Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift will host a live webcast on YouTube Monday, August 13 at 7 p.m. ET. The superstar artist will speak directly to fans and answer questions in real time. The webcast will also include a Google + Hangout with fans around the world.
“I want to share some news with you, some really cool news,” said Swift in a video announcement of the webcast.
The webcast will air live on www.youtube.com/TaylorSwift.
When Vegas bets on you, odds are in your favor to win big. Faith Hill and Tim McGraw like those odds, just like any sane superstar artists with some business savvy should.
Billed as “The biggest musical event in Venetian history,” McGraw and Hill’s famed Soul2Soul show will begin its limited engagement run at the Venetian Theatre on Dec 7 and go 10 weekends through April 2013.
“It’s thrilling for us to be a part of this extraordinary experience,” commented Hill at a town hall style press conference in the 1815-seat theater where the production will be staged. “We are creating a show that is going to be remarkable for our fans… and for us as well.” The theater and the hotel are currently undergoing renovations to accommodate the state of the art show.
Flanked by writer David Wild and Venetian COO and President John Caparella, the country couple answered questions from the national music media about the show, their marriage and Vegas. Caparella, by the way, is a former Gaylord Entertainment executive.
One stipulation for the couple’s participation was that The Venetian allow them to work around their daughters’ school schedules. They have no plans to relocate to Las Vegas full-time.
“We’re parachuting in and out too,” quipped Hill.
Ticket prices start at $95.50 and are already on sale to Venetian Grazie members, Clear Channel subscribers, and Tim and Faith fan club members. The general public gets to purchase them beginning at 10 am Monday, August 13.
But exactly what the show will entail remains unclear. McGraw noted it would feature “a lot of us together. We’re doing some things you can’t do with a different show in a different place every night.” Hill joked that she would be singing all of her hits, and McGraw would do about half of his.
McGraw made an even more intriguing comment by saying, “The chances of us not being onstage together, other than a song or two, are very slim.” The couple has collaborated on hits “Let’s Make Love,” “It’s Your Love,” “I Need You,” and “Like We Never Loved At All” but most of each artist’s hits have been solo endeavors.
“This is us together,” said McGraw. “That’s what this whole show is about.”
McGraw didn’t elaborate whether they would be helping one another on solo material or trying out new collaborative material. Though fans have long hoped for a Hill-McGraw duets album, it does not appear to be in the works for this set of performances. Hill has reportedly finished recording her long-awaited new studio album, and McGraw is in the process of recording his first collection as a Big Machine artist.
Soul2Soul will be the third country show to hit the Vegas strip, following Garth Brooks’ ongoing residency at the Wynn and Shania Twain’s upcoming residency at Caesars Palace. McGraw stressed their show was, “not trying to counterbalance anything Garth is doing.” The pair and Caparella left it open-ended as to whether they might consider extending the performances past April.
“We will certainly give fans what they want,” explained Hill, “but this gives us the opportunity to be creative together like we never have before.”
Which will, undoubtedly, be a necessity. At less than 2000 seats, the opulent Venetian Theatre is a much more intimate venue than the stadiums and arenas both artists are used to playing. It’s also likely a different audience than the rowdy stadium crowd, which will call for some adjustments in presentation.
The Venetian, by the way, was an incredibly gracious host. Media visitors from Nashville and beyond were wined and dined in true Vegas style, including an extravagant dinner at the hotel’s Tao Asian Bistro, and a delicious lunch reception following the press conference. The building also offers oodles of high-end shopping, modeled on the winding streets and canals of Venice. The well-appointed, comfortable guest suites made for a relaxing retreat away from the excitement of the gaming rooms downstairs. A complimentary tray of chocolates (including a chocolate gondola and a marbled chocolate column) was sent to the visitors’ rooms upon arrival, which this writer quickly devoured in its entirety.
After all, what happens in Vegas is supposed to stay there.
SESAC is preparing a $300 million bond sale as reported
by The Wall Street Journal.
The bond offering is being marketed to both institutional investors and high net worth individuals and is backed by the revenues it receives that broadcast their music. The bonds are only available to “qualified institutional buyers,” or those who have $100 million or more of investable assets.
Based in Nashville, SESAC has the exclusive rights to the public broadcast or performance of such legendary artists as Bob Dylan and Neil Diamond.
This is the fourth time SESAC has issued bonds with proceeds going toward paying dividends to shareholders and being used to refinance existing debt among others.
