnailMCA Nashville will release David Nail‘s debut album I’m About To Come Alive on Tuesday, August 18. Produced by Frank Liddell and Michael Wrucke, Nail is credited with writing nearly half of the 11-track record. “I think every artist that moves to Nashville has a list of things they hope to achieve, and having a record in stores has always been near the very top for me,” explains Nail. “This has been a two-year process of highs and lows, but now being on the verge of accomplishing that, it feels as sweet as I ever imagined.” Showing his biggest audience increase to date, Nail’s single “Red Light” has been one of the most-added songs at radio the last two weeks. Nail recently starred in the video for the track alongside his new bride Catherine. The video was filmed in Nashville and will premiere later this month. He will spend the 4th of July performing at Mud Island in Memphis, and is the subject of a feature on www.MarieClaire.com.
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theparksFather/son duo The Parks released their Carolwood Records debut album, Born Into It, to all online music stores yesterday (6/30). Clint Park and his father and musical partner Johnny Park not only co-wrote but also produced all twelve tracks on the debut. Recorded at Nashville’s Quad Recording Studios, The Parks had their live stage band, who they’ve been working with for seven years at a regular gig at Cowboy’s in Gallatin, Tennessee, play on the record. Among the album’s co-writers are Steve Bogard, Brett Beavers, David Lee and Doug Nichols.

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Columbia Nashville newcomer Josh Thompson has been visiting radio in support of his self-penned debut single, “Beer On The Table,” which goes for adds on July 27. The 31-year old singer/songwriter grew up with in a working class family and arrived in Nashville in 2005. His energetic live shows drew in a fan base, and eventually caught the attention of hit songwriters and Columbia Nashville. He recently scored his first major cut as a songwriter with “Growing Up Is Getting Old,” the title track of Jason Michael Carroll’s current album. Produced by Michael Knox (Jason Aldean), Thompson is finishing his first album which features 10 songs he wrote or co-wrote.

Columbia Nashville newcomer Josh Thompson hangs out with the KBEQ Morning Drive crew while promoting his debut single, "Beer On The Table." Pictured (l-r): KBEQ's Zeke Montana, Thompson, Natalie Puhr, and PD Mike Kennedy.

Columbia Nashville newcomer Josh Thompson hangs out with the KBEQ Morning Drive crew while promoting his debut single, "Beer On The Table." Pictured (l-r): KBEQ's Zeke Montana, Thompson, Natalie Puhr, and PD Mike Kennedy.

Music Biz Whiz Kids

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David Plyler.

Pictured at the finalists meet and mingle (L-R): Jensen Sussman, Mandy Gallagher, SESAC's Justin Levenson, David Plyler, and Katy Brown.

There are several familiar names on Music Row among the finalists for the 2009 Nashville Emerging Leader Awards (NELAs), given out annually by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and YP Nashville. The organizations say the awards are proof of the demographic’s strong leadership, community impact and success. Many of the nominees are members of music business organization SOLID.

In the Arts, Entertainment, and Music Business category, the finalists are Jessica Baum, Bluewater Music Services Corporation; Katherine Beakes, Universal Music Group; Lucia Folk, CMT; Danny Ray Martin, East Nashville School of Music and Jensen Sussman, Sweet Talk Publicity.

Other finalists with strong ties to the music business are Katy Brown of Musicians On Call, who is nominated in the Community Service Nonprofit category; and Mandy Gallagher of SunTrust Bank, nominated in the Financial Services section.

SESAC President/COO Pat Collins has already been announced as the 2009 Sage Award Winner, given out in conjunction with the honors to one of Nashville’s top leaders who has made a significant impact on the city’s young professional demographic.

The 2009 NELAs Awards Ceremony will be 7-9 PM, Thurs., July 30 at Lipscomb University, with a pre-event reception at Cabana from 5-6:30 PM.

Bobby Karl Works The MusicRow Awards

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(L-R): Song of the Year co-writers James Otto, Jamey Johnson and Lee Thomas Miller performed "In Color." Photo: Alan Mayor

(L-R): Song of the Year co-writers James Otto, Jamey Johnson and Lee Thomas Miller performed "In Color." Photo: Alan Mayor

The readers have spoken, and they have class.

Both Jamey Johnson and James Otto were double winners at this year’s MusicRow awards ceremony. Jamey won the Breakthrough Artist award as well as the Song of the Year prize for “In Color,” co-written with James and Lee Thomas Miller. Because James also co-wrote his big hit “Just Got Started Loving You” he was named this year’s Breakthrough Songwriter.

“We put pieces of our own lives in it,” said Jamey of “In Color.” “That’s what songwriting is supposed to be about, isn’t it?”

