Weekly Register: Shelton Surge And Q1 Countdown

blakeSometimes number crunching, SoundScan summin’, chart watchin’, sales analysts simply have no patience.
Take me for example. Only a few weeks ago I was complaining over the lack of fresh new product and having to endure dire sales. But today, at the close of Q1, country music sales are starting to show strength if not honest-to-goodness resilience. Might be exactly the moment to offer a tip of the hat to label marketing departments. Good job guys (and gals)
On the country chart this week we are enjoying Top 10 debuts from Blake Shelton (No. 1; 199k, 39 percent digital), Alan Jackson (No. 2; 55k, 13 percent digital) and Thompson Square (No. 4; 36k, 31 percent digital). There’s also a various artist ACM Awards Zinepak Wal-Mart Exclusive that hit No. 11 with over 15k physical-only units. And last, but not least Ms. Maggie Rose entered the chart at No. 36 with almost 2k units (69 percent digital).
weeklygrid3-31-13On country tracks there’s two guys burnin’ it up this week. Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel” earns honors for rolling into the top spot with over 93k downloads for the week. But Blake Shelton has taken ownership of the Digital Genre Country list. The Voice judge has 13 tracks on the 100 song list, many of them from his above mentioned debut album.
Since fans are less genre conscious than ever these days, the full house of debuts on the Top 200 chart was also a solid source of sales momentum. Justin Timberlake topped the chart with week 2 of his 20/20 Experience that scanned over 968k last week plus almost 318k this week. Blake, Alan and Thompson Square were joined on the Top 200 by debuts from Lil Wayne (No. 2; 217k), Onerepublic (No. 4; 60k), Depeche Mode (No. 6; 52k) and Strokes (No. 10; 41k).
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So let’s take a look at where we are, compared to last year, as we turn the first quarter corner of 2013.
weeklygrid3-24-13Country album sales are now less than 1 percent behind 2012 YTD, and all other country “Weekly Grid” stats are leaning into positive territory. As shown, digital albums are up 21.2 percent. Digital country albums now average about 32 percent of total country album sales. (Last year at this time that percentage was 26.2 percent.) Using digital sales as a metric one can see that Alan Jackson fans very likely skew into older demographics since even on debut week his digital share of sales was lower than average at 13 percent. Also significant is that All Genre buyers opt for digital albums at a higher percentage than country buyers (43.8 vs. 32 percent).
And there’s even good news for the eternal optimists that cling to the concept that digital sales (both albums and tracks) will make up for losses in physical sales. Well, at least according to country units (not profits), this week you are correct. Note the special column on the far right of the Q1 Weekly Grid which shows “Albums with TEA” and you’ll note that country album sales including TEA are up .8 percent.
Weekly Grid stats for All Genre sales are less positive, but improving. Even albums with TEA is still in negative territory (-3.8 percent).
Over the next few weeks look for new releases from The Band Perry (April 2), Brad Paisley (April 9), Eric Church (April 9) and Kenny Chesney (April 30). See a complete list here.

Craig Wiseman's Music Row Rally To Be Held April 16

38f2e8f7b540fde42458dfc949bfa27b_posterCraig Wiseman and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee are proud to announce its fourth annual Music Row Rally to be held on Tuesday, April 16 on Music Row in the Big Loud Shirt parking lot located at 1111 16th Ave. South. Host and acclaimed songwriter Wiseman will be joined by Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, and a few local food trucks, including fan favorites Riffs Fine Street Foods, Smoke et Al, Biscuit Love Truck, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream and Doughworks on Tuesday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The proceeds go toward a great cause; 10 percent of all profits made by the food trucks will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. A $1 donation from all attendees at the door is requested as an additional way to give to this incredible charity.

