Brett Beavers Signs With BMG and Big Deal Music

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L TO R:Pete Robinson, Senior Vice President, Big Deal Music;Daniel Lee, Senior Creative Director, BMG Chrysalis Music;Chip Petree, Attorney, Petree Law;Brett Beavers;Kenny MacPherson, President, Big Deal Music;Kos Weaver, Executive Vice President, BMG Chrysalis Music;Dale Bobo, Senior Vice President, Big Deal Music.

Pictured (L-R): Pete Robinson, Senior Vice President, Big Deal Music; Daniel Lee, Senior Creative Director, BMG Chrysalis Music; Chip Petree, Attorney, Petree Law; Brett Beavers; Kenny MacPherson, President, Big Deal Music; Kos Weaver, Executive Vice President, BMG Chrysalis Music; Dale Bobo, Senior Vice President, Big Deal Music.


Songwriter, producer and instrumentalist Brett Beavers has signed a publishing agreement with BMG and Big Deal Music, as the first writer signed under the newly formed joint venture.
Dale Bobo

Dale Bobo


This deal continues Beavers’ working relationship with Big Deal Sr. VP Dale Bobo. When Beavers was previously signed to S1 songs, the company was acquired by Chrysalis as Bobo joined the company. “It was really our first time to work together,” Bobo recalls to MusicRow. “It has been one of the best experiences working with a writer that I’ve had. He’s a super nice guy and very smart. It’s inspiring to be around him. I knew that following the Chrysalis deal, if I ever got the chance to work with Brett again I would. Coming on board with Kenny MacPherson [at Big Deal Music], we all stayed in touch with Brett and it seemed like a great thing for all of us to get back in business together.”
The new venture is a 50/50 writing deal between BMG and Big Deal Music. “We are administrating for Big Deal across the board for any writers that they sign,” explains BMG Chrysalis Music Executive VP Kos Weaver. “But in Brett’s case, it is a full-on 50/50 partnership. I think Brett is a really talented guy across the spectrum, as a songwriter and as a producer. I love working with the guy and I’m thrilled that I’m getting a chance to directly do that. I’m also glad that we are putting the nucleus of a team together.”
“I feel extremely fortunate to be included in the exciting new start up Big Deal Music, continuing my relationships with publishing veterans Dale Bobo and Kenny MacPherson,” remarked Brett Beavers. “With Pete Robinson and Greg Gallo in the mix, it’s a great group of gun slingers for any songwriter to have on his side. Having BMG as a partner with Kos Weaver and Laurent Hubert at the helm, along with the creative forces of Daniel Lee and the rest of the wonderful Nashville team, I am excited and energized about the road ahead.”
KosWeaver

Kos Weaver


The venture also reunites Weaver and Bobo, who previously worked together at Warner/Chappell. “There are several great relationships between Big Deal and BMG so it seemed natural to work together with them,” says Bobo. “They are just as enthusiastic about working with Brett as we are, so it’s a great thing.”
Beavers has had a long-term collaboration with Dierks Bentley, resulting in numerous chart-topping songs including “What Was I Thinking” and “Home.” He has also written hits for Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn, Lee Ann Womack, The Band Perry, Toby Keith, Billy Currington, Kelly Pickler, Billy Ray Cyrus and Lonestar.
As an instrumentalist, Beavers has played bass in the bands for both Womack and Martina McBride. He is currently working on upcoming projects for Dustin Lynch and Canaan Smith.
Laurent Hubert, President, Creative & Marketing, BMG Chrysalis North America, commented: “Brett has become one of Nashville’s most sought after writers. We are looking forward to a successful relationship with a multi-talented songwriting gem whose songs resonate with a wide audience.”
“The Big Deal guys are a great group of people to be partnered with and Brett is so talented, it just feels like a perfect storm of people coming together for me,” sums Weaver.

