Big Loud Parking Lot Party Pics

/by

Craig and KK Wiseman, and what is possibly the greatest balloon hat of all time.


Revelers flocked to Big Loud Shirt’s 16th Ave. S. offices last night (5/25) for the company’s annual Parking Lot Party. Big Loud Shirt owner Craig Wiseman jovially greeted the guests, who were were treated to numerous sweets and goodies, plus lemonade (both alcoholic and non) and keg beer. A New Orleans-style ice vendor was also stationed in the area to provide frozen treats. And for our noisy insect visitors, the Big Loud staff gleefully (and thoughtfully) provided large yellow cicada swatter party favors.
 

Big Loud staffers pose for a shot at the Parking Lot Party. (L-R): Seth England, Kimberly Gleason, Steven McMillian, KK Wiseman, Craig Wiseman, Amy Allmand and Heather Buresh

New Tunes From Kellie Pickler, Josh Kelley, Eden's Edge

/by





Josh Kelley





••• Josh Kelley’s new single, “Gone Like That,” arrived at radio this week, and he performed it Tuesday on CBS’s The Talk. He co-wrote the song with Clint Lagerberg and Nicolle Galyon, and it has special meaning for him because the positive feedback he got from the song convinced him to pursue a country music career, which led to his record deal with MCA Nashville.
In addition, his song “Beautiful Goodbye” was featured in the promos for the final three episodes of The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Kelley has been on tour with Miranda Lambert this year, and will join Taylor Swift’s Speak Now tour in August and September. He has also partnered with the ConAgra Foods Foundation to support a program called “Hunger-Free Summer.”




Kellie Pickler





• • • Kellie Pickler is giving fans the first look at music from her next album, exclusively at kelliepickler.com. The lead single “Tough” is at radio now and was written by hit songwriter Leslie Satcher specifically for Pickler. “Kellie speaks lyrically,” explains Satcher. “Many of the lines in ‘Tough’ were inspired by conversations I had with her. I’ve only written two other songs specifically for artists. One was ‘Troubadour’ for George Strait and the other was ‘You Remain’ for Willie Nelson which he recorded with Bonnie Raitt.”
“Leslie knows me, she knows my heart and she captured who I am,” says Pickler.
Nearly three years removed from her sophomore album, Pickler has been writing with a diverse array of songwriters from Dean Dillon to Satcher, and recording with accomplished producer Frank Liddell and engineer Luke Wooten for the upcoming Sony Music Nashville project.
On Saturday, she will join CNN’s Anderson Cooper at the Indianapolis 500 Parade. She will kick off the parade with a performance of “Tough.”
• • • The debut EP from Eden’s Edge was released on Tuesday (5/24) by Big Machine Records. The collection is available via iTunes and on the road during their run on Brad Paisley’s H2O II: Wetter & Wilder Tour. Making up the talented young trio from Arkansas are Hannah Blaylock, Dean Berner, and Cherrill Green.
The EP includes five tracks: “Amen,” “Swinging Door,” “Feels So Real,” “Slow Motion” and “Christ Alone (Live in Studio).”
 

BRE Powers Up Promo Team

/by

Black River Entertainment Promotion VP Rick Baumgartner has added Brian Hatfield (Northeast) and Megan Good (Southeast) to the BRE promotion staff.

Brian Hatfield


Hatfield hails from WSKF-FM in Asheville, NC where he spent the last seven years in various positions. “I’m extremely excited to be a part of the Black River Entertainment promotion team,” says Hatfield. “I feel blessed to be working in a business that allows creative freedom and the opportunity to help talented people reach stardom. I truly can’t wait to introduce our new music to the MDs and PDs in the Northeast…and of course eat some good food.”

Megan Good


Megan Good arrives at Black River Entertainment via her position as Promotions Director for the Cumulus Nashville cluster, including WSM-FM. She also worked previously for Firefly Entertainment, who currently manages Taylor Swift. “BRE’s passion for music and dedication to their artists is infectious,” says Good. “I have no doubt this journey is going to be a fun and challenging undertaking and I’m looking forward to sharing all of the BRE excitement with radio stations across the Southeast.”
Both new hires will be based in Nashville and can be reached at [email protected] or [email protected]
According to Baumgartner, a West Coast position hire is “forthcoming.” Black River entertainment is home to Jeff Bates, Sarah Darling, Due West and Craig Morgan.
 

