Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The U.S.A.” Earns Gold, Platinum Digital Sales

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Pictured (L-R): Lee Greenwood and Mike Dungan (Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville)

Pictured (L-R): Lee Greenwood and Mike Dungan (Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville)

Lee Greenwood‘s patriotic classic, “God Bless the U.S.A.,” has earned digital sales of more than one million units. The track re-entered Billboard‘s Top 10 Country Digital Songs at No. 9 for the week ending July 7.

Mike Dungan, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville, presented Greenwood with a Gold RIAA plaque for more than 500,000 sales of the single as well as a Platinum RIAA plaque for more than a million sales.

“Throughout our history, we’ve had songs that have been a battle cry, that have given us courage and strength. Each time, people reach out for something that will unite them, and make them feel proud as Americans. And every time they look for it, they find ‘God Bless the U.S.A.’ So I sing it as much as a I can across America and I’m thankful for every download,” Greenwood said.

Greenwood penned “God Bless the U.S.A.” in the back of his tour bus in 1983. The song has gone on to reach the top five on the country singles charts three times (1991, 2001 and 2003), giving it the distinction of being the only song in any genre of music to achieve that feat. It was also No. 1 on the pop charts after 9/11.

BMI Signs ‘The Voice’ Contestant Chance Peña As Affiliate

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Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Nina Carter, BMI Songwriter Chance Peña, Chance’s mother Michelle Peña and Secret Road’s Wayne Davis.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Nina Carter, BMI songwriter Chance Peña, Chance’s mother Michelle Peña and Secret Road’s Wayne Davis.

Chance Peña, contestant on season 9 of NBC’s The Voice, stopped by the BMI Nashville office on Tuesday (July 12) to officially sign as an affiliate. Chance is a Secret Road Music Publishing writer and developing artist. Peña also performed at The Basement later that day.

Peña is a Tyler, Texas, native who wowed The Voice judges with a rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire.” He began playing guitar at 8 years old, and by 11, he had begun writing songs and performing in local bars and barbecue joints. Now a teenager, he eventually added banjo, ukulele and cajón to his musical arsenal.

He names Hudson Taylor, the Lumineers, and Mumford & Sons as his influences.

 

Anastasia Brown Joins ‘American Supergroup’ Production

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Anastasia Brown

Anastasia Brown

Music, television and film executive Anastasia Brown has been appointed as producer for American Supergroup, a music competition from Josephson Entertainment. The series will air this fall on the cable channel Pop (a joint venture between CBS Corporation and Lionsgate), followed by MTV Live and VH1 Classic.

The production is filming in Nashville, as Brown joins executive producers Barry Josephson, Kevin Wayne Waldrop and Gary Wayne Bridges. CAA serves as the worldwide agent for the show.

Brown says, “It is a great opportunity to be part of American Supergroup, working with such pros as Barry, Kevin, and Gary. This dream project has all the elements for a truly fantastic program: it is filming in my town — Nashville — America’s music capital and will feature the best musicians in the country. Having worked with iconic artists who are also musicians, I love how this new series puts a spotlight on the entire band, not just the lead singer. We promise that music will be front and center and look forward to showcasing each and every member of the band in a unique way.”

Josephson says, “American Supergroup is shaping up to be the most compelling music competition show on television, especially now that Anastasia is onboard. Her reputation and experience are stellar; and we look forward to her creative input for the show. We are also excited to see the tremendous interest the show has received from musicians and music fans from all over the country. Thousands of people sent in audition material and we are pleased the ASG website has received over 2 million visitors. American Supergroup promises to be a truly amazing show this fall.”

Brown’s credits include the upcoming Lionsgate film The Shack (music supervisor), Hot Pursuit (music supervisor), The Americans (music supervisor), Billy: The Early Years (executive producer and music supervisor), Footloose (music consultant), Nashville Star (judge), and Steven Spielberg Presents: Taken (music supervisor).

Three CMT Unscripted Series Returning This Year

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Pictured (L-R): Kellie Pickler, Kyle Jacobs. Photo: Bev Moser.

Pictured (L-R): Kellie Pickler, Kyle Jacobs. Photo: Bev Moser.

CMT has announced that I Love Kellie Pickler, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making the Team and Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge will all return to the network this year.

The second season of I Love Kellie Pickler will begin Aug. 25. The 2015 series debut marked CMT’s highest-rated premiere among women between the ages of 18-49 since 2008. The series stars Kellie Pickler and her husband, songwriter Kyle Jacobs.

Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making the Team will also start its 11th season on Aug. 25. Pickler and Kacey Musgraves will both make guest appearances on the show. The new season of Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge will start later this year but no premiere date has been announced.

“CMT’s unscripted series mirror the optimism and passion of our fans,” said Jayson Dinsmore, Executive Vice President of Development. “Our shows are smart, spirited and play an important role in attracting new audiences.”

MV2 Entertainment Takes Writing Retreats To Luxury Level

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Pictured (L-R): Bart Allmand, Josh Mirenda, David Fanning, Tully Kennedy, Tyler Farr, Jay Allen, Robert Arthur, Clay Myers, & Tony Harrell. Photo: Jeff Winkleman

Pictured (L-R): Bart Allmand, Josh Mirenda, David Fanning, Tully Kennedy, Tyler Farr, Jay Allen, Robert Arthur, Terry McBride, Clay Myers, & Tony Harrell. Photo: Jeff Winkleman

Inside a classic Victorian home/office on Music Row, Clay Myers and Tony Harrell of MV2 Entertainment are explaining a new model for a songwriting retreat that’s returning for a second year this fall.

Rather than heading to the mountains or the beach, Myers and Harrell are assembling a handful of writers signed to their publishing company, several other Nashville songwriters with early career momentum, and maybe an artist or two. And then they’ll all decamp to West Texas (about 200 miles west of Austin) to a place called JL Bar Ranch & Resort, which is owned by Harrell’s teenage buddy, James Archer.

James Archer

James Archer

Archer is CEO of MV2 and he has a soft spot for ‘90s country but he isn’t known for being in the music business. Instead he’s an entrepreneur in oil and gas who sold a company called Multi-Chem to Halliburton in 2011.

The sum was undisclosed but it provided Archer a chance to build a 13,000-acre ranch that’s in the middle of nowhere—yet offers a private airport, a luxurious lodge, a five-star restaurant, 16 cabins on site, a music venue, a gym, a general store, a home studio, a variety of shooting ranges, and the list goes on. Believe it or not, there’s a lot of songwriting that gets done during the day—and well into the night.

Tony Harrell

Tony Harrell

“We made it fun and we were building the concept as we went,” explains Harrell, MV2’s General Manager. “This was our first one and it worked out great and we feel like we’re onto the right thing now. If we bring at least one artist that’s an artist who is on the radio, who loves to hunt and loves to write, and then bring two or three hit song guys and maybe a couple of others who are sprinkled in the mix… you know, when you get out of town sometimes, the creative juices tend to flow.”

MV2, which stands for the words mission, values, and vision, opened in Nashville in 2015. Almost immediately, Harrell and Myers participated in leadership training at Archer’s request; the lodge is equipped for corporate retreats too, although songwriters probably have a better time around the campfire.

Clay Myers

Clay Myers

Last year’s participants included Jay Allen, Bart Allman, Robert Arthur, David Fanning, Tyler Farr, Tully Kennedy, Terry McBride and Josh Mirenda. Incidentally, at least three of the songs written at the event are on hold with artists.

Harrell and Myers want to keep the gathering about the same size this fall but also want to tie it to a charity, perhaps with a final-night showcase for the public that would benefit local organizations. All the songwriters are guests, without an expectation to pay, although the retreat is by invitation only.

“I think we had a great blend of talent there. The people always make something fun,” says Myers, MV2’s Senior Creative Director of Artist Development. “I think we truly see the potential. You know, one of the great things about the retreat is, once you’re there, you’re there. You might as well be a part of it because there’s no running to the city.”

Pictured (L-R): Robert Arthur, Josh Mirenda, David Fanning, Bart Allmand. Photo: Cody Roberts

Pictured (L-R): Robert Arthur, Josh Mirenda, David Fanning, Bart Allmand. Photo: Cody Roberts

Industry Ink: BMI Showcases Hip-Hop, Cam Visits ACM, Opry In Chicago

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BMI Highlights Hip-Hop & R&B in New Showcase

Pictured (L-R): Atlantic Records' Chris Martignago, BMI's Nina Carter, BMI songwriters CAMM, R. Lum. R. and Zach Taylor and BMI's Josh Tomlinson.

Pictured (L-R): Atlantic Records’ Chris Martignago, BMI’s Nina Carter, BMI songwriters CAMM, R. Lum. R. and Zach Taylor and BMI’s Josh Tomlinson.

