Artist Updates (2-20-13)

ashley monroe1Ashley Monroe will perform the title track, “Like A Rose,” from her forthcoming March 5 Warner Bros. Records release on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on March 11.

• • •

leann rimes high res 2011Gretchen Wilson, LeAnn Rimes, The Time Jumpers featuring Vince Gill and Flynnville Train are slated to perform at the 25th Annual Country Night in Gstaad, Switzerland on Sept. 20-21, 2013.

Marcel Bach, promoter for the event, says, “We always look to top the previous year but this is a special anniversary. I could not be happier with the lineup.”

• • •

justin mooreJustin Moore and Greg Bates are gearing up for performances surrounding the Daytona 500 on Feb. 24. Moore will perform a concert to honor heroes during and launch Crown Royal’s search for the individual who will receive naming rights to the 2013 Brickyard 400. Each year the whiskey brand names the July race after a hero through its “Your Hero’s Name Here” program. Moore will kick off the entry period, submit the first official nominations and perform a few of his hits on race day beginning at 10 a.m.
Bates will perform on the Coca-Cola stage beginning at 11:30 a.m.

• • •

thompsonsquare07-430x250Duo Thompson Square is encouraging fans to sponsor a child through ChildFund International. Between now and March 23, any fan who sponsors a child through ChildFund’s website can then receive two free passes to meet the couple backstage at a concert.
To participate, fans should visit the ChildFund website, choose a child and complete the sponsorship. They should then save and forward the confirmation to ChildFund@thompsonsquare.com with the subject line “concert date, concert city, your name, your phone number.”
Fans will then receive a confirmation and instructions on how to obtain their meet-n-greet passes prior to the show. Sponsorship confirmation must be received seven days before the concert date and fans must already have tickets to the show.
The pair promote ChildFund’s child development work through ChildFund’s LIVE! artist program.
 

Dixie Owen Launches All The Buzz

Dixie Owen

Dixie Owen


Longtime publicist Dixie Owen today (Feb. 20) announced the launch of All The Buzz, LLC, (ATB) a Nashville-based agency specializing in public/media relations and event management. ATB will offer services including media marketing, branding, events and strategic planning, with a focus on establishing a solid foundation that builds careers.
Owner/President Owen has more than 15 years of experience with media campaigns on the local and national level. She most recently served as Senior Director of Artist & Media Relations at Universal Music Group Nashville. She spent eight years at Capitol Records Nashville, and three years as senior publicist at CMT: Country Music Television. She also spent four years at the Country Music Association and began her career at Network Ink Public Relations.
allthebuzzAll The Buzz is currently working with dramatic web series Legacy, as well as rising singer/songwriter Brian Davis, who is on tour with Brantley Gilbert. More client announcements are expected soon.
Owen can be reached at www.AllTheBuzzLLC.com, (615) 440-6171, dixie@allthebuzzllc.com or on Twitter at @DixieAllTheBuzz.

Industry Ink (2-20-13)

flying island logo11Billy Dean has signed with Flying Island Entertainment for radio promotion representation for his current single, “I Can’t Leave A Good Thing.” The single releases March 12. Dean’s latest project, A Man of Good Fortune, came out in September 2012.
“I am so honored that my team is working the radio promotion on Billy’s new project,” notes Flying Island President Shelia Shipley Biddy.  “I have long admired Billy’s music and the impact it has had on country music.”
 

• • •
clearboxrightslogo11ClearBox Rights has introduced a weekly blog on current music copyright and publishing-related issues. Recent topics for the blog have included “The Standard Mechanical License Ceiling Is No Longer 9.1 Cents,” “Is Copyright Registration Necessary?,” “How Long Does a Copyright Last?” and “Simple Complexity–Music Licensing In The Digital Age.”
To view the blog, visit www.clearboxrights.com and click the “W” in the top right corner of the page.
• • •
Out-Write Music Logo1Brandyn Steen has launched new publishing company Out-Write Music Publishing, LLC.
The company will represent the catalog of former Major Bob staff writer and Carolina Rain frontman Rhean Boyer, as well as singer-songwriter Cole Taylor.
Rod Parkin has joined the Out-Write Publishing team as a songplugger and assistant in songwriter development.
The company will host a  launch party at Tin Roof Nashville on March 7, beginning at 7 p.m.
 
• • •
single in the city1Some of Nashville’s music industry were included in Nashville Lifestyles‘ annual list highlighting the city’s most eligible singles.
Atlantic recording artist Brett Eldredge, CAA agent Laura Huftless, Dashboard Media President Natalie Kilgore, CMT’s Jennifer Danielson and Clear Channel Communications’ Cathy Sewell were among those selected for the list.
Additionally, all were honored last night (Feb. 19) during the annual “Single In The City” celebration held at Nashville’s Sambuca Restaurant. For more information, visit NashvilleLifestyles.com.

