Kenny Chesney Joins Farm Aid Lineup

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Kenny Chesney will perform for Farm Aid’s annual Food and Music Festival benefit concert at Pennsylvania’s Hersheypark Stadium on Sat., Sept. 22.

“Growing up in a small town outside Knoxville, family farmers were a big part of our community,” said Chesney, who is from Luttrell, Tenn. “I am proud to play on the Farm Aid stage again, especially in Central Pennsylvania, where agriculture is at the heart of the community.”

Chesney joins the 2012 lineup featuring Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews (with Tim Reynolds). Jack Johnson, ALO, Pegi Young & The Survivors, and Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real will also perform.

Ticket prices range from $35.75 to $99.75 and available at Live Nation and Ticket Master websites. VIP Packages are available exclusively at www.ticketsforcharity.com.

Farm Aid has raised more than $40 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement.

UMG Acquisition of EMI Divides Indie Community

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When Universal’s acquisition of EMI was first announced, members of the independent label community were among the most vocal opponents, citing concerns that the newly combined major would control too much of the market.

Since then, European regulators have expressed similar concerns, and requested Universal and EMI divest a significant amount of assets—about $300 million worth according to the New York Times— in order to win government approval of the transaction. The European Commission wants to reduce the combined market share to less than 40% in any given territory.

As a result, indie labels now stand to benefit from the proposed transaction because they could purchase the assets EMI is selling.

EMI imprints and/or back catalogs up for bids include Virgin, Mute, and Chrysalis—labels that were born as indies and later sold to EMI. UMG boss Lucian Grainge, who would prefer to keep these catalogs out of the hands of the other majors, is trying to entice the entrepreneurs who founded the indies to purchase them back. He is even offering financing to indies. Virgin founder Richard Branson is reportedly working with Patrick Zelnik, the head of the French label Naïve, on a bid for Virgin. Mute founder Daniel Miller is also eyeing his former catalog.

According to the NYT, these opportunities have internally strained Impala, the international indie label trade organization which staunchly opposes the UMG/EMI transaction. Some of Impala’s most prominent members now stand to gain from the deal the group is fighting, including Zelnik who is an Impala board member.

Additionally, the Wall Street Journal reports that the European Commission may not be satisfied with UMG’s proposed back catalog divestments and may urge Universal to sell off the rights to newer music, which could expose the label group to breach of contract lawsuits.

Moreover, UMG may have to pay nearly the entire $1.9 billion purchase price before antitrust regulators in Europe have approved the deal, according to the WSJ.

Universal has until Aug. 1 to file proposed measures to appease the European Commission, which would then have until Sept. 27 to rule on the acquisition.

Paisley Rumored For “Idol” Judging Slot

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Photo: Jim Shea

Brad Paisley: guitar slinging country star, CMA Awards co-host, book author, and next American Idol judge?

According to deadline.com, Paisley is one of the male personalities currently being considered by American Idol producers for the show’s 12th season. Paisley would fill the role vacated by Steven Tyler, who announced he was leaving the show earlier in July.

“After some long … hard … thoughts … I’ve decided it’s time for me to let go of my mistress ‘American Idol’ before she boils my rabbit,” said Tyler in a statement. “I strayed from my first love, Aerosmith, and I’m back — but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I’ve got two fists in the air and I’m kicking the door open with my band.”

The Paisley rumor follows the big announcement on Monday (7/23) that superstar Mariah Carey has been tapped as the new female Idol judge, replacing the outgoing Jennifer Lopez. Remaining original Idol judge Randy Jackson will reportedly also stay on board.

It could be an important move for Paisley if true, as country stars have benefited greatly from reality TV exposure in recent years. Notably, Blake Shelton broadened his appeal and won America’s heart as a mentor on NBC’s The Voice, and Keith Urban opted for a position with the show’s Australian version. Additionally, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland recently participated in the first season of Duets, and Martina McBride is currently mentoring participants on the new E! series Opening Act. Celebrity Apprentice winner John Rich will also pop up on The Next: Fame Is At Your Doorstep, which premieres on the CW in fall.

ACM Announces Staff Promotions

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The Academy of Country Music today (7/25) announced several staff promotions and a recent hire. “The Academy’s staff has more than doubled in the past five years, and we are excited to recognize the good work of so many of our newest staff members,” said Tiffany Moon, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of the Academy of Country Music.

Lauren Brauchli is upped to Manager, Creative, PR & Production. She joined the company over a year ago and reports to Lisa Lee, Senior Vice President, Creative, PR & Production. Brauchli’s experience includes being a key contributor to the award-winning documentary Bound By Hope: One Family’s Story.

