Michael Tyler, Jaron Boyer Accept MusicRow Challenge Coins

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Pictured (L-R): Gator Michaels, Sr. VP, Promotion, Reviver Records; Kim Wiggins, Sr. Creative Director of peermusic Nashville; Michael Tyler; Jaron Boyer; Michael Knox

Pictured (L-R): Gator Michaels, Sr. VP, Promotion, Reviver Records; Kim Wiggins, Sr. Creative Director of peermusic Nashville; Michael Tyler; Jaron Boyer; Michael Knox

Songwriters Michael Tyler and Jaron Boyer collected MusicRow Challenge Coins this week as co-writers of Dierks Bentley’s No. 1 hit, “Somewhere on a Beach.” The song topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart on Thursday (April 21).

Since 2014, every artist and songwriter who achieves a No. 1 song on the chart is rewarded with a coin.

Boyer and Tyler wrote “Somewhere on a Beach” with Alexander Palmer, Dave Kuncio, and Josh Mirenda. It’s the lead single from Bentley’s upcoming album, Black, scheduled for release on May 27.

In addition, Tyler is working on his first album for Reviver Records, following the announcement of a recording contract in February. He is managed by Michael Knox, a producer and VP of peermusic Nashville.

Spirit Music Group / Fluid Music Revolution Signs Ryan Creamer

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Ryan Creamer

Ryan Creamer

Spirit Fluid, the Nashville-based joint venture between Spirit Music Group and Frank Rogers’ Fluid Music Revolution, has announced its first signing, inking a publishing agreement with songwriter and producer Ryan Creamer.

“We are thrilled to have Ryan Creamer join the Spirit Fluid family. He is an extremely talented songwriter and producer with a unique musical perspective. The sky is the limit for Ryan and we are excited to be a part of his musical journey,” said Rogers.

“I’m beyond excited to be part of the Spirit/Fluid team. I’ve never met a group that shares so precisely my own vision and passion for music. Going to work everyday alongside guys like Frank is something that I can’t put a dollar value on. Having a publisher that has reached the levels that I want for myself, both as producer and songwriter, is truly inspiring. I couldn’t have asked for a better songwriting home,” said Creamer.

Creamer’s credits include serving as an engineer on Firekid’s 2015 self-titled debut album. The Ohio native joined the Air National Guard and served two years of active duty during Operation Enduring Freedom. During that deployment, he began writing songs.

Spirit Fluid was formed as part of Spirit Music Group’s continuing focus on and investment in country music publishing. In addition to establishing Spirit Fluid, Spirit Music Group’s deal with Rogers also included the acquisition of Rogers’ one-third interest in certain copyrights of Nashville indie publisher Sea Gayle Music, which Rogers co-founded with Chris DuBois and Brad Paisley in 1999.

City Of Hope To Honor Industry Veteran Bruce Hinton

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Bruce Hinton

Bruce Hinton

Industry veteran Bruce Hinton will be honored at this year’s City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game, which will be held Tuesday, June 7, at First Tennessee Park in Nashville during the CMA Music Festival.

Hinton will be recognized as the founder of the event, and for his contributions to the game over its 25-year history. Hinton ran the event for more than a decade before retiring in 2002. He spent 19 years at the helm of MCA Nashville, and has held board positions for the Country Music Foundation, Country Music Association, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Leadership Music, W.O. Smith Nashville Community School, Music & Entertainment Industry Chapter, and the Senior Advisory Board of the Sports & Entertainment Academy at Indiana University.

This year, celebrities will take to the field for its 26th year in support of City of Hope, which is an independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

Industry Ink: FlyteVu, HoriPro, The Country Network

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FlyteVu Adds Account Manager Paige Reese

Paige Reese

Paige Reese

FlyteVu has hired new Account Manager Paige Reese to its staff.

