CMA Music Festival Fun: Chevrolet Riverfront Stage

ASCAP hosted an exclusive backstage VIP tent at the CMA Music Festival’s Chevrolet Riverfront Stage during all four days of this year’s event (June 6th – 9th), while many ASCAP artists performed on the Riverfront stage.

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Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, David Nail and “Whatever She’s Got” co-writer Jimmy Robbins. Photo: Alison Toczylowski.


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Pictured (L-R): Fitzgerald Hartley’s Steve Emley, Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Gary Overton, Jerrod Niemann, Arista Nashville’s John Sigler and ASCAP’s Robert Filhart.  Photo: Alison Toczylowski.


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Eric Paslay performs on the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage


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Dierks Bentley joins The Grascals in a performance on the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage

RaeLynn Signs With Big Enterprises

Pictured from L-R: Jaime Heller/KTR Law Group, RaeLynn, Kerry Hansen, Jenn Witherell

Pictured (L-R): Jaime Heller of KTR Law Group, RaeLynn, Kerry Hansen, Jenn Witherell


Kerry Hansen and Jenn Witherell of Big Enterprises have announced the signing of The Valory Music Co./Republic Records artist RaeLynn. She joins the management company which is home to Wynonna and Elenowen.
“RaeLynn is an extremely talented, driven and uniquely positioned young artist,” said Hansen. “Her experience on NBC’s The Voice may have launched the start of her career but her strong songwriting and unique vocals will make her a star. We are thrilled to be partnering with her and the BMLG family.”
RaeLynn, age 19, inked with Republic Nashville in June 2011 following an appearance on season 2 of NBC’s The Voice.
She is the first artist signed to a music publishing joint venture between Nashville based Big Machine Music Publishing and Los Angeles based Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald’s Prescription Songs.
The Baytown, TX native is currently writing music for her upcoming debut Country album.

MusicRowRecess: Nashville Is Great, But Stay Away

Nashville111The Hollywood Reporter is the latest in a long line of media outlets shouting Music City’s praises…and it’s making some Nashvillians wish they could close the city’s borders. Stories rolled in from The New York Times about the food scene in east Nashville; the Times later named Nashville as an “It” cityConde Nast Traveler listed Nashville as one of the best places in the world to visit in 2013. Bon Appetit and The Wall Street Journal both promoted Music City. Of course, the television show Nashville brought ample coverage and interest to its namesake city.
In an article titled Music City Confidential: Where A-Listers Eat, Sleep and Stay in Music City, the Hollywood Reporter shone the spotlight again on restaurants including Etch, The Catbird Seat, Tavern and The Southern Steak and Oyster, along with other establishments that heavy-hitters including William Morris Endeavor’s Greg Oswald and artists Jack White and Luke Bryan frequent.
Perhaps the real story is the imaginative responses from readers hoping to preserve the city from an onslaught of tourists and visitors. Now that the public reception of Nashville is turning away from decades of stereotypes involving hay bales and overalls, some commenters were happy to drum them up again in a humorous attempt to deflect visitors from coming to town.
What do you think–should Nashville leave the welcome mat rolled out?
A sampling of the comments are below. For more, click here.

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CMA Music Festival Fun: Tailgate Party

Broadcast Music, Inc. presented the BMI Tailgate Party at the CMA Music Festival last week. The second annual BMI Tailgate Party showcased an extensive lineup of Nashville’s emerging bands, including Joey Hyde, Joel Crouse, Thomas Rhett, Lindsay Eli, David Fanning, Josh Thompson, Westbound Rangers, Native Run, Jon Pardi, Curious Band, The Railers and Brazilbilly.

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Pictured (L-R): BMI’s David Preston, Leslie Roberts, Clay Bradley and Jody Williams gather for a photo backstage with Joel Crouse and Thomas Rhett during the BMI Tailgate Party outside LP Field during 2013 CMA Music Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring


Pictured (L-R): BMI's Clay Bradley, Dallas Davidson, Native Run's Annie Clements and Universal’s Steve Hodges gather for a photo backstage at the BMI Tailgate Party outside LP Field during 2013 CMA Music Festival. (Erika Goldring Photo)

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Dallas Davidson, Native Run’s Annie Clements and Universal’s Steve Hodges gather for a photo backstage at the BMI Tailgate Party outside LP Field during 2013 CMA Music Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring


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Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, CMA’s Steve Moore and BMI’s Penny Everhard enjoy the BMI Tailgate Party outside LP Field during 2013 CMA Music Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring


Pictured (L-R): Drew Baldridge, AT&T’s Sean Mitchell, BMI’s Penny Everhard, Adam Craig & BMI’s Mason Hunter at the AT&T Showcase Stage presented by BMI.

