Luke Bryan Lands First Chart-Topping Album Debut

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luke bryan spring break1Luke Bryan‘s latest album, Spring Break…Here To Party, marks his first album to debut atop the Top 200 on the Nielsen Soundscan charts. The project sold approximately 150,000 units its first week. As the album is available both as a CD and as a download, half of those sales were digital downloads.
Bryan’s previous album, Tailgates & Tanlines, debuted at No. 2 on the overall Soundscan charts, selling 145,000 copies its first week.
Bryan is set to co-host the Academy of Country Music Awards with Blake Shelton on April 7 and has also been announced as a performer on the show.

Industry Ink (3-13-13)

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riaa52311Blake Shelton and Florida Georgia Line recently received certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America. Shelton’s “God Gave Me You” and FGL’s “Cruise” both received double-platinum certifications.

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Brian Davis

Brian Davis


Rising singer/songwriter Brian Davis has signed with entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for representation.

Davis is currently on the road opening for Valory Music Co.’s Brantley Gilbert and MCA Nashville’s Kip Moore for Gilbert’s 2013 “Hell On Wheels Tour.”
Davis has recorded a total of six albums and released them on his own. His current album, Under The Influence, is available on iTunes.
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Cold River recording artist Katie Armiger has signed an exclusive worldwide administration deal with leading New York-based rights management firm, Downtown Music Publishing. Armiger’s music joins the catalog, which includes titles by John Lennon & Yoko Ono, Hans Zimmer, Ellie Goulding, Neon Trees, Jewel, Santigold, Social Distortion, and Seal.

“Katie’s wonderful new album further showcases her exciting and powerful voice as both singer and songwriter. Her writing is sophisticated and memorable and we at Downtown couldn’t be more excited to start working with this emerging music force,” commented Jedd Katrancha, SVP Creative Downtown Music Publishing.
Pictured: (front row) Jedd Katrancha (Downtown Music Publishing), Katie Armiger, Craig Hayes (Shackelford, Zumwalt & Hayes); (back row): Karen Krieschen (Cold River Records) and Erica Johnson (Cold River Records)

Pictured: (front row) Jedd Katrancha (Downtown Music Publishing), Katie Armiger, Craig Hayes (Shackelford, Zumwalt & Hayes); (back row): Karen Krieschen (Cold River Records) and Erica Johnson (Cold River Records)

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Combustion Music and Creative Nation, together with music publishing partner Warner/Chappell Music, have signed a co-publishing agreement with duo, Native Run. Made up of Virginia natives Rachel Beauregard and Bryan Dawley, Native Run draws on influences ranging from Earl Scruggs and Bruce Springsteen to Patsy Cline and Keith Urban.
Pictured: (Front Row) Jim Zumwalt, Julie Stuckey, Beth Laird, Bryan Dawley and Rachel Beauregard, Chris Farren, Luke Laird, & BJ Hill.(Back Row): Chris Van Belkom, Phil May, Kenley Flynn, & Ben Vaughn.

Pictured: (Front Row) Jim Zumwalt, Julie Stuckey, Beth Laird, Bryan Dawley and Rachel Beauregard, Chris Farren, Luke Laird, and BJ Hill. (Back Row): Chris Van Belkom, Phil May, Kenley Flynn, and Ben Vaughn.

 

"Honor Thy Song" Concert To Remember Tim Johnson

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honor thy song1In October 2012, the Nashville songwriting community lost friend and songwriter Tim Johnson. An “Honor Thy Song” concert will be held at the Ryman Auditorium in Johnson’s honor on May 7, beginning at 6 p.m. CT. The free event will essentially hold a dual purpose–it will be a tribute concert and a large song pitch session. More than a dozen hit songwriters and artists will gather to perform some of Johnson’s best unrecorded songs, in hopes of getting some of his songs recorded to bring in a lasting royalties stream for Johnson’s wife and children.
The event will feature Joey+Rory, Daryle Singletary, Rob Crosby, Marc Beeson, Brett Jones, Joe West, Will Robinson, Jamie Houston, Jimmy Wayne, James Dean Hicks and others. Each person who attends the event will receive an “Honor Thy Song” CD featuring 15 of his uncut songs.
Johnson was an established member of Nashville’s music community had more than 100 major label cuts to his credit, with some of his biggest hits including Diamond Rio’s “God Only Cries,” Wayne’s “Do You Believe Me Now,” and Singletary’s “I Let Her Lie.” His list of singles and cuts also includes Joey + Rory’s “Remember Me” and “That’s Important to Me,” Tim Rushlow’s “She Misses Him,” Jeannie Kendall’s “Out of Loneliness,” Rockie Lynne’s “I Can’t Believe It’s Me,” Tracy Lawrence’s “Up to Him,” Blaine Larsen’s “The Best Man,” Derek Sholl’s “When They Come Back,” and Doug Stone’s “Nice Problem.” Johnson’s “I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” written with Jon Wolfe and James Dean Hicks, was recorded by Joe Nichols for his 2011 album release.

