Blaster Records has announced the appointment of Gator Michaels as the label’s new VP of Promotions, effective immediately. Michaels will report directly to President Mike Dennison, and he will be joined by his Instigator Entertainment staff to handle promotion initiatives for the label’s artists including Aaron Lewis, Hank Williams Jr., and Neal McCoy among others.
“With the challenges faced today in our genre and the fighting for radio airplay, hiring a great team to support our current and future roster is vital,” says Blaster CEO Tom Porter. “Gator has an outstanding reputation and we are proud to add him into our growing Blaster family.”
Michaels is a veteran promotion executive whose previous experience includes a decade in country radio, as well as eight years leading the promotion department at Warner Bros. Nashville. He also served as VP of Promotion for Dreamcatcher Entertainment, helping take Kenny Rogers’ “Buy Me a Rose” to No. 1.
Rounding out Blaster’s in-house staff will be Glenn Noblit, National Director ([email protected]); Dave Collins, Regional Director ([email protected]); Weslea Neas, Regional Director ([email protected]); Luke Jensen, Regional Director ([email protected]); and Mallory Opheim, Coordinator ([email protected]). The label’s physical address is 20 Music Sq. E., Nashville, TN 37203.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/10190245/gm.jpg287200Freemanhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngFreeman2012-10-25 15:10:482012-10-25 15:10:48Michaels to Helm Blaster Records Promotion
Episode 103: “Someday You’ll Call My Name” (a Hank Williams song)
Directed by Michael Engler
Family drama fueled last night’s (10/24) episode of Nashville. Juliette’s junkie mom showed up in town, and Rayna continued to battle with her father Lamar. Meanwhile, musician Deacon balanced the tightrope between the two women before finally making a decision about who to tour with. Ratings stayed steady compared to last week with about 6.6 million viewers, according to Zap2it.com.
But before we get to the recap, let’s talk about the new music. Scarlett and Gunnar debuted the songs “Fade Into You” (writers: Matt Jenkins, Trevor Rosen, Shane McAnally) and “I Will Fall” (Kate York, Tyler James). Scarlett—played by Australian Clare Bowen and sporting the show’s least convincing Southern accent—choked during her demo session with co-writer/potential love interest Gunnar. Watty White was producing the session at Ben’s Studio, previously known as RCA Studio A. Scarlett finally rallied with the help of alt-country boyfriend Avery and was a studio success. But supporting Scarlett isn’t his only intention, with songwriter ambitions of his own he’s making sure Watty knows his name. On a side note, last week Rayna referred to him as “Uncle Watty” but we still don’t know that relationship, perhaps her late mother’s brother?
Juliette, who is on a mission to be taken more seriously as an artist, enticed Deacon to join her at Starstruck Studios to record their co-write “Undermine.” She reserves her softer side for him—manager Glenn isn’t so lucky—and she confides to Deacon that part of the song is about her mom.
Then the mama drama begins. Juliette’s mom Jolene-The-Junkie showed up at the record label, then tracked down her daughter on Demonbreun, and then found her the way to the gates of Juliette’s neighborhood, Hill Place. Try as she might, Juliette couldn’t get mom to go back to ‘Bama, so she reluctantly took her in following an arrest at the bus station to avoid public humiliation. As the episode closed, we saw Juliette shoplifting a bottle of nail polish (likely named Ironic Red) while teenagers caught the act on cell phone video. Looks like this will come back to bite her next week.
While both have parental issues, the contrast between Juliette’s and Rayna’s upbringings becomes more clear each week. Rayna and husband Teddy are still “cash poor” so Daddy Lamar sent over a $500,000 check, but the “loan” is saddled with stipulations designed to halt her music career.
It’s hard to believe $500K would make a dent in the debt that Rayna seems to be facing. Check out the real-life listing for the $19.5 million estate which is used for Rayna’s residence. (It’s the Page Rd. home of Sylvia Roberts. After shooting on location, the Nashville crew re-created the kitchen and master suite on a soundstage.) Rayna turned down the money and had her requisite weekly fight with her dad. Then her sister Tandy revealed that Lamar hates Rayna’s singing career because their mother was having an affair with a musician before she died.
Because Teddy is largely to blame for their financial ruin, he sucked up his pride and headed to the Music City Credit Union (aka the Roundabout Building) for a line of credit. While there, he found out the Feds are auditing the bank. This could be a major problem for Teds, whose shady dealings might be discovered just as his mayoral campaign gears up.
And Rayna’s own daughters unknowingly stirred up drama by singing Juliette’s hit “Telescope” at the school talent show. Mom cheered through the tears for her girls, played by real-life sisters Lennon & Maisy Stella, ages 13 and 8.
Torn between Juliette’s rocking arena tour and Rayna’s smaller bus-sharing tour, Deacon decided to stay loyal to Rayna. Their scenes are often the most honest, such as the one at Percy Warner Park, when she told him, “You and music—there’s no difference. I feel like I’m holding these hearts in my hands, and I’m trying real hard not break ‘em, but my heart’s in pieces.”