Reese previously worked as an Account Supervisor at BOHAN advertising agency, where she managed marketing activities and was responsible for client communication and leading internal teams for media, traditional and digital creative development. Prior to her work at BOHAN, she worked as Director of Sales & Marketing for the BOK Center in Oklahoma.

 

HoriPro To Host HoriPro Honors Golf Tournament

horipro_honors_golf_tourney

 

HoriPro Entertainment Group will be hosting their 2016 HoriPro Honors Golf Tournament at Henry Horton State Park on May 13. The event will take place all day, ending with a dinner, drinks, live music and awards. All proceeds are going to the T.J. Martell Foundation.

Recently, HoriPro announced Bob Jennings and Erv Woolsey as the honorees for the 2016 tournament. Jennings was a part of the Four Star Music Publishing Company that started the original golf tournament that is now known as the HoriPro Honors. Woolsey is the manager of George Strait, Lee Ann Womack, Clay Walker and others.

The tournament is being sponsored by Lyons Chevrolet Buick GMC, Legends Bank, ASCAP, BMI, N Sound Entertainment, Regions Bank and more.

Those interested in sponsoring or playing in this year’s tournament can call 615-255-9837 or email Courtney Crist ([email protected]).

 

The Country Network Returns

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The Country Network (TCN), which was established in 2010, has been purchased from ZUUS Media by Texas-based TCN Country LLC, and has relaunched under its original branding. TCN will focus on Americana, Texas, and Red Dirt music from both major label and independent artists, as well as mainstream country. TCN is currently broadcasting in 34 markets and online via tcncountry.com.

TCN has an office in Nashville’s Cummins Station, as well as a 43,000 square foot recording/production facility with three sound studios located in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Country Network launched in 2010 with former CMA President Tammy Genovese as President of its Nashville office. In 2013, TCN was rebranded to ZUUS Country, after it was acquired by ZUUS Media.

Chris Janson Joins American Country Countdown Awards, Presenters Revealed

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Chris Janson

Chris Janson is the latest performer added to the American Country Countdown Awards on Sunday, May 1 and airing on FOX.

Set to present are Paula Abdul, Chase Bryant, Terry Crews, Cat Deeley, Sara Evans, Trent Harmon, Jana Kramer, Chris Lane, Maddie & Tae, Scotty McCreery, Jennifer Nettles, Michael Ray, Canaan Smith, Luke Wilson, and Dwight Yoakam.

The two-hour event will include 14 performances, including: Kelsea Ballerini, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Cam, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Janson, Martina McBride, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, Carrie Underwood, and Toby Keith’s tribute to Merle Haggard, with Haggard’s longtime band the Strangers.

Jon Pardi Brings California Country To Nashville’s Marathon Music Works

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Jon Pardi. Photo: Eric T. Parker

Jon Pardi. Photo: Eric T. Parker

Capitol Records Nashville artist Jon Pardi brought his California brand of country music to Marathon Music Works near downtown Nashville for a tightly packed crowd on Monday night (April 25).

The Golden State native showcased many tunes from his forthcoming sophomore album, California Sunrise, out June 17. Of those new tunes, “Head Over Boots” is the first to shoot out of the gate, landing at No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart on March 31. Pardi played through additional standouts like the romantic “She Ain’t In It,” the groovy “Heartache On The Dance Floor,” and a prime two-stepper “Out Of Style.”

With the 2016 album Pardi continues his edgy, traditional country sound he has built over the past five years on the back of traditional country influences. The Nashville show recognized his heroes like the late West Coast legend Merle Haggard in addition to an encore performance of Alan Jackson‘s “Don’t Rock The Jukebox.”

Signature material from the 30-year-old star was spotlighted with a six-piece backing band, even employing a genuine fiddle and steel guitar. Additional stand-out material was showcased including older songs “Empty Beer Cans,” “What I Can’t Put Down,” and Pardi’s debut single “Missin’ You Crazy.”