Pictured (L-R): Drew Baldridge, AT&T’s Sean Mitchell, BMI’s Penny Everhard, Adam Craig & BMI’s Mason Hunter at the AT&T Showcase Stage presented by BMI.

Industry Ink (6-11-13)

Pictured (L-R): Almon Law, PLLC's Noah McPike; BMG Chrysalis' Daniel Lee; Hannah Dasher; ASCAP's Ryan Beushel; BMG Chrysalis' Kos Weaver; BMG Chrysalis' John Allen

Pictured (L-R): Almon Law, PLLC’s Noah McPike; BMG Chrysalis’ Daniel Lee; Hannah Dasher; ASCAP’s Ryan Beushel; BMG Chrysalis’ Kos Weaver; BMG Chrysalis’ John Allen


BMG Chrysalis has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with songwriter and performing artist Hannah Dasher. A Georgia native and UGA graduate, Hannah recently participated in ASCAP’s highly successful GPS program. Hannah is currently writing for her debut release and performing regularly in the Nashville area and across the southeast.

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Paige Zuidema


RPM Entertainment has hired Paige Zuidema as Director of Secondary Radio Promotions. Zuidema will report directly to National Director of Promotions Rocco Cosco, effective immediately. “Paige has been a loyal part of our promotion team here at RPM for over a year now,” says Sr. VP April Rider-Helm. “I am thrilled to have her take over this very important role overseeing secondary country radio stations and to include her in the future growth of RPM’s record division.” Zuidema interned with Rider-Helm at Stoney Creek Records before joining RPM Entertainment Zuidema can be reached at [email protected]

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dark horse recording logo111Dark Horse Recording is looking to fill two newly created positions: Executive Assistant/Bookkeeper, and Sales & Marketing Manager. For additional information, contact Shelley Calabrese at [email protected].

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MRLGT_RegistrationParty111The 27th Annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament, sponsored by ASCAP, City National, McGhee Entertainment, Tim McGraw and benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee, will take place on Aug. 19 at the Old Natchez Country Club.
Registration is now open for the event, and there will be a kick-off/registration party on Wednesday, June 19 at Rebar (located at 1919 Division Street). The party will begin at 5p.m. and will feature a performance by Lisa Carver, Cheryl LuQuire and Stephony Smith.
 
 

'Darius Rucker: The Story of True Believers' To Air June 20

darius_ruckerDarius Rucker has joined with Great American Country (GAC) for the special Darius Rucker: The Story of True Believers, where the singer discusses his songwriting process with fans. The special features Rucker and each of the co-writers from his successful new album True Believers.
“This record is so much my life,” says Rucker. “Either the life I’m living now or the life I have lived or the life I want to live.”
The special will premiere on Thursday, June 20 at 9 p.m. CST.  It will feature several songwriters, including Frank Rogers (“Miss You”), Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins (“Heartbreak Road”), Bob DiPiero (“Lie To Me”), Phillip White and Mark Nessler (“Lost In You”) and Josh Kear (“True Believers,” “I Will Love You Still”). Rucker will perform “I Will Love You Still” alongside singer Mallary Hope. The special’s finale features all of the songwriters singing Rucker’s hit “Wagon Wheel,” written by Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor.
“When we were playing and I was looking around, I couldn’t count the No. 1s from the guys that were on that stage and it was just deep to realize that all those guys took their time to write with me,” says Rucker.

