The Recording Academy Offers Insightful Conversation With Nick Jonas

Pictured (L-R): Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Trustee, Brett James and recording artist Nick Jonas. Courtesy of The Recording Academy/photo by Frederick Breedon/WireImage.com ©2016

Pictured (L-R): The Recording Academy® Nashville Chapter Trustee, Brett James and recording artist Nick Jonas. Courtesy of The Recording Academy®/photo by Frederick Breedon/WireImage.com ©2016

The Recording Academy® Nashville Chapter members were offered a rare and unique opportunity during The Art Of The Craft With Nick Jonas. The invitation-only soiree was held Sept. 6 at The Tracking Room in Nashville, one of the most historic studios on Music Row.

The event gave The Recording Academy® members and guests a chance to learn how Jonas took his initial interest in music and forged a successful musical career as a member of The Jonas Brothers and now, as a solo artist as well as a successful television, film and theatrical actor.

The behind-the-scenes interview conducted by Nashville hit songwriter Brett James created a conversational journey into 23-year-old Jonas’ career, engaging the audience with his unique path and numerous accomplishments at such a young age.

Born in Texas and growing up in New Jersey, his family was in ministry which allowed Jonas to sing in church as a child. On a visit to a hair salon with his mom, someone overheard him singing and that encounter eventually led him to his first audition at age 7 and ultimately landed him a role in Les Misérables. He continued performing in other Broadway shows for several years.

While opportunities may have come his way, the invited guests quickly learned he had a very hands-on approach in capitalizing on those opportunities.

At age 12, he received his first record deal with Columbia which brought him to Nashville to work on a solo album.

Describing the start of his songwriting career, Jonas shared a story about a writing session he had in Music City on his first trip to Nashville at age 11. “I remember an experience where I was on my way to a session out in Franklin and I got sick because I got so nervous about writing, opening up and being creative. They were extremely cool about it and said, ‘Songwriting is all about being vulnerable and opening up and it’s OK that you’re sick. Go home. Get better. And tomorrow, we’ll do it again.’ That kinda shaped my view of what writing meant to me and how to approach it.”

Pictured (L-R): The Recording Academy® Nashville Chapter Trustee, Brett James; recording artist Nick Jonas; The Recording Academy® Nashville Chapter Executive Director, Alicia Warwick, and The Recording Academy® Nashville Chapter President, Shannon Sanders. Courtesy of The Recording Academy®/photo by Frederick Breedon/WireImage.com ©2016

Pictured (L-R): The Recording Academy® Nashville Chapter Trustee, Brett James; recording artist Nick Jonas; The Recording Academy® Nashville Chapter Executive Director, Alicia Warwick, and The Recording Academy® Nashville Chapter President, Shannon Sanders. Courtesy of The Recording Academy®/photo by Frederick Breedon/WireImage.com ©2016

His success wasn’t overnight as he had plenty of setbacks. Jonas was candid when describing the early struggles and how after getting a deal with his brothers on Columbia, they were soon dropped from the label. Before going to Disney and signing a new deal on Hollywood Records which ultimately launched The Jonas Brothers into superstardom, Jonas admitted, “We had these 10 songs that we wrote here and at the time, and as a family, we were probably $200,000 in debt and living in a two-bedroom home with seven of us. We were trying to figure out what we were doing. Our confidence took a big hit after being dropped.”

That lack of confidence was short lived as Jonas and his brothers, Joe and Kevin, went on to sell millions of albums and tour around the world as The Jonas Brothers. Regarding a lifestyle full of touring, living on buses and being in the public eye, Jonas candidly shared, “I choose to look at my life as a whole because I’ve now been doing this for longer than I haven’t. I think it’s my normal. I can’t really say that I know something else.”

Summarizing what being an artist means to him, he confessed, “For me, creativity and writing was always the most important thing. Part of the reason the group started to fall apart as a whole towards the end was because it became inauthentic. Priorities were elsewhere which happened naturally because life evolves and so do interests.”

However, Jonas doesn’t equate having achieved so much success early in his life to the end of learning and exploring his creative interests saying, “I still see there is so far to go and grow.”

After the 30-minute interview with James, Jonas performed several songs for the guests including his Top 10 hit “Jealous” from his 2014 album Nick Jonas, and “Bacon,” his second single from the current critically-acclaimed album, Last Year Was Complicated.

Jonas’ contributions as a songwriter led to him receiving the 2016 Hal David Starlight Award in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

He is winding up his Future Now Tour alongside Demi Lovato, which landed in Nashville on Sept. 7.