“It’s been 12 years in Nashville, and one great year,” said James. He thanked his mom, his wife and publisher Tracy Gershon.

“I’m going to write an article about perseverance,” said Doak Turner. “As soon as I heard James say that, I was inspired.”

winners“This is the greatest town in the world and the greatest business in the world,” said Lee. He interrupted a Disneyworld vacation with his wife and four kids to be at the ceremony.

“This is one of our favorite events,” said Ralph Murphy welcoming the crowd to the host venue, ASCAP. “Mr. David Ross has built a career on integrity and its spirit of perseverance and dedication.”

“This is our 21st MusicRow Awards,” said Boss Ross. “We are here to celebrate the core of our industry’s creativity and its spirit of perseverance and dedication.”

Representing the AFM, newly elected treasurer Craig Krampf addressed the gathering, saying, “What an incredible, special town we have in Nashville. None of us should ever take it for granted. Congratulations to our winners. We’re very proud of you.”

Prior to the ceremony, Craig said he’d gone over the books and found that the first quarter of this year has been the third most lucrative in this AFM chapter’s history. Considering the economic times, that’s saying quite a lot.

MusicRow’s Jon Freeman and Sarah Skates presented this year’s Musician Awards. These were first presented way back in 1989 and remain the only honors given to Music City’s session musicians.

“I remember when you and I had a future in this town,” quipped bass winner Glenn Worf to me before the ceremony. He has won his honor every year since 1992.

Ilya Tonshinsky (guitar) and Gordon Mote (piano) were first-time winners. “I didn’t expect this at all,” said Ilya. “We actually get to make a living playing!” exclaimed Gordon. Previous 13-time winner Steve Nathan was there to congratulate Gordon, which I thought was incredibly endearing. As well as undeniably classy.

Fiddle winner Jonathan Yudkin gave a shout-out to the mag. “We have to maintain a level of awareness of what’s going on,” he said. “David Ross and MusicRow do an excellent job doing that.” It’s the truth.
“Keep my number handy,” said session vocalist winner Wes Hightower. He has won his category every year since 2001. As is the custom, Christie King handed out the framed awards and Alan Mayor snapped away.
Winners not present were steel guitarist Paul Franklin, engineer Justin Niebank and drummer Shannon Forrest. Chris DuBois accepted for Producer of the Year Frank Rogers, who is on vacation, “on a beach somewhere, hopefully with his shirt ON,” said Chris.

Guests snacked on fried chicken strips, jumbo berries, chips and spinach dip, chicken-salad sandwiches and other tasty ASCAP delights.

Many commented that they love the event because they get to have reunions with folks they don’t see often on the Row.

Pete Fisher, Woody Bomar, Scott Hendricks, Sherrill Blackman, Gary Overton, Martha Moore, Keith Stegall, Alan Kates, Allen Brown, Brian Nelson, Pat Higdon, Steve Fishell, Kyle Lehning, Chuck Thompson, Michelle Ross, Susana Ross and Barry Coburn were there. Eli Ball is back in Tune Town, running a new firm called Lyric Financial, which gives loans to writers and publishers, among other services.

The awards are swell, but the real deal is that this is always a dandy party. Just ask Jeff Walker, Dean Unkefer, Karen Staley, Kay Clary, Bob Paxman, Jody Williams, Dennis Banka, Don Cusic, Dale Bobo, Charles Dorris, Chris Ferrell, Steve O’Brien, Pat Rolfe, Cathy Gurley, Susan Stewart, Terry Elam or Neal Spielberg.

(L-R): MR News Editor Sarah Skates with the Top Ten Album All-Star winners Glen Worf, Ilya Toshinksky, Gordon Mote, Wes Hightower and Jonathan Yudkin. Photo: Alan Mayor

(L-R): MR News Editor Sarah Skates with the Top Ten Album All-Star winners Glen Worf, Ilya Toshinksky, Gordon Mote, Wes Hightower and Jonathan Yudkin. Photo: Alan Mayor

(L-R): MR Publisher David M. Ross with Song of the Year writers and publishers EMI Blackwood's Gary Overton, Jamey Johnson, Warner-Tamerlane's Tracy Gershon, New Songs of Sea Gayle's Chris DuBois and Lee Thomas Miller. Photo: Alan Mayor

(L-R): MR Publisher David M. Ross with Song of the Year writers and publishers EMI Blackwood's Gary Overton, Jamey Johnson, Warner-Tamerlane's Tracy Gershon, New Songs of Sea Gayle's Chris DuBois and Lee Thomas Miller. Photo: Alan Mayor