The Band Perry Signs With Sony/ATV Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Reid Perry, Kimberly Perry, Troy Tomlinson, and Neil Perry

Pictured (L-R): Reid Perry, Kimberly Perry, Troy Tomlinson, and Neil Perry

Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry of The Band Perry have inked an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Sony/ATV Nashville.

The trio released its self-titled debut project on Republic Nashville in 2010; the album included “If I Die Young,” (penned by Kimberly Perry), “You Lie” and “All Your Life.” Their follow-up project, Pioneer, has produced two No. 1 singles, “Better Dig Two” and “DONE.,” which earned Neil and Reid’s first chart-topping song as writers.

The Band Perry is slated to open the upcoming Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 6 on CBS.

Track Listing For Rascal Flatts' 'Rewind' Revealed

RF_ART_ALBUM_REWIND_COVER_REG_2014.03.31_FNL(1)111

Rascal Flatts has revealed the track listing for their upcoming album Rewind, slated for a May 13 release on Big Machine Records. Producers for the 13-track project include Jay DeMarcus, Joe Don Rooney and Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, Howard Benson, and Dann Huff. Four tracks will be made available for a Target exclusive version of the project.

Writers on the project include Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, Eric Paslay, Brett James, Marcus Hummon, Brian White, Ben Caver, Tobias Lundgren, Jeffrey Steele, Brandon Hood, Jaren Johnston, Neil Thrasher, Shane Minor, Shay Mooney, Jesse Frasure, Diane Warren, all three members of Rascal Flatts, Tim Akers, Regie Hamm, and many others.
REWIND Tracklisting

  1. Payback (Aaron Eshuis, Neil Mason, Ryan Hurd)
  2. Rewind (Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, Eric Paslay)*
  3. I Have Never Been To Memphis (Eric Holljes, Ian Holljes, Marcus Hummon)
  4. DJ Tonight (Meghan Trainor, Jesse Frasure, Shay Mooney)*
  5. Powerful Stuff (Gregg Wattenberg, Derek A. E. Fuhrmann, Brett James)
  6. Riot (Jaron Boyer, Sara Haze)*
  7. Night Of Our Lives (Ben Hayslip, Jimmy Yeary)
  8. I Like The Sound Of That (Meghan Trainor, Jesse Frasure, Shay Mooney)*
  9. Aftermath (Ben Caver, Megan Conner, Brian White)
  10. I’m On Fire (Sean McConnell, Tobias Lundgren, Johan Fransson, Tim Larsson)*
  11. Life’s A Song (Jeffrey Steele, Brandon Hood, James Slater)**
  12. Honeysuckle Lazy (Neil Thrasher, Michael Dulaney, Shane Minor)*
  13. The Mechanic (Jaren Johnston, Tony Lane)*

Deluxe Tracks

  1. Compass (Diane Warren)*
  2. Wildfire (James Ryan Ho, Christopher Breaux)**
  3. She Must Like Broken Hearts (busbee, Jay DeMarcus, Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney)*
  4. Bring The Family (Regie Hamm, Tim Akers, Chase Akers)

Produced by Howard Benson
*Produced by Jay DeMarcus and Rascal Flatts
**Produced by Dann Huff and Rascal Flatts

