Americana Music Triangle Launches During National Travel And Tourism Week

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americana music triangleThe Americana Music Triangle launches today (Monday, May 4) during the 32nd Annual National Travel and Tourism Week. It will be located across 30 communities on what is known as “Gold Record Road” along the 1,500 mile stretch of highway that includes The Natchez Trace Parkway, I-10, Highway 90, Highway 61 and I-40 in Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

“With focused online outreach, we can reach countless music fans worldwide and motivate them to visit the Americana Music Triangle,” said Aubrey Preston, a proprietor of Nashville’s RCA Studio A and founder of the Americana Music Triangle. “The Triangle is a unique destination where history made music, then music made history. There’s no other place like it in the world.”

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam joined other state and local dignitaries, musical artists, and tourism leaders to launch the new preservation project.

The whistle-stop tour launching the Americana Music Triangle will visit six locations along the Gold Record Road and will visit Florence, Ala.; Tupelo, Miss.; Lafayette, La.; Helena, Ark.; and Clarksdale, Miss. this week.

For more information, visit AmericanaMusicTriangle.com.

The Cadillac Three Catches A Buzz with New Single “White Lightning”

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Cadillac Three

When Big Machine Label Group trio The Cadillac Three brings their high-energy set to the stage each evening, they don’t just entertain; they also listen. The trio’s latest single “White Lightning” (not to be confused with the George Jones classic) has garnered fervent fan response for the past couple of years. The trio and their label have listened to the demand, setting a release date for June 1. First week sales of the song have topped 6,000, according to BMLG’s Jack Purcell.

The Cadillac Three, the trio of guitarist/songwriter Jaren Johnston, lap steel player Kelby Ray and drummer Neil Mason, recently stopped the BMLG offices to offer a glimpse into what Johnston calls “a little bit of our side of Nashville.”

Johnston, whose songwriting credits include “Raise ‘Em Up” (Keith Urban/Eric Church), “Beachin’” (Jake Owen), and “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s” (Tim McGraw), was the sole writer on “White Lightning.” The single is rife with vivid imagery on lines like She stole my heart / Faster than a heat-seekin’ missile on a mission / Faster than a bass to the hook when daddy’s fishin.’

“It’s my take on love at first sight,” said Johnston, before breaking into the song’s bluesy first verse, a cappella style.

They also offered up an acoustic version of “The South,” the trio’s 2013 debut single featuring Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley, and Mike Eli of the Eli Young Band. They followed with “Days of Gold,” a song featured on the trio’s 2013 self-titled project. The hard-driving rocker was later recorded and released as a single by Jake Owen.

“They paint the corners of the format and give it an interesting texture,” said Purcell.

“White Lightning” is slated for the trio’s upcoming BMLG project, and is available to download now on iTunes.

Industry Ink: The Recording Academy, SandCastle Entertainment, Next Generation Artist Management

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The Recording Academy Rallies Support For Updating Music-Related Copyright Laws

Grammys On The HillOn April 29, the U.S. Register of Copyrights, Maria Pallante, testified before the House Judiciary Committee and called on Congress to act now to update music-related copyright laws. Pallante went on to applaud the Academy-backed Fair Play Fair Pay Act as an “excellent legislative framework” for addressing music issues, and she specifically noted that her meetings with Academy members were “inspiring.”

The Recording Academy is inviting those interested to use the organization’s advocacy tools to send a message to Congress.

 

Bryan Austin Named Sr. VP, A&R at SandCastle Entertainment

Bryan Austin

Bryan Austin

Guitarist and former Nashville recording artist Bryan Austin has been named the new Sr. Vice President of A&R at SandCastle Entertainment, according to CEO Richard Buckman.

“I have known Bryan Austin for 20 years,” said Buckman. “He is an all-around class act and is a huge addition to our SandCastle team.”

Austin has played guitar for artists including Steve Wariner, T, Graham Brown, Trick Pony, Josh Turner and Clint Black.

