DisClaimer: Who Let The Dogs Out?

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KaceyMusgravesDimestore
Who, who, who let the dogs out?

There’s a whole pack of major label show dogs vying for our attention this week. So many, in fact, that we hardly have room for any indie acts. And all of these puppies can hunt.

In a field that includes such top dogs as Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Jennifer Nettles and David Nail, the standout, refreshing disc belongs to underdog Kacey Musgraves. She edges out the others to win Disc of the Day.

williammichaelmorganimetagirlThe nicest surprise is William Michael Morgan. This newcomer’s single is strong enough to beat most of his better known competitors and easily wins him a DisCovery Award. I can’t wait to hear more from this guy.

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WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN/I Met a Girl
Writer: Trevor Rosen/Sam Hunt/Shane McAnally; Producer: Jimmy Ritchey & Scott Hendricks; Publisher: Rehits/Smacktown/Universal/Three Mules/Smack Ink, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
—Gently persuasive. His baritone is wonderful. The song swirls with romance and pleasure. The track is an audio dream. It feels exactly like young love.

TIM McGRAW/Top of the World
Writer: Jimmy Robbins/Jon Nite/Josh Osborne; Producer: Byron Gallimore & Tim McGraw; Publisher: Extraordinary Alien/Universal/EMI April/Jon Mark Nite/Songs of Black River/One Little Indian Creek, ASCAP; Big Machine/McGraw Music
—It seems like this guy never makes a false step. Jump on board this cruising little showboat and ride it all the way up the river. Marvelously catchy.

BLAKE SHELTON/Gonna
Writer: Luke Laird/Craig Wiseman; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Creative Nation/Twangin and Slangin/Big Loud Shirt, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
—Choppy and bopping, with a rapid-fire lyric delivery, hooky guitar passages and an quasi-shouted answering chorus. Light hearted.

JERROD NIEMANN/Blue Bandana
Writer: Ben Goldsmith/C.J. Solar/Andrew Scott Wills; Producer: Jimmie Lee Sloas & Jerrod Niemann; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP/BMI; Arista
—This name checks Merlefest, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Coachella, Newport and other music gatherings as it describes the ultimate fan following her favorite band. Clever and listenable.

JENNIFER NETTLES/Sugar
Writer: Jennifer Nettles/Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Jennifer Nettles/Highway 508/House of Sea Gayle/ClearBox Rights/Nettwerk One B/Revelry/Jaay Gatsby, ASCAP/BMI; EMI
—She’s a slightly salacious tease who won’t give the boys a taste. The rhythm patterns are the sweet spot here.

CANAAN SMITH/Hole in a Bottle
Writer: Canaan Smith/Brett Beavers/Dan Couch; Producer: Brett Beavers & Jimmy Robbins; Publisher: BMG Gold/Skinny Fat Nashville/BMG Rights/BMG Platinum/Music of Big Deal/Statefish/Songs From the Couch, ASCAP/BMI; Mercury
—After a week of hard work, he’s headed for a booze fest. Full of rocking, rolling personality.

DAVID NAIL/Night’s On Fire
Writer: Jonathan Singleton/Deric Ruttan; Producer: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell & Glenn Worf; Publisher: Super Big/Jett/Big Machine/WB/Doc and Maggie/Thankful For This, ASCAP; MCA Nashville
—I remain a fan. This time he’s applying his torrid tenor to a song about a hot date night. Banjo notes, soaring backup vocals, handclaps, stuttering guitar and burbling percussion are all perfectly placed. Be forewarned: The ending is quite abrupt.

PAT GREEN/While I Was Away
Writer: Zane Williams; Producer: Jon Randall Stewart, Justin Pollard & Gary Paczosa; Publisher: Be Original/Born Into Love, ASCAP; Thirty Tigers/Greenhorse
—Immensely tender. He croons this to his daughter, regretting missing her growing up while he’s off working for a living. He misses her. She misses him, too. Beautifully melodic and gently heart tugging.

KACEY MUSGRAVES/Dime Store Cowgirl
Writer: Kacey Musgraves/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally; Producer: Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird & Shane McAnally; Publisher: none listed; Mercury
—Breezy and blissful. I think someone called her this when she was growing up and competing to become Little Miss Tater Tot. Whatever the case, this lilting, totally charming ode could be her ticket to the top.

