Artist Updates (4/8/14)

RD_PeaceLove111Ronnie Dunn releases his latest solo album, Peace Love and Country Music Tuesday (April 8). The project, produced by Dunn and Jeff Balding, marks Dunn’s second project as a solo artist on his own Little Will-E Records, in partnership with e-commerce retailer Country Outfitter.
Dunn took part in writing six of the 14 songs on Peace Love and Country Music, including three he wrote by himself, “Let’s Get The Beer Joint Rockin’,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Country in Texas.”
The physical edition of Peace Love and Country Music is available exclusively at Country Outfitter, at countryoutfitter.com. Digital editions are available at all digital retailers.

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bmi-logo1111featuredBMI and Starbucks have teamed for a series of songwriter showcases in Texas. The first songwriter showcase in the series will feature Lee Thomas Miller (“You’re Gonna Miss This” and “In Color”), and Billy Montana (“Suds In The Bucket,” and “Hard To Love”).

The series will run from April 30 through May 2. Performances begin at 7 p.m. at Starbucks-Colonnade at 9811 Interstate 10 W., San Antonio, Texas.

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needtobreathe111NEEDTOBREATHE will visit The Ellen Degeneres Show on April 18, and then the Late Show with David Letterman on April 23 in support of their new album, Rivers In The Wasteland. The project will debut Tuesday, April 15 on Atlantic Records.

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Emmylou Harris, singer-songwriter and animal activist, was recently awarded by national animal welfare organization Best Friends Animal Society, in recognition of her work to protect animals.
Following her concert at Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, Marc Peralta, executive director of Best Friends-Los Angeles, presented Harris with an award. “Emmylou Harris is a longtime friend to animals in need, exemplifying the Best Friends spirit that every pet deserves a second chance. Emmylou has given many dogs and cats that second chance at a great new life and is a powerful ally in the fight to save them all,” Peralta said.

Pictured (L-R): Greg Siegel, Sr. VP, Live Nation; Rick Merrill, general manager, Wiltern Theatre;  Emmylou Harris; Marc Peralta, executive director, Best Friends – Los Angeles; and Amy Wolf, celebrity and entertainment relations manager, Best Friends Animal Society.

Pictured (L-R): Greg Siegel, Sr. VP, Live Nation; Rick Merrill, general manager, Wiltern Theatre; Emmylou Harris; Marc Peralta, executive director, Best Friends – Los Angeles; and Amy Wolf, celebrity and entertainment relations manager, Best Friends Animal Society.

Music City Roots Moving To Factory at Franklin

mcr1After five years at Loveless Cafe Barn, Music City Roots has plans to move to the historic Factory at Franklin for the start of its Summer 2014 season, which launches July 9.
The Factory, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, also houses the Americana Music Association, Sugar Hill Records, Dark Horse studios, and several other organizations in the music community.
“Music City Roots is the perfect flagship for our vision to highlight Americana music and regional art and food culture here at The Factory at Franklin,” said its events manager Tami Pryce.
Most Wednesdays, Roots will be staged in The Factory’s 10,000 square foot Jamison Hall, though when a larger capacity is needed, MCR will move to the larger Liberty Hall. The show will continue to be broadcast live over local radio partner Hippie Radio 94.5 FM and webcast via its own website at musiccityroots.com.
MCR’s streaming service, RootsRadio.com, will create a broadcast booth in The Factory’s main hall, allowing opportunities for live programming and interviews alongside its regular 24-hour stream of Music City Roots performances.
“We have loved our home out ‘on the edge of Music City’ at the Loveless Cafe and deeply appreciate the magical musical moments we created together at the Loveless Barn…and we look forward to continuing the tradition at the historic Factory.” says Music City Roots co-executive producer and creator Todd Mayo.
“Loveless Cafe is pleased to have been the original setting for Music City Roots,” says Jessica Charlton, Loveless Cafe Brand Manager. “We celebrate the show’s growth and look forward to continued partnership opportunities.”
The final MCR “Spring Season” at the Loveless Barn will run April 9 through June 18.

