Maddie & Tae Move Release Date, Unveil Cover Art

unnamed-6The debut album by Maddie & Tae, Start Here, is set for release August 28, which is later than initially scheduled. With the rush of success following No. 1 debut single “Girl In A Country Song” the duo had little time left in their schedules to concentrate on the album. “What we had was good,” Maddie affirms, “but we knew it could be so much better. Our label understood when we went to them to say we needed more time.”

“We wanted to get the feel, the sound of it, and the music right,” says Tae. “You only make your first album once. We’d put so much heart into this, so many writing trips to Nashville when we were kids, building this music to be something special. We knew we were close, but we needed the time to step back and breathe, and get it right!

The album features 11 tracks produced by Dann Huff.

Maddie & Tae also revealed the album’s cover art, captured by California photographer Allister Ann, known for her work with the Civil Wars. For the easygoing photo shoot, the girls spent the day wandering around Nashville to snag the front and back cover shots.

“The thing about us that really defines Maddie and I,” says Tae, “is we’re not those girls who want to spend a lot of time getting our hair done… We’d rather be out on a four-wheeler, playing guitar or just hanging out, having fun. That’s what the songs are made of. We thought the pictures should look like that, too—and it’s harder and easier than you’d think.”

“We did our own make-up, threw some clothes in a duffle bag and took off,” recalls Maddie. “Allister is so fun and easy, it was like a slumber party—except we were moving all day. We went to an ice cream stand, got out a friend’s old Bronco, just whatever struck us. You can see it in the pictures. Suddenly, there were shots where it really looked like us, and it was super-fun and awesome and just the best day!”

The upcoming BMLG album has already yielded a gold single, “Girl In A Country Song,” and a video which racked up 23 million VEVO views. The duo is up for three CMT Awards next week, for Breakout Video of the Year, Duo Video of the Year and Video of the Year.

Artist Pics: Jake Owen, Dwight Yoakam, Zane Williams

Jake Owen’s “Real Life” Journey From Waffle House To White House

Jake Owen’s fans followed him via Twitter on his journey from the Waffle House to the White House this week. He celebrated the release of new single, “Real Life,” by treating fans to a Waffle House lunch in Nashville as a nod to the lyrics of the song and the next day visited another famous house—the White House—while in Washington D.C. on Kenny Chesney’s The Big Revival Tour.

Pictured (L-R): Zeke Hunter, RCA Nashville’s SVP of Promotion Keith Gale, Jake Owen, Jon Andolina, RCA Nashville’s Elizabeth Sledge and Greg Fowler

Pictured (L-R): Zeke Hunter, RCA Nashville’s SVP of Promotion Keith Gale, Jake Owen, Jon Andolina, RCA Nashville’s Elizabeth Sledge and Greg Fowler

Dwight Yoakam Almost Gets Clipped In New Clip

Dwight Yoakam took his life in his hands while shooting the video for his latest single, “Liar,” which debuted on his YouTube channel. Directed by longtime collaborator Gregory Alosio, the video captures Yoakam performing on the back of an El Camino in the middle of rush-hour traffic on Sunset Blvd. in L.A. The street was not shut down for filming, so cars were zooming by throughout the performance. “We almost got clipped once,” Yoakam told KTLA about the experience.

Dwight Yoakam

Dwight Yoakam

Texas Artist Zane Williams Makes Opry Debut

Be Music singer/songwriter  Zane Williams recently made his Grand Ole Opry debut, where he performed his latest single, “Jayton And Jill,” which is currently No. 1 on the Texas charts.

Pictured (L-R): Zane Williams and Grand Ole Opry VP/GM Pete Fisher

Pictured (L-R): Zane Williams and Grand Ole Opry VP/GM Pete Fisher

CMT Awards Names More Performers

2015-CMT-Music-Awards-FeaturedEric Church, Jake Owen, Sam Hunt and Zac Brown Band are the latest acts confirmed to take the stage at the 2015 CMT Music Awards, airing live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 10 at 7:00 PM CT.

The star-studded lineup includes previously announced performers: Carrie Underwood, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum and Luke Bryan.

Among the nominees, Carrie Underwood is the frontrunner with five awards nominations. Lady Antebellum and Kenny Chesney followed with four nominations each. Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean earned three nominations apiece, while Keith Urban and Luke Bryan both scored two nods. There are more than 45 nominated artists/groups.

Fans can vote via CMT.com through June 7 at 11:59 PM ET to determine the winners. The six finalists for Video of the Year will be announced at the beginning of the live show and fans can then vote at CMT.com throughout the live telecast (ET/CT only) to determine the night’s big winner.

Road Closures For CMA Music Festival

CMA Music Festival 2015 LogoThe 2015 CMA Music Festival will take place Thursday, June 11 through Sunday, June 14. Below is a guide to road closures that will take place starting this week. All times listed are Central.

