Warner/Chappell Signs Lady Antebellum

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LA Long Stretch photo

Picture (L-R): Dave Haywood, Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley

Warner/Chappell Music announced today that it has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Grammy Award-winning group Lady Antebellum. The deal brings all three hit songwriters, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, and Hillary Scott to Warner/Chappell, which will represent the majority of the Lady Antebellum catalog.

The trio has co-written the vast majority of Lady Antebellum’s songs, including “I Run to You,” “Need You Now,” and “Bartender.” Beyond their own material, Haywood and Kelley have co-written songs for a number of notable recording artists, including Luke Bryan’s “Do I,” which landed at No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, as well as Miranda Lambert’s “Love Song” and Hunter Hayes’ “Better Than This.” Kelly also co-wrote Darius Rucker’s No. 1 hit, “Homegrown Honey.” Scott co-wrote Sara Evans’ No. 1, “A Little Bit Stronger.”

Collectively, the members of Lady Antebellum have earned an extraordinary number of accolades, including seven Grammy Awards, seven CMA Awards, four American Music Awards and eight ACM Awards, among many others. They have earned nine No. 1 singles on the Billboard charts and sold more than 11 million albums worldwide.

“The first charted hit written by Dave, Charles, and Hillary was in 2007 and just a few short years later their body of work is impressive on a global scale,” said Ben Vaughn, Executive Vice President, Warner/Chappell Music Nashville. “Their music touches fans all over the world and besides their impressive work as Lady Antebellum they have received numerous songwriting awards including being recognized as NMPA’s Songwriter Icon Award winner this year. The W/C family takes great pride welcoming back these amazing songwriters and people.”

“We’ve worked with Warner/Chappell before and are so happy to have them on our team once again,” said Kelley. “Ben and the entire Nashville group are a talented bunch of publishers, and we’re grateful for the care and attention that they pay to our music.”

NASH TV Coming To Smart TVs, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast

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nash tvCumulus Media is expanding NASH TV through a partnership with Qello Concerts, the worldwide leader in streaming long-form concert films on demand.

Qello Concerts will feature NASH TV’s original content across its worldwide OTT streaming platform. It will be available via web access, smart TVs (Samsung, Sony), Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, PlayStation, XBOX, Google Chromecast, and mobile devices (iOS, Android, Windows).

NASH TV features original content based on the country lifestyle including NASH Nights Live, Grits & Hits, America’s Morning Show, and Real Live Performances. Many of this content is recorded at the NASH campus in Nashville.

The growing NASH brand includes dozens of country radio stations, NASH Country Weekly magazine, concerts/events, online and TV content, the NASH Icon joint venture with Big Machine Label Group and the upcoming NASH Next talent competition.

Dolly Parton Plans First Nashville Concert in More Than A Decade

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Dolly

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton will perform a benefit concert on July 31 at the Ryman Auditorium. The show will be the first full concert she has headlined in Nashville in 12 years.

Proceeds will go to the Dustin Wells Foundation to benefit the W.O. Smith Music School. Wells was killed in a car accident in 2005 and his family set up a foundation in his memory to help enrich the lives of other youngsters.

Tickets to the Gift Of Music concert, “Dolly Parton: Pure and Simple,” are $55 and $85 and will be available beginning June 20 online at www.ryman.com. A limited selection of VIP packages will also be available at www.dustinwellsgiftofmusic.com.

“The ‘Gift of Music’ is something that runs deep within my kin folks,” says Parton. “I love and cherish The Ryman and I am really excited to perform there to help raise money for the Dustin Wells Foundation. This goes to help many young kids that are part of the W.O. Smith School of Music. Through all of us working together we can make a difference in helping a child feel the magic in making music.”

Previous artists who have performed and donated their time to the Dustin Wells Foundation include Ronnie Dunn, Dierks Bentley, Lady Antebellum, Peter Cetera, Peter Frampton, and many more.

Parton is also scheduled to perform four sold-out shows at Dollywood on Aug. 8 and 9 to benefit her own Imagination Library. 

DisClaimer: ‘Riser’ Has Inspiration And Uplift In Every Note

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dierks riser album 570 All it takes is one record to turn that frown upside down.

This was an extremely lackluster listening session. Until I heard a real sound. For me, today, that one record was/is “Riser” by Dierks Bentley. It sounded as good to me, if not better, than it did when I first listened to his album. This is unquestionably the Disc of the Day.