 

Next Generation Artist Management Signs Amy Rose

Amy-Rose

Amy Rose

Next Generation Artist Management, sister company to SMG Records Nashville, has added Canada native Amy Rose to its artists roster. Spin Doctors Promotions will promote her new radio single, “Show Up Naked and Bring Beer.”

Next Generation Artist Management and SMG Records Nashville are part of the Spin Doctors Music Group, located in Nashville, Tenn.

 

Country Music Hall of Fame Taking Part in The Big Payback

The Big PaybackThe Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is taking part in The Big Payback, a region-wide, 24-hour, online giving event created to help Middle Tennessee non-profits raise funds vital to their work.

In support of the museum’s participation, Ford Driving Skills for Life has committed $5,000 to provide an admission voucher to the museum – a value of $24.95 – to the first 200 people who make a donation of $25 or more to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s ongoing efforts to preserve its world-renowned collection.

“We’re thrilled to have the support of Ford Driving Skills for Life in this initiative to help us raise the funds necessary to fulfill our mission to document, preserve, and interpret the evolving history and traditions of country music,” said museum Vice President of Development, Lisa Purcell. “Henry Ford actually launched many of his early models at fiddling competitions across the US, knowing that country music and the stories behind it were strongly connected to the everyday American. Ford’s ties to country music run deep, and their backing allows us to continue this important work.”

All donations made to the museum help to secure the legacy of country music for future generations and support its mission to preserve the 2.5 million artifacts in its growing collection.

The Big Payback will begin at midnight on Tuesday, May 5 and will run for 24 hours. Once the clock starts, anyone can visit TheBigPayback.org and make donations to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and other participating non-profits that serve the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee.

Clay Myers, Tony Harrell Form MV2 Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R): Tony Harrell, Clay Myers.

Pictured (L-R): Clay Myers, Tony Harrell.

Industry members Tony Harrell and Clay Myers have teamed to form music publishing and artist development business MV2 Entertainment. Harrell will serve as General Manager, focusing on artist development, while Myers will work as Creative Director. Also joining the company are CEO and President James Archer, as well as executive team members Blake Gage and Harold Johnson.

“Collectively, Clay and I bring a unique combination of business and creative experience into MV2,” says Harrell. “Our vision is to advance the art of music through inspiration, integrity and values.”

Harrell was named MusicRow Magazine‘s Keyboardist of the Year in 2011. His work has appeared on albums from artists including Jason Aldean, Vince Gill, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn and more.

Myers began his career in music in the mid-’80s at Alabama’s publishing company Maypop Music. Myers later transitioned to Starstruck Entertainment to launch their music publishing division. He also worked as an artist manager for Billy Dean (Capitol Records), Linda Davis (Arista Records), 4 Runner (Polydor Records), and River Road (Capitol Records). Myers worked with Creative Artist Agency’s Chrysalis Music joint venture, where he aided in securing record deals for Little Big Town/Mercury Records and Emerson Drive/DreamWorks Records and at Roy Orbison Music/Still Working Music overseeing numerous chart topping singles. Under Clay’s helm, Still Working Music was awarded the 2010 BMI Song of the Year for Taylor Swift’s “You Belong with Me.” His most recent ventures included leadership roles at Big Tractor Music and Trey Turner and Associates Artist Management.

MV2 Entertainment is located at 1107 17th Ave. S. in Nashville. Harrell can be reached at [email protected], and Myers can be reached at [email protected]. MV2 Entertainment can also be reached via phone at 615-320-0036.

Eric Church Adds Second Show For Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheatre

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Eric Church

Eric Church

Tickets for Eric Church’s inaugural concert at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheatre on Thursday, July 30 sold out in less than five minutes. Due to overwhelming demand, a second solo performance has been added for Friday, July 31.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t listen to my fans, and this time they spoke up loud and clear,” shares Church. “I am keeping with the tradition of The Outsiders Tour in that no show will be the same, but I am adding a second night to ensure we can get all our friends in for this performance.”