DISClaimer: We Call Them Superstars For A Reason

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tim mcgraw sliderWe call them superstars for a reason.
Longtime country titan Tim McGraw swats away all challengers to easily claim this week’s Disc of the Day prize. With Taylor Swift and Keith Urban in his corner on “Highway Don’t Care,” not to mention the great song, itself, who could possibly beat him?
Singer-songwriter Drake White rides high this week as the DisCovery Award winner. But in addition pay heed to Canadian newcomer Ashley Robertson. Also: This is the second single from Jared Ashley, and both of them have been superb. Lend him your ears as well.

DISCovery Award winner Drake White.

DISCovery Award winner Drake White.


ASHLEY ROBERTSON/Finished With You
Writer: Ashley Robertson; Producer: John Nicholson & Ashley Robertson; Publisher: none listed, SOCAN; AR 
—It’s an acoustic gem, with rippling dobro notes, weaving fiddle lines and plucked guitars. Her fragile-rose vocal is beautifully wistful as she longs for the return of her country boy who has gone to the city. “Please come back home, when the world is finished with you,” is her plea.
CASEY JAMES/The Good Life
Writer: Casey James/Scooter Caruso; Producer: Chris Lindsey & Casey James; Publisher: Long As I Live/Scrambler/Carnival/Abbot’s Creek, BMI/ASCAP; 19/BNA (track) 
—This pulse-quickening country rocker is super infectious, utterly upbeat and fabulously sunny. Get up and twirl your body around the room. If you’re in the car, roll down the windows, turn it up and hit the gas.
ROSEHILL/Did You Ever Turn Around
Writer: Jay Clementi/Jedd Hughes; Producer: Jay Clementi; Publisher: WB/Mountain Morning/Warner-Tamerlane/Pichi Pichi, ASCAP/BMI; Cypress Creek/Tenacity (track) 
—I remain a big fan of this duo. In this well-written, relentless, oomphy power ballad, he reunites with her after many years. She hasn’t changed, and neither has he. But he can’t help wondering if she ever thought about him after she left.
TAYLOR SWIFT/22
Writer: Taylor Swift/Max Martin/Shellback; Producer: Max Martin & Shellback; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Taylor Swift/MXM/Kobalt, BMI/ASCAP; Big Machine (track)
—With “Begin Again” still climbing the country charts, I assume this crunchy bopper is intended to be her next assault on the pop hit parade. It’s about hooking up, forgetting the world outside and just being young. A multi-tracked, layered and superbly produced audio delight.
BOBBY DEAN/Kiss My Doublewide
Writer: McGee/Schnyder; Producer: Dave Moody; Publisher: Rolf/Max, BMI; Lamon (track) 
—The title says it all. Intelligence is not the hallmark here.
POCO/All Fired Up
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Drifter’s Church (track) 
—The title tune of this veteran band’s new CD is a harmonized hand clapper with nostalgic lyrics along the lines of “Let’s do it again like we did back then.” By the way, Poco remains Rusty Young, Jack Sundrud, Michael Webb and George Lawrence. Guests include George Grantham and Bobby Keys.
KALEY CAPERTON/Red, White and Beautiful
Writer: Billy Austin/Kaley Caperton/Dave Robbins; Producer: Billy Austin & Dave Robbins; Publisher: Songs of Platinum Pen/French Hawaii/Pianted River/Slickhead, ASCAP; RWB Ventures 
—It’s meant to be an inspirational ballad, and she’s donating the proceeds to the National Guard Youth Foundation. Alas, I can’t imagine anybody programming a vocalist this puny sounding.
TIM McGRAW & TAYLOR SWIFT/Highway Don’t Care
Writer: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Mark Irwin/Josh Kear; Producer: Byron Gallimore & Tim McGraw; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/StyleSonic/Green Vinyl/Global Dog/Big Yellow Dog/Lunalight, BMI/ASCAP; Big Machine (track) 
—She is on the road, getting further and further away, while he plaintively yearns for her. A song on the radio haunts her. Love tugs at him. And things get more and more layered and swirling as the conflicting feelings in their voices spin around one another. Adding to the audio ecstasy is the dreamy guitar playing of Keith Urban. I love this record.
JARED ASHLEY/Last Train to Memphis
Writer: Jared Ashley/Nick Sturms/Jeremy McComb; Producer: Bobby Terry & Jared Ashley; Publisher: Jared Ashley/620 Music Group/Sweet Renegade/Shaler Global/BMG, ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; Blaster 
—A terrific production—full of throbbing energy, a deep bass bottom and ringing, minor-key guitar work— underscores a moody, emotionally tense vocal performance. The gripping lyric and cool melody get bonus points. Since Ashley is behind all three—the production, the performance and the song—I believe we’re listening to a major, major new talent. Play and believe.
DRAKE WHITE/The Simple Life
Writer: Drake White/Jeremy Stover/Brian Dean Maher; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publisher: EMI April/Reverend Jack/Songs of Countrywood/Tunes of Bigger Picture, ASCAP; MCA Nashville (CDX)
—This backwoods blue-eyed soul stylist simmers on this ode to country living. The guy has intensity to spare. Send more music soon.