Church Finds Gold In Carolina

/by

Eric Church’s recent album, Carolina has just been Gold certified by the RIAA for sales over 500,000 units. Carolina features “Smoke A Little Smoke” and “Love Your Love The Most” which have also been certified Gold, having sold over 500,000 digital copies each.
“It’s always been my goal to make records that are a complete body of work and not just random songs strung together,” Church shares. “Personally, I still love to put on a record and let it play top to bottom. This Gold record is a dream come true and proof there are still people out there who think about music the same way I do. I owe this to every fan that told someone about this record, and to them I say ‘thank you!’”
Church recently earned a trophy for New Solo Vocalist of the Year at the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. His third EMI studio album Chief is scheduled for a July 26 release. “Homeboy,” from the upcoming album is his fastest rising radio single to date sitting at No. 9 on MusicRow’s Country Breakout chart.

WBMA Honors Members At Hard Rock Cafe

/by

(L-R, front) Brandi Simms, President; Jen Smith, Wonder Woman Award Recipient; Amanda Fletcher, Social Co-Chair. (L-R, back) Josee Deschenes, Social Co-Chair; Amery Fridenstine, Treasurer; Betsy Walker, Membership Chair; Holly Ashby, VP; Kama Upton, Community Service/Education Chair.


The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) recently celebrated the talents and contributions of its members with a special gathering sponsored by the Hard Rock Cafe, titled, Wonder Woman Awards and Cocktail Party. The evening’s top honor, the Wonder Woman Award went to Jen Smith.
The WMBA is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering opportunities within the music industry through education, networking, industry involvement, community service and organizational fellowship.
 

"A Little Bit Stronger" No. 1 Party

/by

Sheryl Crow congratulates Sara Evans at the “A Little Bit Stronger” No. 1 party.


Revelers packed Cabana yesterday (5/25) to salute the songwriters of the multi-week Sara Evans No. 1, “A Little Bit Stronger.” BMI, ASCAP and SESAC teamed to host the event honoring their respective affiliates Luke Laird, Hillary Lindsey, and Hillary Scott.
BMI’s Jody Williams toasted Laird and Evans, noting that the star is still going strong 14 years after the release of her debut album. He said Laird’s career has grown exponentially in recent years, scoring numerous hits and leading to frequent collaborations in New York and Los Angeles. It was the sixth charttopper for Laird, who also has the new Rodney Atkins single “Take A Back Road.” Williams and others also saluted producer Tony Brown for his work on the song, one of his 100-plus No. 1 hits.
ASCAP’s Mike Sistad gave tribute to Lindsey for her eighth No. 1; she has achieved massive success since first coming to Nashville in 1994 to attend Belmont University. Lindsey was most recently self-published through Raylene Music, which was run by her sister, Taylor Lindsey, but last night Taylor announced Raylene’s new partnership with BMG Chrysalis before turning the stage over to BMG Chrysalis’s Darrell Franklin. “Hillary is as true and heartfelt as the music she creates,” he beamed.
Next, SESAC’s Tim Fink cheered Scott’s first No. 1 as a songwriter outside of Lady Antebellum, while her bandmates Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood cheered in the crowd. Fink noted Scott’s tireless efforts to rebuild Haiti in the wake of last year’s devastating earthquake, and her publisher, EMI, made a donation to the cause on her behalf.
In keeping with the spirit of giving back, Avenue Bank presented a donation to Preston Taylor Ministries in honor of those behind the song.
All three of the songwriters had parents in attendance, including the Lairds from Pennsylvania and Lindseys from Georgia. (We all know Scott’s parents are Nashvillians.) The out-of-towners were celebrating their 39th and 37th wedding anniversaries, respectively. Evans’ hubby and three daughters came up from their home in Birmingham to cheer-on mom, who gave tearful thank-yous to her family, with a special show of gratitude to her brother Matt Evans, her bandmate and lifelong supporter.

