Weekly Register: Maddie & Tae Notches Top Country Debut

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Maddie & Tae

Luke Bryan continues riding high atop both the Soundscan country tracks chart and country albums chart this week. Bryan’s “Strip It Down” moved 42k this week, while his album Kill The Lights moved 38k. However, some of country’s top females are close behind. Maddie & Tae, Cam, and Danielle Bradbery all offer strong sales showings this week.

Maddie & Tae‘s debut project Start Here enters at No. 2 on the country albums chart this week, with 28k (24k album only). The album debuts at No. 7 overall, and No. 5 current country digital album overall.

Sam Hunt‘s Montevallo (13k) follows at No. 3 on the country album chart, Zac Brown Band‘s Jekyll+Hyde (8.3k) at No. 4, and Eric Church‘s The Outsiders (8.3k). The Weeknd debuts at No. 1 on the overall album chart, with Beauty Behind the Madness selling 411k (326k album only).

Overall album sales are down 3.6 percent from last year, with overall digital album sales up .4 percent. Country album sales are down 3 percent from last year, while country digital album sales are up 4.8 percent.

This time last year, Ariana Grande‘s My Everything was the top overall album, moving 169k, while Brad Paisley‘s Moonshine in the Trunk was the top country album, moving 53k.

Cam. Photo: Ninelle Efremova

Cam. Photo: Ninelle Efremova

On the country tracks chart, Cam’s “Burning House” lands as the No. 2 country track with 36k, followed by Sam Hunt‘s “House Party” (35k), Keith Urban‘s “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16” (34k) and Chris Janson‘s “Buy Me A Boat” (33k). On the overall chart, pop prince Justin Bieber returns with “What Do You Mean?” Beiber’s new track debuted at No. 1 overall, with 337k.

The top country debut this week is Danielle Bradbery’s “Friend Zone,” which moved 7.4k.

Overall tracks are down 10.2 percent from this time last year, while country track sales are down 15.7 percent from last year. This time last year, Jason Aldean‘s “Burnin’ It Down” was the reigning country track, with 76k, while Taylor Swift‘s “Shake It Off” was the peak overall track, with 355k.

The next few weeks will see releases including Brett Eldredge‘s Illinois (Sept. 11), Ben Folds‘ So There (Sept. 11), Jewel‘s Picking Up The Pieces (Sept. 11), Alabama‘s Southern Drawl (Sept. 18), Home Free‘s Country Evolution (Sept. 18), and Clare Dunn‘s self-titled major label debut (Sept. 18).

If You Book It They Will Come—Kevin Griffin Talks Pilgrimage Festival

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Pilgrimage Fest logoIf you build it they will come.

Or in the case of music festivals, if you book it they will come.

When launching the inaugural Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival in Franklin, Tenn., hit songwriter/artist Kevin Griffin and his two business partners knew that a stellar line-up was the key to success.

The three men have their own areas of expertise—Griffin leads longtime band Better Than Ezra and is co-writer of big hits by Sugarland and Howie Day, Michael Whelan is an established businessman, and Brandt Wood owns notable Dallas clubs and music venues—but none had experience recruiting a slate of top artists for a two-day festival.

“We couldn’t afford a learning curve,” says Griffin. “Booking a festival is an artform. So we looked at some of our favorite festivals and who booked them. One that stuck out was the Newport Folk Festival. So we reached out to its booker, Jay Sweet. He loved the idea and helped us curate this festival. For talent bookers, it’s really based on his relationships with the bands and knowing what bands like playing onstage with other bands, and what bands attract other artists. There’s a big challenge with a new festival. Everybody wants to know who is playing and when you don’t have anybody committed yet, that’s hard. One of the first to commit was Willie Nelson. That was by design, because we knew once we got Willie on board, other bands [would follow]. Then we got Dawes, Band of Horses, The Decemberists. Slowly we started building a story.”

What a story. The line up also includes Wilco, Weezer, Sheryl Crow, Steven Tyler, Cage The Elephant, Dr. John, Holly Williams, Will Hoge, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Chris Stapleton, The Lone Bellow, Nikki Lane, John & Jacob and too many others to list.

pilgrimage artists 2

Griffin, who moved to Franklin with his family almost five years ago, was inspired to start the festival while running in his adopted hometown. “In December 2013 I took a run out to Harlinsdale Farm across from The Factory in Franklin, and I was struck by the beauty of the surroundings and rolling hills and natural amphitheaters. I ran back home and told my wife, ‘I’m going to do a music festival.’”