'Nashville' Gets Television Special, Spring Tour

Charles Esten. Photo: Chris Hollo

Charles Esten. Photo: Chris Hollo


As ABC’s Nashville progresses through its second season, ABC is ramping up promotion for the show, via an upcoming television special and a brief concert tour, both set for April.
On Saturday, March 29, cast members from Nashville, including Charles Esten (“Deacon Claybourne”), Jonathan Jackson (“Avery Barkley”), Hayden Panettiere (“Juliette Barnes”), Sam Palladio (“Gunnar Scott”), Chris Carmack (“Will Lexington”), Will Chase (“Luke Wheeler”), Clare Bowen (“Scarlett O’Connor”), and Chaley Rose (“Zoey Dalton”) took the Ryman Auditorium stage for a taping of Nashville: On The Record, which will air on  April 23. The taping offered the actor-singers of Nashville another opportunity to showcase their prowess as vocalists and musicians in a live setting.
Buddy Miller led the house band, while the cast members performed many of the show’s well-known songs in various combinations. The audience members were zealous–and vocal–in offering their adoration as their favorite cast members took to revered wooden boards of the Ryman.
“Y’all will have to kick me off the stage,” said Panettiere, as she offered up “Don’t Put Dirt On My Grave Just Yet,” backed by the song’s writers Caitlyn Smith and Trent Dabbs.
In a fashion befitting her character Scarlett, Bowen took the stage barefoot to perform “If I Didn’t Know Better” with Palladio. Her ethereal, airy voice fairly floated on the melodies of several ballads, including a piano-backed ballad with the song’s writer Lucy Swartz.
Several additional songwriters were present at the Ryman to support the performances of their songs, including writers Justin Davis, Sarah Zimmermann, Sarah Buxton, Kate York, Shawn Camp, Jill Andrews and Ashley Monroe.
“We are so grateful for all of these songs, and I’m so grateful for Ashley and Sarah penning this song,” said Esten before performing “A Life That’s Good.” “It’s been performed in different incarnations on the show.”
Nashville airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. CT on ABC.
The men of Nashville–actors Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson, Sam Palladio and Chris Carmack--along with chanteuse Clare Bowen, will bring their live show to stages across the country with the first-ever Nashville concert tour. The tour dates include Joe’s Bar in Chicago on April 25, Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C. on May 4, and the Best Buy Theater in New York on May 6.
The brief tour will add Will Chase for the New York concert date. Tickets for the tour stops will go on sale beginning Friday, April 4.
April 25 – Joe’s Bar, Chicago, IL
On sale: April 4 at 10am CT www.joesbar.com
May 4 – Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC
On sale: April 4 at 10am ET www.ticketfly.com
May 6 – Best Buy Theater, New York, NY
On sale: April 4 at 12pm ET www.axs.com
Big Machine Records, ABC Studios and Lionsgate have previously released three Music of ‘Nashville’ soundtracks with all original music. The fourth highly-anticipated soundtrack will be on sale May 6, 2014. Collectively, the previous albums have sold over 3 million tracks.

Blake Shelton, Shakira to Perform on ACM Awards

blake shelton1Blake Shelton will welcome fellow The Voice coach Shakira to the Academy of Country Music awards stage on Sunday, April 6. The CBS production will begin at 8 p.m. ET.  The pair will perform “Medicine,” a track on Shakira’s album, it was announced during a press conference earlier today.
Shakira penned “Medicine” with Hillary Lindsey and Mark Bright.
“Shakira’s folks reached out to the ACM about the performance. We, as producers, are always looking to bring artists together,” said R.A. Clark, an Executive Producer for the Academy of Country Music Awards.
Fans should also keep a close watch, as performer George Strait is set to make a major announcement during the live awards show.
Other previously announced highlights will include Miranda Lambert in a duet with Strait, to honor Merle Haggard. Garth Brooks will be on hand to present Haggard with the Crystal Milestone Award, to help celebrate Haggard’s 50 years in Country music. Lady Antebellum will perform with Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks.
Bob Romeo, CEO of the ACM says these kinds of pairings are a big boost to the ACM awards shows. “We see spikes when we do these other-genre pairings,” said Romeo. “Some of our most memorable moments have been [performances like] Zac Brown Band and James Taylor, or Carrie Underwood with Steven Tyler.”‘
Barry Adelman, Executive Producer for CBS, agrees. “All of the duets and pairings are reflective of those people being fans of each other. They invite their friends to perform with them, you see that on tours. I want to capture that in our show as well. The first thing on Lady Antebellum’s list [for the ACM performance] was to bring Stevie on the show.”
The Academy of Country Music Awards have enjoyed increasing viewership, with more than 13 million people watching in 2012, and 15.5 million in 2013.

