Airwaving And Radio Hobnobbing

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Skyville Record’s all female trio Stealing Angels joined KKBQ/Houston radio talents for some doughnuts, airplay and fun. The trio’s single “Paper Heart” is currently No. 64 on the MusicRow Country Breakout list (and climbing).

(L-R) Caroline Cutbirth, Johnny Chiang (KKBQ/Houston), Tayla Lynn, Christi Brooks (KKBQ/Houston) and Jennifer Wayne.


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(L-R) WTHI’s newly inducted Hall of Famer Barry Kent and Kelly Parkes.


Edge/Lofton Creek artist Kelly Parkes visited WTHI in Terre Haute, Indiana to meet with with newly inducted hall of Fame deejay Barry Kent.
Parkes performed four songs live on the morning show and later signed two autographed guitars for an upcoming charity event. Her new song, No. 72 on the Country Breakoout Chart, “Girl With A Fishing Rod,” is catching on heading into the summer months.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Gloriana is currently on the road in support of their forthcoming second studio album on Emblem Music Group/ Warner Bros. Records. The foursome, who recently released the first single from their upcoming album “Wanna Take You Home” to all digital retailers and radio, are currently performing shows across the country. Gloriana has several headlining shows this summer as well as opening slots for Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, and Leann Rimes lined up. Find up to date tour information at www.Gloriana.com.

Gloriana sped out to visit KATC’s newly arrived PD, industry veteran Jim Murphy. (L-R) Gloriana’s Tom Gossin and Rachel Reinert, Jim Murphy, plus Gloriana’s Cheyenne Kimball and Mike Gossin.

Swift Graces InStyle

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InStyle’s latest cover girl, Taylor Swift talks about love, success and life at home and on the road in the mag’s June issue which hits newsstands May 20. Here’s some excerpts from her interview…
On finding love:
“There are no rules when it comes to love. I just try to let love surprise me because you never know who you’re going to fall in love with. You never know who’s going to come into your life—and for me, when I picture the person I want to end up with, I don’t think about what their career is, or what they look like. I picture the feeling I get when I’m with them.”
On having her own home:
“First I fell in love with baking, then I fell in love with cooking, and then I got my own place—and I was doing it for my friends all the time.”
On her biggest fear:
“I’m most scared by the thought of prolonged, perpetual unhappiness, and of unfulfillment. I have this really high priority on happiness and finding something to be happy about. It’s not that I live in a delusional fantasy where I’m just smiling every day. I definitely feel pain, but there is also this need to be grateful for what I’ve been given.”
On the future:
“I have this really high priority on happiness and finding something to be happy about.”
 

Stroud Launches R&J Records, Hires McFadden

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James Stroud


James Stroud has announced the launch of R&J Records with partner Rick Carter of Gulport, MS. The same executive team from Stroudavarious Records will run the new imprint. According to a press release, the announcement follows a series of negotiations marking the end of Stroud’s relationship with Stroudavarious and all related entities including Country Crossing and BamaJam Records.
As a result, previous Stroudavarious artists Aaron Lewis, LoCash Cowboys, Margaret Durante, Andy Gibson, Rob Lane and Alexa Carter will immediately move to the R&J Records roster with their current projects. Lewis and Durante currently have active radio singles, while LoCash Cowboys and Gibson are both preparing for the release of their new singles.

Tim McFadden


With the launch of R&J, Stroud and label Pres. Bill Catino have hired industry veteran Tim McFadden to take over the label’s national promotion duties.
“Tim is a true record veteran in every sense,” says Stroud.  “His experience has run the gamut from promotion to A&R to management and beyond.  He was my Head of Promotion at Giant Records and I am thrilled to be working with him again.  His work ethic and professionalism is consistent with everyone on this team.”
“Tim has maintained his strong relationships with key programmers and consultants over the years,” adds Catino. “That will be a tremendous asset in building this promotion team to the expectations that James and I envisioned when we first formed the label. Tim will play an integral role in the future success at R&J.”
Staff emails will now be firstname@randjrecords.com. The office is currently located at 29 Music Sq. E., but will be moving to a new location over the summer.
(For a recent article about Stroud and Aaron Lewis click here)

Alabama Unites Fellow Stars For "Bama Rising"