 The Music Row Rally helps kicks off the 9th annual Stars For Second Harvest benefit on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at 7:30pm at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Hosted by Wiseman, this concert features an unplugged acoustic style performance by some of country music’s brightest songwriters, a comedic performance by Ralphie May, a special performance by Florida Georgia Line. The event takes place during CMA Music Festival, so attendees can expect some surprises.
Presented by O’Charley’s, this not-to-be missed evening helps to raise awareness of hunger issues in Tennessee. Tickets are on-sale now for $35 at ticketmaster.com. For preferred VIP seating please contact the Second Harvest Food Bank at 615-329-3491. All proceeds from the concert benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in their efforts to feed hungry people and work to solve hunger issues in our community. For more information contact Brittany Hansen at 615.329.3491 or visit their website at secondharvestmidtn.org.

 

'Muscle Shoals Live' Nashville Benefit and NaFF Screening

Muscle-ShoalsThe music of Muscle Shoals will be highlighted during a Nashville benefit concert after the screening of Muscle Shoals Documentary at the Nashville Film Festival on April 20.

The evening, titled “Muscle Shoals Live: The River That Sings” will be held at Lipscomb’s Collins Auditorium at 8:30 p.m., shortly after the documentary’s Tennessee debut at the Nashville Film Festival beginning at 6:00 p.m. CT.

Hosted by the International Black Film Festival of Nashville and Mid-Town Music Academy in close collaboration with the NaFF, the Lipscomb event will feature music from The SwampersJesse Boyce and FAME GangGino Speight and The SOS Band, Harvey Thompson of The Muscle Shoals Horns, Angela Primm of Still Waters; jazz musician & vocalist Thomas Cain.

“This is a great story that reveals how local musicians and internationally known artists came together to create soulful music that connected people beyond race, gender and national origin around the world during the era of segregation,” said Hazel Joyner Smith, IBFFN Executive Director and founder IBFFN. “We are offering a double treat with both the film and musical production that will feature many of the original players and their music that still rocks today.”
The documentary, which chronicles the spiritual influence of the music of Muscle Shoals, premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival from writer and director Greg “Freddy” Camalier.
To purchase tickets, visit the IBFFN website. Tickets will also be available onsite during the NaFF and at the Allen Arena Box Office the day of the concert.

DISClaimer: Let The March To Stardom Begin

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Kacey Musgraves


Let the march to stardom begin. It has been so, so gratifying to watch the world fall in love with Kacey Musgraves. [MusicRow Publisher] Sherod [Robertson] and I rejoiced together when she introduced “Merry Go Round” at the 2012 CRS convention. It took a full year, but that song finally entered the top-10 in time for CRS 2013. All of that is a preamble to stating that Kacey’s follow-up, “Blowin’ Smoke,” is the Disc of the Day. It’s a good idea to populate a new band with seasoned vets. That’s the way the Texas Jamm Band won a DisCovery Award. Special kudos go to the group for keeping real country music alive.
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Texas Jamm Band


