February 2015 - MusicRow.com

Eric Church To Launch Outsiders Radio on SiriusXM

February 27, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

Eric Church. Photo: Jill Trunnell

Eric Church will soon give fans a taste of the music that inspires him via Outsiders Radio, a monthly radio show on SiriusXM’s The Highway. Outsiders Radio will premiere Friday (Feb. 27) at 10 p.m. ET on The Highway (channel 56) and through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App and online at siriusxm.com. To celebrate the show’s premiere and the one-year anniversary of the release of The Outsiders album, Church will play two tracks that were not released on the album.

The show will air the last Friday of each month, and will rebroadcast on Mondays at 12 a.m. ET, and Wednesdays at 11 p.m. ET.

Church will play his current musical favorites, as well as music from artists who have influenced him. He will also offer exclusive, never-before-heard tunes from his own archives.

Church was recently named MusicRow’s Male Artist of the Year at the MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards during CRS week.

Bobby Karl Works the Black River Entertainment Luncheon at CRS

February 27, 2015/by Bobby Karl

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 482

Pictured (L-R): John King, Craig Morgan, Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: AristoPR

Emotional ovations and cheers of surprise were the order of the day during lunchtime on Friday (2/27) at Country Radio Seminar.

The emotion was provided by the mighty voiced Craig Morgan. Living legend and new Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Ronnie Milsap was the unannounced, unexpected pleasure. Both appeared at the CRS luncheon sponsored by Black River Entertainment.

Craig Morgan remains one of country music’s finest vocalists. He’s a stand-and-deliver man who can send chills up your spine like few of his peers. He treated the conventioneers to a pair of new songs he’s recorded with producer Byron Gallimore for his upcoming Black River CD.

Kelsea Ballerini

“All Cried Out” was throbbing and thrilling. “Country Side of Heaven” became more and more uplifting and inspiring as its arrangement added complexity and phrases from “Amazing Grace.”

Morgan pulled out all the stops with “If Not Me,” a song on his current album, The Journey. His searing delivery of this blood-stirring anthem became even more emotional when members of the 101^st Airborne Army division came striding out to line both sides of the banquet hall. On stage, Morgan was joined by military heroes, including Medal-of-Honor Marine Dakota Meyer. You could practically see the lumps in attendees’ throats.

We thought that was the finale. After all, what could top that? The screens showed a video about the label’s recording studio, which is a restoration of Ronnie’s Place. The curtain parted to reveal its previous owner seated at a piano, resplendent in a sparkling black-and-turquoise western shirt.

“It’s an honor to be here today,” said Ronnie Milsap, 72. “I love what happens when radio adds your record. It’s still a big deal to me. I’m a radio nut I carry them with me everywhere I go.”

John King

He treated the crowd to an extended medley that was ragged-but-right and featured segments of such classics as “What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life,” “I Wouldn’t Have Missed it for the World,” “It Was Almost Like a Song,” “(I’m a) Stand By My Woman Man,” “”Pure Love” and “(There’s) No Gettin Over Me.”

Milsap concluded with a reprise of the appropriate “What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life.” Then he added, “I’m not done yet: I’m going into the studio next week. And we’re going to make some new records!”

The Black River Entertainment CRS luncheon at the Renaissance Convention Center began with a video touting the conglomerate’s holdings in sports and music — the Buffalo Bills (football) and Buffalo Sabres (hockey) franchises, as well as its Nashville song publishing, record label and recording studio properties.

The label’s John King blasted into the rocking “Baby Let Your Hair Down” with no introduction. Next came his power ballad “Got You Baby,” dedicated to his wife of one year.

Ronnie Milsap

“A year ago was my first CRS; I didn’t know anybody,” said King. “You guys are my friends, my family now. This is my new single. It’s going to be on your desks next week,” he added, before delivering the pounding, catchy and sexy “On Your Lips.”

Kelsea Ballerini was introduced via a video of testimonials by folks who work with her. Her set began with the jaunty, flirty, “Dibs.” The ensuing “The First Time” will be the title tune of her debut album, due in May. This sweetly lilting tune was aided by cello accompaniment and a snippet of Keith Urban’s “Stupid Boy.”