Goldman Sachs is representing the bond offering. Click here for the full article.
The T.J. Martell Foundation will hold its 37th Annual Honors Gala on Tues., October 23 at the Cipriani in New York City.
This year, the foundation will present the Humanitarian of the Year Award to Russell Simmons, the American music business magnate and producer. The Lifetime Music Industry Award will be presented to producer, Randy Jackson. The Spirit of Excellence Award to Del Bryant, President/CEO of BMI and the T.J. Martell Spirit of Life Award to Edward Walson, producer of film and television with Sunrider Productions, Service Electric Cable TV and Regis and Friends TV.
Regis Philbin will present the award to Walson and entertainment attorney, Joel Katz will present the award for Bryant. Other presenters and performers will be announced over the next few weeks along with red carpet attendees.
The evening includes a red carpet, cocktail reception, dinner, awards presentation, musical performances and silent auction to raise funds for cancer and AIDS research.
Tickets and tables are available for purchase on the TJ Martell Foundation website, or by calling (646) 841-1394.
(L-R): Kent Wolfenbarger, Heather Cook; CEO Cook'n Up Music, Simone Simonton (songwriter), Tyler Middleton, and Ryan Beuschel: ASCAP Creative Manager
Cook’n Up Music Publishing signed a worldwide publishing and administrative agreement with songwriter, Simone Simonton. Simonton’s songwriting successes include Sugarland cuts “Baby Girl,” “Down in Mississippi,” “Speed of Life” and “Fly Away.” Simonton’s talent as a drummer/percussionist has also earned her album credits on Indigo Girls/Rites of Passage, Rarities, Retrospective: The Best of the Indigo Girls, Live: Back on the Bus, Y’all from the Indigo Girls.
CEO, Heather Cook says, “We’re excited to have Simone on the team! She brings an edge with her experience of five years as the drummer and primary songwriter for South 70 (Red Light Management), opening for Miranda Lambert, Gretchen Wilson, Chris Young, Styx and others.”
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The Orchard recently announced the signing of the quartet Lonestar. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the band is uniting once again with their original lead vocalist, Richie McDonald, on their upcoming album release.
“Lonestar and The Orchard’s relationship reflects the synergy that is the new model for what bands are doing now and in the future,” says Lonestar’s manager, Corey Wagner. “The band is able to pick all of its partners—management, agent, distribution, promotion—to properly promote and share their new music and intense touring plans.”
“Twenty years ago, when I put this little band together to play in some bars and make a little money, I dreamed it pretty good but I never dreamed it quite this good,” says keyboard player and songwriter Dean Sams.
Lonestar is set to release its new album this fall through The Orchard. The first single “The Countdown” is currently available. Check their website www.lonestarnow.com for band updates.
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L–R: BLA’s Matt McGuire and Zinnia Martinez; RJ Stillwell; The Devious Angels’ Jon Decious and Steevie Steeves; and BLA’s Kevin Neal, Jake Kennedy, David Kiswiney.
Buddy Lee Attractions (BLA) has announced the addition of duo The Devious Angels to its roster. The duo, consisting of Jon Decious and Steevie Steeves, have been in the studio working on its debut album with producers Chad Jeffers and RJ Stillwell; Stillwell also manages the act.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to represent The Devious Angels and to be part of their team,” shared Kevin Neal, President of BLA. “Their songwriting and live performance is undeniable.”
The Devious Angels will perform on Tuesday, August 7 beginning at 7 p.m. at Mercy Lounge as part of The Billy Block Show. For more information, please visit www.thedeviousangels.com and www.buddyleeattractions.com.
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The Bobby Roberts Company recently signed John Anderson for exclusive booking representation.
Curb Records is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, making it longest operating record label with the same ownership. To mark the occasion, Curb is featuring 50 albums over its 50 year history on iTunes.
At the beginning of the 21st century Curb Records became the first independent label to earn Billboard’s Country Music Label of the year, supporting the careers of Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes, Jo Dee Messina, Hank Williams Jr., Wynonna, Lyle Lovett, Clay Walker, Trick Pony, and Rodney Atkins.
Over its 50 years, accolades include:
432 #1 Records (323 singles, 109 albums)
1,514 Top Ten Records (1,102 singles, 412 albums)
4,518 Charted Records (3,231 singles, 1,287 albums)
Success extends to the contemporary Christian genre, for which Curb serves as Chairman and Partner in Word Records, and has become instrumental in the careers of Natalie Grant, Selah, Plumb, MIKESCHAIR, Michael English, and Nicol Sponberg.
