Taylor Swift Breaks Country Songs Record

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Swift on location for "Trouble," shot in Los Angeles by director Anthony Mandler. The song was written by Swift, Max Martin and Shellback. Her costar in the video is Reeve Carney, currently playing Peter Parker in the Broadway's "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark."

Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is in its ninth consecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Songs chart. This sets a record for the most weeks at No. 1 on that chart by a female solo artist, surpassing Connie Smith’s eight-week run with “Once A Day” in 1964. “Never Ever” has sold more than 2.6 million downloads in the U.S.

About two months ago, Billboard revised the Country Songs ranking method “from core country radio audience to a digital, streaming, and expanded radio hybrid.” The chart was previously known as Hot Country Singles, based on radio airplay reports and single sales.

In more Swift chart news, her songs “I Knew You Were Trouble” and “State Of Grace” appear on the all-genre list of top selling digital tracks, but are not being counted on the Soundscan Digital Genre Country tracks chart, where her music typically charts.

MTV will world premiere Swift’s 23rd music video, the clip for “I Knew You Were Trouble,” at 4:40 p.m. ET on Thurs., Dec. 13, the singer’s 23rd birthday.

Paramore Sets Release Date

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Nashville natives Paramore will release a new album on April 9. The lead single for the self-titled project is called “Now.” This will be the first new LP from the rock band since 2009’s Brand New Eyes and will also mark its first album since the 2010 departure of founding members Josh and Zac Farro. The current incarnation of Paramore includes founder/frontwoman Hayley Williams, bassist Jeremy Davis and guitarist Taylor York.

Justin Meldal-Johnsen produced the project which will be released via Fueled By Ramen. He is a bass player and producer, whose resume includes work with Beck, Nine Inch Nails, Garbage, Dixie Chicks, Sara Bareilles, Kid Rock and Pink.

Williams shared news of the new album on the band’s website. She said, “The whole making of this album was a rediscovering of ourselves as a band and as friends. It was a process that allowed us the freedom to explore new territory artistically and to liberate ourselves as musicians, singers, as people! Sincerely, we feel that the best way to give it a name is just to call it what it is. This album is us.”

Tim & Faith Debut Soul2Soul at Venetian in Vegas

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Photo:Denise Truscello/WIREIMAGE

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill kicked off the first of 10 select engagements this weekend (12/7-8) at The Venetian in Las Vegas for their latest revival of Soul2Soul.

The 1,800-seat Venetian theatre, previously home to Phantom — the Las Vegas Spectacular, features the Country couple sharing the stage for an intimate evening of hits including opening number, “Let’s Go To Vegas,” performed as the two entered through the back doors of the venue. The two tag-teamed through an evening of hits including “Breathe,” “Like We Never Loved At All,” “Live Like You Were Dying” alongside mainstay duets “It’s Your Love” and “I Need You” according to reports.

During the set, McGraw performed “I Can’t Tell You Why” and “Life in the Fast Lane” tributing musical influences The Eagles in addition to mentioning Merle Haggard, George Jones, Charlie Rich, Rush, and Led Zeppelin. Meanwhile, Hill performed “Dr. Feelgood (Love is Serious Business)” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” in tribute to her own musical icons including Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples, Tammy Wynette, and Elvis Presley.

McGraw wore a black suit during the Dec. 8 early performance, and a gray suit for the late show while Hill made four costume changes, revealing five outfits in total. Under the current deal, the singers perform two 90-minute shows during each select date through April.

Show Producer, Robert Deaton, revealed the Vegas production will include a combination of musicians selected from each Nashville star’s band.

Soul2Soul joins Shania Twain’s spectacular already running on The Strip at The Colosseum, and comes after Garth Brooks’ final show in Las Vegas this past month (Nov. 17) at the Wynn.

Ticket prices for upcoming Soul2Soul dates range from $110.00-302.50, click here for more information.

MusicRow Hires Jessica Nicholson

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MusicRow adds Jessica Nicholson as Staff Writer where she will create and manage editorial content for the company’s web and print publications.

Nicholson began her career as a public relations and marketing coordinator at Resonate Records. She has written for Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) Magazine, TasteofCountry.com and previously worked as a staff writer for Country Weekly Magazine.

“Jessica brings an impressive collection of writing experience and industry knowledge to MusicRow. Her passion for music and our industry makes her a great asset to our publication. Jessica is a wonderful addition to the MusicRow team as we continue to serve the music industry and its members,” says MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson.