“My first single is Top 30 right now, and it’s blowing my mind,” she said to the radio folks. “You guys have given me a voice.” She zipped through “Love Me Like You Mean It,” then added, “Thank you for an incredible year.”

Following a video about Black River’s restoration of the historic Sound Stage Studio (where some 650 No. 1 hits have been recorded), various country stars appeared on screen to praise Black River songwriter Josh Osborne.

He took the side stage to perform an acoustic medley of some hits he’s co-penned, including “Leave the Night On” (Sam Hunt), “Wild Child” (Kenny Chesney). “My Eyes” (Blake Shelton), “Take Your Time” (Sam Hunt) and “We Are Tonight” (Billy Currington).

Black River CEO Gordon Kerr introduced Morgan’s set by stating, “I stand with Craig and his love of this country….Craig bleeds red, white and blue. But his passion is music. And not just any music, country music.”

Then the singer-songwriter proved it.

Josh Osborne

Fabulons working CRS that day included Schatzi Hageman, Vanessa Davis, Fletcher Foster, Mark Logsdon, Cindy Hunt, Leslie Fram, Gary Krantz, Brandi Simms, Ken Tucker, Bert Stein, Jimmy Collins, Nicole Zeller and Jaclyn Carter.

As usual at CRS, many artists were working the room as well. Gretchen Peters, Mitch Goudy, Rainy Qualley and Rachele Lynae were on site. A harmony-singing band called Stella // James entertained us while we assembled care packages for Operation Troop Aid and waited to get into the luncheon.

Pictured (L-R): Black River Entertainment’s Gordon Kerr, John King, Craig Morgan, Kelsea Ballerini, and Josh Osborne. Photo: AristoPR

Opry Member Jeannie Seely: “I’m Bringing Booty Back”

February 27, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

Legendary country entertainer Jeannie Seely is bringing booty back, y’all.

Seely, known for her quick wit in addition to her string of hits including “Don’t Touch Me” and “Wish I Didn’t Have To Miss You” (with Jack Greene), recently recorded a dramatic reading of Meghan Trainor‘s mega pop hit “All About That Bass” as part of the Grand Ole Opry’s 2nd Annual Lights, Camera, Actin’ video contest.

Submissions can be made on the contest’s Facebook page.

Seely is the reigning champion of the contest, which is accepting fan videos of their best dramatic (or humorous) reading of a country song. The winner will earn a trip to Nashville.

Kristian Bush, who is climbing the charts with his single “Trailer Hitch,” also entered a reading of Dierks Bentley‘s “Drunk On A Plane.”

Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley Gives Rare Glimpse Behind The Hits

February 27, 2015/by Eric T. Parker

Pictured (L-R): Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild, Hillary Lindsey, Carey Barlowe, Phil Barton. Photo: Eric Parker.

There’s something special when songwriters perform for radio decision makers. No royalties, promotions or politics. It’s basically the beginning of a song’s life and–depending on your perspective–the end. Creation to airwaves.

On Feb. 26, 12 songwriters took the stage for radio legend Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley during CRS. Three-fourths of the writers are MusicRow Challenge Coin recipients, having written a No. 1 on the CountryBreakout Chart since 2014.

Appropriately, Kingsley introduced the “female Peach Pickers,” songwriting friends Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna, together known as The Love Junkies. The women played with Caitlyn Smith for the extended final round after the boys set the stage with two rounds.

Rhett Akins (“When She Says Baby,” “Boys ‘Round Here”) prefaced his ’95 single “That Ain’t My Truck,” by recalling a time before cell phones, when after a fight with your girlfriend they would be able to avoid contact indefinitely.
Bob DiPiero (“Gone”), a veteran of songwriting rounds with the CMA Songwriter Series, gave the audience a taste of some secret NSFW lyrics to “Daddy’s Money,” which shall not be repeated.
JT Harding (“You Make Me Smile”) discussed how a chance meeting Mr. Nicole Kidman in a restroom led to cruising in his black sportscar and writing a stand-out title from Fuse, “Somewhere In My Car.”
Casey Beathard (“No Shoes No Shirt No Problems”) played a song dear to his heart, “Homeboy,” which was a Top 20 song.