Tickets going on sale to general public Thursday, May 7 at 10 a.m. CT. General admission pit and reserved seating is priced at $85 and general admission lawn seats are $45. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.

Artist Updates: iHeartRadio, Ashley Monroe, Eric Paslay, Tyler Farr, Kelsea Ballerini

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The second annual iHeartRadio Country Festival drew several superstars on Saturday, May 2, to the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas. Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Brantley Gilbert, Little Big Town, Dierks Bentley, Justin Moore, The Band Perry, Sam Hunt, and Tyler Farr. The event was hosted by Jennifer Nettles and Darius Rucker.

Among the evening’s highlights were The Band Perry’s cover of Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk,” as well as Justin Moore and Brantley Gilbert’s onstage collaboration on “Small Town Throwdown.”

NBC will televise the iHeartRadio Country Festival on NBC Wednesday, May 27 from 9-11 p.m. ET / 8-10 p.m. CT.

Artists gather at iHeartRadio Country Festival. Photo: Harper Smith for iHeartRadio

Artists gather at iHeartRadio Country Festival. Photo: Harper Smith for iHeartRadio

 

Third Man Records To Host Live-to-Acetate Performance From Ashley Monroe

Ashley-Monroe-On-To-Something-GoodThe Music Business Association (Music Biz) is teaming up with its new member company Third Man Records for a special live-to-acetate performance from singer/songwriter Ashley Monroe on May 12 at 8 p.m. during the annual Music Biz 2015 conference. The concert, held at Third Man’s Blue Room venue, will be recorded live, mixed in real-time, and instantly cut to acetate for distribution.

Monroe is currently preparing for a summer tour on which she will perform select dates on Rascal Flatts’ Riot Tour before joining up with Little Big Town. The Music Biz 2015 Conference will run from May 12-14 in Nashville. For more information, visit musicbiz2015.com.

Eric Paslay Weds Natalie Harker

Singer-songwriter Eric Paslay married music publisher Natalie Harker on April 26, 2015 at Front Porch Farms in Charlotte, Tenn., according to people.com. The couple became engaged in December 2014, after dating for two years.

Eric Paslay weds Natalie Harker. Photo: Brown Lab Photography

Eric Paslay weds Natalie Harker. Photo: Brown Lab Photography

 

Tyler Farr Trades Autographs with Chicago Bulls Player

While celebrating this past week’s release of his new album, Suffer in Peace, Columbia Nashville’s Tyler Farr was in the Windy City on Thursday (April 30) for a performance at Joe’s Bar, where he traded autographs with Chicago Bulls guard/forward Jimmy Butler.

Pictured (L-R): Butler, Farr, Farr’s tour manager Houston Phillips, and their friend, “E.”

Pictured (L-R): Butler, Farr, Farr’s tour manager Houston Phillips, and their friend, “E.”

 

Kelsea Ballerini Launches CMT’s Next Women of Country Tour in Michigan

On April 30, Black River Entertainment recording artist Kelsea Ballerini was in Grand Rapids, Mich., to launch CMT’s Next Women of Country tour – the network’s first-ever ladies-only tour. Ballerini is co-headlining the run with Warner Music Nashville/Elektra artist Jana Kramer. The CMT Next Women of Country Tour will make 10 stops across the country this spring, including Chicago, Nashville and Orlando.

Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Black River Entertainment

Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Black River Entertainment

 

LeAnn Phelan Joins Newly Formed Sea Gayle Management

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LeAnn Phelan

LeAnn Phelan

LeAnn Phelan has exited her post as joint leader of ASCAP’s Nashville Membership/Creative team, and joined the newly formed Sea Gayle Management. In the new role, she and Sea Gayle co-founder Chris DuBois will work with artists Jerrod Niemann and Jimmy Robbins.

She previously headed ASCAP’s Nashville Membership/Creative team with Michael Martin, who remains in his role at the PRO.