Billy Currington/Hey Girl
Writers: Rhett Akins/Chris DeStefano/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Dan Huff; Publishers:EMI Blackwood/EMI April/Sugar Glider/External Combustion/Out of the Taperoom/Songs of Southside Independent, BMI/ASCAP, Mercury
-A bit of a disappointment. In the past, he has shown such unerring good taste in material, so I was startled by how lackluster this pick-up ditty is. Back to the drawing board.
Danielle Car/Turn You On
Writers: Danielle Car; Producer: Chuck AlKasian, Danielle Car and Brian Lord; Publisher: none listed, BMI; DC
-I have liked this Detroit diva in the past. This time around, she’s rocking a boozy, saucy, sexy roller with more than enough backbeat to kick you in the rear end. Rock on, sister.
Kacey Musgraves/Blowin’ Smoke
Writers: Kacey Musgraves/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally; Producers: Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird & Shane McAnally; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/351/Universal Careers/Crazy Water/Smack Songs/Little Blue Egg/Kobalt,BMI/ASCAP; Mercury
-I am totally smitten with her conversational vocal drawl. The fact that she’s such a brilliant songwriter is another reason I hang on every line. Buy this woman’s record right now.
Tyler Barham/It’s Valentine’s Day
Writers: Bobby Hamrick/John Griffin; Producers: Dave Flint and John Griffin; Publisher: none listed, YN (track)
-He has a sincere, warm singing style that is extremely engaging. The meandering, lovelorn ballad, however, does nothing for me. Find him a hit song.
Little Big Town/Your Side of the Bed
Writers: Lori McKenna/Karen Fairchild/Kimberly Schlapman/Phillip Sweet/Jimi Westbrook; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Hoodie/Warner-Tamerlane, BMI; Capitol
-Love has died in this gorgeous, harmony-soaked ballad. Jimi Westbrook, who is one of our finest male vocalists, swaps lines with wife Karen Fairchild during the group’s spectacular performance. In a word, superb.
Joni Rae Jack/Wild Side
Writers: none listed; Producer: Shayne Morrison and Greg Hunt; Publisher: none listed; Rockin Moon
-She’s in church, daydreaming about the not-so-holy things she was up to the night before. He catches her eye from a pew and gives her a grin. A naughty-but-nice rocker.
Johnny Rivers/My Bucket’s Got A Hole In It
Writers: traditional; Producer: Johnny Rivers; Publisher: public domain; Soul City
-Pop legend Rivers refashions this Hank Williams/Ricky Nelson oldie into an acoustic romp. There’s still plenty of thump in the rhythm, but it also has a definite bluegrass vibe. By the way, why isn’t this guy in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame?
Jeremy Steding/Lyin’
Writers: Jeremy Steding; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Smith
-The track works up a lather with its double-time, rumbling tempo while the baritone vocalist drawls languidly atop the audio excitement. Quite listenable.
Carrie Underwood/See You Again
Writers:Carrie Underwood/Steve Hodges/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher:Carrie-Okie/EMI Blackwood/1206/Raylene/BMG Chrysalis, BMI/ASCAP; Arista/19
-It would be hard to top the drama in either “Blown Away” or “Two Black Cadillacs.” Instead, Carrie opts for a big, beefy, pop power ballad. Loaded with melodic hooks and heart-tugging, love-eternal lyrics, it’s pretty hard not to get completely caught up in it.
Texas Jamm Band/Drinkin’ Doubles
Writers: none listed; Producer: Texas Jamm Band and Tommy Detamore; Publishers: none listed; Glad/MDM
-This eight-man group contains members of George Strait’s Ace in the Hole band. So it’s no surprise that its debut single is country, country, country all the way. The members settle into a slow two-step groove, and super-tasteful steel guitar lines dominate the arrangement. Excellent work, fellas.

Tin Pan South Snapshots: April 2

The first night of this year’s Tin Pan South (Tuesday, April 2) featured performances from Jake Owen, Tracy Lawrence, Allen Shamblin, Danielle Peck, Jimmy Yeary, Brandy Clark and numerous additional top-notch songwriters at numerous music clubs across the city, including The Bluebird Cafe, Douglas Corner, The Listening Room and other venues. Take a look at photos from various Tin Pan South performances below.

Tin Pan South April 2 douglas corner

Douglas Corner, Pictured (L-R): Allen Shamblin, Brett Jones, Angela Kaset and Rob Crosby


Tin Pan South April 2 Listening Room

Listening Room, Pictured (L-R): Eric Paslay, Jake Owen, Brandy Clark and Josh Osborne


Tin Pan South April 2 Station Inn

Station Inn, Pictured (L-R): Joanna Smith, Tracy Lawrence, Rick Huckaby and Flip Anderson


Tin Pan South Bluebird April 2 1st show

The Bluebird Cafe (L-R): Danielle Peck, Lauren Lucas, Jesse Lee and Megan Conner


tin pan south bluebird cafe

The Bluebird Cafe, Pictured (L-R): Marv Green, Jimmy Yeary, Deric Ruttan and Tim Nichols