Ross Copperman (“Beat of the Music”) gave radio a taste of Turner’s ear-candy single “Lay Low.”
Jon Nite (“Beachin'”) failed to entice David Nail, who was in the audience, to join him for “Whatever She’s Got,” but sounded great himself.
Chris DeStefano (“Toy Guns,” “Don’t Ya”) received a standing ovation by some for his title “Something In The Water.”
Jimmy Robbins (“Cool If You Did”), a self-proclaimed goofball, treated audiences to Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert‘s cut “We Were Us.”

Rhett Akins performs during Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley

Caitlin Smith (“Wasting All These Tears,” “Tacoma”), who was well-received, described writing the title track from her latest EP Everything To You on Skype from Minnesota with Rose (who was in Texas) and McKenna (who was in Massachusetts).
Lori McKenna (“Luxury of Knowing”) brought up her Universal Music Publishing cohort and guitar-shredder Sam Ellis for her first live performance of Hunter Hayes‘ “I Want Crazy.”
Hillary Lindsey (“Jesus Take The Wheel”) was joined on guitar by fiancee Carey Barlowe. She described songwriting like fishing–sometimes have to wait for your catch. “Shotgun Rider” was one of those titles that she claimed she had no clue it would have been such a radio hit.
Liz Rose (“Crazy Girl,” “Songs About Rain”) was accompanied by Phil Barton. She explained writing “White Horse” with a multi-tasking Taylor Swift in the studio while the young star was interrupted by merchandise decisions for her upcoming George Strait tour. Rose advised the importance to remaining open, because you never know who will cross your path.

Pictured (L-R): Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins, Ross Copperman

Having written on records that have sold over 40 million copies between them, The Love Junkies recent success “Girl Crush” beckoned Kimberly Schlapman and Karen Fairchild to the stage for a rendition of the Little Big Town title.

The three women songwriters confessed to frequently holing themselves up in a house for three-day writing sessions, equipped with guitars, wine and Cheez-It’s. Although one Love Junkie confessed a desire to wear pajamas to the evening’s midnight show, the audience was wide-eyed at the rare pleasure to witness the writers’ perspective.

Pictured (L-R): ?, Jimmy Robbins, Bob Kingsley, Chris DeStefano

Pictured (L-R): Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins, Bob Kingsley, Chris DeStefano

Entertainment Insurance Company Robertson Taylor International Promotes Two

February 27, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

Shannon Bare

Robertson Taylor International Insurance Brokers, Inc., a company providing customized insurance and risk management advice to sports and entertainment clients, has announced the Nashville office promotions of Shannon Bare to Senior Vice President and Valerie Gray to Vice President.

Bare, who has 15+ years of insurance experience, provides clients with insight into the multi-faceted world of entertainment and the routes to protecting their insurable interests.

Gray, now in her fifth year with Robertson Taylor, will oversee the day-to-day handling and ongoing account management for all of the company’s existing commercial clientele.

Valerie Gray

RT Global CEO John Silcock states, “Both Shannon and Valerie provide an extremely professional, high quality service to our clients, as well as being highly regarded by the insurance companies. These appointments are in recognition of their huge and ongoing contribution to the success of our Nashville office.”

In its 38th year of business, Robertson Taylor continues to provide customized insurance and risk management advice to top-grossing acts, tours, sporting events, theatrical productions, and tour support companies.

Farmer Named President of Chesney’s Fishbowl Spirits

February 27, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

David Farmer

Fishbowl Spirits, LLC, has appointed David Farmer as President, effective immediately. Singer-songwriter Kenny Chesney wholly owns Fishbowl Spirits, the entity through which Chesney created and produces Blue Chair Bay Rum.

Farmer will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Fishbowl Spirits’ operations and will report to Chesney, Fishbowl Spirits’ Chairman.

Farmer will continue to serve as Chesney’s tour manager, coordinating more than 100 employees during Chesney’s tours. Farmer was worked with the franchise for 18 years.

“Kenny understands how to create not just an incredible show, but a real connection with his fans,” says Farmer. “My goal is to harness that energy and translate that excitement into the Blue Chair Bay brand.”