“Every job I’ve had has been a learning experience, but none more expansive as my time at ASCAP,” said Phelan. “Each member of the team at ASCAP contributes above and beyond every day and it was an honor to work alongside them. I want to thank John Titta and Vincent Candilora for their guidance and support. And I especially want to thank Michael Martin for his strong leadership, trust and communication. ASCAP is in stellar hands under Michael’s guidance. I am thrilled to be a part of Sea Gayle’s new venture in management. I have respected Chris DuBois and the team there for many years and I’m looking forward to contributing to their continued growth as a company.”

John Titta, ASCAP Executive VP of Membership, said, “LeAnn’s leadership has helped to build an incredible Creative team in Nashville, who, led by Michael Martin,​ will continue to offer ​outstanding service to our members. We look forward to working with LeAnn in ​her new role alongside ASCAP members Brad Paisley and Chris DuBois, ​and Sea Gayle’s GM Marc Driskill, who formerly led the team at ASCAP Nashville.​”

ASCAP’s Michael Martin added, “I thoroughly enjoyed managing the Nashville office with LeAnn. She created programs that will leave a lasting legacy, including the ASCAP Guidance from Publishers for Songwriters (GPS) Project and the ASCAP female artist mentoring group she created. And, of course, we’re thrilled that her new position will keep ​her in the extended ASCAP family.​”

Phelan’s career includes time with 19 Entertainment as a Writer/Producer Manager and as a preliminary judge for American Idol auditions seasons 6-9.

Before joining 19, she was Sr. Director, A&R at Sony Nashville and VP at Combustion Music. She started in publishing at Windswept in 1996, and began her career as a background vocalist/musician touring with Steve Winwood’s Roll With It World Tour in 1988.

Phelan serves on the ACM board of directors, The Recording Academy board of governors, and the Possibilities! board of directors. She has been honored as one of Billboard’s Most Powerful Women in Music.

Sea Gayle Music, the publishing company, was founded in 1999 by DuBois, Paisley and Frank Rogers. In recent years, it expanded with Sea Gayle Records, which is home to artists including Jerrod Niemann and Sheryl Crow.

She can be reached at her new office at [email protected].

[Updated]: LifeNotes: Film, Video Director Steven Goldmann Dies

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Steven Goldmann

Steven Goldmann

[Updated, May 1, 2015 at 4:14 p.m.]: Memorial and service information has been released for Steven Goldmann. The memorial service will take place Monday, May 4 at 2 p.m. at Groman Eden, 11500 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills, CA 91345.  A gathering at the home of Stephanie and Steven’s home will follow immediately, at 6203 Variel Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367. A graveside service will take place in Miami on Wednesday, May 6 at 10 a.m. at Lakeside Memorial Park, 10301 NW 25th St., Miami, FL 33172.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be sent to MusiCares “In Memory of Steven Goldmann”, to either:

Musicares
1904 Wedgewood Ave
Nashville, TN 37212
or
Musicares
3030 Olympic Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90404

[Original post, April 30, 2015]:

Country video director and film director Steven Goldmann died this morning, April 30, while under hospice care at home.

Goldmann has been one of the most prolific and successful Nashville directors of the past 20 years with more than 200 videos to his credit as well as a number of films and television shows. He was named CMT’s Video Director of the Year in 1993, 1996 and 1997.

Among the stars his videos popularized are Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Alan Jackson, Josh Turner, Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis, The Mavericks, Trace Adkins and Emerson Drive.

He also directed the films Our Country (Gaylord, 2003), Broken Bridges (Paramount, 2006) and Trailer Park of Terror (Summit Entertainment, 2007). A native of Canada, he also helmed numerous television projects in his homeland. For the Lifetime channel, he directed several episodes of the series Missing.

Goldmann’s Nashville career began in 1991 with videos for Paul Overstreet, Paulette Carlson, Lee Roy Parnell, Michelle Wright and Anne Murray. In 1992-93, he began directing the series of videos that brought McBride to fame — “Cheap Whiskey,” “My Baby Loves Me” and “Life #9.”