BMI hosted a new showcase on July 6 at Exit/In, highlighting Nashville’s burgeoning hip-hop and R&B scene with performances by BMI songwriters CAMM, Zach Taylor and recording artist R. Lum. R. Nearly 300 people attended the concert, the first in the “A Night For New Nashville” series.

 

ACM Welcomes Cam For A Visit

Pictured (L-R): Erick Long, ACM; Cam; Lisa Lee, ACM Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music

Pictured (L-R): Erick Long, ACM; Cam; Lisa Lee, ACM. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music welcomed Arista Nashville/RCA Records artist Cam to the office while she was in Los Angeles. While at the Academy, Cam performed her No. 1 hit “Burning House,” “Mayday,” and other songs from her debut album, Untamed.

 

Grand Ole Opry Brings “Country Music Night” To Chicago

Pictured (L to R): Dan Rogers, Opry; Lauren Zimmerman, Opry; Neda Tobin, Red Bow Records; Chase Bryant; Jeff Kapugi, US 99.5; Nick Harley, Fitzgerald Hartley; Heather Middleton, Nashville CVC; Pete Fisher, Opry; Anthony Olivo, Chicago White Sox; Mike Kasper, US 99.5. Photo: Jeff Johnson

Pictured (L-R): Dan Rogers, Opry; Lauren Zimmerman, Opry; Neda Tobin, Red Bow Records; Chase Bryant; Jeff Kapugi, US 99.5; Nick Hartley, Fitzgerald Hartley; Heather Middleton, Nashville CVC; Pete Fisher, Opry; Anthony Olivo, Chicago White Sox; Mike Kasper, US 99.5. Photo: Jeff Johnson

Chase Bryant brought his hits and his new single “Room To Breathe” along with the Grand Ole Opry’s signature microphone stand and a replica of the Opry’s six-foot circle of wood to Country Music Night at U.S. Cellular Field on Friday night (July 15). Bryant performed acoustic before the game, threw the game’s ceremonial first pitch, hit the stands during the game to give away Opry and Nashville prizes to lucky fans, and introduced Country Music Night’s post-game fireworks. Earlier in the day, Bryant performed for fans at US99.5 studios in downtown Chicago.

Derek Webb Named Nashville GM Of PledgeMusic

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Derek Webb

Derek Webb

NoiseTrade co-founder and president Derek Webb has added the title of PledgeMusic GM, Nashville, following the acquisition of NoiseTrade by PledgeMusic.

Webb will report to PledgeMusic CEO Dominic Pandiscia.

With more than 20 years of experience in the music industry, Webb performed and recorded as both a solo artist and a founding member of Texas-based folk/rock band Caedmon’s Call. He founded NoiseTrade in 2008.

Webb said, “The integration of NoiseTrade into PledgeMusic is igniting a real powder keg in Nashville. I’m thrilled to be the boots on the ground as the new GM. We feel there are several real growth opportunities for us here, and as a 15+ year resident, I don’t think there’s ever been a better moment than now to invest into the community of musicians and their teams here in Music City.”

Pandiscia said, “The addition of NoiseTrade and Derek Webb to the PledgeMusic family represents a true step-change for the business. Derek’s presence in Nashville provides a direct resource into PledgeMusic and its family of companies for the local music scene. Artists, labels, and management companies alike now have the opportunity to work directly with the founder of the groundbreaking NoiseTrade platform in his newly-expanded role representing all things PledgeMusic to the community.”

NoiseTrade helps artists and labels connect with fans through the exchange of free music for email and postal data. PledgeMusic is a leader in direct-to-fan music opportunities.

Jason Aldean Adds Kelsea Ballerini Collaboration To New Album

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Jason Aldean will collaborate with Kelsea Ballerini on his upcoming project, which is slated for release on Sept. 9.

His seventh studio album for Broken Bow Records, titled They Don’t Know, was produced by Aldean’s longtime producer Michael Knox and includes the same band he has worked with for a decade, both on and off stage.

The project also includes “First Time Again,” featuring Ballerini. The lead single is “Lights Come On.”

“I really wanted to start this new album with one of those big up-tempos,” said Aldean. “So, for it to click right away with fans and radio is a really cool way to start. With all the records we’ve done, we’ve been able to explore new sounds and really just do things our own way, and that’s sort of what the title track is all about.”