AristoMedia Group Announces Promotions

Craig Bann

Craig Bann


The AristoMedia Group has announced several promotions and redefined positions within the company.
Longtime AristoMedia Group employee, Craig Bann, has been promoted to Executive Vice President and will oversee all aspects of promotion, marketing and project management for the group’s ventures. Bann has been with the company for 25 years and served as Sr. Vice President of Promotion and Marketing since 2011. Bann can be reached at [email protected].
Matt Watkins

Matt Watkins


Matt Watkins has been elevated to Vice President of Marketing & Company Operations, upped from Director of Operations. Watkins will administer all functions of the company, in addition to leading the company’s DownCast service, and assisting CEO Jeff Walker with his consulting business, Jeff Walker & Associates and the company’s online digital distribution service, called GMV Nashville. Watkins will also continue to support the company’s PR division, Aristo P.R. He started with the company in 2003. He can be reached at [email protected].
Jon Walker

Jon Walker


Jon Walker, who began at The AristoMedia Group in 1999, has been promoted to Vice President of Digital Services. Walker manages the department’s digital endeavors, including web design and development, social network management, fan-base management, viral marketing campaigns and strategic content placement. Among the AristoWorks accounts Walker oversees are digital services for Blue Tractor Design, The Buntin Group, Jamie O’Neal, Julie Ingram, Rachelle Lynae, Resnik Music Group and more. Walker can be reached at [email protected].
Christy Watkins

Christy Watkins


Christy Watkins has been named Vice President of Publicity. Now in her 10th year at The AristoMedia Group, Watkins is upped from Sr. Director of Publicity and will continue to lead the company’s publicity and public relations division, Aristo P.R., as well as oversee all PR initiatives for The AristoMedia Group. Watkins handles publicity for Amber Hayes, Austin Webb, Country Radio Broadcasters, Country Radio Seminar, Dakota Bradley, Jaida Dreyer, Maggie Sajak, Robby Armstrong, Small Town Pistols, Streamsound Music Group, Travis Tritt and various other projects. She can be reached at [email protected].

In Photos: Tin Pan South 2014 Weekend Shows

Stephanie Bentley, Josh Leo, Jamie O'Neal, O'Shea (Jay O'Shea, Mark O'Shea) at Station Inn.

Stephanie Bentley, Josh Leo, Jamie O’Neal, O’Shea (Jay O’Shea, Mark O’Shea) at Station Inn. Photo: Bev Moser


Tin Pan South wrapped up its 2014 events with numerous performances this past weekend.
Performers including Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts and writers including Dave Berg, Stephanie Bentley, Pat Alger, Linda Williams, Brian Wright, Ruston Kelly, Jeff Stevens, Wynn Varble, Phil O’Donnell, Hugh Prestwood, Linda Davis, Nathan Chapman, Amy Grant and many others filled venues across the city to celebrate some of the best tunes Music City has to offer.
All photos by Bev Moser/Moments by Moser
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Kay Clary Joins CMHoF As Interim PR Director

Kay Clary CMHoFM111

Kay Clary


Kay Clary has joined the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum as Interim Director, Public Relations, filling in for Tina Wright, who recently exited. Clary previously served as Executive Director, Media Relations for BMI Nashville before enjoying a year sabbatical. She can now be reached at the Museum at (615) 416-2084 or at kclary@countrymusichalloffame.org.
Those interested in applying for the permanent director position can find information at: http://countrymusichalloffame.org/employment
In December, the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum honored Clary with its Seventh annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum. The forum was established in 2007 to explore issues related to the business side of the music industry and to recognize an individual each year who represents the legacy of pioneering agent-manager Louise Scruggs, the wife and business partner of Hall of Famer Earl Scruggs. Previous recipients of the honor include Denise Stiff, Liz Thiels, Mary Martin, Bonnie Garner, Sarah Trahern and Nancy Shapiro.