Bobby Karl Works Reba's Hall of Fame Exhibit Opening

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BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 432
I love a good pack rat.
reba1That’s because I save everything, myself. But as of Wednesday evening (Aug. 7), I am officially taking a backseat to Reba McEntire. I mean, the woman still has certificates and report cards from grade school, for crying out loud. Not to mention every dress she’s ever worn.
All this and more was revealed at the opening party for her Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit, “Reba: All the Women I Am.” You’ll flip at the splendor and the detail of this display. And she plans to add more and different items during its run. I hope she doesn’t swap out the Reba “Barbie” doll or the Reba lunchbox, both of which are currently in one glass case. And both of which I covet.
“It gives me a great feeling to know that y’all came out to see all the stuff I’ve saved over the years,” said the superstar to the opening-night party crowd. “I’m a pack rat. Just like my Momma.”
The exhibit includes mementos from Reba’s film and TV career, awards statuettes, vintage family photos, leather boots and cowgirl competition ribbons. A large video screen shows historic footage from her life.
“This must be like an ‘old home week’ to you,” I said to Sandi Spika Borchetta, who designed many of Reba’s most fabulous gowns in 1987-2001. Many of the ultra deluxe ones are on mannequins in the cases. They include the infamous, spangled, sheer-bodice, plunging neckline red number worn at the 1993 CMA Awards.
Costumer Sandi has also designed several of the eye-popping outfits worn by Taylor Swift. The designer’s date to the party was hubby Scott Borchetta, who is Taylor’s label guru.
Other power couples at the soiree included Dwight Wiles & Diana Johnson, David & Karen Conrad, Ray & Polly (Roper) Edenton and Kitty Moon & Pat Emery, not to mention Reba and her husband/manager Narvel Blackstock. They mingled with such uber fabulons as Gary Overton, Rod Essig, Tony Brown, Jo Walker-Meador, Kye Fleming, James Stroud, Harold Bradley, John Huie and Nancy Jones (who reports that a George Jones exhibit at the Hall of Fame is under discussion).
Following cocktails, we repaired to the Ford Theatre for the welcoming presentation. CMHoF chief Kyle Young greeted the standing-room-only crowd and introduced a songwriters’ salute to the copper-tressed diva.
Phillip & Amber White performed “I’m a Survivor.” In addition to being a big country hit, Phillip’s co-written song served as the theme of the long-running TV sit com Reba. “I was scared to death,” said Amber, who had to sing it in front of its originator, one of country’s most iconic vocal stylists.
Songwriter Richard Leigh talked of being orphaned and raised by four fathers and three mothers through foster and adoptive homes. The experience led to him to co-write “The Greatest Man I Never Knew,” the Reba hit he performed. The superstar rose from her front-row seat to hug the tunesmiths who provided her with these hits.
The Band Perry, Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton sent in congratulatory videos, which were screened for the audience. Young announced that Reba will be at the Hall on Saturday (Aug. 10) at 2:30 p.m. to be interviewed about her spectacular career by Michael McCall. Needless to say, this gig will be packed. On Sunday (8/11), the museum will air the documentary GAC’s Backstory: Reba McEntire at 2 p.m.
Upon exiting the Ford Theatre, we had the option of either immediately touring the exhibit or schmoozing and snacking in the Conservatory. We chose to start with the latter and avoided the crowd by going upstairs to tour the displays later. Hors d’oeuvres, designer salads, cheeses and pork carving stations awaited, not to mention the “Reba” cocktail (cranberry juice, orange liqueur and champagne) and the “Reba” cornbread muffins.
Working the room were Holly Bell, Hunter Kelly, Katie Gillon, Kay West, Bill Carter, Bill Denny, Bob Moore, Bob Paxman, Mike Milom, Ralph Emery, Chase Cole, Vernell Hackett, Bruce Bouton, Lon Helton, Whitney Daane, Don Light, Eric Parker, Leigh Reynolds, Kirt Webster, Sandy Knox, Jennifer Bohler, Chuck Dauphin, Barry Mazor, Victoria Shaw and Jeff Walker. Nancy cartoonist Guy Gilchrist talked of his lifelong love of songwriting. In case you haven’t noticed, the strip’s character Sluggo has become a songwriter this week.
“Thank y’all for all your love and support,” said Reba. “I hope you enjoy the exhibit….It’s just a little piece of my life, and you’re here tonight because you’re a part of it. I wouldn’t be here without you, and I wouldn’t want to be here without you.”
“Reba, we will love you forever,” responded Kyle Young. “This has been a joy…..Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Keith Urban Lights The 'Fuse' This Fall

