Upcoming Artist Performances: On TV and Online

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Brent Cobb Photo: Jarrad Lister
MusgravesOn April 7 CBS Sunday Morning will air a profile on Kacey Musgraves. The feature was filmed in Texas and Nashville.

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Brent Cobb will perform on WGN Midday News ‘Music Lounge’ on Thursday, March 28, beginning at 12 p.m. CT. Cobb will perform his new single “Love On Me.”

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gretchen wilsonGretchen Wilson will perform her single “Still Rollin'” on The Today Show on April 2. The following day, she will sign copies of her album Right On Time at New York’s popular J&R Records in Manhattan from noon to 2 p.m.

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3927_blake_shelton Shelton will be featured on E! News today (March 27) at 12 p.m. ET.

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thebandperry CBS Interactive’s award-winning webcast concert series, Live On Letterman, presented by Xperia™ Lounge, will feature country music’s sibling trio, The Band Perry, in a live webcast performance from the world-famous Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City on CBS.com and VEVO, Monday, April 1 beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
The Band Perry will perform a live set showcasing songs “Better Dig Two,” “DONE.” and more from the band’s highly anticipated sophomore album Pioneer, as well as the hits “If I Die Young” and “All Your Life.” Pioneer will be released on April 2 on Republic Nashville.
 

Carrie Underwood To Perform New Single on 'American Idol'

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underwood see you again111Carrie Underwood will perform her brand new single “See You Again” on American Idol on Thursday, April 4. “See You Again” was written by Underwood, Hillary Lindsey and David Hodges, and is the fourth single off her platinum-selling album, Blown Away.  American Idol will air on FOX from 8:00pm to 9:00pm EST.
“See You Again” was one of three songs penned by Underwood, Lindsey and Hodges when the producers of the film Chronicles of Narnia asked if Underwood would be interested in writing for the movie. One of the other songs penned by the trio, “There’s A Place for Us” was performed by Underwood for the film.
See Underwood discuss her new single, “See You Again”:

Industry Ink (3-27-13)

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digital music lgog1111Robby Towns, Founder of the NestaMusic consultancy, has been named Community Manager of digitalmusic.org, the home of music business association NARM’s digital initiatives. Towns, who is based in Nashville, will replace Antony Bruno, who is leaving to focus full-time on his content consulting business.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing him on to work with us,” said Bill Wilson, Vice President of Digital Strategy & Business Development for digitalmusic.org. “With his extensive experience at major record labels, premier digital companies, and more, Robby is uniquely qualified to help us advance the cause of digital music.”
Towns, 34, is a graduate of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Music Business from New York University (NYU). He got his start in the Advisory Services practice of KPMG.
After stints as Publishing Information Researcher at The Orchard, Marketing Assistant at Audible Treats, and Market Research Analyst at Columbia Records, Towns founded NestaMusic in 2010, a consultancy focusing on strategy, research, and new media initiatives in the music industry. In this role, he has helped Columbia Records overhaul their digital resources, served as lead project manager for an upgrade of all contact and content management for Giant Step, authored the “MetaMillions” white paper for digitalmusic.org, and provided insight and commentary on PRS for Music’s “A House Divided: The Economics of Discounting Tickets” white paper. He also assists clients with strategic planning for Spotify app development.
Towns can be reached at [email protected].

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The Sins Country

The Sins Country


PLA Media has signed husband-wife duo The Sins Country to its roster. They will join PLA’s current roster that includes Lynn Anderson, the Johnny Cash Museum, The Oak Ridge Boys’ William Lee Golden, Emmylou Harris and Scarletta.
“Their songwriting prowess and two-part harmonies of Kristen and Joe impressed me when they performed some songs for us at the office,” said Pam Lewis of PLA Media. “I’m impressed with their tenacity and hard work and look forward to working with them.”
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axs ticketing1AXS TV will broadcast the Stagecoach Country Music Festival LIVE from the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Calif. throughout the three-day event. This exclusive broadcast partnership marks the first time country music fans will be able to watch the premier music festival live across the country. The seventh annual Stagecoach Festival will take place Friday, April 26 thru Sunday, April 28, 2013. Confirmed performers include Commander Cody, Dwight Yoakam, Jeff Bridges & The Abiders, Justin Townes Earle, Lonestar, Nick 13, Rodney Atkins, Tanya Tucker and Trace Adkins.

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matt redman11

Matt Redman

sixstepsrecords’ Matt Redman’s “10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)” was recently certified Digital Gold by the RIAA. It was the first No. 1 single for co-writers Redman and Jonas Myrin.