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Country band Alabama today (5/17) announced plans for “BAMA RISING: A Benefit Concert for Alabama Tornado Recovery,” presented by Verizon. The June 14 concert at Birmingham’s BJCC Arena will feature performances by the superstar band as well as Brad Paisley, Sara Evans, Sheryl Crow, Rodney Atkins, Dierks Bentley, Bo Bice, Luke Bryan, Taylor Hicks, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Montgomery Gentry, David Nail, Jake Owen, Kellie Pickler, Darius Rucker and Ashton Shepherd. Confirmed special guests include radio personality and former University of Alabama football star and NFL player Jay Barker.
Alabama’s Randy Owen, speaking on behalf of the group, says, “My hope is that this will bring happiness and help to my fellow citizens in Alabama. I believe it’s extremely important that we do this benefit, and I want everyone in the state to feel like they are part of it. I hope we all can pull together to help get through the worst natural disaster I’ve ever seen in Alabama. I appreciate my friends in country music, everyone that’s been involved, and anyone that’s helped in any way.”
The Bama Rising Fund has been established at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham to support long-term recovery statewide in the wake of the April 2011 tornadoes that devastated Alabama.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public this Friday, May 20, at 11:00AM CST at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices will range from $25 to $150. VIP packages will also be available. Visit www.bamarising.org for more details. Bama Rising is presented by Red Mountain Entertainment and AEG Live/The Messina Group. Corporate sponsors include Verizon, Bravado, Zeekee Interactive, Bill Young Productions, Tour Design and Ticketmaster.
For information on becoming a corporate sponsor to support relief efforts, contact Jay Wilson at Red Mountain Entertainment – 205.585.2531 or jay@redmountainentertainment.com.

Curb Records Sues Tim McGraw

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Curb Records has filed suit against Tim McGraw claiming breach-of-contract, reports Billboard.biz. According to documents obtained by Billboard, Curb alleges that the tracks on McGraw’s upcoming Emotional Traffic album were recorded outside of a contractually designated time period.
Under the agreement the album should have been recorded “no earlier than 12 months and no later than 18 months” following the delivery of the previous album. His previous release, Southern Voice, hit streets in 2009.
Billboard reports that the suit seeks undisclosed damages, a sixth “option period” record, and “injunctive relief” preventing him from entering another recording contract.
This is the official statement from McGraw’s spokesperson:

Sadly, after a twenty year relationship which has provided unprecedented success for both parties, Curb Records has chosen to end its accord with Tim McGraw by filing suit against him.
Tim McGraw delivered his new album, Emotional Traffic, to Curb in the fall of 2010. The label is holding the album hostage from country music fans in an attempt to force Tim McGraw to serve perpetually under a contract that he has already fully and faithfully completed. The only song Curb has released from the album, “Felt Good on My Lips,” was a multi-week #1 hit.
Although Curb has not released the album, Tim McGraw has decided to perform new songs from Emotional Traffic on his current tour because he feels it is one of his best ever.
Most importantly, Tim McGraw wants to thank his fans for their continued support in his efforts to release new and exciting music.

More here.

Zarling Promoted To VP

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Big Machine Records and Valory Music Co.’s Sr. Dir. New Media & Promotion Strategy John Zarling has been promoted to VP Promotion & Media Strategy for the Big Machine Label Group.
“John Zarling is my visionary soul brother,” says BMLG President & CEO Scott Borchetta. “He has literally been with me from the very first minute of the label and never veered from the plan or the commitment, even when all odds were against us. He deserves all the credit he gets and more. Congrats, my friend!”
In this expanded role, Zarling will continue to direct national promotion campaigns for the label group’s artists, which will now include Republic Nashville. BMLG National Dir. Radio Marketing Mandy McCormack will continue to report to Zarling.
“It has been an unforgettable opportunity for me to witness the birth of the Big Machine Label Group,” says Zarling. “It is overwhelming when I look back on the early days of the label and see how far things have come in such a short period of time. I feel so fortunate to have been part of this amazing team since day 1 and look forward to the next phase of the journey.”
Prior to joining the Big Machine team in 2005, Zarling spent six years with UMG Nashville, where he was eventually elevated to Manager, Charts & Syndication for MCA, Mercury and DreamWorks.
Congratulate him Here, or leave a comment below.

AIMP Sets Sights On Music City

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The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) is looking to establish a Nashville chapter to join its Los Angeles and New York memberships. The non-profit organization, formed in 1977 is dedicated to providing education and information to its members on current topics, trends and practices in the music publishing industry. To help introduce the organization to the Nashville music community AIMP President Richard Feldman is coming to Nashville to present a panel discussion titled, Music Supervision: Tips On Placing songs in Film and TV.