Amy Cannon is promoted to Manager, Brand Integration & Strategic Partnerships. She joined the Academy last summer, when her work on sponsorship procurement with Teresa George at Cornerstone Communications was brought in house at the Academy. She reports to George, Senior Vice President, Brand Integration & Strategic Partnerships. They are based in Nashville, while most of the ACM staff is in Encino, California.

Jenny Driessen advances to Social Media Manager, Creative, PR & Production. She joined the ACM in 2010 as an events department intern and was promoted to Coordinator, Membership & Events. She reports to Brooke Primero, Senior Vice President, Publicity.

Tommy Moore is promoted to Coordinator, Administration & Operations. Moore, a recent graduate of Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, joined the Academy in December. He coordinates overall administration of the ACM office with a focus on ticketing, operations, finance, and Board of Directors communication. He reports to Moon and Erick Long, Senior Vice President, Operations & Events.

Addie Saloman is upped to Coordinator, Membership & Industry Relations. She joined the Academy last November as an assistant. Saloman will maintain the Academy’s awards voting research, liaise with the committees and coordinate key Academy industry events. Saloman graduated from Belmont University and reports to Michelle Goble, Senior Vice President, Membership & Industry Relations.

New hire Kathryn Nauman joins as Assistant, Membership & Industry Relations. She graduated from Arizona State University and interned at the Academy and Clear Channel Radio. She also reports to Goble.

The Mavericks Reveal Album Release Date and Tracklist

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'In Time' Album Artwork: Stephen Averill/Mark Tucker

The Mavericks latest album, In Time, is slated for release September 25 in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the band’s first major label album release.

Cuban-American frontman Raul Malo wrote or co-wrote all 10 songs on the The Valory Music Co. project, in addition to co-producing the album with Niko Bolas. The group’s current single, “Born To Be Blue” (music video attached below) lands at No. 58 on this week’s CountryBreakout Chart.

“The idea that we came together and made this record is a testament to faith, fate, and chance,” said Malo. “All three were essential in the making of In Time. In turn, this is the record we are most proud of.”

In Time Tracklist:

Back In Your Arms Again (Raul Malo, Gary Nicholson, Seth Walker)
Lies (Raul Malo, Al Anderson, Bob DiPiero)
Born To Be Blue (Raul Malo, James House)
Come Unto Me (Raul Malo)
In Another’s Arms (Raul Malo)
Fall Apart (Raul Malo)
That’s Not My Name (Raul Malo, Wally Wilson)
Amsterdam Moon (Raul Malo)
As Long As There’s Loving Tonight (Raul Malo, Alan Miller, Seth Walker)
Call Me When You Get To Heaven (Raul Malo)

Snapshots (7/25/12)

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Songwriter/recording artist and SESAC affiliate Cledus T. Judd has signed an exclusive agreement with Warner Chappell Music Publishing/Amylase Entertainment for representation. Judd, along with Warner Chappell and Amylase executives, stopped by SESAC’s Nashville headquarters recently for a visit.

(L-R): SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Warner Chappell’s B.J. Hill & Alicia Pruitt, Amylase Entertainment’s Tracey Jones, Judd, Amylase Entertainment’s Whit Jeffords and Curt Jones, SESAC’s Tim Fink, Warner Chappell’s Steve Markland and Phil May. Photo: Peyton Hoge

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The Academy of Country Music welcomed ACM Award winner Dwight Yoakam for a visit earlier this month. While at the Academy he previewed songs from his upcoming album, 3 Pears, which will be released Sept. 18 on Warner Bros. Records. Yoakam will be honored with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award at the 6th Annual ACM Honors event on Sept. 24 in Nashville.

(L-R): Tree Paine, Warner Music Nashville; Bob Romeo, ACM CEO; Dwight Yoakam; Laura McCorkindale, Bluebird House; Michelle Goble, ACM Senior Vice President, Membership & Industry Relations) Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the ACM

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Eli Young Band took fan appreciation to the next level recently by calling their fans directly for several hours on Sunday (7/22). They wanted to personally thank their fans for recent career successes including chart topper “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.”

(L-R): Chris Thompson, James Young, Mike Eli, Jon Jones Photo: HBPR and Triple 8 Management

Wade Bowen Adds Acoustic Tour Dates

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Wade Bowen continues his summer touring schedule with the addition of two northeast acoustic shows next month. Bowen will join fellow Texas native and Red Sox baseball star Josh Beckett at Boston’s House of Blues for The Beckett Bowl 10 Man Jam on Aug. 20. All proceeds will benefit The Josh Beckett Foundation.