MusicRowLife: Love and Theft's Gunderson Welcomes First Child

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loveandtheft

Pictured (L-R): Eric Gunderson and Stephen Barker Liles


Love and Theft’s Eric Gunderson and wife Emily welcomed their son, Camden William Gunderson, on Sunday (March 10). According to a statement, he arrived earlier than his expected May due date and will be spending some time in the hospital, but mother, father and baby are all doing well.
“Eric and Emily are moved by the tremendous outpouring of warm wishes from their fans, family, and country radio, and look forward to sharing more updates soon,” a rep from their label said via a statement.

MusicRowPics: Kyle Park Artist Visit

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Kyle Park recently visited (Feb. 20) MusicRow headquarters to share some new tunes off his upcoming album Beggin’ For More, slated for release March 19. Park not only co-wrote many of the albums tracks, he also produced it as well.
The Austin, Texas native shared several songs, including his current single, “True Love.” His acoustic set also included “Make or Break Me,” “Ain’t No Woman of Mine,” and “Long Distance Relationship.”
Throughout March and April, Park is touring in Texas. For more information on his music and tour dates, please visit www.kylepark.com.
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Randy Houser Celebrates First No. 1

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how country feels1

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel, co-writers Wendell Mobley and Vicky McGehee, Randy Houser, co-writer Neil Thrasher and BMI’s Bradley Collins.


Randy Houser celebrated his first chart-topping single, “How Country Feels,” with a crowd of friends, family and industry members yesterday (March 11) at Nashville’s Honkytonk Central. BMI’s Bradley Collins welcomed the crowd to the event, which honored songwriters Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher and Vicky McGehee. The track was produced by Derek George.
Broken Bow Records CEO/President Benny Brown commented, “When [manager] Nick [Hartley] brought Randy to Stoney Creek I listened to both albums. You are one of the best vocalists in Nashville. We just had to find the right songs to show that off. Randy is one of the easiest artists to work with. I heard a lot of demos that Derek produced and I believe in giving everyone that first chance. I couldn’t be more pleased with what he brought to the album. This second song we just sent to radio, I’ve told people that in 20 weeks, I believe we will be back here again. I thank [Houser’s wife] Jessa for your support because it is not easy for a wife to share so much of a husband who is home maybe one day a week.”
Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox gave a donation on behalf of the writers to the organization Girls on the Run. Additional presenters during the event included Country Music Association’s Brendan Oliver, Country Radio Broadcaster’s Bradford Hollingsworth and Country Aircheck’s Lon Helton.
Members of the Stoney Creek and Broken Bow Records promotion team also received plaques, including Shelley Hargis, Heather Propper, Abi Durham, Samantha Borenstein, Jen Joe and Chelsey Flick.
Thrasher was quick to give credit to Houser’s vocal on the song. “Randy Houser is a country singer’s country singer,” said Thrasher.
Many of Houser’s family and friends were in attendance, and he made certain to thank them all. He brought his mother and his wife onstage to take part in the celebration. He also thanked Benny Brown, saying, “You are someone I can call and get advice from. I felt secure and they would shoot me strait and I would shoot them straight.” He also thanked Nick Hartley, “I wonder why he didn’t run along to some other hotshot but it showed me you believed in me and whatever talent I brought to the table.” Houser also gave ample credit to the song’s writers. “I’ve been to No. 1 parties but this is the first I’ve gotten to be a part of,” said Houser. “They don’t give parties for No. 2. These writers work their butts off and thank you for letting me cut your wonderful songs. I love this song and I think it could have been a hit for anybody.” He also thanked his “family on the road,” his band members.
 