This week’s DisCovery Award goes to a Wisconsin-based country performer named Jerry Schmitt. If his single is any indication of what his songwriting is like, I am more than eager to hear more. It says on his website that his debut album is titled 100 Miles and that it only costs ten bucks. Sounds like a bargain to me. 

BRET MICHAELS/Girls on Bars
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Michaels Entertainment Group/Star Farm (ERG) 
—What a complete and utter piece of crap. Poison was never exactly a thinking person’s band, but this is beyond stupid.

DisCovery winner Jerry Schmitt

DisCovery winner Jerry Schmitt

JERRY SCHMITT/With a Bottle and a Can
Writer: Jerry Schmitt; Producer: Jerry Schmitt; Publisher: Jerry Schmitt, BMI; Colt (CDX) (www.thejerryschmittband.com)
—It’s a super, stone-country weeper about a man who is killing himself “with a bottle and a can.” His brilliantly understated performance throws the spotlight on the simple beauty of the songwriting. Extremely well done.

CRAIG CAMPBELL/Tomorrow Tonight
Writer: Craig Campbell, Justin Wilson, Vicky McGehee; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publisher: Legends of Magic Mustang (SESAC) admin by W.B.M. Music Corp., Skabetti Bowl of Songs (SESAC) admin by W.B.M. Music Corp., Nineteen64 Music (BMI); Red Bow (ERG) 
—He soars vocally on this one. Supporting harmony singing and screaming guitars add to the undeniable excitement. Play this.

CHRIS CHITSEY/Superstitious Heart
Writer: Steve Darling/Chris Chitsey; Producer: D. Scott Miller; Publisher: Chris Chitsey, BMI; Premier (CDX) (www.chrischitseymusic.com)
—It barely has a melody, which is just as well since he can barely sing.

RANDY HOUSER/We Went
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Stoney Creek (ERG) 
—Urgent, passionate and uptempo. This guy is a hoss.

JAKE DODDS/Slow
Writer: Jon D’Agostino/A.J. Egstrom/Kylie Rothfield/Chris Sayers; Producer: Peter Young; Publisher: Shore Hits/KRJ/Ajegstrom, BMI/ASCAP; Jake Dodds (CDX) (www.jakedodds.com)
—Ordinary to the point of boredom.

DIERKS BENTLEY/Riser
Writer: Steven Moakler/Travis Meadows; Producer: Ross Copperman; Publisher: Songs of Kobalt/Nan Jan/Songs of Mighty Isis/She and I/It’s Killer, BMI; Capitol Nashville (track)  
—The goosebump-raising title tune of Bentley’s current CD is the song I have wanted to be a single all along. Now it is, and I’m a happy camper. This has inspiration and uplift in every note. Copperman’s track is packed with echoey tension and chiming chills.

CURTIS BRALY/Living on Sunshine
Writer: Lauren Taylor Bachofer/Maryland Welch Francis/Brandon M. Maddox; Producer: Kenny Royster; Publisher: Music of Studio Gold/Brandon Maddox, SESAC/BMI; Studio Gold (CDX) (615-432-2895)
—He has a clear tenor voice and a relentlessly upbeat attitude. It’s all a bit too bright and poppy and smiley for my taste.

KENNY CHESNEY/Save It For a Rainy Day
Writer: Andrew Dorff/Matt Ramsey/Brad Tursi; Producer: Buddy Cannon & Kenny Chesney; Publisher: none listed; Columbia/Blue Chair (track) 
—The weather’s too nice to have the blues, so he’s going to save his heartbreak for a rainy day. Very catchy.

MARKET JUNCTION/Give It Time
Writer: Matt Parrish/Justin Lofton/Richard Barrow; Producer: Richard Barrow; Publisher: none listed; MJ 
—The recording quality isn’t the greatest. Despite the muffled sound, the talent comes through. The group’s harmonies are excellent, the track has energy and the songwriting is top notch.

Little Big Town Tour Halted Due To Jimi Westbrook’s Vocal Cord Surgery

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Little Big Town backstage at LP Field following their performance at CMA Music Festival last weekend. Photo: Bev Moser

Little Big Town backstage at LP Field following their performance at CMA Music Festival last weekend. Photo: Bev Moser

This afternoon, Little Big Town shared news of member Jimi Westbrook’s upcoming surgery on its Facebook page. The band is canceling or rescheduling its concerts through the end of July.