In between work with Better Than Ezra, which closed its recent tour at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater, Griffin found time to launch the Pilgrimage Festival.

“What was exciting was that there was a lane for us that wasn’t already tapped,” he says. “Bonnaroo is amazing and so is CMA Fest, but the three of us grew up in New Orleans with Jazz Fest, a multi-genre day-festival, family friendly, with amazing food and drinks and an eclectic list of artists. You may see Dr. John on the same stage with Maroon 5 and people have learned to expect that. We started putting it together, and we were like ‘this doesn’t exist in Nashville.’ That got us excited and it excited the city of Franklin and the music community.” Like Jazz Fest, Griffin promises plenty of onstage musical collaborations, or “Pilgri-mashups,” at his event.

While Griffin estimates Harlinsdale Farm can hold 70,000-80,000 people per day, the goal for Pilgrimage is 10,000-15,000 per day. “We want it to be manageable on all fronts. We want people to get in and out easily. We’ve got a great traffic plan by working with the city of Franklin. Word of mouth is critical for a festival. We want people to want to come back next year and bring their friends, and part of that is we can’t bite off more than we can chew. Let’s have modest goals and make it really feel good, have plenty of room. We set out saying this is a boutique music festival, and that’s the path we followed.”

The event will have wood-clad stages to reflect the area’s history. There will be a Kitchen Stage and Sippin’ Stage designed to offer the region’s best food and drink. Griffin is proud to offer free admission for children 10 and under. Plus, Little Pilgrim’s Landing for kids will likely be the only place to see him perform, because he will be wearing a “promoter’s hat” instead.

pilgrimage artists 1

Continuing with the inspiration from Jazz Fest, Pilgrimage will end both nights at about 7:30 p.m., giving attendees time to patronize local restaurants after the festival, creating a boon for the economy. There will also be nighttime performances, which are yet-to-be-announced.

“This is all about being a community partner,” sums Griffin. “When you do that, you end up being around for 40-plus years like Jazz Fest, and it’s part of the fabric of the city. That’s a lofty goal we had. To see it work is a magical thing.”

Portions of each ticket sale will benefit the City of Franklin and Franklin Parks, and MusiCares®.

Tickets range fro $499 (2-day VIP package) to $92 (single general admission tickets). Details at pilgrimagefestival.com.

Kevin Griffin

Kevin Griffin

Country Music Association To Make Music Row Move

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Rendering of 35MSE (Music Square East) building, currently under construction at 35 16th Avenue South. Photo: Courtesy of Panattoni Development Company

Rendering of 35MSE (Music Square East) building, currently under construction at 35 16th Avenue South. Photo: Courtesy of Panattoni Development Company

The Country Music Association will relocate corporate offices in 2016. CMA and SESAC will share the five-story office space, which was designed by Tuck-Hinton Architects, the designers of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for CMA on several levels,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Operating Officer. “This move allows us to consolidate our day-to-day staff and TV production team under one roof while still providing a state-of-the-art event space for the industry.”

CMA intends to sign a 10-year lease with Panattoni Development Company for 27,000 feet on the first and second floor of the 35MSE (Music Square East) building, currently under construction at 35 16th Avenue South. As part of the agreement, Panattoni will acquire the current CMA building.

“We welcome the entire CMA team into our project at 35MSE and are honored to be part of their growth plans and future,” said Whitfield Hamilton, Panattoni Regional Partner. “We have attempted to create a unique business venue and scale for those who want to work on and be part of The Row, and we appreciate the opportunity to be The CMA’s new home.”

Founded in 1958, the CMA moved into its current offices at 1 Music Circle South in 1991 when the Association had 15 employees, one television show at the Grand Ole Opry, and Fan Fair was held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. Today, CMA counts 48 full-time staff members and a full calendar of events domestically and internationally. In addition, CMA has a production team of 15 employees who work on CMA’s three annual television properties. Until now, they were housed in a separate, rented office space.