Gervino Appointed Editor-In-Chief for 'Billboard'

Tony Gervino

Tony Gervino


Guggenheim Media Entertainment Group has appointed Tony Gervino as the new editor-in-chief of the music trade publication Billboard, effective April 28.
Gervino was previously executive editor at Hearst Magazines International, where he oversaw editorial direction of magazines within the company’s home design, men’s enthusiast, teen and women’s network groups. These publications included Esquire, Car & Driver, Popular Mechanics, Seventeen, Robb Report and House Veranda. Gervino has contributed to the New York Times, and served as contributing editor to the New York Times Magazine from 2010-2011.
He will report to Janice Min, co-president and chief creative officer of Guggenheim Media Entertainment Group.
Current Billboard editor Joe Levy will assume the role of editor-at-large; Levy was previously chief content officer of Maxim, and, prior to that, editor-in-chief of Blender.
Billboard recently announced the hire of Mike Bruno as VP of digital content from Entertainment Weekly.

John Hiatt, Patty Griffin To Headline Cross-County Lines Festival

county linesPatty Griffin and John Hiatt are set to co-headline the 2nd Annual Cross-County Lines festival, presented by Nissan. The festival, which takes place May 31 at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tenn., pays homage to roots-inspired music.

Also performing during the two-stage, seven-hour event are Ashley Monroe, “Stripes” singer-songwriter Brandy Clark, Parker Milsap, Joe Pug and Luther Dickinson.
The Park at Harlinsdale Farm is located across the street from the Americana Music Association headquarters at the Factory at Franklin.
Last year’s inaugural event featured Jerry Douglas, Alison Krauss, Amos Lee and Shawn Colvin, among others.
AEG-TMG will co-produce the event, which begins at 4:30 p.m., with doors opening at 3:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are $35 per person, and will be available to the public beginning Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m. CT at Ticketmaster and The Franklin Theatre box office.
 

Songwriter Signings (4/7/14)

studio gold music111Gold Music, Inc., has announced the signing of Mary W. Francis. Francis, a Nashville native, has a catalog that includes the hits “Whiskey, If You Were A Woman” (Highway 101), and “Tonight The Heartache’s On Me” (The Dixie Chicks).
“We are so pleased to get to work with Mary. She is very well known around Nashville, and such a superb lyricist. We look forward to working with her to promote her music and helping her reach her full potential,” stated Mike Mouret, president of Studio Gold Music.
Studio Gold Music, Inc., is an independent publishing company headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn., that offers traditional publishing, single-song publishing and related promotional activities.

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Christopher Roberts

Chris Roberts


Catch This Music LLC (CTM) has signed Chris Roberts to CTM Writers INK – a publishing division of Catch This Music.
“Chris has become a great friend not only to me but many in the music community,” says CTM president Eddie Robba. “His songs have character, spunk and that little something extra that attracts the listener. We are honored to have Chris join our team of creators here at CTM. When you know it’s the right move you just make it, and that’s what I did signing Chris Roberts.”
 
 

In Photos: ACM Party For A Cause

The 2nd Annual ACM Party for a Cause Festival, hosted by Outnumber Hunger, launched Friday (April 4) at the LINQ with headlining trio Rascal Flatts. The “Outnumber Hunger Live!” concert featured Florida Georgia Line, Justin Moore, Thomas Rhett, Cassadee Pope, Danielle Bradbery, The Cadillac Three, Will Hoge, Chase Rice and Charlie Worsham.
On Saturday (April 5), headliner Keith Urban anchored the second evening of the Party For A Cause Festival. Lee Brice, Brett Eldredge, Tyler Farr, Kip Moore, Joe Nichols, Jerrod Niemann, Chris Young, Love and Theft, Parmalee, Joel Crouse, Jon Pardi, Leah Turner, Austin Webb and Dan + Shay performed.
Photos: Getty Images for ACM

Pictured (L-R): Cassadee Pope, Thomas Rhett

Pictured (L-R): Cassadee Pope, Thomas Rhett


Charlie Worsham

Charlie Worsham


Pictured (L-R): Danielle Bradbery and Raelynn

Pictured (L-R): Danielle Bradbery and RaeLynn


Rascal Flatts perform.

Rascal Flatts perform.


Pictured (L-R): Kip Moore, Brett Eldredge

Pictured (L-R): Kip Moore, Brett Eldredge


Keith Urban

Keith Urban


Pictured: The Swon Brothers with Jerrod Niemann.

Pictured: The Swon Brothers with Jerrod Niemann.