“We’ve been successful in large part to our employees, our artist roster, radio and a huge passion for music that inspires people across the globe,” said Curb. “We are forever up to the challenges of the next half century and look forward to expanding upon our success.”
Curb founded Sidewalk Records in 1963 while attending college, with success from the Stone Poneys (featuring Linda Ronstadt), the Arrows (featuring Davie Allan), and the Electric Flag (featuring Buddy Miles and Mike Bloomfield). In 69, Curb merged with MGM Records and became the President of MGM and Verve Records, producing, writing and managing the companies. He grew its Nashville-based artist roster to include Kenny Rogers and the First Edition, Hank Williams Jr., Don Gibson, Mel Tillis, Ray Stevens, and Eddy Arnold.
During the same period, Curb received Billboard’s Overall Producer of the Year Award, and acquired a BMI Award for writing Hank Jr’s first No. 1 single, “All For The Love Of Sunshine,” and another for composing “Burning Bridges,” theme song to Clint Eastwood’s motion picture, Kelly’s Heroes.
Curb established his Nashville office during the 80s, signing the emerging Lyle Lovett, The Judds, Don & Phil Everly, Sawyer Brown, Chris Hillman’s Desert Rose Band, Jeffrey Steele’s band Boy Howdy, The Bellamy Brothers, Ronnie McDowell, Hal Ketchum and The Righteous Brothers.
Curb’s publishing interests earned both a Grammy and Academy Award for his co-published title, “You Light Up My Life.” Curb has scored more than 100 ASCAP, BMI and SESAC award winning songs including Garth Brooks‘ “More Than A Memory,” the first record in Billboard history to debut at No. 1. Curb also published and released Lee Brice’s record-breaking “Love Like Crazy” and recently co-published “Crazy Girl” by The Eli Young Band.
In 2012, the label has released Brice’s Hard 2 Love album including platinum lead single, “A Woman Like You,” attained Rodney Atkins’ 7th No. 1 with “Take a Back Road,” and released Tim McGraw’s Emotional Traffic.
New projects still ahead in the coming year include new releases from Rimes, Andy Gibson, Wynonna, Plumb, Rachel Holder, Michael English and more.
Also in 2012, Curb revitalized Sidewalk Records, which is releasing new music from Heidi Newfield, Clay Walker, Morgan Frazier, Dylan Scott, and a duet featuring Tyler Dean and Ashley Gearing.
Mike Curb recently received a star on both the Music City Walk of Fame and the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Photo: Russ Harrington
What’s that sound?
Oh yes, I remember. It’s called country music. And I don’t mean the overly polished kind that Music Row usually serves us. I mean the Real Deal.
Teea Goans, Herrick, Gold City, Moot Davis, Derek Hoke and Justin Trevino are all back to warm my hillbilly heart with ringing reminders of what old-school country can mean. My enthusiastic encouragement goes out to all of these folks for doing their jobs so well. Again. I’ve praised them all before in this column, and I am happy to do so once more.
It’s awfully hard to argue with the star power of Mary Chapin Carpenter with James Taylor. Especially when the song is as strong as “Soul Companion.” Give that baby a Disc of the Day prize.
I’m sorry to report that no one stepped forward from the ranks of the unknown to claim a DisCovery Award this week. But hope springs eternal. There’s always the next stack of platters….
MOOT DAVIS/Man About Town
Writer: Moot Davis; Producer: Kenny Vaughan; Publisher: Highway Kind, ASCAP; Highway Kind (track) (www.mootdavis.com)
—If you’re a lover of traditional country music and don’t know about Music City’s Moot Davis, you need to get up to speed. The title tune of his newest CD is a moaning barroom ballad that hits right in the gut. His trembling tenor recalls the greatness of Gary Stewart, and his album’s cast includes such luminaries as Harry Stinson, Elizabeth Cook and Chris Scruggs. I caught Moot at the CMA Music Fest a few seasons back, and he blew me away. Get on board.
THE TWANGTOWN PARAMOURS/Chains
Writer: MaryBeth Zamer/Mike T. Lewis; Producer: Mike T. Lewis; Publisher: All Olive/Inside Edge, ASCAP; Inside Edge (track) (www.twangtownparmours.com)
—Led by singer-songwriters Zamer and Lewis, this acoustic group’s new collection is titled The Promise of Friday Night. This tragic, folkie, saga/ballad is one of its compelling centerpieces. Zamer’s clear soprano lead vocals might be too pure sounding for country programmers, but those of you on the Americana airwaves might take to it just fine.