Trahern added, “Housing our television production in the same building as our Events, Marketing, and PR departments makes sense strategically – especially as the future growth of our television properties is influenced by Marketing and partnerships.”

Another advantage to the new space is the ability to continue to host industry events including artist performances, industry celebrations, press conferences, and No. 1 parties, which are currently held in CMA’s atrium. The new building will also allow for secured parking for CMA staff and Board/Committee meeting attendees.

“We are entering a new era for the Association and this expansion on Music Row provides the infrastructure, visibility, and security necessary for us to continue to grow and serve this community,” Trahern said.

‘Uptown Funk’ and ‘Burning House’ Writer/Producer Signs With UMPG

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Jeff Bhasker.

Jeff Bhasker

Santa Monica’s Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has signed an exclusive, worldwide music publishing agreement with Grammy-winning producer/songwriter Jeff Bhasker, according to Jody Gerson, Chairman and CEO, UMPG.

Bhasker has co-written and produced some of the highest-selling and most-performed songs in recent years, including the global smash “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars. Under his label KRAVENWORKS, he co-wrote and produced country artist Cam‘s single “Burning House.”

“Jody Gerson has been instrumental in my songwriting career,” said Bhasker. “Her guidance and knowledge is second to none. I’m very excited to continue writing songs that unite, uplift and challenge convention with her at Universal Music Publishing.”

“It’s a thrill and an honor to continue working with Jeff and bring him to Universal,” said Gerson. “His music knows no boundaries and his talents are limitless.”

Bhasker’s credits also include the hits “We Are Young” by Fun., “Run This Town” by Jay-Z, “Locked Out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars, “Headlights” by Eminem, “All of the Lights” by Kanye West, “Just Give Me a Reason” by Pink, “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys, “Find Your Love” by Drake and many more.

Thomas Rhett Plans Record-Breaking Concert For Album Release

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thomasrhett2015

Thomas Rhett is set to release his sophomore album, Tangled Up, on Sept. 25. In celebration of the new music, Rhett will host a concert event on Sept. 23 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. “Tangled Up In Texas” will attempt to be a record-breaking event when fans will be asked to help set a Guiness Book of World Records title for the largest game of Twister. This will take place in addition to Rhett’s live concert that will include new music and all of his chart-topping hits.

Beginning today (Sept. 8)  at www.TRTangledUp.com, fans can purchase an event package that includes entry to Rhett’s performance, optional “Tangled Up” game entry, an event T-shirt and a digital download of his upcoming album.

“Going into album release surrounded by some of my biggest fans is exactly how I want to kick off that week,” says Rhett. “That paired with the fact that we get to play new music at one of the most iconic stadiums in the world is going to be wild.”

Hosted by NASH FM’s Shawn Parr, NASH Nights will broadcast live from the event all night long including Rhett’s 7:30 p.m. concert on the stadium field. Doors to AT&T stadium will open at 4 p.m. and children under the age of 12 will be able to attend for free.

[Update]: Garth Brooks’ ‘Friends in Low Places’ Remake, Album Reissue Halted

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Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks

[Update]:

One day after the news broke that Garth Brooks has recorded a remake of his 1990 classic “Friends In Low Places,” plans for the song’s release hit a snag.

According to Billboard, plans were in place for an unnamed, non-traditional retailer to purchase a minimum of 1 million units of a 25th anniversary edition of Brooks’ No Fences, anchored by the “Friends in Low Places” remake, which includes George Strait, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, and Keith Urban. However, the release with the third-party retailer depended on publishers agreeing to a discounted royalty rate in exchange for a guaranteed 1 million units purchased.

Some publishers did not agree to the requested discount price. Because of favored nation clauses, this would force the deal to go through with all publishers receiving the higher royalty rate, which Brooks said placed the price above the retailer’s budget. Brooks told Billboard that publishers did not agree to the discount in order to protect their writers.

“They said to protect the songwriters,” he told the magazine. “I respect that. That’s been my whole thing since day one; you have to protect the songwriters.”

With negotiations halted, Brooks stated that he accepts the blame for assuming all publishers would accept the deal. “This is 100% my fault. I’ve done this deal for 20 years,” he said. “I know how this deal works. What caught me off guard—I just never guessed—is that the rate would go up.”

