Superstar Lineups Abound On 2014 Festivals

/by

2014-bcs-logo-release• George Strait, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Reba, Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Hunter Hayes, Lee Brice and more will appear at the 5th anniversary festival of Bayou Country SuperFest, scheduled for May 23- 25, 2014.  Scheduled over Memorial Day Weekend, Strait will kick off the mega-concert Friday night as part of the final leg of his The Cowboy Rides Away Tour and the only announced festival appearance on the farewell tour. Reba makes her first-ever appearance at the Festival this year along with Chris Young. Luke Bryan headlines night two May 24, and Jason Aldean headlines closing night of Superfest on May 25. Three-day festival ticket packages, Saturday-Sunday only packages and single-day George Strait/Reba tickets go on sale Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 10:00 a.m. CST on BayouCountrySuperfest.com and AXS.com.
 
6ef9e3097a5151f5d0515549_280x240• Dierks Bentley and Brantley Gilbert have been added to the list of performers for the 2nd Annual Taste of Country Music Festival  June 13-15, 2014 at Hunter Mountain Resort in the Catskills Mountains. Taste of Country is the first and only 3-day country music camping festival in the Northeast featuring world class entertainment, camping in the Catskills, outdoor recreation, top-notch food and beverage service and luxury mountainside accommodations. Early Bird tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. EST, and more information on VIP packages, pricing, hotel accommodations, mountainside camping, directions and more are available at tasteofcountryfestival.com. 

T Bone Burnett, Electromagnetic Recordings Sign With CMG

/by

T Bone Burnett

T Bone Burnett


Producer, musician and songwriter T Bone Burnett has signed an agreement with Capitol Music Group (CMG) to bring his newly formed Electromagnetic Recordings imprint to the company, according to Burnett and CMG Chairman & CEO Steve Barnett.
Electromagnetic Recordings will be marketed and distributed through CMG. Burnett will also sign artists directly to Electromagnetic Recordings, and team with CMG label executives and staff to develop and market these artists and their releases. He will also serve as a producer and A&R resource for the CMG labels, and as a liaison for the company to the music, film and television communities.
Among the initial projects slated for Burnett and/or Electromagnetic Recordings as part of the new agreement with CMG are The Basement Tapes…Continued from Bob Dylan; work with Gregg Allman on the follow-up project to the 2011 Burnett-produced Low Country Blues; and the debut album from duo Striking Matches on CMG’s Nashville Imprint, I.R.S. Nashville. Burnett is also working to complete an album of songs that Cowboy Jack Clement recorded in Nashville during the final months of his life; the project will include John Prine, Vince Gill and Emmylou Harris, and will be the first release on I.R.S. Nashville.

Nelson Inks Book Deal

/by

willie-nelsonSinger, songwriter and entertainer Willie Nelson, 80, is ready to pull back the curtain on his illustrious five decades-long career. Little, Brown and Company announced that the company has signed a book deal with Nelson. The memoir, currently untitled, is slated to release in 2015.
Nelson has previously authored several books, including an autobiography that released in 1998, 2003’s The Facts of Life and Other Dirty Jokes, and 2012’s Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings From The Road.

LifeNotes: Producer/Director Sherman Halsey Passes

/by

Pictured (L-R): Tim McGraw with Sherman Halsey

Pictured (L-R): Tim McGraw with Sherman Halsey


[Updated]: No foul play is apparent in the death of Halsey, 56, whose body was found Tuesday evening inside a home on Chickering Road where he had been staying. The Medical Examiner’s Office is attempting to determine cause of death.
• • •
Producer/Director Sherman Halsey died at his home in Nashville.
Halsey was represented by Tacklebox Films for music videos and worked with Moo TV for live events. He worked on television events through his company The Halsey Company. Halsey helped create more than 30 videos for Tim McGraw, including the clips for “Indian Outlaw,” “One of Those Nights,” “When The Stars Go Blue,” “My Little Girl,” “Live Like You Were Dying” and “She’s My Kind of Rain.” Halsey also helmed many of Dwight Yoakam‘s early videos, including “Little Sister,” “Guitars, Cadillacs,” and “Honky Tonk Man,” which earned the distinction of being the first Country music video to be played on MTV. Other artists Halsey worked with include the Oak Ridge Boys, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn and Lorrie Morgan.
Halsey also served as president of Century City Artists and executive VP of The Jim Halsey Company; he guided the careers of artists including Merle Haggard, James Brown, Dwight Yoakam, Ronnie Dunn and others. Halsey is the son of artist manager Jim Halsey, who has been a long-time representative of the Oak Ridge Boys.
Shaun Silva, owner of Tacklebox Films, released a statement, saying, “We are deeply saddened to hear of Sherman Halsey’s sudden passing. He was a respected colleague and member of our TackleBox Films’ family. We had the great privilege of representing and working together with Sherman over the course of the last year and he will be greatly missed. Sherman has left us with a great history of creative work and we will always respect his achievements within our industry. I feel very fortunate to have known him as a friend. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.”
Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys says, “Sherman Halsey grew up around The Oak Ridge Boys. He was like our little brother. In fact, I called him my ‘little brother.’ Sherman studied the music industry and perfected his gift of capturing the artist in video. He produced almost all of the specials the Oaks have done over the past two decades. He produced our first video, for a song called ‘Easy.’ In fact, he was so far ahead of the market at that time there were no video shows on American television, so we broke the song in Australia. Through the years Sherman became among the elite in producing award-winning videos for many major artists in the music industry. I am at a loss for words to express the shock we Oak Ridge Boys, our staff, band, and crew are feeling. I close these remarks to go meet the family at the airport and do all I can to comfort them. There is a huge hole left in our hearts today. I pray for God to comfort Jim Halsey, our manager; his family and staff; and the many friends of the Halsey family. And, for Sherman, my little brother, may you rest in peace in the arms of Jesus.”
The Oak Ridge Boys also posted a statement on Facebook, saying, “We have lost a long time friend, associate, brother and son! Sherman Halsey has gone home! Rest easy Sherm! We all love you! Pray 4 Jim Halsey.”
No funeral arrangements or details have been released at this time.
 