The Civil Wars To Release Sophomore Project Aug. 6

civil wars111The Civil Wars’ sophomore self-titled album will be released Aug. 6 on Sensibility Music/Columbia Records. This is the follow up to the duo’s debut, Barton Hollow, which is now certified RIAA Gold in the U.S. In advance of the release, the album’s first single, “The One That Got Away,” is now available to stream and purchase.
The Civil Wars, produced by Charlie Peacock, was recorded in Nashville between August 2012 and January 2013. Additionally, Rick Rubin produced the duo’s performance for the track “I Had Me a Girl” in August 2011. Peacock later completed the track by producing the instrumentation and mix.
The Civil Wars Track Listing:
1. The One That Got Away
2. I Had Me a Girl
3. Same Old Same Old
4. Dust to Dust
5. Eavesdrop
6. Devil’s Backbone
7. From This Valley
8. Tell Mama
9. Oh Henry
10. Disarm
11. Sacred Heart
12. D’Arline

Artist Signings: Julie Roberts, Ashton Shepherd

julie roberts111Julie Roberts has signed with Sun Records, the famous Memphis-based label that is known for the music of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and others. The label, which has been involved in music licensing for the past four decades, will release Roberts’ album Good Wine and Bad Decisions on Oct. 29. The release will be distributed by Red River/Sony RED. Roberts was formerly signed with Mercury Records, where she released two albums, Julie Roberts (2004) and Men & Mascara (2006).

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ashtonAshton Shepherd has signed with public relations and marketing firm PLA Media. Shepherd, formerly with MCA Nashville, released her debut album Sounds So Good in 2008, which produced the songs “Takin’ Off This Pain” and “Sounds So Good.” In 2011, she released her second album, Where Country Grows, which featured “Look It Up.” Shepherd is expected to release a new independent project in July 2013.

Gibson Guitar Corp. Becomes Gibson Brands

gibsonGibson Guitar Corp. has revised its name to become Gibson Brands. The change will reflect Gibson’s expanding range of products and evolving lifestyle orientation, as well as the company’s commitment to all aspects of music and sound.
“Of course, the Gibson Guitar Corp. remains a vital, and crucially important, division of Gibson Brands,” states Gibson Brands Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz. “But with the recent acquisitions of TEAC, the Stanton Group, KRK, and Cerwin-Vega!, as well as a major investment in Onkyo, Gibson now encompasses the entire music and sound chain—from the first chord played by a songwriter on a Gibson guitar, until the music reaches the consumer through Onkyo’s premium high-fidelity systems.”
Juszkiewicz continues, “Gibson guitars have always represented a fusion of technology, art, innovation, and craftsmanship, resulting in a premium range of musical instruments. Gibson Brands will continue to carry that ethos into all our products. Most importantly, we’ve never forgotten that Gibson Brands are about bringing the joy of music and sound to a world hungry for a positive quality of life.”
Gibson Brands was founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, Mich. and headquartered in Nashville since 1984. The Gibson Brands portfolio includes Epiphone, TEAC, KRK, Stanton, Cerwin-Vega!!, Dobro, Valley Arts, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Slingerland, Maestro, Baldwin, Hamilton, Chickering and Wurlitzer.