CHUCK HANCOCK/On a Personal Note
Writer: Chuck Hancock; Producer: Bill Bleckley, Mike Schrimpf & Chuck Hancock; Publisher: Chuck Hancock, BMI; CH (track) (www.chuckhancock.com)
—This is the title track to a collection by a country baritone who sings with real Ray Price-style resonance. Its melody is charming, and the lyric catches the ear since it is written as an email to a lover.
MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER & JAMES TAYLOR/Soul Companion
Writer: Mary Chapin Carpenter; Producer: Matt Rollings & Mary Chapin Carpenter; Publisher: Why Walk, ASCAP; Zoe (track) (www.marychapincarpenter.com)
—Chapin’s new Ashes & Roses is as lustrous a set of songs as she has ever issued. Its lead-off single conveys warm yearning for lasting love in its rolling, mid-tempo groove. The two singers are quite striking together, since James’s familiar tenor and Chapin’s soulful alto are coincidentally in exactly the same range and key. Super listening.
DEREK HOKE/Lonely Street
Writer: Derek Hoke; Producer: Dexter Green; Publisher: Slow Hoke, BMI; Electric Western/Thirty Tigers (track) (www.derekhoke.com)
—Mark your calendars. Derek Hoke’s Waiting All Night album release party is at The Groove in East Nashville on Sunday, August 26, at 2:00 in the afternoon. “Free food and beer while it lasts!” reads the invitation. The record will be available in both CD and vinyl formats. That retro touch is appropriate, since this lead-off ballad is a sadly wistful, country-crooner delight. Elsewhere on the set, he bops with garage-band elan, tackles country-rock with fiddle finesse, moans the blues and two-steps like a pro. I have a feeling that his Groove show is going to be a joy.
JENNA JENTRY/Good As Gold
Writer: Jenna Jentry/Kevin DeClue; Producer: Kevin DeClue & Jenna Jentry; Publisher: Jenna Jentry/Kevin DeClue, BMI; JJ (track) (www.jennajentry.com)
—The title tune to Jentry’s CD is a frothy rocker with a well-produced, double-time backing track. Her singing voice is too vanilla to match its energy.
TEEA GOANS & JAMIE DAILEY/That’s Just Me
Writer: Jerry Salley/Lisa Shaffer; Producer: Terry Choate; Publisher: Universal/Brentwood Benson/Lasso the Moon/KLMS, SESAC/ASCAP; Crosswind (track) (www,teeagoans.com)
—This lady’s debut CD made me an instant fan back in 2010. Her sophomore set confirms her complete mastery of country vocal interpreting. She and Jamie sway through this two-step title tune like a perfectly matched honky-tonk prince and princess. Also check out her stunning solo reading of Larry Gatlin’s “I’ve Done Enough Dying Today.” This, my friends, is Country Music, and I am completely in love.
JUSTIN TREVINO/Two of the Usual
Writer: Fred Carter Jr.; Producer: Justin Trevino; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Heart of Texas (track) (325-597-1895)
—This neo-traditionalist has been making exemplary CDs in Texas for several seasons. His latest is a steel-soaked gem that kicks off with this slow-shuffle title tune. His love flaunts her cheating in front of him in this classic-sounding lament. Amber Digby’s harmony vocal on the chorus is a piercing plus.
GOLD CITY/Peter, James and John
Writer: Dianne Wilkinson; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Christian Taylor/Daywind/EverGreen, BMI; New Haven (track) (www.newhavenrecords.com)
—New Haven Records has a nifty compilation of this year’s Southern-gospel winners from the Singing News fan awards. This is meat-and-potatoes, old-school stuff, people. In addition to tracks by The Perrys, The Kingsmen, The McKameys and other all-day-sing favorites, the label’s own Gold City is represented by this soul-stirring, harmony-saturated toe tapper. Clap along and shout, “Hallelujah!”
HERRICK/Do You Love Me
Writer: Kerry Herrick/Donna Herrick; Producer: Herrick & Michael Bonagura; Publisher: Herrick KDK, BMI; BreakAway (track) (www.herricklive.com)
—I have praised this foursome effusively in the past. Lead singer Donna Herrick penetrates this percolating track with passion, while her own mandolin sets the throbbing pace of the production. This has drive, dynamism and drama. Play it.