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keith urban fuse album cover1Keith Urban is readying his first studio album in three years, Fuse, for release next month. Set to hit retail outlets Sept. 10, the new project finds Keith firing things up a bit, teaming with Miranda Lambert on the duet, “We Were Us,” and Eric Church on “Raise Em Up.” He also debuts 11 other new tracks on the album, including his latest Top 10 single, “Little Bit Of Everything,” and fans have the opportunity to buy a deluxe edition of the CD featuring three bonus songs, “Black Leather Jacket,” “Gonna B Good,” and “Lucky Charm,” as well.
“These songs just connected with me, whether for their energy or for what they were saying or just for the fact that they made me feel good,” explains Urban about the material on his seventh studio project. “All of them have merit and even though we recorded a lot of songs, slowly this particular group started to come together.”
Fall should be a busy time for Urban as he returns to the judge’s chair on American Idol in the middle of his Light The Fuse Tour 2013, which continues through the end of the year. He also helps kick off football season Sept. 5 with a performance on an NBC/NFL network TV special celebrating the beginning of the season and the Ravens Super Bowl Championship.
FUSE TRACK LISTING:
1.    Somewhere In My Car
2.    Even The Stars Fall 4 U
3.    Cop Car
4.    Shame
5.    Good Thing
6.    We Were Us (featuring Miranda Lambert)
7.    Love’s Poster Child
8.    She’s My 11
9.    Come Back To Me
10.  Red Camaro
11.  Little Bit of Everything
12.  Raise ‘Em Up (featuring Eric Church)
13.  Heart Like Mine
FUSE DELUXE EDITION ALSO CONTAINS:
14. Black Leather Jacket
15.  Gonna B Good
16.  Lucky Charm

Chris Tomlin Celebrates Going Gold

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Pictured (L to R): Capitol CMG’s Bill Hearn, sixstepsrecords’ Shelley Giglio, Lauren Tomlin, Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio and Capitol CMG’s Peter York. Photo: Mary Caroline Mann

Pictured (L to R): Capitol CMG’s Bill Hearn, sixstepsrecords’ Shelley Giglio, Lauren Tomlin, Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio and Capitol CMG’s Peter York. Photo: Mary Caroline Mann


Singer-songwriter Chris Tomlin has received RIAA Gold certifications for his 2010 Grammy award-winning album And If Our God Is For Us and his 2009 album Glory In The Highest: Christmas Songs for Worship.
Tomlin recently commented on the certifications, saying, “I’m so honored to celebrate these two Gold records. It takes an incredible team! My name may be on the plaque, but I know all the work that goes in to it from many, many people and I am so grateful.”
The singer has enjoyed a successful year, celebrating the No. 1 Billboard debut of his latest album Burning Lights, which is the Best Selling Christian Album of 2013 to date. Additionally, Tomlin sold out 25 shows for his Burning Lights Tour in major U.S. markets. His first Live DVD project Burning Lights Deluxe Tour Edition will provide fans with an inside look at the tour and include a copy of the Burning Lights album. The DVD will be released on Oct. 29.
Pictured (L-R): Matt Gilder, Jesse Reeves, Chris Tomlin, Travis Nunn and Daniel Carson. Photo: Mary Caroline Mann

Pictured (L-R): Matt Gilder, Jesse Reeves, Chris Tomlin, Travis Nunn and Daniel Carson. Photo: Mary Caroline Mann


Tomlin will continue his tour in 22 cities this fall.
Burning Lights Tour Fall 2013 Dates
October
Oct. 3 Charlotte, N.C.
Oct. 4 North Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 5 Memphis, Tenn.
Oct. 10 Nashville, Tenn.
Oct. 11 Pensacola, Fla.
Oct. 12 Birmingham, Ala.
Oct. 13 Lexington, Ky.
Oct. 16 Cleveland, Ohio
Oct. 17 Columbus, Ohio
Oct. 18 Chicago
Oct. 19 Johnstown, Pa.
Oct. 20 Raleigh, N.C.
Oct. 24 Grand Rapids, Mich.
Oct. 25 Quad Cities, Ill.
Oct. 26 Milwaukee
Oct. 30 New York, N.Y.
November
Nov. 1 Washington, D.C.
Nov. 2 Boston
Nov. 3 Salisbury, Md.
Nov. 5 Gainesville, Fla.
Nov. 7 Shreveport, La.
Nov. 8 Atlanta

Justin Moore Takes Nashville 'Off The Beaten Path'

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Pictured (L-R): Scott Borchetta, Justin Moore and producer Jeremy Stover at Moore’s album listening partyon Monday night in Nashville.