A stronger group. (L-R): Universal Music Publishing’s Kent Earls, BMI’s Jody Williams, co-writer Luke Laird, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, co-writer Hillary Lindsey, Sara Evans, co-writer Hillary Scott, SESAC’s Tim Fink, EMI Foray Music’s Josh VanValkenburg, producer Tony Brown (kneeling), BMG Chrysalis’ Darrell Franklin, Raylene Music/BMG Chrysalis’ Taylor Lindsey, and EMI Music Publishing’s Missy Wilson.

Bank of America on Music Row Robbed

/by

The Music Row branch of Bank of America was robbed this morning according to a story on WSMV.
WKRN reports a suspicious item was left at the bank, and the robber stated it was a bomb before fleeing the scene. Police sent the bomb squad robot to investigate, and determined the item was harmless.
As the situation unfolded, part of 16th Avenue was closed. It has been reopened.
Located at 1013 16th Ave. South, this was the second time this bank has been hit in as many years. It was also robbed in February 2010.
 

Industry Ink Thursday (5/26)

/by

A2IM Names Board
A2IM, the American Association of Independent Music, has announced its 2011 Board of Directors. Big Machine GM Andrew Kautz is on the President’s Advisory Committee.
Newly elected A2IM Board of Directors: Priya Dewan (Warp Records), Tor Hansen (Yep Roc Records), Bruce Iglauer (Alligator Records), Martin Mills (Beggars Group) and Victor Zaraya (Razor & Tie).
Newly appointed A2IM President’s Advisory Committee: Andrew Kautz (Big Machine Records), Jim Selby (Naxos USA), and Denny Stilwell (Mack Avenue Records).
The remainder of the board in the middle of three-year terms is: Concord Music Group’s Glen Barros, Sub Pop’s Eric Brown, tinyOGRE Entertainment’s Jim Cooperman, Epitaph’s Dave Hansen, Kill Rock Stars’ Portia Sabin, and Tommy Boy’s Tom Silverman.

Anastasia Brown


Format Expands Nashville Operations Headed by Anastasia Brown
Music supervision company Format Entertainment has expanded into Nashville and established a Format Music Publishing satellite office, headed by Anastasia Brown. She will represent local artists for film, TV pilots and commercials. In the last six months, Brown has licensed 10 songs and 12 masters with Nashville ties. She has also signed five local artists to the publishing division. She has been working on the Paramount Pictures re-make of Footloose, while also supervising New Regency’s The Darkest Hour (Emile Hirsch), the ABC-TV pilot from Marc Cherry Hallelujah, and more.
Ruby Records Opens in Nashville
New Hampshire based indie label Ruby Records has opened a Nashville office. CEO Gary Crane says the local operation has signed Jimmy Lehoux. Handling radio promotion is Tom McBee & Associates, with the Thompson Entertainment Group overseeing marketing and public relations.
Ruby Records Nashville (615) 754-8004 ext 3, New Hampshire (603) 715-1044, and [email protected].
McBee can be reached at (615) 824-5370 and [email protected].

Megan Burns at Thompson Entertainment Group can be contacted at (615) 742-8004 or [email protected].

James Burton’s Mother Dies
Condolences to musician and Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame member James Burton on the passing of his mother, Lola Poland Burton, on May 23, 2011. She was 96, and left a large, loving family to cherish her memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the James Burton Foundation, 714 Elvis Presley Ave, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101.
Composer Greg Sims’ New Film
Nashvillian Greg Sims composed music for the new film The Lion of Judah. The movie is the first 3-D animated faith-based film and is being released worldwide, including a premiere showing at Nashville’s Regal Hollywood 27. He also executive produced the soundtrack, which is available through online retailers such as Amazon.com and iTunes.

Eye On Idol (5/26/11)