Artist Updates (4/7/14)

hunter-hayes11111featured

Hunter Hayes


The Academy of Country Music and CBS have revealed the launch of a new performance in the “ACM Sessions” online concert series. “ACM Sessions” with singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes is available at cbs.com. Artists who have previously appeared on “ACM Sessions” include Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge, Justin Moore and Jerrod Niemann.
Hayes’ ACM Sessions includes a performance of his hit song “Wanted,” a behind-the-scenes look at rehearsals for his We’re Not Invisible Tour and more.
 

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collie

Mark Collie


101 Ranch Films, a division of 101 Ranch Records LLC, has announced the completion of The Mountain, a documentary film from accomplished singer and songwriter Mark Collie. The Mountain, directed by Ken Mandel, will screen at select film festivals in late 2014.
The film’s trailer is currently available on YouTube.

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Bigger Picture Group’s Chelsea Bain recently opened for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Sammy Hagar.

Chelsea Bain (l) and Sammy Hagar.

Chelsea Bain (l) and Sammy Hagar.


 
 
 

ACMs Earn Highest Evening Ratings

Kacey Musgraves, Taylor Swift.

Kacey Musgraves, Taylor Swift.


And the winner is…the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, bringing in a peak audience tally of 14.14 million live+SD viewers for the April 6 broadcast, according to Zap2It.
Immediate ratings were down slightly from last year’s highest measure since 1998, 15.38 million viewers, up from the prior year’s 12.2 million viewers. Official numbers are forthcoming, taking into account delayed viewing, which has become increasingly important to boost total audience metrics.
Initial ratings for the three-hour CBS awards show came in at 3.3 for adults 18-49 from 8-11:00 p.m., down from last year’s 4.3 with the same demographic. CBS, which also carried 60 Minutes for the lead in, ranked No. 1 throughout the evening in viewers and adults 18-49.
Trailing networks included ABC with America’s Funniest Home VideosOnce Upon A Time, Revenge and the second-highest viewed program of the evening, Resurrection. The Simpsons, Family Guy and Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey helped push Fox in third place ahead of NBC.
View full winners list.
View MusicRow’s review. 

View after-party photos.

ACM Awards Win Vegas Jackpot

Dark songs require dark shades—Eric Church wants his hometown back.

Dark songs require dark shades—Eric Church wants his hometown back.


Selfie time! Co-hosts Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton search for the biggest stars in the room—decide they are the biggest stars.

Selfie time! Co-hosts Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton search for the biggest stars in the room; determine that they are the biggest stars.


“I always said I have the best fans,” noted George Strait as he accepted Entertainer of the Year honors at last night’s (April 6) ACM Awards, “and I heard this is a fan-voted award, so I rest my case.” Making it two-for-two, Strait also took home the top trophy at the November CMA Awards.
The ACM show brought a galaxy’s worth of Country star power to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The string of excellent performances—ten, in fact, before the first award was handed out— surely left fans satisfied. Still, there were a few black holes in the line up. Nominees Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood presented but didn’t perform. Nor did Album of the Year winner Kacey Musgraves. Meanwhile artists Strait, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum and co-hosts Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan took the stage twice each, either to sing their own songs, or to assist another artist.
Hunter Hayes gives a powerful performance of "Invisible."

Hunter Hayes gives a powerful performance of “Invisible.”


Hunter Hayes had the best stage set of the evening. He donned an all-black wardrobe and played “Invisible” in front of an orchestra dressed in white with white instruments, while contrasting black and white images danced on the video screen. The production for Eric Church’s “Give Me Back My Hometown” included the film-like music video in the background and a graveyard setting in the foreground. As always, he delivered with passion. Lady A’s pairing with iconic songstress Stevie Nicks was a stripped down vocal dream of “Golden” and “Rhiannon.” Tim McGraw offered an old-Hollywood take on his new song “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s” and was joined by Faith Hill where they seemed to share an endearing moment. It was also good to see a performance by mega-star Toby Keith, who is sometimes absent from Country’s trophyfests.
Lady Antebellum and Stevie Nicks were enthralling.

Lady Antebellum and Stevie Nicks were enthralling.