Pardi’s 90-minute set came after a performance from UMG Nashville label mate Lauren Alaina (Mercury Nashville). The Season 10 American Idol runner-up gave the audience a taste of her pop-country fusion, charisma and charm. The entertainers powerhouse vocals were highlighted in a few pop covers including a mashup of Shania Twain, Dixie Chicks, Reba, Carrie Underwood, Britney Spears, Beyonce and Rihanna. Three songs were performed from her latest self-titled EP, including her Meghan Trainor co-write “Road Less Traveled,” and her single “Next Boyfriend.” She closed out her set with a cover of the Jessie J/Nicki Minaj/Ariana Grande pop hit “Bang Bang.”

Pardi continues to tour the country heavily through August. Alaina is booked for various dates through July.

Craig Morgan Will Release New Album On June 3

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Craig Morgan cover

Craig Morgan has announced his new album, A Whole Lot More to Me, will be released by Black River Entertainment on June 3.

Morgan spent nearly a year working on the album, which marks his first collaboration with co-producer Byron Gallimore. Morgan also co-wrote five of the album’s 12 tracks. Mac Powell, lead singer of Christian rock band Third Day, is featured on the track “Hearts I Leave Behind.”

“I’ve got a renewed energy with this record,” Morgan said. “In fact, I’m at the pinnacle of my career—producing, singing and touring. And this album epitomizes that. It’s all about living to the fullest, and when people hear it, I know they’ll relate it to their own lives.”

A Whole Lot More to Me Track Listing:

1. “I’ll Be Home Soon” (Justin Ebach/Steven Dale Jones/John King)
2. “Living On Memories” (Craig Morgan/Scott Stepakoff/Josh Osborne)
3. “All Cried Out” (Wendell Mobley/Neil Thrasher/Busbee)
4. “A Whole Lot More To Me” (Craig Morgan/Mike Rogers)
5. “Hearts I Leave Behind” featuring Mac Powell (Nick Sturms/Travis Meadows)
6. “Country Side Of Heaven” (Eric Paslay/Dylan Altman/Shane McAnally)
7. “Nowhere Without You” (Michael McDonald John Goodwin)
8. “I’m That Country” (Craig Morgan/Mike Rogers/Kevin Denney Tom Botkin)
9. “When I’m Gone” (Justin Ebach/Steven Dale Jones)
10. “Who Would It Be” (Dylan Altman/Will Hoge/Gordie Sampson)
11. “Remind Me Why I’m Crazy” (Craig Morgan/Jim McBride/Phil O’Donnell)
12. “Can’t Wait To Stay” (Craig Morgan/Phil O’Donnell)

Pictured (L-R): Mac Powell, Byron Gallimore, Craig Morgan

Pictured (L-R): Mac Powell, Byron Gallimore, Craig Morgan

Blake Shelton To Launch CMHoF Activities During CMA Music Festival

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Blake SheltonThe Country Music Hall of Fame is just one of several venues across Nashville that attracts thousands of fans during the CMA Music Festival, which will be held June 9-12.

This year, Blake Shelton will launch the activities at the Country Music Hall of Fame with a brief acoustic set and interview with CMHoF museum editor Michael McCall on Monday, June 6, at 3 p.m. The appearance is in support of his exhibition Blake Shelton: Based On A True Story, supported by SunTrust.

The museum will host several events throughout the week of CMA Music Festival, welcoming artists including Craig Morgan, Gary Allan, Aubrie Sellers, Bill Anderson, the Oak Ridge Boys, Scotty McCreery, Mickey Guyton, Margo Price, Brandy Clark, and more.

Fans can access at bundled ticket option with CMA Music Festival’s Fan Fair X, which is located inside Music City Center. The ticket includes museum admission and four-day access to Fan Fair X for $39.95, and can be purchased online or at the museum’s box office.

A limited number of presale tickets for Shelton’s program will be available to museum members along with Shelton’s fan club members via TicketFly.com on May 11 at 10 a.m. The general public can reserve tickets for Shelton’s appearance on May 13 at 10 a.m.