Pictured (L-R): Scott Borchetta, Justin Moore and producer Jeremy Stover at Moore’s album listening party on Monday night in Nashville.


Justin Moore gave the Nashville music industry a first listen to his forthcoming album, Off The Beaten Path, on Monday (Aug. 5). Approximately 200 people gathered to hear a slew of tunes off the album, including the duet “Old Habits” featuring Miranda Lambert, “That’s How You Love Me,” “Off The Beaten Path” (which Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta called a “definite single”), the wistful “One Dirt Road” and the humorous song “I’d Want It To Be Yours,” which addresses the “behinds” of Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian.
The project’s producer, Jeremy Stover, also co-wrote several songs on Off The Beaten Path. He took a moment to recognize all songwriters that took part in the album. “It has been amazing to watch Justin grow over these three albums. This is an incredible record with some new sounds from Justin. He truly is one of the best male vocalists out there,” said Stover.
Off The Beaten Path releases Sept. 17.

McCreery Adds Dates To Weekend Roadtrip Tour 2013

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scotty mcreery official image

Scotty McCreery


Scotty McCreery‘s Weekend Roadtrip Tour 2013 isn’t coming to a close anytime soon. The singer has added nearly 20 more dates to the tour, which will now run through November.
McCreery, winner of season 10 of American Idol, has earned platinum-selling status for his debut album, Clear As Day, as well as gold status for his Christmas project. The 19-year-old also earned best new artists nods from the Academy of Country Music and the American Country Awards, as well as Breakthrough Artist of the Year from the CMT Awards. He is currently working on his sophomore studio album with producer Frank Rogers, as well as beginning his sophomore year at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.
Scotty McCreery Weekend Roadtrip Tour 2013 Additional Dates
Aug. 9–Hyannis, Mass./Melody Tent
Aug. 10–Webster, Mass./ Indian Ranch
Aug. 11–Cohassett, Mass. Melody Tent
Aug. 13–Long Island, N.Y./Emporium
Sept. 1–Manteo, N.C./RI Festival Park
Sept. 6–Madera, Calif./ Madera District Fair
Sept. 7–Oroville, Calif./Gold Country
Sept. 13–Council Bluffs, Iowa/Harrah’s
Sept. 14–Spencer, Iowa/Clay County Fair
Sept. 20–Shippensburg, Pa./ Luhrs Performing Arts Ctr
Sept. 21–Baltimore, Md./Ramshead Live
Oct. 4–Salem, Va./Salem Civic Center
Oct. 5–Cherokee, N.C./Harrah’s
Oct. 21-22–Raleigh, N.C./NC State Fair
Oct. 26–Troy, Ohio/Hobart Arena
Nov. 1–Danville, Ky./Newlin Hall
Nov. 14—Austin, Texas/Waller Cre
Nov. 15–Winnie, Texas/Nutty Jerry’s
Nov. 22-23–Lincoln City, Ore./Chinook

ACM Lifting Lives Accepting Submissions For 2013 Grant Cycle

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ACM-Lifting-LivesACM Lifting Lives is accepting submissions for the 2013 Grant Cycle. ACM Lifting Lives, the Academy of Country Music’s philanthropic arm, is dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. Grant cycles allow Lifting Lives to provide funding to programs promoting education and healing with a musical connection.
Submissions will be accepted beginning Wednesday (Aug. 7) and ending Sept. 6. For information on submitting a grant request, visit acmliftinglives.org. Each organization may send only one funding application for one program to be funded through ACM Lifting Lives in any given year. Funding decisions will be made and programs will be notified in October 2013.
Programs funded by ACM Lifting Lives include music education or artist-in-residence programs, music therapy programs, purchase or repair of musical instruments, and purchase or repair of music-related equipment (included but not limited to computers, software and recording equipment).
Among the organizations that have received funding previously are the Bridges Academy in Nashville, which received funding for music education programs, Free Arts for Abused Children in Los Angeles, which received funding for “free arts days” and volunteer programs, Music National Service Initiative in the Bay Area which received funding for a summer training program for music fellows, Musicians on Call in Nashville, which received funding for music therapy through artist visits, Peace thru Music in Ventura, which received funding for the purchase and repair of instruments for children from financially challenged backgrounds, The Art of Elysium in Los Angeles, which received funding for its musical expressions program, providing music kits to hospitalized children, and Vanderbilt Music Therapy Program in Nashville, which received funding for a full time music therapist for summer trauma patients, and many more.