Bigger Picture Group Promotes Two

Liz Cost

Liz Cost


Bigger Picture Group has promoted Liz Cost to Director of Marketing and Jody Mazer to Director of Project Management. Both were previously product managers.
“Liz and Jody are hard workers, strategic thinkers and key members of the Bigger Picture Group team,” said Executive Vice President/GM Bob Cahill. “We are excited to recognize their past accomplishments as we all work together towards creating additional success and opportunities for Bigger Picture Group and our artists.”

Jody Mazer

Jody Mazer


Cost joined Bigger Picture Group in June 2010, and has served as Product Manager for artist Craig Campbell since 2011. The Syracuse, N.Y.-native graduated from Hobart & William Smith Colleges in 2007 before becoming an Assistant Producer for television/radio commercial production at Arnold Worldwide Advertising in Boston. In 2009, she moved to Nashville and became both a Production Coordinator for audio branding services at iV Group as well as a Backstage Coordinator at the Ryman Auditorium before joining Bigger Picture Group the following year.

Mazer joined Bigger Picture Group in November 2010, and has served as Product Manager for artists Chris Cagle and Chris Janson. Prior to that, the New Jersey-native served as Executive Assistant at Entertainment Services from 2004-2010. There she worked with a diverse roster of artists, including country music acts Jessica Andrews and Marcel as well as rock/metal performers Breaking Benjamin, Lamb of God, and New Found Glory. Mazer also served as Assistant Tour Manager and Production Manager for rock legend Pat Benatar during Summer 2008 and Summer/Fall of 2010.

MusicRowRecess: Aldean's '1994' Brings Out Stars' Old Photos

Jason Aldean just announced that his next single will be “1994,” a tribute to the days when Joe Diffie ruled the charts.
To commemorate the song, Aldean took to Twitter to share a photo of what he looked like in 1994 and the idea caught fire. Other country artists, including Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Hillary Scott, Kristen Kelly and Dierks Bentley, took to Twitter to share their photos from 1994.
Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean)
1994--Jason Aldean11
Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw)
1994--tim mcgraw1
Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) “I was rockin the oversize thrift store jacket in #1994!–KU”
1994--Keith Urban11
Kristen Kelly (@kristenkelly)
1994--kristen kelly1
 
Dierks Bentley (@DierksBentley) “bedroom posters pics…embarrassing! ill dig around for the ones of spiked hair and parachute pants,” he said via Twitter.
1994--Dierks Bentley11
 
Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott (@hillaryscottLA)
1994--hillary scott11
 

Kaleidoscope Media Adds Marcario

Katie Marcario1

Katie Marcario


Kaleidoscope Media has added Katie Marcario to the publicity, events, branding and partnerships team as Assistant to the President and Director of Social Media and Web Content.
“In a small firm where we all wear many hats, Katie has proved to be nimble, resourceful, smart and enthusiastic when she comes to work every day,” says President Angie Gore. “She started as a part-time employee six months ago and has made herself an indispensable asset to the team.”

Marcario will oversee the firm’s social media, manage content for www.kaleidoscope-media.com and serve as assistant to Gore. Prior to joining Kaleidoscope Media, she assisted in the entertainment and promotions department at New Media Strategies in Arlington, Va. She graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism.
Marcario may be reached at agasst@kaleidoscope-media.com or (615) 321-3211.

 

DISClaimer: Non-Country Music Makers Shine Bright

AndyT-NickNixonBand_DrinkDrankDrunk111With the Grammy Awards showcasing both Jack White and the multi-honored Black Keys, Nashville music was superbly displayed earlier this month.
Both of those artists’ nominated discs were highlighted in this column, as have been efforts by Kings of Leon, Ben Folds, Paramore, Tommy Womack, The Features and many more. But this recent burst of publicity means that it is way past time to shine a spotlight again on our non-country music makers. So today’s column includes electric blues, folk-pop, heavy metal, classic r&b, political pop/rock and other styles.
For the Disc of the Day, I’m going with old-school r&b. That would be the Andy T-Nick Nixon Band. Their just-released collection is a total charmer. Give a DISCovery Award to Angel Snow. Yes, that’s her real name. And, yes, she is a mesmerizing stylist.

JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD/Sixpack
Writers: JEFF The Brotherhood; Producer: Dan Auerbach & JEFF The Brotherhood; Publisher: Automatic Bzooty/Otissery/WB; ASCAP
These enduring Nashville Infinity Cat indie faves have made the step up to the major leagues with their Warner Bros. contract. The resulting Hypnotic Nights album retains the fizzy, dense, loopy style of their prior work with perhaps a touch more pop catchiness, especially on this single. Collaborator Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys was named non-classical Producer of the Year at the Grammys. So there. Buy the collection on vinyl and you get a full CD version included with it, plus an autographed photo of the Orrall brothers, Jake and Jamin.

angel snow cover11

ANGEL SNOW/Holiday
Writers: Angel Snow; Producer: Viktor Krauss; Publisher: Emmett Till, ASCAP
Producer Krauss is notable as a record maker, himself, as well as being a longtime Lyle Lovett sideman. It’s easy to hear why he chose to work with newcomer Snow. She sings in a lustrous, compelling alto, weaving easily through the complexities of the dreamy melody. Acoustic pop washed with an echoey, electronic soundscape. In a word, haunting.

RED/Perfect Life
Writers: Anthony Armstrong/Michael Barnes/Randy Armstrong/Joe Rickard/Jasen Rauch/Jason McArthur; Producer: Howard Benson; Publisher: Logansong/Morning Harbor/Eden’s Lullaby/Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Schminigan, BMI/ASCAP
Some of the hardest rock in Nashville is made by our CCM brethren, most particularly this four piece, goth-sounding outfit. The lead single from Red’s new Release the Panic CD is soaked in guitar thunder, shouted vocals and frothing drumming.
BOOMTEMPLE/Soul Job
Writers: Kyle Frederick; Producer: Dyle Frederick/Marc Owens; Publisher: Vandermont/Cry Angels/Melody Chef, BMI
This is the title tune of what I am told is Boomtemple’s second album. It is a percussive rocker with loads of quirky sonic effects and a somewhat psychedelic vibe. For even more psychedelia, check out “The Girl at the Pork Store.” And for more outright rock, spin “Yes I Will.” Talent on parade.
CHARLIE PEACOCK/Ghost of the Kitty Cat
Writers: Charlie Peacock; Producer: Charlie Peacock; Publisher: none listed
Peacock has been contributing songs and pop production expertise in the CCM world for decades. His current CD, No Man’s Land, contains 12 songs inspired by his Louisiana ancestors. It’s an all-star affair, with a cast including Bryan Sutton, Ruby Amanfu, Bruce Bouton, Jeff Coffin, Andy Leftwich, Jerry McPherson and more. It also rocks smartly, particularly on this bubbling, bopping, Cajun-flavored jewel of a tune. It goes without saying that the production work is beyond brilliant. Highly recommended.
ANDY T-NICK NIXON BAND/Drink Drank Drunk
Writers: Thomas Hambridge/Gary Nicholson; Producer: Anson Funderburgh; Publisher: Tom Hambridge/Gary Nicholson/Sony-ATV, ASCAP
James “Nick” Nixon is a Nashville r&b institution who gigged up and down Jefferson Street back in the day. His sidemen have included Jimi Hendrix and Billy Cox, and he charted in the 1970s in the group Past, Present and Future. He toured with the New Imperials, produced The Fairfield Four and performed in the 2011 film Redemption Road. Guitar hotshot Andy T (Talamantez) came of age in Southern California, but is now Nashville based. Nixon’s deep-blues vocal delivery and Andy’s stinging guitar chops are fabulous together throughout their CD, including on this title tune. They will rock your world.
SHANNON LABRIE/I Remember A Boy
Writers: Shannon Labrie; Producer: Zodlounge; Publisher: none listed
This Music City resident was named one of the “Best Unsigned Artists of 2012” by Music Connection. Her debut album, Just Be Honest, was issued two weeks ago. She sings with aching authenticity, accompanying herself on guitar and/or piano. The sound harks back to the classic singer-songwriter era, yet is thoroughly contemporary with touches of jazz and soul in spots, along with plenty of thump. Labrie will be showcased alongside such talents as Brooke Waggoner, Matthew Perryman Jones, Katie Herzig and Mindy Smith via the iTunes “Nashville Indie Spotlight.”
WILL HOGE/The Ballad of Trayvon Martin
Writers: Will Hoge; Producer: Will Hoge; Publisher: Will Hoge, BMI
Veteran Nashville pop-rocker Hoge has lately been collecting award nominations for co-writing the country hit “Even If it Breaks Your Heart.” But his current Modern American Protest Music collection demonstrates he still has his grit, passion and fire for compelling alt rock. He howls and grinds this timely, torrid cautionary tale like a man possessed.
THE VESPERS/Lawdy
Writers: Phoebe Cryar; Producer: Anderson East, Daniel Scobey & The Vespers; Publisher: Poodle Head, SESAC
The Vespers comprises two Cryar sisters and two Jones brothers, the latter of whom are that musical rarity, Nashville natives. The sound is folk-pop with an acoustic base overlaid with a variety of punchy rhythm instruments, claps and stomps, plus fey, gentle vocals. Enchanting. And in these Lumineer and Mumford times, quite contemporary and in step. The band’s current album is titled The Fourth Wall. Miss this gem at your peril.
MARK ROBINSON/Drive Real Fast
Writers: Mark Robinson; Producer: Mark Robinson; Publisher: Dogs in Trouble, SESAC
This blues-rock Nashvillian has titled his CD Have Axe — Will Groove, which is appropriate since he’s a guitar hoss. The sweat-soaked roadhouse set kicks off with this blistering number. It might be light on subtlety in the lyrics department, but in any case, he speaks most eloquently with his fingers on the frets. The album is entirely self penned except for three tunes, including a cover of the Ray Charles standard “Lonely Avenue.”
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow)