Schedule of Events:

Monday, June 6
3 p.m.: Interview and Performance with Blake Shelton

Wednesday, June 8
11:30 a.m.: Autograph signing with Craig Morgan
1:30 p.m.: Songwriter Session and autograph signing with Aubrie Sellers and Adam Wright
3:30 p.m.: Songwriter Session with Gary Allan

Thursday, June 9
10 a.m.: Autograph signing with Bill Anderson
2 p.m.: Autograph signing with Oak Ridge Boys

Friday, June 10
10 a.m.: Autograph signing with Scotty McCreery
12:30 p.m.: Performance and signing by some of CMT’s Next Women of Country, including Lauren Alaina, Clare Dunn, Brooke Eden, Margo Price, and Tara Thompson. Hosted by CMT’s Leslie Fram

Saturday, June 11
10 a.m.: Autograph signing with Brandy Clark
11:30 a.m.: Songwriter Session and autograph signing with Rae Lynn
1:00 p.m.: Songwriter Session and autograph signing with Mickey Guyton
3:30 p.m.: Songwriter Session and autograph signing with Jack Ingram

Sunday, June 12
1:00 p.m.: Fiddle Demonstration with Ryan Joseph
2:00 p.m.: Film Screening: Good Rockin’ Tonight: The Legacy of Sun Records

MusicRow’s 2016 InCharge Directory Available Now

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Brett

MusicRow proudly unveils its 2016 flagship print directory, InCharge.

The 96-page resource serves as the definitive collection of key industry gatekeepers and decision-making professionals within the Nashville entertainment community. Each of the 410 entries represent many others who serve vital roles in supporting the entertainment industry, from legal to record label, publisher to publicity, banking to insurance, and many more.

Since originating with MusicRow in 1987, the annual InCharge issue comes complete with detailed career biographies, contact information, and board and professional organization affiliations.

“With each issue of InCharge, MusicRow shines the spotlight on Nashville’s music industry decision makers,” said Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. “Often referred to as Nashville’s music industry ‘bible,’ this publication proves each year to be the single most indispensable resource for industry members, with each person in the directory representing many others who serve vital roles of supporting and growing our music economy.”

Three quick-reference appendices conclude the issue, including a label staff appendix that lists rosters as well as names and positions of staffers. The two other appendices categorize entrants by company affiliations and business categories. Also exclusive to InCharge is an editorial piece by Robertson about exploring the power of influence.

Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville breakout artist Brett Eldredge lands his first MusicRow cover with this 2016 InCharge directory. The 2014 CMA New Artist of the Year co-wrote and co-produced all 12 songs on his sophomore album Illinois, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and No. 3 on the Billboard 200. After wrapping his first headline tour, CMT on Tour: Brett Eldredge & Thomas Rhett – Suits & Boots, Eldredge will spend the summer on the road touring with Keith Urban for his RipCORD World Tour 2016.

InCharge is not available digitally. However a searchable database is available for MusicRow subscribed members at MusicRow.com. Single copies of InCharge are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $89, and included with yearly subscriptions at no additional cost.

Phyllis Stark Joins ‘CMA Close Up’ As Contributing Editor

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Phyllis Stark

Phyllis Stark

CMA Close Up has added Phyllis Stark as Contributing Editor.

Stark, a veteran editor and journalist, was formerly the Nashville Bureau Chief and Senior Editor for Billboard. She continues to write a weekly column for Billboard‘s Country Update. Her career includes work as Executive Producer of National Content for E.W. Scripps Company’s television and radio station sites, a Nashville music correspondent for MSN.com, a MusicRow contributor, and Executive Editor of Country Music at radio-info.com, where she created the newsletter Stark Country.

Stark also served as VP, A&R and Head of Operations for the Nashville division of independent record label Robbins Entertainment.

“We are thrilled to have someone with Phyllis’ experience, credibility and integrity join our editorial team,” said Wendy Pearl, CMA VP of Corporate Communications and CMA Close Up Executive Editor.