Little Big Town posted:

With heavy hearts we want to let you guys know that Jimi will have to undergo surgery next week to remove a polyp on his vocal cord. As a result, doctors have ordered him to rest his voice and completely recuperate before we continue touring. All shows through July 30th will be cancelled or rescheduled.

It breaks our hearts to let you guys down, but Jimi’s health is the most important thing and he is expected to make a full recovery with rest and treatment. We will keep everyone updated on Jimi’s progress. Thanks for your understanding and support. – K,K,J & P

BMI Tailgate Party Hosts Rising Stars, Hit Songwriters

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Every night of CMA Music Festival, prior to the concerts at LP Field, BMI warmed up the massive crowd by hosting a Tailgate Party in the venue’s parking lot. The stage featured some of Nashville’s most talented up-and-comers and best known songwriters.

BMI’s Jody Williams and Clay Bradley pose with BMI singer/songwriters Kallie North and Jessy Wilson of Muddy Magnolias backstage at the BMI Tailgate party.

BMI’s Jody Williams and Clay Bradley pose with BMI singer/songwriters Kallie North and Jessy Wilson of Muddy Magnolias backstage at the BMI Tailgate party.

BMI singer/songwriter Sonia Leigh performs at the BMI Tailgate stage at CMA Fest. Leigh has been produced by John Hopkins of the Zac Brown Band and has toured with the likes of Jason Mraz, The Marshall Tucker Band and Blackberry Smoke, bringing her hits such as “When We Are Alone” and “Put It In My Pocket” around the U.S.

BMI singer/songwriter Sonia Leigh performs at the BMI Tailgate stage at CMA Fest. Leigh has been produced by John Hopkins of the Zac Brown Band and has toured with the likes of Jason Mraz, The Marshall Tucker Band and Blackberry Smoke, bringing her hits such as “When We Are Alone” and “Put It In My Pocket” around the U.S.

BMI singer/songwriter Rhett Akins performs on the BMI Tailgate stage at CMA Fest. Akins has written a slew of country hits, including “Hey Girl,” “Parking Lot Party” and “Young & Crazy.” BMI’s Jody Williams and Leslie Roberts present Rhett Akins with a custom Bohemian Guitar in celebration of the multiple Million Air awards he received that night, celebrating more than 25 titles with millions of spins.

BMI singer/songwriter Rhett Akins performs on the BMI Tailgate stage at CMA Fest. Akins has written a slew of country hits, including “Hey Girl,” “Parking Lot Party” and “Young & Crazy.” BMI’s Jody Williams and Leslie Roberts present Rhett Akins with a custom Bohemian Guitar in celebration of the multiple Million Air awards he received that night, celebrating more than 25 titles with millions of spins.

BMI singer-songwriter Chris Lane rocks the crowd from the BMI Tailgate stage during CMA Fest. Fans can check him out on tour this summer while he works on an upcoming album.

BMI singer-songwriter Chris Lane rocks the crowd from the BMI Tailgate stage during CMA Fest. Fans can check him out on tour this summer while he works on an upcoming album.

[Updated] Weekly Register: CMT Awards Track Boost, A Thousand Horses Debut

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Luke Bryan performs on the CMT Music Awards. Photo: CMT.com

Luke Bryan performs on the CMT Music Awards. Photo: CMT.com

The CMT Music Awards gave a track sales boost to many of the artists who performed on the show. After his performance on the show, Keith Urban reeled in the top country single debut, with “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16” selling 36K and entering at No. 7.

Among those in the top 10 country tracks who saw sales gains are:

No. 1 Luke Bryan “Kick the Dust Up” 72K TW, up 24 percent
No. 5 Eric Church “Like A Wrecking Ball” 42K, up 34 percent
No. 6 Chris Janson “Buy Me A Boat” 38K, up 33 percent
No. 7 Keith Urban “John Cougar…” 36K, debut
No. 9 Sam Hunt “House Party” 34K, up 52 percent
No. 10 Jason Aldean “Tonight Looks Good On You” 27K, up 29 percent

On the country albums chart, the Now Country 8 compilation is the top country debut, entering at No. 1 with sales of 19K.

BMLG band A Thousand Horses debuted at No. 3 with 17K copies of Southernality, produced by Dave Cobb. In addition, the lead single “Smoke” has been certified Gold by the RIAA. Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher, Graham DeLoach and Zach Brown will make their late-night television debut June 24 on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live, where they will perform new single, “(This Ain’t No) Drunk Dial.”