TYLER FARR/Better In Boots
Writer: Justin Wilson/Dave Pittenger; Producer: Julian King & Jim Catino; Publisher: Legends of Magic Mustang/This Is Magic Mustang, SESAC/ASCAP; Columbia
—As usual, his raspy, urgent voice is utterly gripping. This rhythmic, percolating outing finds him falling for his gal who is dressed just right.

Mike Craft Exits Sony Music Nashville

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Mike Craft

Mike Craft

Mike Craft has exited his post as Sony Music Nashville’s Sr. VP, Finance & Operations.

Elevated to the position in early 2011, Craft was responsible for overseeing the finances and operations of Sony Music Nashville’s RCA Nashville, Arista Nashville, and Columbia Nashville. Craft joined the label group in 2008 as VP, Finance. He was previously the COO for Provident Music Group, a division of Sony Music Entertainment.

Craft, who was recently announced President of Leadership Music, can be reached at (615) 306-1919 or by email.

 

CMA Music Festival TV Special Slips In Ratings

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Reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town returns to host "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" for the third time. The special airsTuesday, Aug. 4 on the ABC Television Network. Photo: Hunter Berry / CMA

Reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town returns to host CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock for the third year. The special aired Tuesday, Aug. 4 on the ABC Television Network. Photo: Hunter Berry / CMA

Last night’s (Aug. 4) CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock averaged a 1.2/4 rating among adult viewers age 18-49, down from last year’s 1.9/6 adults 18-49 rating, according to initial numbers reported by Zap2It.

CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock averaged 5.19 million viewers, down from 7.2 million viewers in 2014. This year’s country show had competition from NBC’s America’s Got Talent in the 7 p.m. CT time slot.

Although the rating fell this year (down 37 percent), the ABC show did rank strongly for the evening at No. 2 among adults 18-49 and garnered increased viewership throughout the three-hour program from its first hour to its final hour by 30 percent (1.0/4 to 1.3/5).

Likewise, ABC delivered its strongest non-sports Tuesday this summer with the CMA broadcast in both viewers (1.9 million) and young adults (1.2/4).

DVR viewership, which has gone from 38 percent penetration in U.S. households five years ago to 49 percent, will be taken into account for Nielsen’s live + 7 day ratings.

Benefit News: Creative Nation, Craig Morgan, Christmas 4 Kids

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Creative NationCreative Nation Helps Preston Taylor Ministries

Creative Nation will host its fourth annual songwriter’s show at the Listening Room on September 15 to benefit Nashville’s Preston Taylor Ministries. This year’s bill will include Creative Nation songwriters Luke Laird, Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby, Lori McKenna, Steve Moakler, Maggie Chapman, Native Run and a special guest. Tickets are $35 and are available at ListeningRoomCafe.com.

Craig Morgan

Craig Morgan

Morgan Hosts 9th Annual Charity Weekend

Craig Morgan will host his 9th Annual Charity Event benefitting the Craig Morgan Foundation on October 17 in Dickson, Tenn. This year’s events will include a golf tournament at Greystone Golf Course, followed by a family-friendly festival from the city’s War Memorial Lawn, and a concert with Morgan and friends. Tickets are on sale starting Saturday, August 8 at CraigMorgan.com. All proceeds from the weekend will benefit the Dickson County Craig Morgan Foundation, supporting foster children in Dickson County and throughout Middle Tennessee.

Christmas For KidsMarshall Tucker To Headline Christmas 4 Kids

The Marshall Tucker Band will headline the Christmas 4 Kids benefit concert at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium November 23. “The Marshall Tucker Band is beyond thrilled to be associated with this long-lasting organization that puts smiles on the faces of so many amazing children that deserve the best Christmas we can give them,” says lead singer Doug Gray.

Tickets are $36.50 and $60.00 and go on sale today at christmas4kids.org. All proceeds generated from the concert go to the Christmas 4 Kids organization.

Academy Award Winners Robert Duvall And Billy Bob Thornton Are Opry Bound

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OpryAcademy Award winners Robert Duvall and Billy Bob Thornton are each scheduled to make their Grand Ole Opry debuts Tues., August 18. Duvall will serve as a guest announcer during the show and perform the song “Cheyenne”, with music producer Michael Hodges, from the original motion picture soundtrack Wild Horses.

Roots-rock band The Boxmasters featuring Thornton and also consisting of Teddy Andreadis and J.D. Andrew will perform a set including tunes from the 2015 release Somewhere Down The Road. Among others scheduled to appear that evening are Dustin Lynch, Craig Morgan, David Nail, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Thomas Rhett.