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gsc111Global Songwriter Connection will hold a week-long celebration, Rockin’ the Rooster, an event set for April 2-6 at Roosters Texas Style BBQ. Rockin’ the Rooster is a week of shows that celebrates the diversity of Music City’s songwriting talent and introduces the company to the city. Rounds are planned for 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The concerts will feature not only country artists and songwriters, but also a Hip-Hop Urban night, Christian music night, Latin music night and an Americana-Fusion night. Admission is $5 per round, but GSC members who bring their membership card will be admitted free. Roosters is located at 123 12th Ave. N. For more information, visit globalsongwriters.com.
 
 
 
 
 

ASCAP Elects Board of Directors

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ascap we create music1The results of the biennial elections for the board for ASCAP were announced today (March 27) by ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Paul Williams. Twelve writer and twelve publisher members have been elected to serve two-year terms commencing April 1, 2013.

Newly elected writer member in the at-large field is composer Alf Clausen. In addition to Williams, the writer members who were re-elected in the at-large field are: songwriter Marilyn Bergman; composer Richard Bellis; composer Bruce Broughton; composer George Duke; composer Dan Foliart; songwriter Wayland Holyfield; songwriter Valerie Simpson; songwriter Jimmy Webb; and composer Doug Wood. Re-elected in the Symphonic and Concert field is composer Stephen Paulus.

The publisher directors re-elected in the at-large field are: Martin Bandier, Sony/ATV; Caroline Bienstock, Bienstock Publishing; Barry Coburn, Ten Ten Music; John L. Eastman, Edwin H. Morris & Co.; Zach Horowitz, Universal Music; Laurent Hubert, BMG Gold Songs; Dean Kay, Lichelle Music; Leeds Levy, Leeds Music; Matt Pincus, Songs Music Publishing; Irwin Z. Robinson, Cromwell Music; and Cameron Strang, Warner Bros. Music. Re-elected in the Symphonic and Concert field is publisher James Kendrick, Schott Music Corporation/European American Music Corporation.

Nashville Music Scene Covers 'Garden and Gun'

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nikkilaneNashville’s music scene is the focus of the cover story of Garden & Gun. Songstress Nikki Lane, whose latest effort was produced by Dan Auerbach, graces the cover of the April/May 2013 issue.
Inside, three articles delve into Nashville’s non-country scene. A story about Eighth Avenue South proclaims it the “Next Music Row,” because it is home to Jack White’s Third Man Records, Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound studio, Grimey’s/The Basement and Cannery Row. While those are fantastic businesses, most industry troops wouldn’t dethrone the original Music Row just yet.
Elsewhere the issue spotlights The Black Keys (Auerbach and Patrick Carney) and thirteen artists ranging from rock to folk/country including Lane, Shelly Colvin, Escondido, JEFF The Brotherhood, Johnnyswim, Leagues, Jamie Lidell, Natural Child, Caitlin Rose, Sol Cat, Turbo Fruits, The Weeks and Wild Cub. G&G is streaming tracks from some of these artists.
In recent months, the publication has also featured Holly Williams and Connie Britton.
G&G isn’t the first media outlet to note the growth of music businesses off The Row. The Tennessean also tackled the subject recently. Both articles failed to mention the numerous thriving businesses that still call Music Row home. For example, Big Machine Records made a sizable commitment to The Row with its new office space.
Readers comment below: Do you think a few businesses moving away from 16th and 17th Avenues is a growing trend or just a coincidence?

The Band Perry Previews 'Pioneer'

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pioneer11111111

Pictured (L-R): Jim King, Senior Vice President of Business Operations & Technology for BMI; Clay Bradley, Assistant Vice President, Writer-Publisher Relations for BMI; Scott Borchetta, President/CEO of Big Machine Label Group; Kimberly Perry; Reid Perry; Neil Perry; Jody Williams, Vice President, Writer-Publisher Relations for BMI

The Band Perry, along with BMI’s Jody Williams and Clay Bradley, BMLG president/CEO Scott Borchetta and a handful of industry members and media, gathered at BMI’s Nashville offices yesterday (March 25) to hear the trio’s sophomore offering, Pioneer. Williams greeted the crowd, saying, “We are in The Band Perry business.” Neil, Kimberly and Reid Perry sat on stools as the album played, offering insight into each track as the industry crowd nibbled on hors d’oeuvres.