CMT Launches Four New Series In Wake Of Ratings Growth

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cmtCMT is launching four new series this fall following a successful quarter of ratings growth and double-digit gains over 2012. The original docu-series, The Untitled Cassadee Pope Project, which follows the season three winner of The Voice and her rise to fame, will premiere Oct. 4. A new reality series from Jersey Shore executive producer SallyAnn Salsano and 495 Productions is also slated to premiere Nov. 8, while the popular Orange Country Choppers, featuring Paul Teutul Sr., premieres Nov. 16, followed by an all-new competition series, Tattoo Titans.
The network also premieres the eighth season of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team Sept. 6, and a new episode of CMT Crossroads, featuring the iconic Stevie Nicks alongside country superstar trio Lady Antebellum on Sept. 13. In addition, CMT will continue airing new episodes of its successful series, Dog and Beth: On The Hunt, Cops Reloaded, and the animated series, Bounty Hunters.
CMT currently ranks among the top five fastest-growing cable nets for the previous quarter.
“We’re continuing to build off of our recent success, and loading our Fall schedule with brand new series, new episodes of returning series, acquisitions and the incredible music that CMT is known for,” said Katie Buchanan, SVP, program scheduling and acquisitions, CMT.  “Our prime ratings average exploded over the previous quarter, as well as over a year ago, and we’re confident that these new series will continue our growth trend.”

Industry Ink (8-7-13)

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•RymanThe Ryman Auditorium has landed near the top of Rolling Stone’s recent “Best Music Venues in America: Reader’s Choice” list and sixth on its industry-voted “The Best Big Rooms in America.” The venue also received kudos from National Geographic, which named the Ryman to its list of “11 Music Icons in the U.S.” Websites for both publications feature prominent photography of the Ryman in their stories. The Ryman also currently holds the titles of Pollstar Theatre of the Year (for the third year in a row), CMA’s Venue of the Year, and ACM Venue of the Year.
•the neverclaim1Portland, Ore. worship band The Neverclaim is the latest addition to Essential Records’ roster. The group will release its debut, self-titled CD produced by Paul Moak (Matt Kearney, Third Day, Matt Maher) and Jason Ingram (Chris Tomlin, Tenth Avenue North, Building 429) on Sept. 24.
The Neverclaim is comprised of Jeremiah Carlson (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Mitchell Maldonado (keys, banjo, guitar), Chuck Hill (bass, upright bass), Josh Anderson (lead guitar), Matthew Warren (guitar) and Jared Key (drums, percussion).
• rpmRPME has moved its offices. The company’s new address is: 118 16th Avenue South, Suite 208, Nashville, TN 37203. They can still be reached at 615-256-1980.
•MSO PR Nashville celebrated their 5th anniversary with a media mixer at the historic Union Station Hotel in Nashville on July 23. Radio personality/musician Billy Block was among the guests at the celebration.

Pictured (L-R): MSO President Mitch Schneider, Billy Block, MSO Nashville Director Lyndie Wenner and MSO Account Executive Angela Villanueva.

Pictured (L-R): MSO President Mitch Schneider, Billy Block, MSO Nashville Director Lyndie Wenner and MSO Account Executive Angela Villanueva.


 

Kenny Rogers Taps Billy Dean For 'The Toy Shoppe'

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billy dean 2013 photo1

Billy Dean


Kenny Rogers has recruited Billy Dean to play the lead role in this year’s edition of the Broadway-style Christmas production, The Toy Shoppe. The show will launch Nov. 1 and run through Dec. 21 at The Starlite Theatre in Branson, Mo.
The original music and story were written and arranged by Rogers and producer/director Kelly Junkermann. Dean will take on the role of Toy Shoppe owner Hank Longley, normally portrayed by Rogers. The original music from the production features 11 songs co-written by Rogers, along with several holiday classics.
“I’m over the top about getting to play Hank Longley in The Toy Shoppe,” notes Dean. “This is normally Kenny’s role so I’ve got some big shoes to fill. But I promise to give it my all and make Kenny proud!”
Tickets are available now at starlitetheatre.com or the Starlite Theatre box office at 866-991-8445.