Corey Smith to Launch Headline Tour

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csCorey Smith has been tapped to headline House Of Blues’ Movin’ On Up Tour this fall. Presented by Ones To Watch and Texas Pete, the Movin’ on Up Tour kicks off in November and will cover 19 cities across the country during the first leg.
“Touring has always been the backbone of my career and it wouldn’t be possible without the help of promoters like Live Nation,” said Smith. “I’m excited to make more special memories across the country on this tour.”
Smith is also in the studio working on his ninth full-length album. On this new project, he is collaborating for the first time with renowned producer Keith Stegall (Zac Brown Band/Alan Jackson).
For tour dates and more information, visit coreysmith.com.

The Band Perry To Play Heifer International Benefit

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The Band Perry will perform at the CCMA on Sept. 8.

The Band Perry


The Band Perry will have a busy week this week as they hit the West Coast for several events. They kicked off the week on Monday (Sept. 16) with an appearance on the newly-launched Arsenio Hall Show, and the trio is set to perform a special acoustic show at Heifer International’s Second Annual “Beyond Hunger: A Place At The Table” Gala Thursday (Sept. 19) in Beverly Hills. The event will honor actress Susan Sarandon for her commitment to the charity and efforts to combat world hunger, and proceeds will benefit the organization’s mission to end hunger and poverty across the globe.
The siblings will then travel to The Talk TV show on Friday (Sept. 20) to chat with the ladies and perform their latest single, “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely.” The following day, the band makes their debut appearance at the IHeartRadio Music Festival in Vegas, where they’ll perform as part of the festival on the strip with artists including Avril Lavigne and Jason Derulo. The three are also hard at work wrapping up details on their upcoming We Are Pioneers headlining world tour, which kicks off Nov. 8.

Artist Updates (9-17-13)

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Steve Wariner

Steve Wariner


Steve Wariner will have his watercolors on display at the Tennessee State Museum on Oct. 11. The exhibition, which is part of three new exhibits centered around a musical theme, will include 21 of Wariner’s favorite paintings. The paintings will be on display through Dec. 29 and the exhibit is open to the public free of charge.
“I am absolutely thrilled at this tremendous opportunity to have my art on display at the Tennessee State Museum,” said Wariner. “My work has been exhibited occasionally here-and-there over the years but never like this or at this level. This truly is a first for me…I am very grateful.”

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hunter hayes new photo

Hunter Hayes


The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and NARM debuted a new music video recently from Hunter Hayes as part of the industry-wide Give The Gift of Music campaign.
The video highlights the significance of giving and receiving music as a gift and launched exclusively in a featured “Countdown to the CMA Awards” section of the givethegiftofmusic.info website.

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Striking Matches, Laura Heatherly, T.J. Martell Foundation, Ryan Kinder and David Augustin, Corporate Flight Management

Pictured (L-R): Striking Matches, Laura Heatherly, T.J. Martell Foundation, Ryan Kinder and David Augustin, Corporate Flight Management


The T.J Martell Foundation recently held its first annual “Nashville is Nowville” event at the Hangar at Corporate Flight Management in Smryna. The event, which featured performances by Striking Matches and Ryan Kinder and a fashion show unveiling Amanda Vallentine’s new line, raised $20,000 for the foundation.

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Halfway to Hazard and Troy Gentry perform at the 6th annual Crockettsville Charity concert. Photo Courtesy: Debbie Wallace

Halfway to Hazard and Troy Gentry perform at the 6th annual Crockettsville Charity concert.
Photo: Debbie Wallace


Halfway To Hazard held its 6th Annual Crockettsville Charity Concert & Trail Ride Sept. 7-8 in Crockettsville, Ky. and raised more than $150,000 for area charities. Nearly 23,000 people attended Saturday’s concert at Abner Farm where Lee Brice, Troy Gentry, Halfway to Hazard, Keith Anderson, Gary Chapman, Larry Cordle, Christian Kane, Brian Nutter, and Ray Scott performed. Over the past six years, the event has raised $725,000 for Kentucky charities.

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Pictured (L-R): Brantley Gilbert, Danielle Bradbery

Pictured (L-R): Brantley Gilbert, Danielle Bradbery


Brantley Gilbert and labelmate Danielle Bradbery both performed at Chicagoland Speedway before the NASCAR GEICO 400 race on Sunday (Sept. 15). Brantley performed a pre-race cocert, while Danielle sang the national anthem.

Hosts Revealed For Fourth Annual American Country Awards

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acaTrace Adkins and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick have signed on to co-host the fourth annual American Country Awards, which will air live from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Dec. 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.
This is Adkins’ fourth year serving as a host of the awards show. “I can’t wait to see if I have what it takes to keep up with this racing superstar,” said Adkins.
In addition to his hosting duties, Adkins will be joined by legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff and other guests for a special performance of “Carol of the Drum” (otherwise known as “Little Drummer Boy”). The song is featured on Adkins’ recently announced Celtic-infused Christmas album, The King’s Gift.
The American Country Awards offers fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists, albums, singles, videos and touring artists. Nominees, performers and presenters have yet to be announced for the fourth annual American Country Awards.