Foster Launches Iconic Entertainment Group, Signs Rimes

Fletcher Foster

Fletcher Foster


Music industry executive Fletcher Foster has partnered with businessman Larry Beckwith to form Iconic Entertainment Group, which will serve all aspects of the entertainment industry including artist management, music television, film and more.
LeAnn Rimes and singer-songwriter Levi Hummon have signed on as Iconic Entertainment Group’s first clients.
“Larry stepped down as Chairman of his company at the end of 2012 to move onto his next entrepreneurial venture and began exploring opportunities in the entertainment industry,” Foster explained. “His record with start-up companies is impressive as is his reputation for integrity in business. It’s a great fit with my 30 years in entertainment and his 30 years in business.”
leann rimes 2013 publicity photo

LeAnn Rimes


Beckwith is best-known as the founder of Eco-Energy. Foster has previously worked with Red Light Management, is a former Senior VP/General Manager of Universal Records South, and served as Senior VP, Marketing at Capitol Records in Nashville from 2000 to 2006.

Winners Honored at 2014 Juno Gala Dinner and Awards

Dean Brody at the 2014 Juno Awards.

Dean Brody at the 2014 Juno Awards.


The 2014 Juno winners were honored Sunday, March 30 during the Juno Gala Dinner and Awards. Dean Brody received the Country Album of the Year Award for his Open Road release Crop Circles.
Other winners throughout the evening included Serena Ryder picking up the Artist of the Year honor, and Brett Kissel earning the Breakthrough Artist of the Year honor.
International Album of the Year
Unorthodox Jukebox
Bruno Mars
Atlantic*Warner
Artist of the Year
Serena Ryder
Serenader Source*Universal
Breakthrough Artist of the Year
Brett Kissel
BAK2BAK*Warner
Country Album of the Year
Crop Circles
Dean Brody
Open Road
*Universal
Adult Alternative Album of the Year
Forever Endeavour
Ron Sexsmith
Warner
Alternative Album of the Year
Reflektor
Arcade Fire
Arcade Fire Music
*Universal
Pop Album of the Year
Heartthrob
Tegan and Sara
Warner Bros.*Warner
Rock Album of the Year
Coyote
Matt Mays
Sonic *Warner
Vocal Jazz Album of the Year
Notes on Montréal ft. Sienna Dahlen
Mike Rud
Independent
Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year
Habitat
Christine Jensen Jazz Orchestra
Justin Time*Universal
Traditional Jazz Album of the Year
Ripple Effect
Mike Downes
Addo
Instrumental Album of the Year
Dalmak
Esmerine
Constellation*Outside
Francophone Album of the Year
Fox
Karim Ouellet
Abuzie*D.E.P.
Children’s Album of the Year
Colour It
Helen Austin
Independent
Classical Album of the Year: Solo or Chamber Ensemble
Prokofiev: Complete Works for Violin
James Ehnes
Chandos
*Naxos
Classical Album of the Year: Large Ensemble or Soloist(s) with Large Ensemble Accompaniment
Britten & Shostakovich
James Ehnes
Onyx*
HM
Classical Album of the Year: Vocal or Choral Performance
Lettres de Madame Roy à sa fille Gabrille
Marie-­‐Nicole Lemieux & André
Gagnon
Audiogram*Select
Classical Composition of the Year
Field Notes
Allan Gordon Bell
GRAVITY AND GRACE
Centrediscs*Naxos
Rap Recording of the Year
Nothing Was The Same
Drake
Cash Money *Universal
Dance Recording of the Year
This Is What It Feels Like
Armin van Buuren & Trevor Guthrie
Armanda*Sony

Country Artists Taking Over Television Ahead of ACM Awards

Luke-Bryan-and-Blake-Shelton

49th Annual ACM Awards co-hosts Luke Bryan (L) and Blake Shelton.


Country artists will be all over the small screen next week, ahead of the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, which will be broadcast April 6 on CBS.
Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton will make appearances on The Talk, on April 3 and 4, respectively.
Florida Georgia Line will visit CBS This Morning on April 4.
Justin Moore will appear on Queen Latifah on April 4.
Brett Eldredge will visit Late Night With Seth Meyers on April 1.
• Brad Paisley will appear on CBS’ Crazy Ones on April 3.
Dan+Shay will guest on ABC’s Good Morning America on April 1, followed by a visit to Ellen on April 4.