During the same period, he directed Clint Black’s “When My Ship Comes In,” Shawn Camp’s “Fallin’ Never Felt So Good” and Twain’s “What Made You Say That.” He also did the Tillis videos “Shake the Sugar Tree,” “Spilled Perfume” and “Let That Pony Run” and in years to come, he directed her clips for “When You Walk in the Room,” “Deep Down,” “The River and the Highway” and “All the Good Ones Are Gone.”

In 1994-95, he created an impressive 43 videos, working with such stars as Kathy Mattea, Mark Chesnutt, Lari White, Marty Stuart, Wade Hayes, Shelby Lynne and James House. Among the videos were such hits as Ty Herndon’s “What Mattered Most,” Shenandoah & Alison Krauss’s “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart” and Lorrie Morgan’s “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.”

In 1996, Goldmann’s clip for Collin Raye’s “I Think About You” won the ACM award as Video of the Year and Twain’s “(If You’re Not in it for Love) I’m Outta Here” was CMT Canada’s Video of the Year. His other clients in that year included Mary Chapin Carpenter, Ray Vega, Mark Wills, Billy Yates and Lonestar.

The CMA named his “455 Rocket” clip for Mattea its Video of the Year in 1997. It also won a Nashville Music Award.

Golmann’s 1998 video for Faith Hill’s mega-hit “This Kiss” became one of his most acclaimed. It won Video of the Year honors from CMT, TNN and the Nashville Music Awards.

Success continued for the director in the new millennium. His 2000 film short subject 50 Odd Dollars won awards at the Alabama Film Festival and the Houston Film Festival. In 2003, “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” for Alan Jackson won the ACM Video of the Year award. Goodman’s clip for Emerson Drive’s “Moments” earned the 2007 Video of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Awards.

Other stars with Goldmann videos in 2000-2011 include Jackson, Adkins, Mattea, Raye, Herndon and Emerson Drive, plus Michael Peterson, Jessica Andrews, Eric Heatherly, Steve Azar, Julie Roberts, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, SHeDAISY, Kelly Willis and The Mavericks. Among the more prominent were Brooks & Dunn’s “Red Dirt Road” (2002), Martina McBride’s “When God-Fearin’ Women Get the Blues” (2000) and Josh Turner’s star-making “Long Black Train” (2003).

Earlier this month, Steven Goldmann’s family issued an appeal for funds to help him in his fight against cancer.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Songwriters Offering Music During First Saturday Art Crawl

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First Saturday Art CrawlThis month’s First Saturday Art Crawl Downtown will highlight some musical art from top-notch songwriters. On Saturday, May 2, Live at Fifth Third Center-The Downtown Art Crawl will feature performances from Ella Mae Bowen, Marcus Hummon, Chris Roberts, and Autumn McEntire along with Scott Reeves, Jeff Cohen, Pete Sallis and Greg Friia. Fifth Third Center is located at 424 Church St in Nashville.

The First Saturday Art Crawl Downtown is held the first Saturday of every month, when art galleries host receptions and art openings to present work from local and world-renowned artists. Admission to the First Saturday Art Crawl is free.

For more information on the First Saturday Art Crawl, visit nashvilledowntown.com.

Faith Hill To Perform With Little Big Town At Billboard Music Awards

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Little Big Town

Little Big Town

Faith Hill

Faith Hill

Billboard and dick clark productions will welcome Little Big Town as one of the artists performing at this year’s Billboard Music Awards on May 17. The group will perform their hit “Girl Crush” during the awards, which will broadcast live on ABC from Las Vegas.

Faith Hill will join the band on stage and pair vocals with LBT’s Karen Fairchild.

The song is currently in the Top 20, and was given an extra sales boost after Little Big Town’s performance of it on the recent ACM Awards.

“Girl Crush” is RIAA-certified gold after sales topped 630,000.