Bowen will then head to New York City where he is slated to perform a full acoustic set at Joe’s Pub on Aug. 22. “I love throwing down with the band each night on tour, but I jump at the chance to play acoustic shows…especially when Josh Beckett calls you up to help,” said Bowen. “I look forward to heading northeast to see some familiar faces and hope to meet some new fans.”

Produced by Justin Niebank, Bowen’s recent release The Given includes nine songs penned by the artist, and a cover of Townes Van Zandt’s “To Live Is To Fly” featuring guest vocals by Guy Clark.

Fans can now purchase tickets to both shows by visiting www.wadebowen.com.

Colt Ford Debuts Video From Upcoming Album

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Colt Ford with "Lizard Lick Towing" cast.

Colt Ford recently released a new music video for “Back,” the lead single from his fourth studio album, Declaration of Independence, due out Aug. 7. The video was shot in his hometown Athens, Ga. and directed by Potsy Ponciroli and produced by Shannon Houchins.

“Back” was co-written by Ford, Houchins and Noah Gordan, and features guest Jake Owen.

Available for pre-order on iTunes, the album also includes collaborations with Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, Kix Brooks, Montgomery Gentry and more.

In more news from Ford, he appeared on a recent episode of truTV’s, Lizard Lick Towing. The docu-series follows the Shirleys, a family that repossesses vehicles and machinery.

Ford was forced to postpone an acoustic show in Charlestown, MD for local station WXCY earlier this week (7/23). Public safety officials became concerned due to the overwhelming number of fan phone calls to the station and venue. Ford explains the postponement and promises to return in a short video.

In career album sales, the Average Joes artist has passed the 900k mark and is heading for one million. He has sold over 3.1 million digital singles since his 2008 debut. Other Ford ventures include his brand of Goodtime Vodka and Moonshine, and a partnership with Santa Fe Cattle Co. for his “Mr. Goodtime” burger.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (7/25/12)

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Clay Wilson, Gordon Mote

Newcomer male artists are jostling for position this week.

Duking it out for the DisCovery Award are Nick Verzosa, The Clay Wilson Band, Troy Cook Jr. and Chad Sullins & Last Call Coalition. Cook is a Nashvillian. Sullins hails from Oklahoma. Verzosa and Wilson are Texans. Our winner is The Clay Wilson Band, for having the complete package of solid singing, a fresh instrumental approach and super songwriting.

As a Music Row session musician, Gordon Mote usually works in the shadows of big country stars. Today, he steps into the spotlight with a Disc of the Day award. He may be blind, but he has the sharpest country-music vision of the week.

NICK VERZOSA/7th Year Senior
Writer: Nick Verzosa; Producer: Walt Wilkins; Publisher: none listed; NV (www.nickverzosa.com)
—It’s a burbling, bubbling, tangy, twangy, quasi-rockabilly fun fest. “They say that college is the best years of your life, so why would you want to graduate?” So he’s drinking all night, sleeping until noon and being a goof-off. Dude, sounds like a plan.

CHARLIE McCOY, RICKY SKAGGS & ROY CLARK/Mind Your Own Business
Writer: Hank Williams; Producer: Charlie McCoy & Eric Paul; Publisher: none listed; Diamond Disc (track) (www.charliemccoy.com)
—Country Hall of Fame member McCoy has a Hank Williams tribute CD called Lonesome Whistle. His mournful harmonica tones are perfect for Hank’s bluesy melodies. Among his guests on the set are Skaggs and Clark, who join him for a swinging version of this classic. Ricky not only sings, but provides a mandolin solo; and Roy does the same on electric guitar. The whole collection is highly listenable.

CHELSEA BAIN/What If I
Writer: Tommy Collier/Jim Cooper/Terri Jo Box; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Starplane/Jimvision/Songs of Merf, SESAC/ASCAP; Rock Ridge/Jobe
—Lilting, pleading and yearning, to the accompaniment of soft strings and twinkling acoustic instruments. Extremely well produced, whoever you are.

LUKE BRYAN/Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye
Writer: Luke Bryan/Jeff Stevens/Shane McAnally; Producer: Jeff Stevens; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Peanut Mill/Chrysalis/Big Motor/Crazy Water/Little Blue Egg, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol (track)
—It may be over, but that’s no reason not to go to bed together one more time. Uptempo, which is what he does best.