ACM Announces Changes To Awards Categories

/by

acmThe Academy of Country Music has announced changes to the Musician-Bandleaders-Instrumentalists awards, and Casino of the Year and Venue of the Year categories, which will go into effect beginning with the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.
The Musician-Bandleader-Instrumentalist (MBI) Awards will be renamed the Studio Recording Awards.
“With the constant evolution in the process of making music, the Academy wanted to reflect the industry’s modernization of the roles and effectively spotlight individuals that are in the studio on a daily basis, contributing to the creative process of songs and albums,” said Chris Farren, ACM Board Member and Chairman of the ACM Studio Recording Awards Professional Panel.
The Studio Recording Awards are presented annually at ACM Honors in Nashville and include the following honors: Bass Player of the Year, Drummer of the Year, Guitar Player of the Year, Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year, Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year, Steel Guitar Player of the Year, Audio Engineer of the Year and Producer of the Year. Eligible nominees will be selected by a professional panel of judges and placed on the ballot for designated Professional Member categories to vote on.
Three new categories will be added to the Casino of the Year and Venue of the Year categories, to recognize casinos and venues based on capacity. Casino of the Year will now include two awards: Casino of the Year – Small Capacity (for casinos with a maximum capacity of 4,000 seats), and Casino of the Year Medium Capacity (casinos with a capacity of 4,001 seats to 11,000 seats).
Venue of the Year will now include three separate awards based on venue capacity: Venue of the Year – Small Capacity will recognize venues with a maximum capacity of 4,000 seats, Venue of the Year -Medium Capacity will recognize venues with a capacity of 4,001 seats to 11,000 seats, and Venue of the – Year Large Capacity will recognize venues of any type (including casinos) with a minimum of 11,001 seats. Eligible nominees will be selected by a Professional Panel of judges and placed on the ballot for all ACM Professional Members to vote on.
“The Board felt that these changes more accurately reflect the nature of touring and wanted to make a change to be more inclusive than ever,” said ACM Board President, Darin Murphy. “These changes will make it possible for the Academy to honor venues of all types and sizes that do great work supporting the country music genre year-round.”
For more information on these awards, or to check eligibility and inquire on how to submit a Casino, Venue or Nightclub for a nomination, please email [email protected].

CRS Accepting Applications For Rusty Walker Scholarship

/by

CRS2014-LogoCountry Radio Seminar is now accepting applications for the Rusty Walker Scholarship program, created in honor of Country Radio Hall of Fame member Rusty Walker. Applications are being accepted through Nov. 22 at CountryRadioSeminar.com.
Each scholarship includes a full CRS 2014 registration, airfare and accommodations for four nights (Feb. 18, 2014 – Feb. 21, 2014). Scholars will be recognized at the CRS 2014 opening ceremonies and will have the opportunity to choose from a select group of mentors, along with meeting CRS board members during the three-day seminar. Each applicant must fill out an online application and submit a paragraph explaining why he/she should be considered as a Rusty Walker Scholar. Eligible applicants must be a full-time radio station employee and a first-time CRS attendee. Three individual scholarships will be awarded.
The CRS Selection Committee will announce the winning recipients on Dec. 16, 2013. Country Radio Seminar 2014 will be held at the downtown Nashville Convention Center February 19-21, 2014.