/by

I can hardly believe my own eyes. What a shocker. One of the most unbelievable upsets in American Idol hist—okay, who am I kidding?
And so it came to pass that 17-year-old Scotty McCreery was named the second-youngest American Idol (following Jordin Sparks) in history last night (5/25). Scotty was the odds-on favorite for some time, and while I’m not exactly surprised at the results I have to give the guy kudos. He stayed his remarkably consistent musical course and let his aw-shucks charm capture the hearts of the voting population.
Even following the announcement of his win, he quickly and wisely chose his words: “I’ve got to thank the Lord first… he got me here.” If we can get him to start adding the phrase “country radio” in there somewhere, he’ll be all set for the CMA Awards.
Scotty was also quick to praise runner-up Lauren Alaina, as the two met nearly a year ago during the audition rounds. “Me and her have been together since day one and we are going to stay together.” Aww, you guys!
Results aside, it was an exciting finale event worthy of an exciting season. Finalist James Durbin took the stage with metal icons Judas Priest in a rousing medley of “Living After Midnight” and “Breakin’ The Law.” Durbin prowled the stage beside leather clad Priest frontman Rob Halford, living out many a metal fan’s ultimate fantasy. Many viewers–myself included–probably couldn’t help but wonder what a Scotty/James finale would have looked like after seeing this.
Then every big pop star for miles showed up. Lady Gaga performed “The Edge of Glory” on the literal edge of a gigantic rock formation stage prop. Beyonce performed two times–once with the Top 13 females and once solo on her new single “1 + 1.” Bono and The Edge performed with one of the Spider-Man Broadway musical cast members. Even Tony Bennett and a very tan Tom Jones dropped by, adding a touch of class to the proceedings. Judge J.Lo joined hubby Marc Antony and Sheila E. on a sizzling version of “Aguanile.” Judge Steven Tyler reaffirmed his rock god status by howling the Aerosmith classic “Dream On.”
At the beginning of Season 10, I questioned Idol’s relevance in the marketplace and ability to deliver a compelling program. I’m pleased to say I was entirely wrong. Judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler had great chemistry together, there were a couple of surprise eliminations mid-season, and I could even watch the results shows without putting my finger on the fast forward button.
Way to go, Idol. You’ve definitely earned my vote.

Updates From CMA Music Festival and CMT Awards

/by



Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson will perform at the CMA Music Festival. ZBB is also set for the CMT Music Awards.



• CMT Music Awards organizers have added performances by Big & Rich, Toby Keith, Zac Brown Band and Luke Bryan. Recently announced host Kid Rock will perform with Sheryl Crow. The show premieres live on Wed., June 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT on CMT and CMT.com. Already announced performers include Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts and Sugarland.

As the CMA Music Festival draws near, running Thursday through Sunday, June 9-12, here’s a list of the latest updates:
• Zac Brown Band will be joined onstage at LP Field during the nighttime concerts on June 9 by Randy Travis, acclaimed folk/soul artist Amos Lee, and singer/songwriter Sonia Leigh. This is in addition to the previously announced appearance by Alan Jackson.
• The third annual Guitars of the Stars Benefit Auction will be Thurs., June 9, 4 p.m. at Hall of Fame Park. It will give fans the opportunity to bid on acoustic guitars decorated by country stars, with proceeds benefiting the Opry Trust Fund which assists members of the country music community in need. Among the stars confirmed to contribute guitars are Jerrod Niemann, Darius Rucker, and Carrie Underwood. Steve Wariner and Josh Thompson will each contribute performances and an autographed guitar to the free event.
• The Porter Wagoner Memorial Artists & Anglers Fishing Tournament will be Tues., June 7, where country music artists and celebrities will be paired with professional bass anglers for the event at Old Hickory Lake. The weigh-in will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Saunders Ferry Park in Hendersonville, Tenn. To cap the event, Bobby Bare will perform at 7:00 p.m. at the Farm House Restaurant at Fontanel. Both the weigh-in and concert are open to the public.
• David St. Romain will perform at the Nashville Navy Party as one of the events surrounding CMA Music Festival. The show is Tues., June 7 at Limelight at 5 p.m. He is gaining traction with single, “Twenty Years Late,” from his debut album, All I Really Wanted To Say.
LP Field line-up:
Thursday, June 9: Jason Aldean (with a guest performance from Kelly Clarkson), Easton Corbin, Sara Evans, Brad Paisley, and Zac Brown Band (with guest performances from Alan Jackson, Amos Lee, Sonia Leigh, and Randy Travis).
Friday, June 10: Dierks Bentley, Lady Antebellum, Reba, Ashton Shepherd, Sugarland, and Keith Urban.
Saturday, June 11: Trace Adkins, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Josh Turner, and Chris Young.
Sunday, June 12: The Band Perry, the JaneDear girls, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, and Taylor Swift.
The event, which celebrates its 40th birthday since beginning as Fan Fair® in 1972, will once again be filmed for an ABC television special to air in late summer.