The first two songs played were already familiar to most in the audience–the trio’s No. 1 single “Better Dig Two” and the rising single “DONE.”–an ironic title, considering it is obvious that this trio is just getting started. The Band Perry’s penchant for detailed and at times whimsical storytelling is perfectly in tact, and deepened by their experiences over the past two years.
Having spent more than 600 days on the road–many of those days away from family–they parlayed the feelings of solitude into “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely.” On “Back To Me (Without You)” the breakup of a friendship for Kimberly (as well as the siblings’ inclination to offer advice to each other) is chronicled in song.
In previewing the title track, Kimberly explained that while some might think of covered wagons or rural landscapes when they think of a pioneer, her definition is more basic. “A pioneer is someone who goes into the unknown. We didn’t know where we would go with this album. Coming off ‘If I Die Young’ and everything from our first album…we did not want to be a one-hit wonder.” The tender ballad captured the spirit of fearlessness, creativity, restlessness and insatiable curiosity that embodies the pioneers of all generations.
Kimberly stated that the trio wanted “bold statements and crazy moments” all over the record. That may have been showcased best in the tracks “Forever Mine, Nevermind” and “Chainsaw.” The trio listened to rock band Queen while making the record, and that influence showed on “Forever Mine, Nevermind” (co-written by Brad Paisley). The trio displays some Queen-esque harmonies to kick off the track, along with guitar work from Paisley. The bluesy tale of revenge “Chainsaw” was described by Kimberly as “the love child of The Judds and Led Zeppelin.”
“Mother Like Mine” is a touching tribute to the trio’s mother Marie, a tune that explores what the world would be like if their mother ran it. At the song’s conclusion, the crowd turned and applauded Marie, who was in attendance. The preview ended with “End of Times,” which the trio says is a sort of bookend to “Better Dig Two.”
Pioneer releases April 2.
 

Kobalt Signs Jessi Alexander

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Kobalt Music Publishing’s Nashville office has signed an exclusive, worldwide deal with Grammy-nominated hitmaker Jessi Alexander, it was announced today by Richard Sanders, President of Kobalt Music Group and Whitney Daane, SVP Creative of Kobalt Music Publishing America.
Through the new deal, Kobalt’s global creative team will represent Alexander for all new works and will provide worldwide synch licensing and copyright administration.
Alexander’s recent No. 1 hits include Lee Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck” and Blake Shelton’s “Drink On It.” Among her other notable co-writes are the country/pop crossover smash “The Climb” for Miley Cyrus from Hannah Montana: The Movie,  Shelton’s upcoming song “Mine Would Be You” and Celine Dion’s “Didn’t Know Love.”
“I’m super excited about getting to work with the Nashville creative team and look forward to partnering up with them for the next phase of my career,” said Alexander.
In making the announcement, Daane said, “Jeff Skaggs, Stephanie Cox and I are thrilled to be working with a writer of Jessi’s caliber and versatility. We have all been fans of her songwriting for years and look forward to working with our global creative team to expand on her already impressive track record of hits.”

Pictured at the recent signing celebration in Nashville is Jessi Alexander (Seated in Front). Pictured Back Row (L to R): Whitney Daane, Kobalt SVP of Creative; Jeff Skaggs, Kobalt Sr. Director of Creative; and Austen Adams, attorney for Alexander.

Pictured standing (L-R): Whitney Daane, Kobalt SVP of Creative; Jeff Skaggs, Kobalt Sr. Director of Creative; and Austen Adams, attorney. Seated: Jessi Alexander

CMA Gives International Awards

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Chris Young and The Band Perry were on-hand to assist in honoring radio personnel and artists in Australia with CMA Awards. During Australia’s CMC Rocks the Hunter Festival (March 15-17), Country artist Chris Young presented the CMA International Country Broadcaster Award to David Burton. Burton has been an on-air Country radio personality in Australia for the last nine years. Based in Toowoomba, Queensland, Burton appears on Country station 4GR.

PIctured (L-R): CMA Board member Marion Kraft, Burton, Chris Young and CMA Board member Rob Potts.

PIctured (L-R): CMA Board member Marion Kraft, Burton, Chris Young and CMA Board member Rob Potts.


Meanwhile, The Band Perry surprised artist Jasmine Rae with the Global Country Artist Award. Rae has one of the fastest-rising careers of any local artist in Australia. Her debut album Look It Up yielded three No. 1 singles.
Pictured (L-R): The Band Perry's Neil and Kimberly Perry, Rae, The Band Perry's Reid Perry, and CMA Board member Rob Potts.

Pictured (L-R): The Band Perry’s Neil and Kimberly Perry, Rae, The Band Perry’s Reid Perry, and CMA Board member Rob Potts.