Rhapsody Restructures, President Jon Irwin Steps Down

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rhapsody-logoOnline music service Rhapsody president Jon Irwin has stepped down, and the company has replaced CFO Adj Dehejia and terminated approximately 30 employees or 15 percent of the staff, according to several reports. Dehejia will be replaced by ex-Starbucks executive Ethan Rudin. Other staff additions will include chief technology officer Brian Ringer; Sr. VP, Americas, Paul Springer; and Sr. VP, Europe, Thorsten Schliesche.
The company’s changes come on the heels of an investment by Columbus Nova Technology Partners, which has placed principals Jason Epstein and Andrew Intrater on Rhapsody’s board.

Oak Ridge Boys Launch 24th Holiday Tour This November

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Oak Ridge Boys

Oak Ridge Boys


The Oak Ridge Boys are gearing up for the 24th year of their annual Christmas tour this year as they celebrate 40 years in the business. The group will cross the country on dozens of dates on the Christmas Time’s A Comin’ Tour as they spread some Yuletide cheer and celebrate their four decades of recording, and they’ll perform plenty of the tracks from their 2012 holiday CD of the same name, Christmas Time’s A Comin, at every stop.
“Christmas is my favorite time of the year,” said Oak Ridge Boy Duane Allen. “The Oak Ridge Boys get to take our Christmas tour all over the USA, sharing joy, happiness, gifts, families getting together, and, of course, the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Our Christmas shows are the highlight of our year. Our 40th Anniversary tour dates are turning into celebrations everywhere we go. We have chosen a busy schedule so we can say ‘thank you’ to the many promoters, radio stations, fairs, festivals, and our wonderful fans who have all supported us for so many years. We hope everyone will come on out and celebrate with us.”
Christmas Time’s-A-Comin’ Tour Dates:
Nov. 5-7 – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 12-14 – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 16 – Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
Nov. 19-21 – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 25 – Portsmouth, Ohio
Nov. 29 – Sioux Falls, S.D.
Nov. 30 – Des Moines, Iowa
Dec. 1 – Cheyenne, Wyo.
Dec. 2 – Salt Lake City, Utah
Dec. 3 – Cedar City, Utah
Dec. 5 – Billings, Mont.
Dec. 6 – Boise, Idaho
Dec. 7 – Kennewick, Wash.
Dec. 8 – Lewiston, Idaho
Dec. 9 – Spokane, Wash.
Dec. 10 – Eugene, Ore.
Dec. 11 – Redding, Calif.
Dec. 12 – Yountville, Calif.
Dec. 13 – Northridge, Calif.
Dec. 14 – Coachella, Calif.
Dec. 15 – Tucson, Ariz.
Dec. 16 – Amarillo, Texas
Dec. 17 – Topeka, Kan.
Dec. 18 – Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Dec. 19 – Wabash, Ind.
Dec. 20 – Akron, Ohio
Dec. 21 – Toledo, Ohio
Dec. 22 – Green Bay, Wis.

Industry Ink (9-17-13)

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Mercury Records artist Easton Corbin’s hit single “All Over The Road” has reached gold status by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The Top 5 hit was written by Carson Chamberlain, Ashley Gorley and Wade Kirby and serves as the title track to Corbin’s sophomore album that released last year.

Pictured (L-R): Universal Music Group Nashville's Mike Dungan and Easton Corbin

Pictured (L-R): Universal Music Group Nashville’s Mike Dungan and Easton Corbin.

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Still Working Music/BMG has signed writer Derrick Southerland. Southerland, a Georgia native, moved to Nashville in 2010 after working in various studios in the Atlanta area. Most recently, he has had cuts on the Major Bob duo John & Jacob, including the single “Be My Girl.” He joins the growing Still Working team with present writers Tommy Lee James, Terry McBride, Chase Bryant, Matt Nolen and Ryan Lafferty.

Pictured (L-R): Alex Orbison, President, Still Working Music; Noah McPike, Almon Law, PLLC.; Tommy Lee James, Chief Creative Officer, Still Working Music; Kendall Lettow, Creative Director, Still Working Music; Derrick Southerland; Kevin Lane, Creative Director, BMG Chrysalis; Kos Weaver, EVP, BMG Chrysalis.

Pictured (L-R): Alex Orbison, President, Still Working Music; Noah McPike, Almon Law, PLLC.; Tommy Lee James, Chief Creative Officer, Still Working Music; Kendall Lettow, Creative Director, Still Working Music; Derrick Southerland; Kevin Lane, Creative Director, BMG Chrysalis; Kos Weaver, EVP, BMG Chrysalis.

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yepIndustry organization Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) will hold a Mixer event at Nashville’s Tin Roof on Wednesday (Sept. 17), beginning at 6 p.m. Cover band BrOTown will perform 90s-era cover songs beginning at 8 p.m.