“As we celebrate the Grand Ole Opry’s 90th anniversary, we appreciate when talented personalities from all walks of life recognize the impact of the Opry and want to join us in Nashville,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. “We’re looking forward to some good music from our new friends and to sharing a fun night with them and our audience.”

Past Opry performers and announcers have included Academy Award winners Sissy Spacek, Kevin Costner, Kevin Bacon, Jack Black, Lester Holt, Robin Roberts, Bob Schieffer, and others.

Industry Ink: Sony Music Promotes One, Reviver Adds Two, Renee Grant-Williams’ New Site

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Sony Music Nashville Promotes

Arista Nashville Promotion Specialist Jenny Shearin has been promoted to the position of Manager of Promotion/Artist Development, Sony Music Nashville, reporting to Executive Vice President, Promotion & Artist Development, Steve Hodges.

JennieSony

Jenny Shearin

 

Reviver Records Adds Two To Promotion Team

Nashville and New Jersey record label, Reviver Records, has added two new hires to its in-house promotion department.

Kelly Symone joins Reviver as head of Regional West Coast Promotion. She comes to the team from Nine North, where she served in a similar role. Previous stops include Hit Shop, Blaster Records, Quarterback Records, and Music Director at KNTY/Sacramento.

Hayley Cowoski will serve as Promotions Coordinator. A recent graduate of Messiah College in Pennsylvania, she brings with her a repertoire of experience from internships at Warner Music Nashville and WGTY/York under Scott Donato.

Gator Michaels, SVP of Promotion said, “I am thrilled to fill out our promotion team with such talented women. Kelly brings a wealth of experience and amazing energy to Reviver and Hayley is destined to be a superstar in this business.”

Reviver

Hayley Cowoski and Kelly Symone

 

Vocal Coach Launches New Website

Vocal coach Renee Grant-Williams has launched new and improved website here offering new products, vocal tips, articles, as well as, one-on-one Skype sessions.

reneegrantwilliams

 

Muzooka Add Nashville Partners To Networking Program

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muzookaMuzooka, a San Francisco-based platform aimed at connecting talent with industry, has added Nashville venue The Basement to its networking roster.

Recently, Nashville’s Lightning 100 started using the Partner Platform as a way to discover acts to play the Live On The Green Music Festival from those submiting their music to the Music City Mayhem opportunity on Muzooka’s site.

Additional partners include Grammy-winning producers Chuck Ainlay and SESAC in addition to Chris Douridas’ School Night in LA, Jared Lee Gosselin and the W Hotel’s Speakerbox Series.

“For music industry professionals, Muzooka provides a global A&R platform that does not require sorting through physical or cumbersome digital submissions and social media sites,” said Muzooka CEO Shawn Wilson, who made the announcement today (August 5). “For artists, Muzooka is the ultimate community for professional growth, support and opportunity. As we continue to blend these communities, we turn to the best in the business to create the ultimate partnerships.”

A recent success story includes Nashville rockers The Wans, who just completed the recording of a 5 song EP produced by Vance Powell (Jack White).

Muzooka does not take money from aspiring artists and the service provides complimentary services to listeners. More information at muzooka.com.

Music Exec Susan Nadler Pens Fairy Tale Book

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Susan Nadler

Susan Nadler

Music exec Susan Nadler has penned a childrens/young adult book, Silfa, A Fairy Tale, which will be released September 9 through Taylor and Seale Publishing. The story is about the life of Silfa, a young fairy princess who wakes up to find herself trapped in a different time, living with a human family she does not remember.

Nadler began her career as a writer in Key West where she released two non-fiction books before moving to Nashville and launching a career in the music industry. Silfa has already received praise from celebrities including Martina McBride. “Susan has found a way to let you escape into a world that is both fantasy and reality,” shares McBride. “The reality of emotions that come with dealing with a broken home and the fantasy of finding a fairy friend and learning about her world make for a heartfelt and moving reading experience. This is a book I can see generations sharing and reading together.”

“The main message in Silfa is that you can’t make magic if you lie. Magic has to be done with the truth,” explains Nadler. “I think children, teens, and adults of all ages will enjoy reading this book. This is my favorite thing I’ve ever written because it is so different from my own life, yet I have always dreamed that I could fly, and I still dream that I fly.”