 

Pistol Annies, The Band Perry Gear Up For Album Releases

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Pistol Annies

Pistol Annies


Pistol Annies will release its sophomore album, Annie Up, on May 7. What began as a late night phone call for friends Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley materialized into the trio’s hit debut album, Hell On Heels, which released in August 2011.
“We laid it on the line with Hell On Heels and we wanted to bring it again on this album,” said Lambert. “The goal of our music is to have people feel like they’re having a conversation with us.”
“We put all our musical chips on the table, so we thought ‘Annie Up’ was a good title,” added Ashley.”
“We never tried to sit down and write a song. When we’re together, we’re always just writing,” said Angaleena. One song on the album, “Unhappily Married,” was written last June at the CMA Music Fest while in hair and makeup. “We can’t, not write,” added Ashley.
The trio’s new single, “Hush Hush,” was sent to radio yesterday (March 11). “After we came back from the holidays we were talking about how horrible it was,” Lambert described the inspiration for the song. “So we took a little bit of truth from each of our family experiences and wrote this song,” said Ashley. “It’s about the truth. The truth is so much easier than lie on top of lie on top of secrets,” said Angaleena. “The truth will set you free.”

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the band perry

The Band Perry


The Band Perry will preview new music from their forthcoming album Pioneer to family, friends and fans in their hometown of Greeneville, Tenn. Saturday, March 30. The free concert and signing – presented by the Greene County Partnership to raise awareness for “Outnumber Hunger” – will take place on North Main Street, beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET. Immediately following the special performance, The Band Perry will sign autographs and meet with their fans.
If there is inclement weather, the event will move inside the gymnasium at Hal Henard Elementary School at 425 E Vann Rd. in Greeneville, Tenn. and attendees will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
“Anyone who knows us knows how much we love our hometown. We have been traveling so much the past several years that we wanted to bring our new music and our new show back home to the folks in Greeneville to say how much we appreciate their support, just like we did with our first record. It’s our way of saying ‘thank you,’” says Neil Perry.
Pioneer releases April 2.
 

Grant-Williams Plans Vocal Master Class

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Renee Grant Williams

Renee Grant Williams


Vocal coach Renee Grant-Williams will offer her annual Vocal Master Class on Sat., April 13 at Soundcheck Rehearsal Studios in Nashville. The class, titled “Fearless Solutions For Singers,” will feature an afternoon panel discussion with award-winning producer Paul Worley, hit songwriter Frank Myers, Lonestar founding member Dean Sams and MusicRow magazine owner/publisher Sherod Robertson. Topics will include the relationship between artists and labels, the importance of songwriting, alternative distribution of music, and social media—all designed to help attendees take control of the business side of their careers.
The cost is $299 for the day-long class which includes vocal instruction, the panel discussion and evening performance showcase. Details at www.myvoicecoach.com or (615) 244-3280.

Toby Keith Honored with Million-Air Awards

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toby keith1

BMI’s Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations Jody Williams, Toby Keith and BMI’s Assistant Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations Clay Bradley. Photo by Drew Maynard.

Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) honored superstar Toby Keith with BMI “Million-Air” Awards recently at a studio on Music Row. BMI’s Jody Williams and Clay Bradley presented the long-time BMI songwriter with several awards representing songwriting and publishing credits of more than 15 million air plays for some of Keith’s biggest hits, including “How Do You Like Me Now?,” “Beer For My Horses,” “She Never Cried in Front of Me,” “God Love Her,” “I Love this Bar” and “Who’s Your Daddy?”

 “Toby Keith is a stalwart BMI songwriter, who we’ve been honored to work with since early in his career. With these honors, he now stands at over 80 million performances and shows no signs of stopping,” said BMI’s Assistant Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations Bradley.
The BMI “Million-Air” Award is given to songwriters, composers and publishers whose songs accumulate to over one million U.S. broadcast performances. The designation has been bestowed upon many of BMI’s iconic songwriters, including Sir Paul McCartney, Dolly Parton, Isaac Hayes and Roy Orbison.