In future episodes, look for appearances by Wyclef Jean and Kimberly Williams Paisley.
Warner/Chappell Music announced today (Oct. 25) that Ben Vaughn has been appointed to run the Nashville office as Executive Vice President, Warner/Chappell Nashville, a newly created position. In the role Vaughn, previously Executive VP/GM for EMI Music Publishing Nashville, will report to Jon Platt, President, Creative – North America, Warner/Chappell. Continuing at the Nashville operations are General Manager Phil May and VP Steve Markland.
“Ben’s incredible track record of songwriter development speaks for itself,” said Platt. “His A&R vision, leadership skills and business instincts have made him one of Nashville’s most dynamic and influential executives. I have worked closely with Ben for years and I’ve no doubt he is the perfect fit for Warner/Chappell and its mission to be the first-choice home for the world’s most extraordinary songwriters.”
In 2010 Vaughn was tapped to lead EMI Publishing’s Country division, making him the youngest executive to head a major publisher in Nashville, a post which he held until the company was acquired by Sony/ATV in 2012. In total, Vaughn spent 10 years with EMI, signing writers including Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, and Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott, among others. The move reunites Vaughn with Platt, who previously served as President of North America Creative for EMI Music Publishing until Summer 2012, and marks a talent coup for Warner/Chappell Chairman/CEO Cameron Strang.
“Ben will bring an additional level of creativity and innovative thinking to our senior team and our thriving Nashville operations,” said Strang. “With Ben working with our General Manager, Phil May, we will continue to build our ability to provide great services to our songwriters and publishing partners, taking their success to new heights.”
Warner/Chappell Nashville’s track record over the past year has included nine No. 1 hits and a 15.1 percent share of Country radio airplay. The company has newly signed songwriters including Dean Alexander, Josh Abbott, TJ and John Osborne, and Laura Veltz.
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Toby Keith‘s new album Hope on the Rocks hits stores next Tuesday, Oct. 30, and he’s giving fans the chance to hear the entire album right now as well as win some exciting prizes.
Fans can visit www.tobykeith.com/hopeontherockssweeps/ and sign up to hear the entire deluxe version of the album and enter the sweepstakes through Friday, Oct. 26. Weekly prizes have been awarded throughout the month, including custom corn hole game boards, branded guitars, red Solo cup plaque, and tour tickets, all of which are leading up to the Grand Prize Mexican vacation to Cabo San Lucas.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/10190246/TK-1.jpg260390Eric T. Parkerhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngEric T. Parker2012-10-25 10:46:472012-10-25 10:46:47Toby Keith Previews “Hope On the Rocks” For Fans
American Country Awards nominees Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan and Little Big Town are set to perform at the show on Mon., Dec. 10, 8:00-10:00 PM/ET live on FOX.
Hosted by Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, the event at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas will also feature appearances by Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Casey James, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Brice, Jana Kramer, Dustin Lynch and Chris Young. Additional performers and presenters to be announced soon.
Voting for all categories remains open until Mon., Nov. 12 at www.theacas.com. Voting for Artist of the Year continues until Fri., Dec. 7.
Aldean swept the ACAs last year, taking home six awards, including Artist of the Year. He is nominated five times this year. Bryan earned seven ACA nominations this year, Lady A captured six, and Bentley and Little Big Town scored one each.
American Country Awards is executive-produced by Bob Bain (Teen Choice 2012, Kids’ Choice Awards). Fletcher Foster, Paul Flattery and Tisha Fein serve as producers. Greg Sills is supervising producer. Michael Dempsey will direct the live special.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/10190245/aca.jpeg162280Sarah Skateshttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2012-10-25 10:37:012012-10-25 10:37:01American Country Awards Adds Performers
Average Joe’s flagship artist Colt Ford is taking his music out west for a quick fall tour, accompanied by label mate JJ Lawhorn. The Answer To No One Tour, named for the collaboration with Lawhorn on Ford’s new album Declaration of Independence, will play 12 cities beginning Friday, Oct. 26 in Mesa, Arizona.
“I’m really excited to be headed back out West,” says Ford. “I’m bringing my buddy JJ Lawhorn on the road with us. We’ll be visiting a lot of great cities on the tour and can’t wait for it to kick off!”
Answer To No One Tour dates:
10/26 – Mesa, AZ
10/27 – Tucson, AZ
10/28 – San Bernardino, CA
10/31 – San Juan Capistrano, CA
11/1 – Bakersfield, CA
11/2 – San Jose, CA
11/3 – Sacramento, CA
11/4 – Springfield, OR
11/6 – Portland, OR
11/7 – Boise, ID
11/8 – West Valley City, UT
11/9 – Denver, CO
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/10190246/cf-tour.jpg360269Freemanhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngFreeman2012-10-25 10:36:082012-10-25 10:36:08Colt Ford Plots Fall Tour
On Nov. 19 Rascal Flatts will release the DVD Rascal Flatts: All Access & Uncovered, which follows the making of the band’s Changed album.