Juno Nominees Revealed

kd Lang

kd Lang will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Click for details.


Nominees for the 2013 JUNO Awards were announced yesterday (Feb. 19) by The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS). Carly Rae Jepsen, the B.C.-born pop star leads with nominations in five categories: JUNO Fan Choice, Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Pop Album of the Year. Close behind her with four nods is Justin Bieber, who will contend for Album of the Year, JUNO Fan Choice, Artist of the Year, and Pop Album of the Year. Receiving three nods each are Canadian legend Leonard Cohen, Metric, Hedley, and Marianas Trench.
The awards show will be hosted by nominee Michael Buble and broadcast live Sunday, April 21 from Regina’s Brandt Centre on CTV. JUNO Week in Regina and Moose Jaw runs April 15 – April 21, 2013.
k.d. Lang will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and journalist and broadcaster Larry LeBlanc will receive the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award.
Select nominees are listed below, click here for the complete list.
In the all-genre categories, Country star Johnny Reid is up for Aritst of the Year, and Taylor Swift’s Red is nominated for International Album of the Year (sponsored by HMV Canada).
Country Album of the Year (Sponsored by Potashcorp)
Chad Brownlee
Love Me Or Leave Me, MDM*Universal 
Dallas Smith
Jumped Right In, 604*Universal
Dean Brody
Dirt, Open Road*Universal
Emerson Drive
Roll, Open Road*Universal
Johnny Reid
Fire It Up, Johnny Mac*Universal
Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year
Colin Bernard
Hold On, Independent
Manafest Manafest
Fighter, *Fontana North
Newworldson
Rebel Transmission, Platinum Pop*David C. Cook
The City Harmonic
I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home), Integrity*Provident
Thousand Foot Krutch
The End Is Where We Begin, TFK*Tone Tree

Bluewater Music Signs Josh Mosser For International Administration

bluewater music logo1Bluewater Music has signed Josh Mosser to an administration agreement covering the World, excluding the United States.
Mosser is an audio engineer and mixer whose songwriting credits include Imagine Dragons‘ single “Radioactive.” As an engineer, Mosser’s engineering and/or mixing credits includes recordings with Imagine Dragons, K’Naan, Usher, Scotty McCreery, Jamie N. Commons, Timbaland, Christina Aguilera and others.
Bluewater Music has worked with the music of Jim Lauderdale, Kim Richey, Al Anderson, Sandy Knox, Brian Nash and others.
For more information on Bluewater Music, visit www.bluewatermusic.com.
 

Stars Salute Veterans during Lipscomb’s Free Yellow Ribbon Event

Charlie Daniels

Charlie Daniels


Charlie Daniels will host a free concert alongside Chris Young, The Grascals, Keni Thomas, and Bleach to support Lipscomb University’s Yellow Ribbon Enhancement Program as part of the iostudio Charlie Daniels’ Scholarship for Heroes event.
Performances will take place Tuesday, March 5 at 7 p.m. in Lipscomb’s Allen Arena, with special guests including Mary Byers, the President of American Gold Star Mothers, an organization of women who have lost children in service to the United States.
“We have so many heroes whose needs fly below our radar,” said Daniels. “This shouldn’t be happening and this event is helping to make sure it doesn’t.”
Free tickets are made available at all Middle Tennessee Daily’s and Twice Daily’s locations, Darrell Waltrip Automotive in Franklin, Tenn., and the Lipscomb University box office. Members of the military and their families will be invited as guests of the event’s corporate sponsors.
Donations will be accepted with proceeds benefitting the fund, which provides qualifying post 9/11 GI Bill veterans, tuition-free or greatly reduced fees for undergraduate degrees. In addition, Chase and Operation Homefront will be giving away a home the night of the show to an area Tennessee veteran.
“Our veterans know that freedom isn’t free, but we think their education should be,” said Jim Humphrey, assistant dean of campus life and director of veterans services at Lipscomb. “At Lipscomb we have a very unique opportunity to help open doors for our veterans through higher education,”
Daniels will be touring the country in 2013, creating greater awareness of the national Veterans Yellow Ribbon education program.