Derek Anthony – Give It To Me Strait

B L U A N T Music Group recording artist, Derek Anthony, releases his latest single “Give It to Me Strait”, from his latest sophomore album “Cowboy Way”.  Derek is coming off his success of the single “Cowboy Way” on radio for 26 straight weeks averaging 1000 spins a week (Dec ‘13 – April ‘14).  “Cowboy Way”, produced by Steve Mandile, is the title track to his latest 11 track album that can be found on all major sites.  Some exciting news you may not be aware of…“Cowboy Way” was played in AT&T Stadium at the Dallas Cowboy home games this past year.  Once you hear the song, you will know why (stadium feel and production is very solid).  Derek’s style ranges from country rock to a strong traditional ballad with a full range of vocals.  His style is what makes him unique. “Give It to Me Strait” was created with the concept of taking some of Derek’s favorite George Strait songs and incorporating a George Strait title or lyric to fit just right into his tune.  The hook is about a couple not being honest with each other- just stop wasting time and “Give It to Me Strait”.  Can you recognize all the Strait references?  Derek’s silky traditional sound and creative lyrics makes you really listen for the references.
Derek can best be described as a contemporary country style with some traditional taste of country music embedded into his sound and feel.  He has always had a passion for music -instrumentally and vocally.  From the age of six, Derek was singing George Strait, Kenny Rogers, and Alabama, to Glen Campbell.   In addition to vocals, Derek has played a wide range of instruments (trumpet, banjo, guitar, saxophone, harmonica, baritone, and piano). The diversity of instrument experience gives Derek a wide range of styles and patterns to pull from while writing, performing, and composing songs.
Derek enjoys writing creative lyrics that have a simple cadence. Moreover, turning a negative quality or situation into a comical play on words is a goal for Derek. The country music listener has always accepted this notion with open arms.
Growing up in St. Louis, he was deeply involved with music in the school system at a young age.  Derek attended Missouri State University.  His parents have always instilled in him a very strong work ethic and emphasized “go for your dreams”.  For the past ten years, Derek has resided in Keller, Texas, where he started his own label and has been entrenched in the Texas music scene.  He is a regular at the world famous Billy Bob’s and has opened up for Pat Green, Josh Turner, Kansas, Colt Ford, and many, many others.  He has performed at Gexa Energy Pavilion, Texas Motor Speedway, Grapevine Opry, House of Blues (Dallas), Las Vegas, and many other venues across Texas.  Derek’s live performances are high energy with extensive crowd interaction. His band “The D-Train Band” is one of the strongest bands in the country genre – a must see.  Derek is eager to broaden his musical career into the mass market appeal and produce memorable music that embraces emotion, fun, and touches the hearts of millions of fans.
The man behind the music is even more impressive.  Derek is a supporter of the NOCC (National Ovarian Cancer Coalition). The NOCC is a nonprofit organization that helps spread awareness of the signs/symptoms of this “silent killer”.  It is “more than a woman’s disease”.  You may view Derek’s testimonial video on his website.  Learn more at www.ovarian.org.  He is also involved with Snowball Express and The WoundedWarriorProject.org, two great organizations doing great things for our military heroes and families.
Be sure to check out the “Give It to Me Strait” MUSIC VIDEO released July 1, 2014.  Please see more at www.derekanthony.net or email BLUANT Music Group at [email protected].
B L U A N T Music Group recording artist, Derek Anthony, releases his latest single “Give It to Me Strait”, from his latest sophomore album “Cowboy Way”. Derek is coming off his success of the single “Cowboy Way” on radio for 26 straight weeks averaging 1000 spins a week (Dec ‘13 – April ‘14). “Cowboy Way”, produced by Steve Mandile, is the title track to his latest 11 track album that can be found on all major sites. Some exciting news you may not be aware of…“Cowboy Way” was played in AT&T Stadium at the Dallas Cowboy home games this past year. Once you hear the song, you will know why (stadium feel and production is very solid). Derek’s style ranges from country rock to a strong traditional ballad with a full range of vocals. His style is what makes him unique. “Give It to Me Strait” was created with the concept of taking some of Derek’s favorite George Strait songs and incorporating a George Strait title or lyric to fit just right into his tune. The hook is about a couple not being honest with each other- just stop wasting time and “Give It to Me Strait”. Can you recognize all the Strait references? Derek’s silky traditional sound and creative lyrics makes you really listen for the references.
Derek can best be described as a contemporary country style with some traditional taste of country music embedded into his sound and feel. He has always had a passion for music -instrumentally and vocally. From the age of six, Derek was singing George Strait, Kenny Rogers, and Alabama, to Glen Campbell. In addition to vocals, Derek has played a wide range of instruments (trumpet, banjo, guitar, saxophone, harmonica, baritone, and piano). The diversity of instrument experience gives Derek a wide range of styles and patterns to pull from while writing, performing, and composing songs.