Her passion for the music business, and particularly Country, Bluegrass and Christian music, led Nicholson to Nashville. In 2006, she graduated from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Music Business and Marketing (with a minor in Writing), and completed internships at Universal Music Group, Warner Music Nashville and Hot Schatz PR.

Nicholson can be reached at [email protected] and 615-499-5416.

2012 CMT Artists of the Year Revealed

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Rascal Flatts with Hayden Panettiere

Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood were named the 2012 CMT Artists of the Year, during a CMT special which aired on Sunday (Dec. 9). Rascal Flatts, who co-hosted the evening with Nashville actress-singer Hayden Panettiere, kicked off the evening’s festivities with a performance of “Hot in Here” from their album Changed.

Prior to singing his hit “Beers Ago,” Keith received congratulations from comedian Rodney Carrington and Late Late Show host Craig Ferguson. His trophy was presented by baseball great Roger Clemens.

Lambert received praise from Chris Young and country music legend Merle Haggard before performing her hit “Over You.” Sheryl Crow did the honors.

Church offered his hit “Homeboy” and received a video greeting from Metallica’s James Hetfield, and the award from Kid Rock.

Chesney, a second-time honoree, enjoyed a video message from actor Morgan Freeman. Later, Eli Young Band and Kacey Musgraves, who will both tour with Chesney in 2013, performed Chesney’s hit “Come Over.” Sammy Hagar handed Chesney his trophy.

Another second-time winner Underwood did her latest single “Two Black Cadillacs.” Current tourmate Hunter Hayes and Today show co-host Hoda Kotb congratulated the singer on her award, which was presented by her hubby Mike Fisher.

Bryan received praise for his honor from Lady Antebellum and Thompson Square, before launching into a mash-up of his hit “Drunk On You” and OneRepublic’s “Feel Again” with the band’s frontman, Ryan Tedder. Kenny Rogers presented Bryan’s honor.

Aldean was honored by rapper Ludacris and Duck Dynasty star Willie Robertson. Aldean then closed the evening with a performance of his hit, “Take a Little Ride.” The third-time winner and Georgia native received his trophy from the Atlanta Braves’ Chipper Jones.

The 2012 CMT Artists of the Year is set to re-air on Tuesday (Dec. 11) at 12 a.m. ET.

Meanwhile, The Big and Best of 2012: A Year End Celebration Presented by TMobile is set to air on CMT, CMT.com, MTV.com, VH1.com and ComedyCentral.com in an eight hour stream on Wednesday (Dec. 12), beginning at 12 p.m. ET. The event will be hosted by CMT’s Kourtney Hansen, MTV News’ Sway Calloway and VH1’s Carrie Keagan, and will broadcast live from MTV’s Times Square studio and on location in New York City, Boston and Nashville. The live event will include CMT’s Live in Nashville with Thompson Square, Concrete Country with First Aid Kit, Live @ CMT with Grace Potter and a live performance by Dustin Lynch from New York. On Friday (Dec. 15), Kid Rock will debut his video “Happy New Year” during the CMT Top 20 Countdown, airing at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Follow the event via Twitter on @CMT and @TMobile for #BigandBest2012.

 

‘The Voice’ Carries NBC To The Top

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Blake Shelton’s star is shining brighter than ever before, as proved by his Entertainer of the Year win at the November CMA Awards. His skyrocketing career has been attributed in part to his coaching gig on mega-hit show The Voice. Today, The New York Times delves into just how powerful the show is, explaining that it has almost single-handedly boosted NBC to first place.

The show airs twice weekly with episodes on Monday and Tuesday nights. It is also doing double duty this season, with the first run closing next week and another edition debuting next spring. According to the NYT:

NBC has managed that unexpected turnaround from worst to first this fall, largely — competitors suggest almost exclusively — on the strength of the addition of a single show: “The Voice.”

“We built our strategy around ‘The Voice,’ ” said Paul Telegdy, the president of reality and late-night programming for NBC. “We wanted to use Sunday, Monday and Tuesday to build momentum, and we’ve successfully done it.”

The network has boosted overall ratings and seen significant upward momentum for the programs which air after The Voice, such as new drama Revolution, and new comedy Go On.

The current edition of The Voice wraps Dec. 18 with a winter finale. A new edition starts in March with Shelton and Adam Levine returning to the coaches’ chairs alongside new coaches Shakira and Usher. Regular coaches Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green are taking a break during that run.

Artist Update (12/7/2012)

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Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum and husband Chris Tyrell are expecting their first child together. Scott made the announcement via Lady Antebellum’s Facebook page. “Chris & I are excited to announce that our Christmas gift has arrived a little early this year! We are having a BABY! We feel so blessed!!! – Hillary.” The couple married in January 2012 in an intimate New York ceremony.