Kenny Chesney’s current single “Come Over” has topped the Country Singles Charts in only 11 weeks. “Come Over” is Chesney’s 24th career #1 single and was certified Gold last week for digital sales in excess of 500,000.
“Come Over” is the second single from Chesney’s Welcome To The Fishbowl album, which has already yielded the Top 10 single, “Feel Like A Rock Star,” featuring Tim McGraw. Chesney and McGraw have been sharing the stage this summer on the Brothers of the Sun Tour. Next week, the tour makes its way to the Big Easy with a play at the Superdome and then travels to Houston for a Saturday show at Reliant Stadium.
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Coming off the heels of his 10th No. 1 hit as a songwriter and artist, Dierks Bentley’s new single “Tip It On Back” is now available at country radio. “Tip It On Back,” written by Ross Copperman, Tully Kennedy and Jon Nite, chases three consecutive No. one hits off Bentley’s sixth studio album Home. Fans can download a special edit of “Tip It On Back” on iTunes as part of Bentley’s upcoming Country & Cold Cans EP out Aug. 21.
Alongside the release of Bentley’s Country & Cold Cans EP, Bentley will kick off tailgating season at three SEC campuses this month, with stops scheduled at The University of Georgia (8/20), The University of South Carolina (8/21) and Ole Miss (8/22). For more information on the new music and for a full list of upcoming tour dates, visit www.dierks.com.
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Jason Aldean took the stage as stadium headliner Sunday night (8/5) to a sold-out crowd when the 2012 My Kinda Party Tour, presented by State Farm, stopped at Crew Stadium in Columbus, OH. The crowd of over 27,000 people was the largest in the venue’s history.
State Farm has signed on as the presenting tour sponsor for the remainder of the year. Aldean has sold out every tour date so far this year, setting attendance records at most venues. The tour tallies 1.9 million tickets sold to date, and it continues on this weekend with stops in Jacksonville, Tampa and West Palm. For a full list of appearances and upcoming tour dates, visit www.jasonaldean.com.
Colt Ford’s fourth studio album Declaration of Independence hits stores nationwide today, Aug. 7. The 15-track release features collaborations with Jason Aldean, Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men, Kix Brooks, Montgomery Gentry, Jake Owen, Darius Rucker and more.
Released on Average Joes Entertainment, Declaration of Independence is produced by Shannon Houchins and Dann Huff. Of the 15 tracks, Ford wrote or co-wrote 14 of them.
“This album is very real and honest and by far the best record I’ve ever made,” Ford says. “The last two records—I stand up and cheer for them—but I tried to make a lot of people happy on the last two records and I took the edge off of it. On this record I put the edge back on there.”
Declaration of Independence Track Listing:
1. “Answer To No One” feat. JJ Lawhorn
2. “Drivin’ Around Song” feat. Jason Aldean
3. “All In” feat. Kix Brooks
4. “Ain’t Out Of The Woods Yet” feat. Montgomery Gentry
5. “Back” with Jake Owen
6. “Dancin’ While Intoxicated (DWI)” feat. LoCash Cowboys and Redneck Social Club
7. “It’s All” feat. Jeffrey Steele
9. “Hugh Damn Right” feat. Laura Bell Bundy
10. “Room At The Bar” feat. Corey Smith
11. “All Of My Tomorrows” feat. Russell Dickerson
12. “Happy In Hell” feat. Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men
13. “50/50”
14. “Way Too Early” feat. Darius Rucker
15. “Angels & Demons” feat. Lamar Williams Jr.
To purchase Declaration of Independence online, click here.
Non-profit distributor of digital performance royalties, SoundExchange will partner with BandPage, an online tool for musicians, to deliver more than $2 million in unclaimed digital performance royalties.
Bandpage musicians with unclaimed performance royalties will be notified directly by the company via email if registered with the royalty distributor.
“This initiative with BandPage allows us to reach all types of musicians and is part of our ongoing effort to spread the news about these royalties to all that have earned them,” said SoundExchange President Michael Huppe.
Earlier this year, the two companies hosted an educational webinar as part of an ongoing series informing and educating artists, labels and services of digital music.
SoundExchange has paid out $1 billion in royalties to recording artists and labels for statutory royalties collected from satellite radio, internet radio, cable TV music channels and other streaming services granted by the Copyright Royalty Board as the only U.S. entity to collect and distribute these royalties.