Weekly Register: Sales In Need Of RED

/by

12 stories11As winter approaches, both the temperature and sales begin to decline.
Last week, Country album sales were down 2.1 percent YTD (overall down 6.3 percent), yet this week Country album sales are down 6.6 percent YTD (overall down 6.8 percent). The 4.5 percent sales drop can be explained by Taylor Swift‘s RED, which debuted around this time last year. No release this week has even begun to match the success of Swift’s album, which sold 1.2 million units in its debut week.

albums-(1)tracksBrandy Clark’s 12 Stories debuts at No. 28 this week (No. 197 overall), selling 2.1k units. The singer-songwriter, who is featured in MusicRow’s 2013 Publisher Issue, threw an album release party in Nashville last night (Oct. 29). Luke Bryan’s Crash My Party celebrates its return to No. 1 ( No. 10 overall), selling 25k units (1.094 million RTD). The top overall album this week is Katy Perry’s Prism, selling 285k units in its debut week.

Eric Church’s “The Outsiders” is the top Country track (No. 12 overall), selling 81k units this week. Lorde’s “Royals” retakes its throne, returning to the No. 1 spot this week with 222k units sold (2.93 million RTD). YTD, overall tracks are down 4 percent, while Country tracks are up 2.2 percent.
Plenty of debuts will be released next week, including Toby Keith’s Drinks After Work, Thomas Rhett’s It Goes Like This, Trace Adkins‘ The King’s Gift, Robertson Family’s Duck The Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas and more.
 
 

Great American Country To Air Garth Brooks Special

/by

trishayearwoodgarthbrooks“It was too good to be true and now looking back on it, it was too good and it was true,” says superstar Garth Brooks of his three-year run of shows at the Wynn Las Vegas from 2009 to 2012.
Viewers will get a look into the superstar entertainer’s life during his past three years in Garth Brooks: Blame It All On My Roots, 5 Decades of Influences, which premieres Saturday, Nov. 9, 8:00 p.m./ET on Great American Country. For nearly 10 years, Brooks resided in Oklahoma taking care of his three daughters, when Las Vegas billionaire Steve Wynn called. “I was fascinated about why he retired early,” says Wynn. After several meetings, a trial run solo performance at the Wynn Encore Theater, Brooks signed on for 15 weekends.
Brooks and wife Trisha Yearwood captured home video of many of the special moments leading up to his Vegas run, including the christening of their private plane which they named Trixie (the plane was used to travel the family between Oklahoma and Las Vegas), Brooks’ first time on the Encore stage and light-hearted moments between the two in the dressing room.
“The special is a perfect representation of where I am in my life right now,” says Brooks. “I believe it accurately paints the ‘frantic’ lifestyle our house is in right now. We have everyone going every different direction and somehow, it all makes sense.”

Industry Ink (10/30/13)

/by

randy brown1

Randy Brown


Randy Brown recently stepped down from his post at Borman Entertainment after nine years with the company. As an Associate Manager, he worked day to day with singer/songwriter Randy Montana, and was involved in the early development of Capitol’s Mickey Guyton. Also serving as Director of Tour Marketing, he spent over seven years marketing tours for all clients at all levels, including Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Alison Krauss and Kenny Loggins.
Prior to Borman, Randy spent two years at Warner Nashville, and began his career with Faith Hill Tours, Inc. He may be reached at [email protected].

• • •

0a13cb4195273e7bb65c60e5_280x228The Third Annual Touring Career Workshop will be held at Soundcheck Nov. 13 from 6-9:30 p.m. The free event will provide classes to engineers, production managers, and road crew members on safety measures, accounting, stress management, financial planning, fitness on the road, and other pertinent subjects during its evening of sessions.
Presented by Chris Lisle Lighting Design, the workshop was formed by Lisle and lighting director Erik Parker to educate colleagues on how to maintain stability and success in an ever-changing, challenging economic environment.
To register or for more information on the Touring Career Workshop, visit touringcareerworkshop.com.

• • •

Regions Commercial Banking and Private Wealth Management group recently held a luncheon at Nashville’s Renaissance Hotel featuring Baseball’s Iron Man and National Baseball Hall of Fame Member, Cal Ripken, Jr., who spoke on the fundamental lessons on life and business. Pictured here is one of the enthusiastic guests who was pleased with Ripken’s answer during the luncheon’s Q&A segment.