They Don’t Know Track List:

1. “Lights Come On”
2. “A Little More Summertime”
3. “This Plane Don’t Go There”
4. “Comin’ in Hot”
5. “First Time Again” (with Kelsea Ballerini)
6. “Bad”
7. “They Don’t Know”
8. “One We Won’t Forget”
9. “Whiskey’d Up”
10. “In Case You Don’t Remember”
11. “All Out of Beer”
12. “Any Ol’ Barstool”
13. “The Way a Night Should Feel”
14. “Reason to Love L.A.”
15. “When the Lights Go Out”

The Time Jumpers Remember Dawn Sears With ‘Kid Sister’

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The Time Jumpers will honor late band member Dawn Sears with their new project, Kid Sister. Influenced by Western swing and traditional country music, the project is set for release on Rounder Records on Sept. 9.

Sears passed away in 2014 after a battle with lung cancer.

Comprising first-call studio players and touring musicians, The Time Jumpers found a solid fan following when they took up residence on Monday evenings (their usual day off the road) at Nashville club 3rd & Lindsley. Band members include Vince Gill, vocals and guitars; Kenny Sears (Dawn Sears’ husband), fiddle and vocals; Joe Spivey and Larry Franklin, fiddles and vocals; Paul Franklin, steel guitar; “Ranger Doug” Green, guitars and vocals; Billy Thomas, drums and vocals; Jeff Taylor, accordion, piano and vocals; Andy Reiss, guitars; and Brad Albin, bass.

The ensemble’s prior release, 2012’s self-titled album, received two Grammy nominations.

Gill produced Kid Sister with the entire band creating the arrangements.

Kid Sister track listing:
1. “My San Antonio Rose” (Freddy Powers)
2. “I Miss You” (Vince Gill, Ashley Monroe)
3. “We’re The Time Jumpers” (Vince Gill)
4. “Table For Two” (Vince Gill, Max D. Barnes)
5. “Empty Rooms” (Doug Green)
6. “All Aboard” (Paul Franklin)
7. “Blue Highway Blue” (John Paul Daniel, Debi Smith Cochran, Billy Thomas)
8. “I Hear You Talkin’” (Cindy Walker)
9. “The True Love Meant For Me” (Vince Gill)
10. “Honky Tonkin’” (Vince Gill, Troy Seals)
11. “Bloodshot Eyes” (Hank Penny)
12. “Sweet Rowena” (Vince Gill, Pete Wasner)
13. “This Heartache” (Kenny Sears)
14. “Kid Sister” (Vince Gill)

Chris Lane’s ‘Girl Problems’ Track List Announced

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Big Loud Records artist Chris Lane has released the track list for his debut album, Girl Problems, to be released on Aug. 5. The set features his current single,“Fix,” and features the writing of several ace songwriters.

Songs by Cary Barlowe, Barry Dean, Sarah Buxton, Rodney Clawson, Matt Dragstrem, Kevin Fisher, Jesse Frasure, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Abe Stoklasa, Josh Thompson, and more are featured on the project. Lane also has a writing credit on the track “All About You,” alongside Jordan Schmidt and Andy Albert. The title track was written by Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley and Josh Kear.

The Joey Moi-produced project is available for pre-order today. Those who pre-order will receive five tracks, including “Fix,” “For Her,” “Let Me Love You,” “Her Own Kind Of Beautiful,” and “Saturday Night.”

Girl Problems Track List:

1. “Fix” (Sarah Buxton, Jesse Frasure, Abe Stoklasa)
2. “For Her” (Matt Dragstrem, Kelly Archer, Sarah Buxton)
3. “Let Me Love You” (Kameron Houff, Shaffer Smith, Scott Storch)
4. “Who’s It Gonna Be” (Nick Bailey, Kevin Fisher, James “JHart” Abrahart, Ryan Ogren)
5. “Back To Me” (Cary Barlowe, Josh Thompson, Rob Persaud)
6. “Maybe” (Jacob Hawkes, David Pramik, Charlie Snyder, Eben Wares)
7. “Her Own Kind Of Beautiful” (Rodney Clawson, Barry Dean, Matt Dragstrem)
8. “All The Time” (James “JHart” Abrahart, Jordan Evans, Chelcee Grimes, Tayla Parkx, Tinashe Sibanda)
9. “Circles” featuring Mackenzie Porter (Steph Jones, Joey Moi, Danny Parker, Sno, Emily Warren)
10. “Saturday Night” (Ashley Gorley, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally)
11. “All About You” (Andy Albert, Chris Lane, Jordan Schmidt)
12. “Girl Problems” (Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, Josh Kear)