Nashville Songwriters To Head South For Pensacola Festival

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pensacola beach songwriters festivalPensacola Beach will become a haven for music lovers in October, when the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival will bring more than 100 songwriters to 17 venues throughout the city.
Slated to run from Oct. 1 through Oct. 6, the lineup features numerous songwriters, including Ed Beaver, Sandy Carroll, Matt Bednarsky, Dee Briggs, Jay Brown, Tim Buppert, Daryl Burgess, Jeremy Bussey, Dani Carroll, Hope Cassity, Pearl Clarkin, Greg Crowe, Gary Culley, Steve Dean, Dan DeMay, Daniel Demay, Kevin Denney, Billy Ryan Droze, Dave Duncan, Mark Elliott, Jim Femino, Lorna Flowers, Aaron Goodvin, Genesis Green, Trent Jeffcoat, Katie Korac, Earl Bud Lee, Mike Loudermilk, Gary Loyd, Kaylan Loyd, Kirsti Manna, Jim McBride, Lisa McCarter, Bruce Michael Miller, Kayla Nettles, Jourdan Pace, Jerry Salley, Chas Sandford, Aaron Scherz, Jeff Silvey, Rusty Tabor, C.J. Watson, Joe West, Amber Leigh White, Bill Whyte, Karyn Williams, Jim McCormick, and Mo Pitney.
General admission is free to most of the venues throughout the festival. However, entrance to some special events, including intimate listening room shows and the Sunset Cruise, require a cover charge. An “All-Access Weekend Pass” is available for $50.00 and grants the patron entrance to all listening room venues during the week (except the cruise).
Additional events include “Sail With The SESAC Crew,” which include Ken Will Morton, Katie Armiger, Roxie Dean and Joe West. “Hits and Grins” includes Lisa Schaffer, Steve Dean and Bill Whyte.
This year’s sponsors include: Santa Rosa Island Authority, Visit Pensacola, Fox 8- New Orleans, WEAR-TV, Cumulus Radio Pensacola, WSRE (PBS) Pensacola State College, WUWF-FM, Talk Radio 1620, Budweiser/Lewis Bear & Co., Jack Daniels, James Reeves Attorney at Law, Pete Moore Chevrolet, Tanner Realty, Levin and Papantonio Law Firm, Blues Angel Music, Tom White the Printer, SESAC, Dr. Mark A. Giofanini, M.D., and Michelle Roche Media Relations.
For more information, visit pensacolabeachsongwritersfestival.com.

T Bone Burnett To Receive Maestro Award

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T Bone Burnett

T Bone Burnett


T Bone Burnett will be recognized for his outstanding work in film, TV, and music with the Maestro Award at the 2013 Billboard Hollywood Reporter Film and TV Music Conference, slated for Oct. 30 in Los Angeles, according to Billboard.com. The award is given annually to artists who have made a lasting contribution to film and television music, and previous winners include composers Danny Elfman, Hans Zimmer, Alan Menken, Thomas Newman and Diane Warren.
Burnett is being honored for his work as an artist, songwriter and producer on projects ranging from his five-time Grammy-winning film, O Brother Where Art Thou, to his Academy Award-winning Crazy Heart, the soundtrack of the Hunger Games, and the music and score for the debut season of Nashville. A twelve-time Grammy winner, Burnett most recently served as executive music producer of Inside Llewyn Davis, a CBS Films release in theaters Dec. 20. The movie marks his fourth time working with the Coen brothers, Ethan and Joel, who directed and wrote the fictional film about the Greenwich Village folk music scene of the early 1960s. The film won the Gran Prix at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Following the awards presentation, Burnett will participate in a Q&A session at the W Hotel in Hollywood as part of the two-day conference, which includes panels, Q&As,and case studies with composers, music supervisors, artists and executives from across the film, television, advertising and music industries.

MusicRowPics: North 40

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Country duo North 40 visited MusicRow‘s offices on Friday (Sept. 13) to preview songs from their upcoming project. Comprised of Louisiana native Heather Herren-Looney and Arizona native Paige Logan, the pair met in Nashville 20 years ago, quickly becoming close friends. However, they did not begin performing together until about three years ago and recently signed with Rhymetown Entertainment.
They performed three songs during their visit, beginning with “Tell Me Something Good.” “We cut 19 songs and thought the album was done,” says Paige. Heather agreed, saying, “We try to keep things positive. Life comes at you fast, and things are different this side of 40. There is always a bright side to everything, and this song came out of it.”
Paige is the alto in the duo, a nice grounding complement to Heather’s bright soprano voice. “Lucky To Be Lovin’ Me” is a sassy, confident song, written for Paige’s mother and father-in-law’s 50th wedding anniversary. They ended with current single “Hey Girl Hey,” co-written with Amber Rose. “It’s really a song meant to encourage and re-energize women who need it,” says Heather.
Their album will be completed near the end of September; for more information on North 40, visit north40country.com.
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