cal ripken jr1111

DISClaimer: A Nashville Treasure and a Fresh New Talent

/by

12 stories11On days like today, I love this job. The thrill of discovery was around every corner, with G.B. Leighton, Chris Carmack, Logan Brill and Brandon Hamilton all popping up with dandy new sounds. Mandy Barnett is a Nashville treasure, one of our very finest voices. So it comes as no surprise that she has the Disc of the Day. But the real story here is our DisCovery Award winner. Song for song, the new album by Brandy Clark is among the finest of this or any year. She had me spellbound and breathlessly happy about finding her talent. Buy her record right now.
WILD PONIES/Things That Used To Shine
Writers: Doug & Talisha Williams; Producer: Ray Kennedy; Publisher: none listed; BMI; Ditch Dog (track)
-It has a homemade, slightly goofy simplicity. Nobody sings particularly well, the production is practically nonexistent, and the song is like a nursery rhyme. But there is still something oddly charming about it.
WYATT EASTERLING/Right Before My Eyes
Writer: Wyatt Easterling; Producers: Bill McDermott & Wyatt Easterling; Publisher: Considerable; ASCAP; Phoenix Rising
-The lyric is about someone who inspires and leads by example. Easterling sings it with immense warmth and heart. Lisa Brokop adds a sturdy, sure harmony vocal. His folk-flavored CD is titled Goodbye Hello, and it is worthy.
CHRIS CARMACK/What If I Was Willing
Writers: Randy Montana/Brian Davis/Billy Montana; Producer: Michael Knox; Publishers: Sony-ATV/Mike Curb/Dandon Ranch, BMI; Valory
-Carmack portrays up-and-comer “Will Lexington” on the Nashville TV show, and this tempo single has already been featured on the series. It’s an instantly catchy toe-tapper with a groovy guitar solo and a solid tenor vocal. A winner.
JOHN COWAN, ALISON KRAUSS & SAM BUSH/Nights in White Satin
Writer: Justin Hayward; Producer: David Harvey; Publisher: TRO-Essex; ASCAP; Bunny Rae/Red
-This comes from Moody Bluegrass: A Nashville Tribute to The Moody Blues. Cowan’s yearning lead vocal gives the familiar song new wings. Krauss and Bush harmonize brilliantly on the choruses. Other talents on the double-disc set include Vince Gill, Lionel Cartwright, Larry Cordle, Ricky Skaggs, Peter Rowan, Jon Randall and Tim O’Brien. The original Moodys — Justin Hayward, John Lodge, Graeme Edge, Ray Thomas and Mike Pinder — also make appearances.
GORD BAMFORD/When Your Lips Are So Close
Writers: Gord Bamford/Byron Hill/Brent Baxter; Producers: Gord Bamford & Byron Hill; Publishers: Ole Red Cape/Pretty Paisley/Byron Hill/Writer’s Infinity; SOCAN/ASCAP; Cache (track)
-Bamford is a big deal north of the border, with five Canadian Country Music Association awards to his name. His new Country Junkie CD includes this stirring, driving, sexy tune. It is ultra romantic, wonderfully melodic and completely commercial. Deserving of massive airplay.

mandy barnett

Mandy Barnett


MANDY BARNETT/I Can’t Stop Loving You
Writers: Don Gibson; Producer: Mandy Barnett; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Acuff-Rose; BMI; Cracker Barrel
-Barnett previously scored on Cracker Barrel with a Christmas CD last year. Her new one is a salute to Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Gibson. Like many of her recordings, it is deliberately “old school,” with classic-sounding Nashville Sound arrangements. Her sterling, soulful voice makes this familiar standard seem shiny and new. The I Can’t Stop Loving You CD also includes “Legend in My Time,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Oh Lonesome Me” and all the other favorites created by the legendary singer-songwriter.
G.B. LEIGHTON/Get Up
Writers: none listed; Producer: Tommy Harden; Publisher: none listed; Average Joes
-This invitation to dance has a crunchy beat, a hooky chorus and an admirably earnest vocal performance. An audio good time.
LOGAN BRILL/Scars
Writers: none listed; Producer: Oran Thornton & Matthew Miller; Publisher: none listed; Carnival (track)
-“Your love is like a loaded gun/Should’a put it down before you hurt someone.” She’s surviving a broken heart amid a swirling production and a thumping backbeat. Highly listenable.
BRANDY CLARK/Stripes
Writers: Brandy Clark/Matt Jenkins/Shane McAnally; Producer: Dave Brainard; Publishers: Songs of Parallel/Vista Loma/Amplified/Black Ink/Songs of BIMS/Universal/Smack Ink/Little Blue Egg/Kobalt, ASCAP; Slate Creek (track)
-Everything you’ve heard about this lady’s album 12 Stories is true. Its single is a twang-guitar fiesta with an earthy, everywoman vocal and a dynamite set of lyrics. The only reason she isn’t bumping off her cheating man is, “orange ain’t my color, and I hate stripes.” This is just one of the dozen delights on an absolutely extraordinary record. Clark is the co-writer of the powerful hits “Mama’s Broken Heart” and “Better Dig Two.” This collection introduces her as a powerful record maker, too. Sign me up for the fan club.
BRANDON HAMILTON/You Give Me That
Writers: Bryan Todd/Brandon Hamilton; Producer: Bryan Todd; Publishers: Universal/HamBone, ASCAP; Nine North
-His boyish tenor rides atop a buoyant, rocking track that doesn’t let up for a second. Get up and twirl around the room.