The character of Silfa the fairy princess first came to Nadler almost 40 years ago before launching a career in publicity working with Tammy Wynette, Bobby Blue Bland, Farm Aid and others. She also managed the career of famed country star Lorrie Morgan. Nadler became one of the first females to helm a major label, Asylum Records, with renowned publicist, Evelyn Shriver. In 2001, Nadler and Shriver formed Bandit Records and released what would be the final masters from the celebrated George Jones. Most recently, she has served as talent executive of PBS-TV show Soundstage.

 

 

UMG Names Jay Frank Head of Global Streaming Marketing

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Jay Frank

Jay Frank

Universal Music Group (UMG) announced today (August 5) that music and media industry executive Jay Frank, who founded the music and marketing analytics companies DigSin and DigMark and who previously held positions with Viacom’s CMT and Yahoo!, has been named to the newly created role of Senior Vice President of Global Streaming Marketing.

Frank will report jointly to Michele Anthony, Executive Vice President of Recorded Music, and Andrew Kronfeld, President of Global Marketing. Additionally, UMG has agreed to become partners in DigSin and DigMark.

Frank and his employees will remain based in the Nashville headquarters of DigSin and DigMark, responsible for using data and analytics to maximize the performance of Universal Music’s artists across all streaming platforms, evaluate the effectiveness of the company’s global streaming marketing efforts and identify opportunities for artists on streaming platforms.

He will also oversee the curation and management of Universal Music’s global playlists, coordinate a cohesive worldwide playlist strategy across the company’s labels and work with third-party playlist owners to promote artists.

“As the popularity of streaming services continues to grow, it’s important that our artists and labels are well-positioned in their home territory as well as globally to maximize on the opportunities provided by these new platforms,” said Anthony. “Jay and his team bring a proven track record of helping labels successfully support artists on emerging streaming services around the world.”

“With streaming, we are working in a new landscape of constant consumer interaction that extends well beyond a single transaction,” said Kronfeld. “To harness the potential of this connection, Jay and his team will incorporate new data-driven methods to maximize the exposure of our artists and create new opportunities on popular streaming services.”

“Streaming is opening new opportunities daily for artist discovery leading to strong bonds between artists and fans,” Frank said.  “Successful campaigns will lead to enormous opportunity for new releases and catalog alike. It’s an honor to join Universal Music and work with such a forward-looking executive team on harnessing the incredible power of discovery represented by playlists.”

Frank founded DigSin as a singles-focused music company that leverages streaming promotion. He later founded DigMark to design and implement data-driven marketing campaigns. Frank is also the author of books about how technology has changed music discovery and how musicians can create inexpensive online marketing opportunities.

Before founding DigSin, Frank was Senior Vice President of Music Strategy for Viacom’s CMT. Prior to CMT, Frank was Vice President of Music Programming and Label Relations for Yahoo! Music, where he was responsible for all of the company’s music programming. He was also previously the senior music director at The Box Music Network.

Frank holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, and sits on the Board of Directors of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and Leadership Music.

Carrie and Brad Return To Host CMA Awards

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Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood.

Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood.

Country superstars Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will return as hosts of the 49th Annual CMA Awards for the 8th consecutive year. “Country Music’s Biggest Night” will air live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 4 (7:00-10:00 CT) on the ABC Television Network.

The announcement was made during last night’s (August 4) ABC broadcast of CMA Fest. Viewers were able to Shazam the show to unlock a video montage.

“We are so fortunate to have Carrie and Brad hosting the CMA Awards for the eighth time,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “They have real chemistry on stage and bring credibility, comic timing, and critical acclaim to ‘Country Music’s Biggest Night.’”

“Brad and Carrie are great hosts because they are very active collaborators in the process,” said Robert Deaton, Executive Producer of the CMA Awards and CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock. “They are heavily invested in the continued success of the CMA Awards while being mindful of the prestige and history. They are not simply setting the bar for hosting an awards show, they are surpassing it every time they step out on our stage.”

Paisley has won 14 CMA Awards since receiving the Horizon Award (now the New Artist Award) in 2000. He is No. 5 on the list of top CMA Awards winners of all time.

Underwood has received five CMA Awards in her career. She has been nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year every year since first being nominated (2006-2014).

The 2015 CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by more than 7,400 professional members of CMA. The eligibility period for the 2015 CMA Awards is July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015. Voting for the second ballot closes Thursday, Aug. 20 (6:00 p.m. CT). The final nominees in each of the 12 categories will be announced on Wednesday, Sept. 9 with voting for the final ballot ending Tuesday, Oct. 27 (6:00 p.m. CT).

Ticket information for the show will be announced later this summer.