Richard Feldman


“One of the AIMP’s long-term goals is to establish a Nashville chapter that would operate alongside chapters in Los Angeles and New York,” said AIMP President Feldman. “With recent encouragement from local publishers here in Nashville, it is time to make this a reality. We believe that the music community here will find value and benefits in the organization’s panels, networking, and advocacy initiatives.”
The free panel, hosted by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC will take place in Nashville on June 14 at the Embassy Suites Vanderbilt from 6-8 p.m. Speaking on the fine art of music supervision, current trends, tips on placing songs in film and TV, and opportunities specifically for Nashville-based talent will be artist Jace Everett, Primary Wave GM Michelle Belcher, plus music supervisors Gary Calamar, Andrea von Foerster and Tony von Pervieux.
 

John Rich Eyes Win on "The Celebrity Apprentice"

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John Rich has made it to the final two contestants on The Celebrity Apprentice, and many observers say he is headed for the win. With perfectly orchestrated timing, he also has two new music releases out today (5/17), and a slew of promotional TV appearances this week. As the show’s season comes to an end, he will be visiting The View, the Today show, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight.
The Celebrity Apprentice season finale airs Sun., May 22 on NBC, where Rich is competing against actress Marlee Matlin. The show pits celebs against each other to raise money for charity and Rich is working on behalf of St. Jude.
One of his new Six Pak albums also supports the research hospital. For The Kids pays tribute to the families and friends of St. Jude with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the cause.
Warner Bros. Records is also releasing the more commercial Six Pak, Rich Rocks, featuring lead single “Country Done Come To Town.” Guests on the offering include Kid Rock, Hank Williams Jr. and Lil Jon.
Rich has also re-teamed with former Big & Rich bandmate Big Kenny for a tour and new single, “Fake ID.”

Benefit News: Bama Rising Details Coming Today

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Bama Rising
Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry of Alabama are expected to announce the details of BAMA Rising today (5/17), a benefit concert for Alabama tornado recovery to be presented by Verizon.
Team Rio
Diamond Rio’s Team Rio raised $110,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters by running in the recent Country Music Marathon. Bandmates Jimmy Olander, Marty Roe and Gene Johnson presented a check to the charity at the 7th Annual Team Rio Finish Line Party. Team Rio 2011 had over 120 adult runners and 80 Team Rio Kids participants from several local schools. Olander accomplished his goal of finishing the half marathon in less than two hours.

(L-R): Lisbeth Couser of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Renee Behrman-Greiman of Modern Management, and Jimmy Olander and Marty Roe of Diamond Rio present a check for $110,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters.


Celeb Softball
The City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge annually marks the unofficial kick-off of CMA Music Festival. This year Vince Gill, Dierks Bentley, David Nail, Brett Eldredge, Chuck Wicks, Jake Owen, James Wesley, Josh Gracin and Point of Grace are set to take the field on Saturday, June 11, at 9 a.m. at Greer Stadium in Nashville. For the first time in the game’s history, two City of Hope supporters will hang out in the dugout (visit www.cityofhope.org/connected to enter). The Celebrity Softball Challenge has raised more than $2 million for City of Hope, a leading research, treatment and education institution for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.
Jars of Clay Benefit Concert
Blood: Water Mission—the organization that began as the vision of Jars of Clay’s Dan Haseltine to impact Africa with safe water in the fight against HIV/Aids—had reason to celebrate recently in Nashville. A concert at the Ryman called the “Well: Done Celebration” was held in honor of the successful completion of the ‘1000 Wells Project’ to provide fresh water wells to 600,000 people. The event raised over $100,000 and brought praises from Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam who was on hand for the celebration.

Jars of Clay's Dan Haseltine joins in the 'Well: Done Celebration' with (L-R) Rich Hoops, Chairman of the Board of Blood: Water Mission; BWM Director Jena Nardella; Haseltine; Governor & Mrs. Bill Haslam; Mike Hamilton, Althletic Director at the University of Tennessee and BWM Board member.

Josh Turner Surprises Scotty McCreery Onstage

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Scotty McCreery and MCA's Josh Turner


American Idol hopeful Scotty McCreery got the surprise of a lifetime when he performed in his hometown of Garner, NC on Saturday (5/14).
As he was starting into Josh Turner’s “Your Man,” which has become one of his signature songs from the season, Turner himself appeared onstage and shocked the young singer. The two performed Turner’s “Your Man” and “Long Black Train” together.
“I think he was surprised,” laughs Turner. “He didn’t see me until we were almost face-to-face. I think I almost gave him a heart attack.”
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In other Idol news, recently ousted James Durbin returned to his hometown of Santa Cruz, CA for a special celebration that included a procession with the Santa Cruz High School marching band and a performance with his friends The White Album Ensemble. Traditionally only the final three Idol contestants get to make the trips home, but the show reportedly made an exception in Durbin’s case.