Show opener The Band Perry scored with plenty of family-sized energy. Brad Paisley’s poolside performance of “River Bank” was sunny fun. Keith Urban brought three drummers to the party for “Even The Stars Fall 4 U.” Lambert, Strait, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, and Darius Rucker gave solid performances. Sheryl Crow and Dierks Bentley teamed for his hit “I Hold On,” from his highly listenable set Riser, (one of this year’s best releases).
At the ACM Fan Jam at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, FGL and Bryan sang “This Is How We Roll” with an exciting mash-up of sky-high flames and summersaulting bike tricks.
Justin Moore, who barely squeezed in a nomination for New Artist, took home that fan-voted prize. Brett Eldredge, Kip Moore and Lee Brice had abbreviated performance slots. Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck” earned Song of the Year for writers Jessi Alexander, Jimmy Yeary, and Connie Harrington. Often an astute predictor of awards to follow, MusicRow subscriber members voted it MusicRow Song of the Year in 2013.
Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jimmy Yeary accept Song of the Year honors.

Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jimmy Yeary accept Song of the Year honors.


Back at the MGM, charmer Shelton reiterated that he’s equally adept at delivering a ballad as a bro-country smash, performing the sexy tune “My Eyes” with Gwen Sebastian on a romantic, candlelit stage.
Bryan and Shelton shared plenty of camaraderie as co-hosts, and while the jokes were mostly funny, they borrowed a little too much from this year’s other awards shows, including a selfie photo, Travolta-ized name mispronunciation, and Daft Punk space helmets.
Underwood won in the style department.

Underwood won in the style department.


Shelton also teamed with Shakira for “Medicine.” His fellow coach on The Voice makes the morning-after worst-dressed list with her red lingerie slip. Making the best-dressed list are the silver glam gowns worn by Faith Hill and Carrie Underwood; as well as Luke Bryan, who donned a sharp springtime suit for hosting duties and switched to black leather jacket for his performance of “Play It Again.”
With so ACM many highlights, fans are likely ready to play it again. And their year-long wait will be well worth it, because the 2015 move to the home of the Dallas Cowboys is sure to bring Texas-sized entertainment.
View evening ratings. 
View full winner list.
View after-party photos.
McGraw and Hill still have spades of onstage chemistry.

McGraw and Hill still have spades of onstage chemistry.


Photos courtesy of ACM.

Lambert Reveals Tracklist For 'Platinum'

platinum111Miranda Lambert welcomes several guests on her new studio album, Platinum, which is set for a June 3 release. The Academy of Country Music Awards’ reigning Female Vocalist of the Year (and a record-breaking five-time winner of the honor) brings fellow Country singers, Carrie Underwood and Little Big Town, as well as bluegrass band The Time Jumpers.
As previously reported, Underwood appears on “Somethin’ Bad,” while Little Big Town guests on “Smokin’ and Drinkin'”. The Time Jumpers show off their ace musicianship in “All That’s Left,” penned by Tom T. Hall and Dixie Hall.
Lambert had a hand in writing eight of the album’s generous 16 tracks. Other songwriters include Natalie Hemby, Jimmy Robbins, Shane McAnally, Riscilla Renea, Scotty Wray, Nicolle Galyon, Ashley Monroe, Jessi Alexander, Luke Laird, Brett James and many others.
1. Girls – Nicolle Galyon/Natalie Hemby/Jimmy Robbins
2. Platinum – Miranda Lambert/Nicolle Galyon/Natalie Hemby
3. Little Red Wagon – Audra Mae/Joe Ginsberg
4. Smokin’ and Drinkin’ (feat. Little Big Town) – Natalie Hemby/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally
5. Priscilla – Nicolle Galyon/Natalie Hemby/Jimmy Robbins
6. Automatic – Miranda Lambert/Nicolle Galyon/Natalie Hemby
7. Bathroom Sink – Miranda Lambert
8. Old Sh!t – Brent Cobb/Neil Mason
9. All That’s Left (feat. The Time Jumpers) – Dixie Hall/Tom T. Hall
10. Gravity Is a B**ch – Miranda Lambert/Scotty Wray
11. Babies Makin’ Babies – Nicolle Galyon/Natalie Hemby/Jimmy Robbins
12. Somethin’ Bad (duet with Carrie Underwood) – Chris DeStefano/Brett James/Priscilla Renea
13. Holding On to You – Miranda Lambert/Jessi Alexander/Ashley Monroe
14. Two Rings Shy – Miranda Lambert/Brandy Clark/Heather Little
15. Hard Staying Sober – Miranda Lambert/Natalie Hemby/Luke Laird
16. Another Sunday in the South – Miranda Lambert/Jessi Alexander/Ashley Monroe