Derek enjoys writing creative lyrics that have a simple cadence. Moreover, turning a negative quality or situation into a comical play on words is a goal for Derek. The country music listener has always accepted this notion with open arms.
Growing up in St. Louis, he was deeply involved with music in the school system at a young age. Derek attended Missouri State University. His parents have always instilled in him a very strong work ethic and emphasized “go for your dreams”. For the past ten years, Derek has resided in Keller, Texas, where he started his own label and has been entrenched in the Texas music scene. He is a regular at the world famous Billy Bob’s and has opened up for Pat Green, Josh Turner, Kansas, Colt Ford, and many, many others. He has performed at Gexa Energy Pavilion, Texas Motor Speedway, Grapevine Opry, House of Blues (Dallas), Las Vegas, and many other venues across Texas. Derek’s live performances are high energy with extensive crowd interaction. His band “The D-Train Band” is one of the strongest bands in the country genre – a must see. Derek is eager to broaden his musical career into the mass market appeal and produce memorable music that embraces emotion, fun, and touches the hearts of millions of fans.
The man behind the music is even more impressive. Derek is a supporter of the NOCC (National Ovarian Cancer Coalition). The NOCC is a nonprofit organization that helps spread awareness of the signs/symptoms of this “silent killer”. It is “more than a woman’s disease”. You may view Derek’s testimonial video on his website. Learn more at www.ovarian.org. He is also involved with Snowball Express and The WoundedWarriorProject.org, two great organizations doing great things for our military heroes and families.
Be sure to check out the “Give It to Me Strait” MUSIC VIDEO released July 1, 2014. Please see more at www.derekanthony.net or email BLUANT Music Group at [email protected].
B L U A N T Music Group recording artist, Derek Anthony, releases his latest single “Give It to Me Strait”, from his latest sophomore album “Cowboy Way”. Derek is coming off his success of the single “Cowboy Way” on radio for 26 straight weeks averaging 1000 spins a week (Dec ‘13 – April ‘14). “Cowboy Way”, produced by Steve Mandile, is the title track to his latest 11 track album that can be found on all major sites. Some exciting news you may not be aware of…“Cowboy Way” was played in AT&T Stadium at the Dallas Cowboy home games this past year. Once you hear the song, you will know why (stadium feel and production is very solid). Derek’s style ranges from country rock to a strong traditional ballad with a full range of vocals. His style is what makes him unique. “Give It to Me Strait” was created with the concept of taking some of Derek’s favorite George Strait songs and incorporating a George Strait title or lyric to fit just right into his tune. The hook is about a couple not being honest with each other- just stop wasting time and “Give It to Me Strait”. Can you recognize all the Strait references? Derek’s silky traditional sound and creative lyrics makes you really listen for the references.
Derek can best be described as a contemporary country style with some traditional taste of country music embedded into his sound and feel. He has always had a passion for music -instrumentally and vocally. From the age of six, Derek was singing George Strait, Kenny Rogers, and Alabama, to Glen Campbell. In addition to vocals, Derek has played a wide range of instruments (trumpet, banjo, guitar, saxophone, harmonica, baritone, and piano). The diversity of instrument experience gives Derek a wide range of styles and patterns to pull from while writing, performing, and composing songs.
Derek enjoys writing creative lyrics that have a simple cadence. Moreover, turning a negative quality or situation into a comical play on words is a goal for Derek. The country music listener has always accepted this notion with open arms.
Growing up in St. Louis, he was deeply involved with music in the school system at a young age. Derek attended Missouri State University. His parents have always instilled in him a very strong work ethic and emphasized “go for your dreams”. For the past ten years, Derek has resided in Keller, Texas, where he started his own label and has been entrenched in the Texas music scene. He is a regular at the world famous Billy Bob’s and has opened up for Pat Green, Josh Turner, Kansas, Colt Ford, and many, many others. He has performed at Gexa Energy Pavilion, Texas Motor Speedway, Grapevine Opry, House of Blues (Dallas), Las Vegas, and many other venues across Texas. Derek’s live performances are high energy with extensive crowd interaction. His band “The D-Train Band” is one of the strongest bands in the country genre – a must see. Derek is eager to broaden his musical career into the mass market appeal and produce memorable music that embraces emotion, fun, and touches the hearts of millions of fans.
The man behind the music is even more impressive. Derek is a supporter of the NOCC (National Ovarian Cancer Coalition). The NOCC is a nonprofit organization that helps spread awareness of the signs/symptoms of this “silent killer”. It is “more than a woman’s disease”. You may view Derek’s testimonial video on his website. Learn more at www.ovarian.org. He is also involved with Snowball Express and The WoundedWarriorProject.org, two great organizations doing great things for our military heroes and families.
Be sure to check out the “Give It to Me Strait” MUSIC VIDEO released July 1, 2014. Please see more at www.derekanthony.net or email BLUANT Music Group at [email protected].