[Original post, Sept. 3, 2015, 10:22 a.m.]

Garth Brooks has recorded a remake of his 1990 classic, “Friends in Low Places,” with an all-star lineup, MusicRow confirms. George Strait, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line all took part in the recording process.

“Everyone was truly kind and great to work with – a real joy,” says Brooks’ representative.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of “Friends in Low Places,” the first single from Brooks’ sophomore Capitol Nashville project, No Fences. After spending multiple weeks atop the country charts, the song took home Single of the Year honors from both the Academy of Country Music (1990) and the Country Music Association (1991). “Friends,” written by DeWayne Blackwell and Earl Bud Lee, became Brooks’ signature tune, and a mainstay in his concerts.

TV Shows From Dailey & Vincent, Music City Roots; Plus New Music From MCR’s Jim Lauderdale

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music city rootsMusic City Roots Returns To NPT

The third televised season of Music City Roots premieres Oct. 23 on its flagship station Nashville Public Television and around the country on American Public Television, where it is expected to reach at least 85 stations nationwide.

The 14-week series includes sets by Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, recorded on the first night of the show’s new home at The Factory at Franklin, Tenn. There are also sets by Billy Joe Shaver, Balsam Range, Sam Bush, Mary Gauthier and others, as well as performances at the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival, Americana Music Association conference and the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards.

The show is co-hosted by Jim Lauderdale, Keith Bilbrey and Craig Havighurst, who is also supervising producer.

Dailey & Vincent Debut TV Show

dailey and vincent with vince gill

Dailey & Vincent with Vince Gill

Season one of The Dailey & Vincent Show will premiere Saturday, Sept. 5 at 8:30 PM CST and continue weekly on RFD-TV for a 26-episode run through the end of August 2016.

Tune in to the first episode as Vince Gill joins the duo for a unique performance and exclusive interview.

The weekly 30-minute music, entertainment, and lifestyle show will include live performances and interview segments by guest stars such as Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers, Dan Tyminski, The Oak Ridge Boys and Emily West.

Jim Lauderdale Searches Soul

Jim Lauderdale explores the traditional sounds of Memphis and Nashville on a new project set for release Sept. 25.

Soul Searching: Vol. 1 Memphis/Vol. 2. Nashville (Sky Crunch Records) is a 26-song release available as a double album, and also as individual albums.

Vol. 1 Memphis was tracked at the legendary Royal Studios. Vol. 2 Nashville was tracked at the historic Nashville Victor Studio A. Both albums feature Luther and Cody Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars.

jim lauderdale 2015

Jeffrey Steele Opens Space In Online Songwriting Bootcamp

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Jeffrey Steele's Songwriting Bootcamp 2.0.

Jeffrey Steele’s Songwriting Bootcamp 2.0.

Nashville Songwriting Hall of Famer Jeffrey Steele has opened registration for his online Songwriting Bootcamp 2.0 course that is slated to begin this fall.

The brand new curriculum incorporates three decades of industry experience in an eight-week intensive online course for songwriters and artists at all levels.

There are a limited number of spots available. Visit JeffreySteeleBootcamp.com for more information.

With over 60 million airplays of his songs, Steele is a two-time BMI Songwriter of the Year, three-time NSAI songwriter of the year, and has been nominated for four Grammys. Steele boasts over 500 cuts in an eight-year period. His hits include “My Wish,” “What Hurts The Most,” “My Town,” “She’d Give Anything,” “The Cowboy In Me,” “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s” and “Raise Em’ Up.” In addition to his songwriting and artistry, Steele is a multi-platinum producer of artists like Montgomery Gentry, Keith Anderson and John Waite. He founded his songwriting bootcamp in 2006 after speaking at various workshops across the country.

Artist Updates: Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Ty Herndon

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Trisha Yearwood and Sister Sign Book Copies in Georgia

Trisha Yearwood and her sister Beth Bernard made two “hometown” appearances in Atlanta and Monticello, Ga., recently to sign copies of Trisha’s Table: My Feel-Good Favorites for a Balanced Life. Yearwood and her sister visited Atlanta’s Williams-Sonoma in Ponce City Market where the signing lasted for four hours without a break.