Elsewhere on the country albums chart, Montgomery Gentry delivered Folks Like Us (4.6K) and Cam’s EP Welcome to Cam Country geared up with 2K. In its second week of release, the duet project from Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard fell to No. 5 with 14K.

On the overall chart, Muse’s Drones debuted at No. 1 with 84K (79K album only). Coming in at No. 5 is the Rolling Stones reissue of Sticky Fingers 36K (34K album only), just in time for tonight’s Nashville concert at LP Field.

Info according to Soundscan.

CMT Awards Ratings Hold Steady

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2015-CMT-Music-Awards-FeaturedThe 2015 CMT Music Awards telecast was watched by a cumulative 17 million viewers, who tuned in for the live premiere or one of the subsequent 12 airings, according to the Nielsen ratings. The numbers are on par with the 2014 show and up nearly 10 percent from the 2013 awards telecast.

The telecast was available on more platforms than at any time in CMT history, with streams across all of the network’s digital and social platforms, a simulcast on fellow Viacom networks TV Land and TeenNick, as well as the first-ever radio simulcast across 120 iHeartMedia country music stations.

The awards hashtag #CMTawards trended worldwide on Twitter from the start of the live telecast throughout the show, and the program ranked as the most social telecast of the day with over 18 million impressions, according to Nielsen’s Twitter TV ratings. It also ranked as the second most social non-sports telecast of the week trailing only Game of Thrones. CMT.com also saw double-digit gains for awards show content, with unique visitors up 33 percent from 2014.

Robby Johnson Preps Album With ‘Shady’ New Single

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robby johnsonRobby Johnson will release his newest single, “Shady,” on June 30. It is set to be included on his debut album, Don’t Look Back, which was produced by James Stroud and is due out later this year.

The new single was written by Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally, and Luke Laird.

“The song is about a guy, deeply in love, taking his girlfriend on a road trip for her to have the best of times. I’ve always been a rebel and I believe everybody needs to getaway from this fast and crazy world, not being serious and just enjoying the simple things in life,” says Johnson.

Other notable songwriters on the album include Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne, Chris DeStefano, and Rhett Akins. Elsewhere, Vince Gill plays guitar on the song, “I Ain’t The Guy,” which was co-written by Johnson. He also has writing credits on four other songs on the album.

Johnson is scheduled to open up for Keith Urban on July 10 at the Stage of the Plains of Abraham, at the 48th Festival d’ete de Quebec.

The Cains’ Self-Titled EP Set For July Release

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TheCains-Photo5

The Cains

Family trio The Cains will release their self-titled EP on July 21 to digital outlets. The five-track EP features songs co-written by the group’s Logan, Madison and Taylor Cain with Jaida Dreyer, Stephony Smith, Billy Lawson, Ed Hill, Becki Devries and Dave Thompson. The debut single from the project, “Journey’s End,” is currently playing on Sirius/XM’s The Highway and is now available for download.

“It’s funny that we are ‘releasing’ this EP—because that’s the word that comes to mind when I think about these songs—release,” said Logan Cain. “Now that we can share this record with the world, I feel such a release. We’ve poured everything that we are into this project and cannot wait for the fans to hear it. From top to bottom, this EP captures exactly who we are as artists.”

The Cains have been selected by Renegade Radio Nashville as one of the faces of “Renegade Radio Nashville Presents Young Country,” a new venture which will promote rising stars within the format. They have also signed on for several upcoming shows at the Cyrus Family Theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., including the kickoff “Young Country” show on June 27.

Most recently, the group partnered with Bravo TV to write and perform exclusive re-cap tracks for the network’s hit reality television show Southern Charm. The group wrote and recorded original tunes, all titled “Southern Charm,” that musically recount episodes within the series. 

The Cains Track Listing:

  1. “Journey’s End” (Taylor Cain / Madison Cain / Becki Devries)
  2. “Knock Knock” (Jaida Dreyer / Stephony Smith / Dave Thompson)
  3. “Smoke On The Hill” (Billy Lawson / Ed Hill / Taylor Cain / Madison Cain)
  4. “Down To The Water” (Taylor Cain / Madison Cain)
  5.  “Miss Red, White, And Blue” (Taylor Cain / Madison Cain / Logan Cain / Becki Devries)