 

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Keith Urban teamed with fellow singer-songwriter Don Williams for the video “Imagine That,” from Williams’ album And So It Goes. The simplistic video features the two artists in their element, performing great music. Watch the video here. 

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Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, Photo: David McClister

 

 

 

Rodney Crowell and Emmylou Harris have paired up for the collaborative album Old Yellow Moon, featuring four tracks penned by Crowell and eight cover tunes. Old Yellow Moon will release Feb. 26. A preview of the album’s track “Hanging Up My Heart” is available at Rollingstone.com.

Snapshots (12/7/12)

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Darius Rucker performed his latest tune, “True Believers,” on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on December 5. “True Believers” is the lead single and title track of Rucker’s 2013 release and third country album. Watch it HERE. Rucker also joins Natasha Bedingfield, Colbie Caillat, host Joel McHale, Gary Sinise and more at the 2012 American Giving Awards, airing Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Rucker will perform as part of the celebration honoring organizations around the country that are ‘true believers’ in their communities, five of which will be awarded $2 million in grants to continue their positive work and influence.

Darius Rucker Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBC/NBCU

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New Haven Records and RSI Music Group recording artist Gordon Mote was recently invited to perform at the artist induction ceremonies of both the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Academy of Country Music award winner recently performed when Aretha Franklin, Ricky Skaggs, Dallas Holm, The Hoppers, Love Song and Rex Humbard were inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame at a ceremony recorded for broadcast at TBN’s Trinity Music City auditorium. Mote also performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Medallion Ceremony, during which country superstar Garth Brooks, songstress Connie Smith, and blind session keyboardist Hargus “Pig” Robbins were inducted.

“It is a rare talent that finds favor in both the Gospel and Country music worlds. We are honored that Gordon Mote calls New Haven Records ‘home,’ and we are thrilled about the ever-broadening attention that Gordon’s music and ministry is receiving,” says Ken Harding, president of New Haven Records.

Left Photo: Gordon Mote (R) accompanies Crystal Gayle (L) paying homage to Pig Robbins' original keyboard performance on "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” at the Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Photo: Peyton Hoge Right Photo: Gordon Mote (L) and Dallas Holm (R) perform during the induction of Dallas Holm into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame Photo: Jim Sulcer

 

Warner Music Nashville Promotes Two

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Warner Music Nashville has promoted Lisa Ray and Justin Luffman each to the position of Vice President, Brand Management. Both will report to Peter Strickland, VP of Brand Management and Sales.

Ray previously served as Senior Director, Marketing at WEA, while Luffman served as Director, Online Marketing at Warner Music Nashville. The position of Vice President, Brand Management was previously held by Kelli Haywood, who is leaving and will stay with the company through January to help facilitate a smooth transition.

“Kelli has been a vital and extraordinary part of the Warner family, and will be greatly missed,” said Strickland via a statement. “I am excited that WMN is simultaneously able to recognize internal talent and, as part of the brand management department’s ongoing development and growth, promote two internal candidates to Vice President. Justin and Lisa not only both bring their unique talents to the brand management department, but will also continue to build upon its reputation for innovation and success.”

“Warner Music Nashville has been my home for eight years, and my love for the artists and this staff is unparalleled—they are family,” said Haywood. “I am thankful to John Esposito and Peter Strickland for all they have done for me as I look forward to pursuing the next chapter of my career.”

Haywood joined WMN as a temp and has been with the company for eight years. Ray joined WEA in 2003, while Luffman joined the Digital and Interactive department of WMN in 2010.

MusicRow No. 1 Song

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Brad Paisley on location for "Southern Comfort Zone."

Brad Paisley has claimed this week’s MusicRow Chart No. 1 spot with his “Southern Comfort Zone.” Co-written by Paisley and his go-to writers Kelley Lovelace and Chris DuBois, the song is the first single from the singer’s ninth studio album, slated for release April 9.

Although the 11-week-old single is victorious on our radio chart, fans are waiting with bated breath for Paisley to reveal an official music video. All that waiting will end this Monday (12/10) with Paisley’s recently scheduled web chat and online video debut.

Until then, filming locations for the Jim Shea directed work remain purely speculation, but the latest photo from the shoot shows Paisley in front of the Eiffel tower. We’re hoping additional song lyrics foreshadow Paisley’s other filming destinations as: “…streets of Rome…the northern lights.”

One thing is certain, you don’t need a passport to enjoy the song.

Find more information on the upcoming video release here.