Fans will see exclusive performance footage of the group’s biggest hits and interviews from the road. It shares stories behind the songs, and shows the recording process at Jay DeMarcus’ home studio, where the album was produced with Dann Huff.
The flick made a one-night-only debut in movie theaters across the country in conjunction with the album release earlier this year. The group celebrated with fans at the AMC Theater in New York City’s Times Square.
Rascal Flatts will kick off the winter leg of the Farmers Insurance Presents Changed Tour on Jan. 10, 2013 with special guests The Band Perry.
Since Rascal Flatts’ debut in 2000, the band has sold over 21 million albums, and 25 million digital downloads.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/10190246/click1.jpeg405350Sarah Skateshttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2012-10-25 10:07:042012-10-25 10:07:04Rascal Flatts Plan DVD Release
Suzanne Strickland and Scot Sherrod have officially launched RareSpark Media Group, Inc., offering music publishing, production, development and management services. The company’s first signings are songwriter/producer Jon McElroy, Victoria Banks, Jim Reilley, and E Marlowe.
McElroy’s cuts include Lee Brice’s “Happy Endings” and “Upper Middle Class White Trash,” Neal McCoy’s “The Shake,” and Patty Loveless’ “She Drew A Broken Heart.” Banks, the 2010 CCMA Female Artist and Songwriter of the Year, has had cuts by Sara Evans and Jessica Simpson. Singer-songwriter/producer Reilley is formerly of The New Dylans and has cuts by Vince Gill, Hal Ketchum, Jack Ingram, and Sam Bush. Rising writer E Marlowe is a past winner of the CMT/NSAI song contest.
Scot Sherrod will oversee day-to-day operations as VP/GM. “We are forging ahead in this ever-evolving industry,” he says, “continually finding new ways to help the songwriter develop, build, and manage their career—constantly striving to increase their brand, building enterprises for each individual that will financially sustain them through their art.”
Scot Sherrod
Owner/CEO Suzanne Strickland brings more than a decade as a songwriter and CCM touring artist to the venture. She also spent 10 years as director of operations for A&M Recovery Services, Inc., a mortgage field services company. “Our deals will fundamentally be the same for every songwriter as far as ownership, but we will tailor every deal from a creative perspective to meet the needs of each individual,” she says. “Being based in Nashville, the epicenter of songwriting, is important to us. However, we are passionate about coming up with new and innovative ways of marketing our songwriters in the industry and the marketplace without limiting ourselves geographically, or with regard to platform and genre.”
In recent years Sherrod has represented, produced, composed and/or performed works licensed in theatrical trailers and movies including Zombieland, Bounty Hunter, Knight and Day, Airbender, Green Lantern and Lost Boys III, as well as a national ad for Volvo. He previously spent 12 years at Major Bob Music and two years at Muy Bueno Music Group. As a producer he worked with Juno Award winner George Canyon. He also helped place “More Than A Memory” with Garth Brooks.
Montgomery Gentry released a new digital EP titled, Friends and Family, yesterday (9/23) via Average Joe’s. The collection includes the group’s latest single, “I’ll Keep The Kids,” co-written by Eddie Montgomery, Ira Dean and Phil O’Donnell.
The single lands at No. 43 after 3 weeks on this week’s MusicRow Chart. Track listing is included below.
Additionally, Montgomery Gentry is featured on Average Joe’s Muddy Christmas album with its re-release of “Merry Christmas From The Family.”
Friends and Family track listing:
1) I’ll Keep the Kids
2) Where I Come From (Remix) [feat. Colt Ford & the Lacs]
3) Ain’t Out of the Woods Yet [feat. Colt Ford] (from the recent Colt Ford Declaration of Independence album)
4) Good Ol’ Boys (Dukes of Hazzard theme)
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/10190247/mg-1.jpg260260Eric T. Parkerhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngEric T. Parker2012-10-24 15:06:572012-10-24 15:06:57Montgomery Gentry Releases EP
Sony’s Kristen Kelly stopped by MusicRow headquarters yesterday afternoon (10/23) to share her songs and some of the stories behind them.
“This is a song about the first time I saw my ex and finally felt nothing,” she said before playing the song “Feeling Nothing,” a co-write with Paul Overstreet. Afterwards, Kelly introduced the next song by saying, “And this is the true story of how my ex ended up being my ex.” She went on to play her current single, “Ex Old Man,” her first top 30 hit.
Her set list also included “Drink Myself Outta Love with You” and “Miss Me.”
Kelly was most recently on Brad Paisley’sVirtual Reality Tour. When asked how the tour was she laughed. “It didn’t suck,” she said.
Kelly’s comfortable being on the road, however. Prior to her country career she was in a rock-cover band for several years. In fact, she’s so comfortable with touring that while she was on tour with Paisley, she had a tattoo artist come in and ink her on the tour bus. Her most recent tattoo says, “Let It Break Your Heart,” the title of one of her songs and a reminder to feel all the ups and downs in life.
Kelly’s self-titled EP will be out next Tuesday, Oct. 30. For more information, visit kristenkellymusic.com.
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