Named Country Music Association’s Tour Manager of the Year in 2012, Farmer is also a long-standing member of the Business Hall of Fame at East Tennessee State University, where he and Chesney were friends and roommates.

“I’ve known David since we were kids playing football on the street. No one knows me and the things I stand for better than David. His business abilities have helped me take my music from bars to football stadiums. He will bring the same passion, management skills and attention to detail to Blue Chair Bay Rum,” said Chesney.

Industry Ink: peermusic, Major Bob Music, The Media Collective

February 27, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

peermusic Holds Sync Songwriting Camp in Nashville

peermusic’s US Ad-Markets division recently hosted an exclusive sync camp in Nashville with a group of talented writers, producers and artists. The group assembled included peer signed talent from both the US and the UK.

Songs written during the week are already up for major Ad, Film & TV placements.

Back row: Kim Wiggins (Sr. Creative Director), Kenny Fleetwood, Andrew Simple, Craig Currier (VP/Director Ad Markets), Rachel Farley, Heather Cook (Creative Manager Ad Markets), Danelle Leverett
Front row: Michael Logen, Michael Tyler, Adam Argyle
Not photographed: Jaron Boyer, Jennifer Hanson

Major Bob Music, Inc. Adds To A&R Staff

Chandler Thurston

Major Bob Music, Inc. has hired Chandler Thurston as a full-time member of the A&R staff. The North Carolina native and MTSU grad began interning with the company in early 2014.

“We are excited to have Chandler join the family full time. He’s one of the rare individuals these days that goes above and beyond his job responsibilities. He will be a valuable part of helping develop this company in all genres,” said Jesse Frasure, VP of Major Bob Music, Inc.

Thurston can be reached at [email protected] or at 615-329-4150

The Media Collective Adds Director of Publicity

Courtney Hyder

The Media Collective, which represents clients including Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, MercyMe, TobyMac, Chris Tomlin, Mandisa and more, has added Courtney Hyder as Director of Publicity. Hyder worked with The Media Collective for more than seven years before moving to Oklahoma City, where she worked in external relations for United Way Agency, Sunbeam Family Services.

Hyder begins her role March 23. She can then be reached at [email protected].

Sony Boat Show: 10 Acts And 1 Cheap Trick

February 27, 2015/by Sherod Robertson

Brad Paisley performs with the night’s show-closing special surprise guest, Cheap Trick.

You have to be fearless to start a boat show with “Ready Set Roll,” but that’s exactly how the Sony Music Boat Show began last night (Feb. 26) as Chase Rice took the stage first, setting the tone for a spirited ride on the General Jackson down the Cumberland. Rice admitted this was the first time he had sang since having vocal surgery in December, but after following up his Top 10 hit with “Gonna Wanna Tonight,” no one would have known.

(L-R): Jake Owen; Trisha Yearwood; Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Gary Overton; Arista Nashville VP Promotion Lesly Simon; RCA Nashville Sr. VP National Promotion Keith Gale; Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen, Daxx Nielsen, Tom Petersson, and Robin Zander; and Columbia Nashville VP Promotion Norbert Nix.

In its 29th year, Sony Music Nashville Chairman/CEO Gary Overton greeted the invitation-only audience of radio and industry VIPs beforehand while radio exec Lon Helton served as the night’s emcee. The show treated attendees to a packed night of performances from rising stars and established superstars alike, Tyler Farr, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Chase Rice, and Trisha Yearwood. Logan Mize, Steven Lee Olsen, Cam and Josh Dorr, all featured on the cover of MusicRow‘s current country radio print issue also performed, each taking their turn on the stage. Dee Jay Silver provided beats between performances keeping the show at a fever pitch all night.

Trisha Yearwood

Logan Mize continued the party with an appropriately title single, “Can’t Get Away from a Good Time” while Cam’s performance included her debut single, “My Mistake,” from her upcoming album. Tyler Farr jumped on stage to sing his hit, “A Guy Walks Into a Bar,” followed with “Hello Goodbye” earning Farr the first standing ovation of the night.