Bobby Karl Works The Tin Pan South Kick-off Party

TPSSponsors. We love them. I got out my wallet to pay for a glass of white wine at the Tin Pan South Festival’s kick-off party on Monday evening (April 1).
“It’s an open bar,” said the server.
“Isn’t that nice?” I replied. “I love this party,” I thought silently.
The good folks at Jack Daniel’s provided the bar. Thank-you, sponsor. Next, I headed to the buffet table. That’s where they had helpings of meatballs in marinara sauce, chicken pesto sliders, veggies, cheeses, pork sliders and skewers holding Genoa salami, sweet gherkin morsels and grape tomatoes. These were courtesy of Maggiano’s Little Italy. Thank-you, another sponsor.
The event was staged in the Region’s Bank lobby at the Roundabout Plaza. Parking fees in the adjacent garage were waived. There’s another sponsor to thank. Hostess-with-the-mostest Lisa Harless swanned through a crowd that included such swells as Wood Newton, Liz Hengber, Bernie Nelson, Sam Tate, Jerry Foster, Steve Bogard, Jeff Silbar, Jon Weisberger, Richard Fagan and James Dean Hicks, not to mention Mike Sebastian, Mike Sisted, Charles Dorris, Charles Alexander, Charlie Monk, Mark Ford, Hank Adam Locklin, Chris Keaton, Alan Mayor, Susan Myers, Sherrill Blackmon, Jerry Vandiver, Ralph Murphy, Kayla Becker and Bart Herbison.
Tin Pan South showcases begin this evening (April 2). It’s a banquet of songwriting stars during the next five nights. Participating venues include 3rd & Lindsley, Belcourt Taps & Tapas, Douglas Corner, The Station Inn, The Bluebird Café, The Commodore Grille, The Listening Room Café, The Rutledge and Winners Bar & Grill.
Expect to enjoy Jake Owen, Radney Foster, Bruce Robison, Rhett Walker, Rob Crosby, Tracy Lawrence, Joanna Smith, Joey + Rory, Danielle Peck, Tim Nichols, Derric Ruttan, Tiffany, Dave Barnes, Jim Brickman, Richie McDonald, Victoria Shaw, Brett Eldridge, Mando Saenz, Jim Femino, Earl Bud Lee, Shawn Camp, Lauren Lucas, Jeffrey Steele, Jon Randall, Sherrie Austin, A.J. Masters, Linda Davis, Jim McBride, Jay Knowles, Roxie Dean, Jimmy Stewart, Ashley Monroe, Trent Willmon, Mindy Smith, Daniel Tashian & Kate York, Michael Martin Murphy, Jim Lauderdale, Brice Long, Lance Miller, Dave Berg, Sarah Buxton, Joel Crouse, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Trey Bruce, Jessi Alexander, Kerry Kurt Phillips, Brian White, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Michael Peterson, Mark Selby, Kacey Musgraves (miss her at your peril), Sonny LeMaire, Mark Nesler, James Otto, Lee Roy Parnell, Gary Nicholson, Larry Gatlin, Leslie Satcher, Trent Summar, Marcus Hummon, Kim Parent, Jeff Black, Sam Bush, Kim Richey, Skip Ewing, Even Stevens, Lari White, Lionel Cartwright, Becky Hobbs, Judy Rodman, Casey Beathard, Phil O’Donnell, Cary Barlowe, Dave Gibson, Irene Kelley, John Wiggins, Tommy Sims, Billy Montana, Frank Myers, Eddy Raven, Tom Kimmel, Jerry Salley, Carl Jackson, Gordon Kennedy, Karen Staley, Casey Kelly, Jonathan Singleton, J.D. Souther, Big Al Anderson, Steven Dale Jones, Walt Aldridge, Gabe Dixon, Amy Grant, Tom Douglas, Tony Lane, Lee Thomas Miller, Wynn Varble, Matthew Perryman Jones, Buddy Jewell, Billy Yates, Jimmy Fortune, Shelly Fairchild and many, many more.
Scattered throughout the five-day schedule are such Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members as Allen Shamblin, Paul Overstreet, Dennis Morgan, Pat Alger, Mike Reid, Mark D. Sanders, Dean Dillon, Gary Burr, Bob DiPiero, Richard Leigh, Matraca Berg, Hugh Prestwood and the aforementioned Jerry Foster.