CHAD SULLINS & THE LAST CALL COALITION/That God for Jack Daniels
Writer: Erspamer/Sanchez/Sauder; Producer: Wes Sharon; Publisher: Radio 229/Scout World, no performance rights listed; Smith Entertainment (track)
—I like these guys. Sullins has a dry, dusty, slightly raspy delivery. The song is a wry, winking little gem. The rocking band kicks serious butt. And when everybody shouts along in unison at the finale, the party is in full swing.

THE ROYS/Still Standing
Writer: Lee Roy/Elaine Roy; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Rural Rhythm (www.theroysonline.com)
—This bluegrass duo serves up a sprightly ditty of survival with plenty of fleet-fingered instrumental support. Their strongest outing yet.

THE CLAY WILSON BAND/Not OK
Writer: Clay Wilson; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; CWB (www.theclaywilsonband.com)
—She’s gone, and he’s definitely down in the dumps about it. The intimacy of the vocal, the solid songwriting and the moody instrumental support are all first rate. It builds to a surprisingly frothy, thrashing conclusion. Yet another welcome gift from the Lone Star State.

GORDON MOTE/Call Me Gone
Writer: Kenneth D. Hinson; Producer: Gordon Mote & Phil Johnson; Publisher: Songs of Calvary, BMI; New Haven (track) (www.gordonmote.com)
—Gordon is a first-call session keyboardist for the likes of Brad Paisley, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts and Alan Jackson. He also has a side career as a gospel record maker. His latest offering is titled Songs I Grew Up Singing. This lead single from it is as country as grits, saturated with moaning melody, spiced with a recitation, full of rolling piano work and led by a heartfelt vocal. Say Amen.

SHAWNA RUSSELL/Sounds Like a Party
Writer: Shawna Russell/Keith Russell/Tim Russell; Producer: Julian King, Clif Doyal & Tim Russell; Publisher: Blue Buckaroo, BMI; Way Out West (615-319-1863)
—Bopping and energetic, if a little generic sounding.

TROY COOK JR./Lazy American Dream
Writer: Don Bradley; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Peachmint, BMI; TCJ (www.troycookjrmusic.com)
—He thinks people on food stamps have 52-inch, HD television sets and free, all-inclusive health insurance. Also, they go out on the town while the kids are away at school and have “a real nice place to live.” I prescribe a tour of an urban housing project.

Big Smo Tomorrow at Pickin’ on the Patio

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Big Smo

• New Warner Music Nashville artist Big Smo will headline tomorrow night’s (7/26) Pickin’ On The Patio party at 5 p.m. at the WMN offices. Big Smo’s brand of hick-hop became a YouTube sensation with the video “Kickin’ It In Tennessee,” from his third independent album, American Made. Big Smo, the self-proclaimed “Boss of the Stix,” recently played at CMA Music Festival and BamaJam and has upcoming tour dates with Brantley Gilbert. Pickin’ On The Patio is held the fourth Thursday of every month, from May to September. The next one will be Aug. 23. www.therealbigsmo.com

The Wallflowers

• The Americana Music Festival and Conference is teaming with Live On The Green to present The Wallflowers at the free weekly concert series as part of the festival on Thurs., Sept. 13. Delta Spirit and The Dunwells will open the show. The Wallflowers’ new studio album was recorded in Nashville and by produced Jay Joyce. The free, public concert series is held at Public Square Park in front of the Metro Courthouse. Presented by Lightning 100 in partnership with the Nashville Mayor’s Office, the series runs for six Thursday nights beginning Sept. 6 through October. For the full lineup and event details, visit www.liveonthegreen.net.

• The Nashville Public Library presents Courtyard Concerts Aug. 14 – Oct. 9. The lunchtime performance series will run Tuesdays from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Among the performers will be The Wanna Beatles (8/14), Gypsy Hombres (8/28), Riders in the Sky (9/11), The SteelDrivers (9/25) and Jason D. Williams (10/9). For more information, visit www.library.nashville.org.

• The Music City Festival & BBQ Championship will feature performances by David Ball and The Pioneer Playboys, Grand Funk Railroad, The Fabulous Thunderbirds featuring Kim Wilson, and music from the Nashville Blues Society. To be held Aug. 24 – 25 at the Lawn at Riverfront and nearby Riverfront Park, the event will have the best grill masters in the nation vying for $25,000 in cash and prizes. There will also be a car show, kids zone, craft beers, and Hooters Hot Wing Eating Championship. Proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and Shriners Hospitals for Children. Advance tickets start at $10. Details at www.musiccitybbqfestival.com.