Cam

The second and third standing ovations went to Trisha Yearwood after performing “I Remember You” and the Linda Ronstadt cover, “Blue Bayou.” While radio audiences are notoriously known for being loud, this audience was transfixed into a state of paralysis as the superstar showed everyone why she’s one of country’s greatest vocalists of all time.

Jake Owen performance of his hit ballad “What We Ain’t Got,” pleased the audience, getting everyone back on their feet for the fourth standing ovation of the night which led into Brad Paisley’s performance of “Crushin’ It” the third single from his 10th studio album, Moonshine in the Trunk. After performing the Van Halen cover “Hot For Teacher” Paisley closed the show with iconic rockers Cheap Trick as this year’s special surprise guest with “I Want You to Want Me.” Cheap Trick dazzled guests with “Dream Police,” “Surrender,” and “Ain’t That A Shame.”

And if you weren’t there, I guess it was.

Sharing a moment at the Sony Music Nashville Boat Show on Thursday night were label group recording artists (L-R) The Swon Brothers’ Zach Swon, Josh Dorr, Chris Young, Tyler Farr, and The Swon Brothers’ Colton Swon.

Logan Mize.

Dee Jay Silver

Steven Lee Olsen

Josh Dorr

Jake Owen

Brad Paisley

Chase Rice

Tyler Farr

Weekly Chart Report (2/27/15)

February 27, 2015/by Troy_Stephenson

Click here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report

Edison Research Report: Morning Media Habits of Country Radio Listeners

February 27, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

What do country radio listeners do in the morning? Is radio still a part of their morning routines? According to a study from Edison Research, only 36 percent of country radio listeners have a radio in their bedroom, vs. 59 percent who have a television in their bedroom instead.

During the Country Radio Seminar on Feb. 26, Edison Research’s Larry Rosin and Megan Lazovick presented their findings on the morning habits and media usage of country radio listeners, based on more than 1500 respondents.

“Our presentation has fascinating data about those first moments in a person’s day – everything from what they do while still laying in bed to what they do while sitting at work. ” says Rosin. “Radio needs to make sure it stays competitive in those first moments of the day and adjust its strategy if necessary to do so.”

The study tracked respondents’ activities throughout the morning, including everything from eating breakfast, dressing, checking email, listening to radio, childcare, and more. Choosing from a list of over 60 items, the average respondent said he/she did one-third of the activities listed between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Respondent data indicated the peak hour for respondents in the car to be between 7-8 a.m. Eighty-five percent of respondents reported listening to AM/FM radio during their morning drive, while 32 percent listen to CDs and 23 percent listen to satellite radio.

Rosin suggested morning programs should “provide hints and ideas for making mornings simpler and more efficient. One way is to stop providing information your listeners don’t care about or use radio for any more, like traffic.” The study showed that while 73 percent of listeners liked hearing music during their morning drive, only 45 percent liked getting traffic updates. Other favorited morning segments include weather updates (65 percent) and lighthearted news topics (60 percent). Interestingly, only 45 percent of listeners reported that they liked hearing live in-studio artist performances.

Rosin suggested programmers might consider adjusting the morning clock. “People are in their cars, yet we do these staccato breaks. We are talking to people at the one place they have the most access to the station-changing button and we create radio that is designed for tuneouts. Then they get to work and go into at-work modality where they are less likely to tune out and we create ‘no tuneout’ clocks.”

Eric Church To Launch Outsiders Radio on SiriusXM

Bobby Karl Works the Black River Entertainment Luncheon at CRS

Opry Member Jeannie Seely: “I’m Bringing Booty Back”

Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley Gives Rare Glimpse Behind The Hits

Entertainment Insurance Company Robertson Taylor International Promotes Two

Farmer Named President of Chesney’s Fishbowl Spirits

Industry Ink: peermusic, Major Bob Music, The Media Collective

peermusic Holds Sync Songwriting Camp in Nashville

Major Bob Music, Inc. Adds To A&R Staff

The Media Collective Adds Director of Publicity

Sony Boat Show: 10 Acts And 1 Cheap Trick

Weekly Chart Report (2/27/15)

Edison Research Report: Morning Media Habits of Country Radio Listeners

Like Us on Facebook

Follow Us on Twitter