Joey+Rory Partner with Kraft Foods

Photo credit: Nick Salter

Photo credit: Nick Salter


Joey+Rory has partnered with Kraft Foods for a number of events this year, including sponsorship of the ACM Awards and involvement in Walmart’s Fighting Hunger Together initiative.
Leading up to the 48th Annual ACM Awards, Kraft will sponsor the ACM Expo (April 5-7, 2013) at The Orleans Hotel and Casino as part of the Academy of Country Music’s “The Week Vegas Goes Country” events. Joey+Rory will visit the Kraft booth on Saturday, April 4 from 4 – 5 p.m. to sign autographs and debut “Enough,” an exclusive song they wrote for the Fighting Hunger Together initiative.
Fans can also visit the Kraft booth for a chance to win special giveaways, including a VIP trip for two to Nashville. This special vacation package includes a three-night hotel stay, breakfast or lunch at Joey + Rory’s restaurant, Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse, and a backstage pass to several landmark Nashville attractions including the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, among others.
Kraft will also serve as title sponsor of the ACM Kraft Country Kitchen (the food area at the ACM Expo), where the company will sample Kraft products and inform consumers about their work with Feeding America and the Walmart Fighting Hunger Together initiative.
Iconic Kraft brand characters Mr. Peanut and Kool-Aid Man, will join the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile in an appearance at the ACM Expo and the ACM Kraft Country Kitchen.
The duo is committed to the Kraft campaign and partnership with Walmart’s Fighting Hunger Together initiative. The couple will also work with Kraft beyond ACM week events. Future events include cooking demos from Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse (Joey’s restaurant outside Nashville – visit marcyjos.com for more information) that will air on BetterTV. Joey will shoot a grilling theme “cooking demo” in late April in Eagle Rock, Mo. for Better Homes and Gardens, Kraft and Weber Grills.
 
 

Industry Ink (4-2-13)

Warner/Chappell Music has signed a worldwide co-publishing agreement with up-and-coming Canadian country singer/songwriter Aaron Goodvin. Goodvin’s first full length album, Brand New World, released in 2012, reached the iTunes Top 5 Canadian Country Charts and he has placed highly-anticipated upcoming cuts for Luke Bryan and Scotty McCreery.

warner chappell111

Front Row: BJ Hill (WC), Noah McPike (Almon Law), Goodvin, Blain Rhodes (WC); Back Row: Alicia Pruitt (WC), Ben Vaughn (WC), Phil May (WC), Matt Michels (WC)

 • • •

worley

Darryl Worley


The Bobby Roberts Company has signed Darryl Worley for exclusive Booking Representation. Worley has topped the charts with singles including “I Miss My Friend,” “Awful, Beautiful Life” and “Have You Forgotten.”

• • •

larry's country diner logo111“Larry’s Country Diner,” the popular down-home television show that airs on RFD-TV (as well as FamilyNet), has signed a deal with its newest corporate sponsor, Springer Mountain Farms. Georgia-based and family-owned Springer Mountain Farms was the first poultry producer to gain the endorsement of the American Humane Association for the implementation of an antibiotic-free and vegetarian diet for its livestock.

“Springer Mountain Farms is pleased to sponsor Larry’s Country Diner. The show embodies our core values and celebrates an era of great family-friendly entertainment,” said Springer Mountain’s President, Gus Arrendale.
Springer Mountain Farms joins current sponsors farm equipment manufacturer and supplier Tarter Farm & Ranch EquipmentPFI — America’s Western Store “Boot Daddy” and vintage-style radio and jukebox manufacturer Crosley.
Upcoming performances on “Larry’s Country Diner” include John Anderson (April 4), Dailey & Vincent (April 11), The Quebe Sisters (April 18) and Riders in the Sky with Wilford Brimley (April 25).