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CMR Nashville and Django Promotions CEO and Owner Lee Williams was presented with the CMA International Country Broadcaster Award during the CMA International Country Music Summit at Disneyland Paris on March 1. The award recognizes outstanding achievement by radio broadcasters outside the United States who have made important contributions to the development of Country Music in their country.

broadcaster award111

Pictured (L-R): CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore, CMA Director of International Relations Bobbi Boyce, and Williams. Photo Credit: Ky Chung


 

Country Music Hall of Fame Exhibit To Spotlight 'Nashville'

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Nashville The ABC hit drama Nashville will get its own spotlight exhibition at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, beginning April 5. “Nashville: Like A Country Song“ which will feature costumes, props and more from the television series, will be located within the museum’s permanent exhibition on the second floor, will run through Oct. 31, 2013.
Artifacts on display in “Nashville: Like a Country Song” include:
-A metallic-toned cocktail dress, with bronze paillette overlay and copper sequins and beading, and snakeskin-look platform peep-toe shoes, worn by Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton) when she performed “Wrong Song” with Juliette Barnes.
-A beaded, strapless mini-dress, worn by Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) when she and Rayna Jaymes performed “Wrong Song.”
-A 2009 Gretsch G6121-1955 Chet Atkins solid body guitar and personalized strap played by Deacon Claybourne (Charles Esten) in the pilot episode of Nashville.
-A Boho-inspired black lace dress with silky skirt, worn by Scarlett O’Connor (Clare Bowen).
-A Gibson LG-2 guitar belonging to Gunnar Scott (Sam Palladio).
-Framed art featured in the episode “You Win Again,” in which fictional record label Edgehill Republic throws a party to celebrate the platinum success of the Rayna Jaymes-Juliette Barnes duet “Wrong Song.”
-A script of the Nashville pilot episode, autographed by cast members Powers Boothe, Bowen, Britton, Eric Close, Esten, Jonathan Jackson, Palladio,  Panettiere and Robert Ray Wisdom.

Nashville airs on the ABC Television Network on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. CT and is executive produced by Dee Johnson (“Boss,” “The Good Wife”), R.J. Cutler (“The September Issue,” “The War Room”) and Oscar®-winning screenwriter Callie Khouri (“Thelma and Louise”).

CMT Adds Two Program Publicity Vice Presidents

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Cindy McClean Finke

Cindy McLean Finke

CMT has promoted Cindy McLean Finke to Vice President, Program Publicity and Communications, while Stephanie Molina joins the network as Vice President, Program Publicity for the West Coast office. Both will report to Lisa Chader, Sr. VP, Corporate Communications, CMT. Finke is based at the network’s headquarters in Nashville, and Molina is based in CMT’s West Coast office.

“Cindy and Stephanie make a fantastic and experienced team, and are uniquely suited to lead CMT’s press efforts at a time of lightning-fast growth at the network,” said Chader. “Both are well-respected within the entertainment industry and amongst their peers, and I’m thrilled to have them in leadership roles.”

Finke joined the CMT Corporate Communications team as Senior Publicist in 2002. Since then she has led publicity efforts for such shows as the critically-acclaimed series, CMT Crossroads; CMT Music Awards; CMT Artists of the Year; films under the CMT Original Movies franchise, and more. In addition to leading the efforts on most Nashville and music-based shows and events, she will handle publicity for Dog and Beth: On The Hunt and the network’s first animated project, Bounty Hunters, premiering later this summer.

Prior to CMT, Finke was a publicist at E! Entertainment Television and The Style Network, creating and managing publicity campaigns for primetime series and specials including The E! True Hollywood Story, Celebrity Homes and Nigella Bites. Finke has also worked in the publicity department for Showtime Networks Inc.

Stephanie Molina

Stephanie Molina

Leading original programming publicity efforts on the West Coast, Molina will work closely with Jayson Dinsmore, EVP Programming and Development, and his team. Molina comes to CMT from Rogers & Cowan,  where she was VP of Television, handling such accounts as Food Network, Oxygen, G4, BET, 19 Entertainment, Electric Entertainment, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe as well as representation of Nigel Lythgoe Productions (NLP) in conjunction with Shine America.

Prior to Rogers & Cowan, Molina was with PR agency, BWR, where she also represented American Idol, and So You Think You Can Dance, and its executive producers, as well as developed and executed the plan for AEG and 19 Entertainment’s corresponding nationwide tours for seven seasons. She has also worked with Bunim/Murray and Twentieth Century Fox’s syndicated court shows.