Closures beginning Friday, June 5:

7:00 AM – The eastbound lane of First Avenue will be closed from Demonbreun to Church Street (reopens Friday, June 5 at 7:00 PM).

Closures beginning Sunday, June 7:

11:59 PM – Broadway will be closed from First to Second Avenues.

11:59 PM – First Avenue will be closed from Demonbreun to Church Street (both reopen Monday, June 15 by 1:00 AM).

Closures beginning Monday, June 8:

6:00 AM – Fifth Avenue will be closed from Demonbreun to Broadway (reopens Monday, June 15 by 1:00 AM).

6:00 AM – Demonbreun will be closed from Fourth to Fifth Avenues (reopens Monday, June 15 by 1:00 AM).

8:00 AM – Titans Way will be closed (reopens Monday, June 15 by 8:00 PM).

Closures beginning Tuesday, June 9:

11:00 PM – First Avenue will be closed from Korean Veterans Boulevard to Demonbreun (reopens Monday, June 15 by 2:00 AM).

11:00 PM – Molloy Street will be closed from First to Second Avenues (reopens Monday, June 15 by 1:00 AM).

11:00 PM – Demonbreun will be closed from First to Second Avenues (reopens Monday, June 15 by 1:00 AM).

Closures beginning Wednesday, June 10:

6:00 AM – Broadway will be closed from Second to Fourth Avenues (reopens Monday, June 15 at 1:00 AM).

Fifth Avenue will be closed from Korean Veterans Boulevard to Demonbreun each day from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday, June 11 through Sunday, June 14.

Demonbreun will be closed from Fifth to Sixth Avenues each day from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday, June 11 through Saturday, June 14.

More information can be found at CMAfest.com.

FGL’s Brian Kelley and Wife Bring Fashion Line To CMA Music Fest

Brian and Brittney Kelley

Brian and Brittney Kelley

Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and wife Brittney have taken inspiration from their extensive travels and channeled it into a new fashion line they designed together. The couple will sell pieces from the new collection at a popup store in Nashville during CMA Music Fest. Dubbed Tribe Kelley, the collection of bohemian chic clothes and accessories will be available for purchase at the Lucchese Bootmaker shop on June 11 from noon to 4 p.m.

“As for the inspiration for Brian and I to start a clothing line together, that was obvious when we caught ourselves altering and cutting basically every piece of clothing we own,” wrote Brittney on the brand’s website. “Both Brian and I are blessed enough to be modern day nomads, venturing out to experience all walks of culture and vogue. We figured we would be missing an opportunity if we didn’t create a small capsule collection of our own.”

Kelley will be modeling some of the men’s collection from the new line at the event, which will also feature women’s suede pants, printed T’s, unisex caps, and much more. The clothing can also be purchased on the website.

MusicRowPics: Jason Pritchett Stays True To Cowboy Roots

Jason Pritchett

Jason Pritchett and the Steel Horses

Jason Pritchett, the rising artist signed to Billy Dean Music Group, visited the MusicRow offices on Friday, May 29.

Along with band the Steel Horses, he previewed songs from his 5-track EP, which will be released in the next few weeks. Pritchett and Billy Dean met in Branson, Missouri where the established country star headlines the Billy Dean Live show at the Starlite Theatre. Pritcett appears in the program, and is in the midst of a 186-show run.

Billy

Billy Dean duets with Pritchett.

Dean and Pritchett wrote most of Pritchett’s material together, with a focus on tried-and-true countryisms: melody and the cowboy lifestyle. They say they are “putting the Western back into county music.”

Pritchett’s song “Independence Cowboy”—named for his hometown Independence, Missouri—even includes a lyric about the Dean hit “Billy The Kid” playing on the radio. Pritchett’s current single “Good Show” is about the daily struggles of bull riders. The singers team up to duet on another well-written cowboy story song, “Already Dead Man.”

Pritchett and Dean are building his career the grassroots way, with a focus on secondary market radio and touring small markets.

Previously, Pritchett was a top 5 finalist on the second season of America’s Got Talent.

MRStaff

(L-R): Billy Dean; MR’s Troy Stephenson and Kelsey Grady; Jason Pritchett; MR’s Sarah Skates, Sherod Robertson and Eric Parker

Eric and Jessie James Decker Plan Charity Casino Night

unnamedEric Decker and Jessie James Decker will host the 1st Annual “On Deck With The Deckers” to benefit their namesake foundation at The Rosewall in Nashville, TN on Tuesday, June 16. Scheduled to participate are Chuck Wicks, NFL’s Demaryius Thomas, Jana Kramer, Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts, JT Hodges, Nashville Predator’s Mike Fisher, RaeLynn, and Tennessee Titan’s star Wesley Woodyard.