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MerleFest LogoFinalists have been selected for the annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, hosted by MerleFest 2013. Now in its 21st year, the contest is an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring writers to have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of music industry professionals, under the direction of this year’s volunteer contest chairperson, Grammy®-winning singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale. MerleFest 2013 takes place from April 25-28 on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, N.C.
Writers of the following 12 songs, selected from over 700 entries, will compete on the Austin Stage in Alumni Hall at MerleFest on Friday, April 26, at 2 p.m.
Bluegrass
Aaron Burdett (Saluda, N.C.) – “Magpie”
John Cloyd Miller (Asheville, N.C.) – “Cloud of Dust”
Todd Grebe (Nashville, Tenn.) – “Master of My Destiny”
Gospel/Inspirational
Melody Walker (San Francisco, Calif.) – “Black Grace”
Lorraine Jordan (Garner, N.C.) – “Judgment Day”
Kelsi Robertson Harrigill (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) – “Just Any Moment”
Country
Daniel Davis (Bristol, Va.) – “Homesick”
Eliot Bronson (Atlanta, Ga.) – “Sad Town”
Michaela Anne Miller (Brooklyn, N.Y.) – “Lift Me Up”
General
Ryan Tanner (Nashville, Tenn.) – “Days to Think of You”
Justin Wade Tam (Nashville, Tenn.) – “Cold Chicago”
Ben Roberts (Nashville, Tenn.)- “Gold ”
Each of the 12 finalists will enjoy admission and lodging for three nights at MerleFest, and will receive a mentoring session with Jim Lauderdale. In addition, the first place winners will receive a performance slot on the Cabin Stage on Friday of the festival.Distinguished songwriters Matraca Berg, Lynda Dawson and Chris Smither will be among the judges that determine this year’s winners.
Net proceeds from the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest help support the Wilkes Community College Chris Austin Memorial Scholarship. Since its inception the scholarship has awarded over $36,000 to 75 deserving students.

Kacey Musgraves On 'CBS Sunday Morning'

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Photographer Credit: Kelly Christine Musgraves


Kacey Musgraves will be the subject of a profile this week on CBS Sunday Morning. The venerable show followed the 24-year-old singer/songwriter to locations in Nashville and her home state Texas for the segment.
The episode will air April 7, the same day Musgraves will attend the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, where she is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year and Video of the Year.
On April 10 Musgraves will perform the television debut of next single “Blowin’ Smoke” on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. (Check local listings for time and network).
Written by Musgraves, Shane McAnally and Luke Laird, “Blowin’ Smoke” is the follow up to her top 10 hit “Merry Go ‘Round.”
Mercury Nashville released her critically lauded debut album Same Trailer Different Park on March 19. It entered at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart with over 43,000 units sold. She is the first solo female artist in five years to accomplish this feat with a debut release.
Musgraves is currently on the road with Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Nation stadium tour.

New West Records Partners With Alternative Distribution Alliance

PrintLos Angeles-based independent record label New West Records announced its growing partnership with Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA), the independent music distribution arm of Warner Music Group. New West Records is home to Steve Earle, Patty Griffin, Kris Kristofferson and John Haitt, among others.
ADA will now provide exclusive digital and physical distribution services in the US for all releases from the label’s roster of artists. Forthcoming releases include The Low Highway from Steve Earle & The Dukes (and Duchesses) and Patty Griffin’s American Kid.  New West Records has been distributed by ADA worldwide (with the exception of the U.S. and Canada) since 2011.
George Fontaine, President and CEO of New West Records, said, “ADA is well-regarded throughout the music industry for its ability to deliver above-and-beyond results for independent labels. We take pride in the immense talent of our roster and look forward to providing them further opportunities to expand their offerings through this partnership with ADA.”
“New West Records is one of the revered independent record labels out there,” added Ari Taitz, Sr. VP, Independent Distribution and Strategic Development, WEA and ADA. “It’s a dynamic label with an unwavering long-term commitment to nurturing legendary artists and discovering the best new talent in indie rock, country and folk music. New West is home to one of the most enviable rosters in all of music, and we look forward to working with them to develop their success even further.”
“From John Hiatt and Richard Thompson to The Whigs and Tom Morello–all of us at ADA are enormous fans of New West’s releases,” said David Orleans, President, ADA. “George Fontaine and his team consistently discover and deliver some of the greatest music in the world, and have been at it for two decades now. It’s a great honor to be working with a label of this caliber.”