In Monticello, they signed nearly 1,500 books for eight hours straight for fans from far and wide, including one woman who traveled more than 700 miles from Delaware.

Photo: AP/Jon Barash

Photo: AP/Jon Barash

 

Martina McBride Meets With Bob Seger, Don Henley

Martina McBride found herself framed by rock royalty this week. After taping an upcoming edition of Austin City Limits showcasing music from Don Henley’s forthcoming album, Cass County, McBride took part in a SiriusXM event with Henley, moderated by Bob Seger. McBride is Henley’s featured duet partner on “That Old Flame,” the first single from the Cass County project. She performed the song with him at both the Austin City Limits and SiriusXM tapings.

McBride’s friendship with Seger dates back to 1998, when they teamed up for “Chances Are,” a duet from the soundtrack of the Sandra Bullock movie, Hope Floats. McBride is signed to Nash Icon Records and is in the early stages of working on new music. Henley’s Cass County will be released on Sept. 25.

Pictured (L-R): Don Henley, Martina McBride, and Bob Seger.

Pictured (L-R): Don Henley, Martina McBride, and Bob Seger.

 

Ty Herndon Signs On As Co-Chair of Nashville CARES

Ty Herndon

Ty Herndon

Ty Herndon will be the honorary co-chair for the Nashville CARES 24th annual Nashville AIDS Walk and 5K Run. Nashville CARES has set a goal of raising $240,000 to help end the HIV/AIDS in Middle Tennessee.

“I’ve worked on and off with CARES for a long time,” Herndon said, “and we all know they are the top of the line at what they do, so it’s such an honor to work with them. And after coming out in November, a lot of different opportunities came my way to work with different organizations and getting the call to do this special day was very cool for me and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

The event takes place on Saturday, October 3 at Public Square Park. Registration starts at 10:00 am and the walk starts at 11:00 am. According to the event’s website, CARES expects over 1,600 people to attend.

 

Beau Davidson Teams With The Tokens

Nashville singer/actor/producer Beau Davidson will head to Starstruck Studios next week with producer/keyboardist Jimmy Nichols and the group The Tokens to record a new version of their 1961 hit, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

Beau Davidson

Beau Davidson

 

Doug McCormick Releases ‘Sweet Dixie Memory’ EP

Doug McCormick has released a new EP, Sweet Dixie Memory. The six-song album is produced by Marshall Altman. The project marks McCormick’s first release in four years. The South Carolina native moved to Nashville and landed a songwriting deal with BMG/Chrysalis in 2013.

“I’m thrilled to be releasing the soundtrack of my life. This project captures everything I am as an artist, and I can’t wait to share it with the world!” says McCormick.

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Kirstie Lovelady To Release ‘Weed(s)’ EP

Nashville native and Belmont University graduate Kirstie Lovelady‘s latest EP, Weed(s), releases Sept. 4.

unnamed

Tom Baldrica Joins Midwest Communications

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Tom Baldrica

Tom Baldrica

Radio promotion veteran Tom Baldrica has joined Midwest Communications in the newly created role of Corporate Country Brand Strategist. He will work closely with the Midwest Communications contemporary country stations, their growing stable of DUKE-FM stations, and on-air talent for KTCO/Duluth, Minn., as well as WUSZ/Hibbing, Minn.

Midwest Communications VP, Programming Jeff McCarthy says, “When someone with the talent and experience of Tom Baldrica is available you seize the opportunity. We’re excited to tap into Tom’s knowledge of the music industry to create advantages and ideas for our multiple Country brands. ”

Baldrica adds, “I’m am so excited to be joining Jeff and his talented team of Market Managers and Brand Managers to increase their country footprint—both locally and nationally. Midwest is a dynamic and growing company with a real commitment to country radio and country music, and I can’t wait to get started. We are going to have a lot of fun! This is the perfect next step in my country music career.”

Baldrica was most recently VP, Radio Promotion & Marketing for Show Dog-Universal Records, working with Toby Keith, Josh Thompson and Joel Crouse. Previous career stops include Average Joes Entertainment (President), Sony Music Nashville (VP, Marketing), and BNA Records (VP, National Promotion).

Baldrica can be reached at 615-715-6378 or at [email protected]