The event will be a casino night theme with several table games and a Texas Hold’em tournament. There will be raffle prizes including vacation and sports experience packages.

The Eric & Jessie Decker Foundation strives to positively impact the lives of United States military service members and veterans as well as animals.

For more information, visit www.ejdeckerfoundation.com.

“On Deck with the Deckers” is by invitation only or with purchased ticket. Individual tickets may be purchased here.

Chevy To Offer Apple/Android Infotainment System In 2016

Novo Cruze 2016 interior. Photo: Chevy

Upgraded 8-inch MyLink system in a Novo Cruze 2016 interior. Photo: Chevrolet

Chevrolet—the only company offering high-speed 4G LTE Wi-FI in U.S. and Canada car models—has joined Hyundai in revealing it will offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in new models. This hardware will be featured in eleven 2016 Chevy models in the U.S. and additionally available in Brazil, Mexico and Canada.

The seven-inch MyLink infotainment systems are compatible on both operating systems, while the upgraded eight-inch version is only available for Apple, as of the beginning of 2016. Those Apple-exclusive models include the Impala, Volt, Corvette, Colorado, Tahoe and Suburban.

Many features will be controlled via voice commands through a button on the steering wheel when phones are connected via USB.

Android Auto: built around Google, the growing audio and messaging app ecosystem includes Spotify, Google Play Music, WhatsApp, Skype, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps: Android.com/auto. (Requires a phone running the Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or above.)

Apple CarPlay: uses the iPhone to allow drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third-party apps. A full list of those apps: Apple.com/ios/carplay. (Requires an iPhone 5 or later.)

In 2014, the models included in this rollout accounted for more than 2.4 million vehicle sales, or 51 percent of Chevrolet’s total global sales.

Multi-Level Restaurant, Venue Coming To Lower Broad

T1 3D VIEW _ LayoutRestaurateurs Steve Smith and Al Ross, the men behind Tootsie’s, Rippy’s and Honky Tonk Central, are planning to renovate the Trail West building at the corner of Broadway and 3rd Ave. S. The multi-level redevelopment will include room for live music, a rooftop patio, and family-oriented restaurant, Harry O’s Steakhouse.

Developing a plan for the building was a significant challenge due to its dilapidated condition. These plans were submitted today (June 1) to the Metropolitan Development and Housing Authority.

The building revitalization is designed to meld with the unique aesthetic of the historic Lower Broadway area and complement the new Broadway Hotel on 3rd Ave. S.

Additionally, Smith and Ross support pending legislation that would include the 200 block of Broadway in the Broadway Historic District Overlay.

Industry Pics: ole Bus, Regions Bank, Global Eyes Signs Jessa

Field Trip—Jeremy Stover, Justin Weaver Hitch Ride On ole Bus

ole songwriter Jeremy Stover along with Justin Weaver caught up with Dustin Lynch on the road recently to write as they traveled to shows at the Power Plant Live in Baltimore, MD the Clarksburg Amphitheater in Clarksburg, WV, and the Blue Ridge Music Festival in Salem, VA.

Pictured (L-R): ole songwriter Jeremy Stover, Dustin Lynch and Justin Weaver

Pictured (L-R): ole songwriter Jeremy Stover, Dustin Lynch and Justin Weaver

Regions Bank and Haynes Galleries Help Courageous Kids

Regions Bank’s Lisa Harless and Haynes Galleries recently hosted a “Friend-Raiser” for the Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, KY. CCK is a free medical camp for kids with chronic or terminal illnesses and serves many families throughout the southeast. Les Kerr and Dan Modlin, Cowboy Dan Harrell, and Lynn Marie Rink performed at the event. 

Pictured (L-R):  Ted Bell, Jacquelynn Shumate, Marshall Shumate, Les Kerr, Dan Modlin, Lisa Harless, Stephanie Renfrow and Adam Slack

Pictured (L-R): Ted Bell, Jacquelynn Shumate, Marshall Shumate, Les Kerr, Dan Modlin, Lisa Harless, Stephanie Renfrow and Adam Slack

Jessa Inks Management Deal With Global Eyes

Global Eyes Entertainment has signed artist/songwriter Jessa to an exclusive artist management agreement. Jessa has written songs with Steve Williams, Will Nance, Nick Sturms, Rob Crosby, James Dean Hicks, Bruce Wallace, Thom Schuyler, Janey Street and more. 

(Pictured, Front Row): Jessa. (Pictured, Back Row): Tommy Pierce, Global Eyes Entertainment Partner; Ramona E. Simmons, GEE founder; Preston Sullivan, GEE GM

(Front Row): Jessa. (Back L-R): Tommy Pierce, Global Eyes Entertainment Partner; Ramona E. Simmons, GEE founder; Preston Sullivan, GEE GM