The Recording Academy® Nashville Chapter Art Of The Craft with Nick Jonas. Courtesy of The Recording Academy®/photo by Frederick Breedon/WireImage.com ©2016

The Recording Academy® Nashville Chapter Art Of The Craft with Nick Jonas. Courtesy of The Recording Academy®/photo by Frederick Breedon/WireImage.com ©2016

AIMP Selects Six For Second Annual Songwriters Series

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Six rising songwriters have been chosen for the second annual Songwriters Series presented by the Nashville Chapter of the AIMP (Association of Independent Music Publishers). Presented by the Academy of Country Music, the event will take place on Tuesday (Sept. 20) at The Country from 5–7 p.m.

New-and-noteworthy independent songwriters will be featured in writers’ rounds hosted by hit songwriters Bob DiPiero and Craig Wiseman. The six songwriters chosen for this year’s class are Brinley Addington, Ash Bowers, Dustin Christensen, Erik Dylan, Jeffrey East and Josh Jenkins, who each represent different independent Nashville-based publishers.

“I am so looking forward to co-hosting the 2016 AIMP new writer showcase along with my buddy Craig Wiseman,” said DiPiero. “AIMP will be showcasing some great new talent for our Music Row community and beyond. I am honored to help support AIMP on this special night. Getting to hang out with Craig is gonna be fun on a stick!”

The Songwriter Series, created by a committee of industry professionals and headed by SMACKSongs’ Michael Baum and Wrensong’s Ree Guyer, is an event that was launched last year to showcase some of Nashville’s best standout songwriters and bring the Nashville independent publishing community together for a night of celebration. The Class of 2016 was chosen from more than 50 submissions and voted on by a committee of industry professionals.

The evening is made possible by the Academy of Country Music, Anderson Benson and Fifth Third Bank.

NashPop Songwriter Camp Spurs 73 New Songs, Writer Friendships

Upper left: Jesse McCartney Upper middle: Cassadee Pope, Shane Stevens Upper right: Alex Kline, Nash Overstreet, Jackie Lee, Steven McMorran Lower left: Ivy Walker (Walker County), Eric Daigle (Holy Graffiti), Maggie Rose, Courtney Allen (Starstruck), Sophie Walker (Walker County), Shane Stevens Lower center: James Morales (from The Elev3n) Lower right: Lamont "Logic" Coleman

Upper left: Jesse McCartney. Upper middle: Cassadee Pope, Shane Stevens. Upper right: Alex Kline, Nash Overstreet, Jackie Lee, Steven McMorran. Lower left: Ivy Walker (Walker County), Eric Daigle (Holy Graffiti), Maggie Rose, Courtney Allen (Starstruck), Sophie Walker (Walker County), Shane Stevens. Lower center: James Morales (from The Elev3n). Lower right: Lamont “Logic” Coleman

Starstruck Writer’s Group and Holy Graffiti hosted the NashPop Songwriter Camp recently in Nashville, where a group of songwriters from Nashville, New York and Los Angeles penned 73 crossover songs in eight days.

Writers taking part included Jesse McCartney, Shane Stevens, Jackie Lee, Ivy Walker, Steven McMorran, Sophie Walker, James Morales, Lamont “Logic” Coleman, and more.

BMLG Records artist Cassadee Pope stated, “It was so inspiring getting to gather with some great songwriters beforehand, knowing that in a few minutes we would be in a room pouring our hearts into a song.”

“I met so many incredible writers and new lifelong friends,” said Starstruck Writers Group writer/producer Alex Kline. “It was, hands down, the most creative week I can ever remember having. I can’t wait to be a part of the next writers’ camp they put together.”

Maggie Rose shared, “This week mirrored the positive direction in which Nashville is going. More talent, creativity and variety will continue to pour out of Music City if we keep collaborating with writers from all genres. It was like having the best of Nashville, L.A and New York in one spot and the energy was insane. I can’t wait for the next one.”

“It was definitely one of the most fun, productive camps I’ve been a part of” said artist and producer Nash Overstreet. “The idea of handpicking a collection of artists and then pairing them up in combinations that didn’t make sense on paper actually produced some really exciting music! I’m really happy with the songs that I wrote and produced from the camp, as well as what I heard from others. So much talent in one building. Can’t wait for more!”

NashPop Songwriter Camp was sponsored by Acme Feed & Seed, ASCAP, Shop Aviate, BMI, Christie Cookie Co, City Nashville Bank, Defining Nashville, Element Music Row, Jammber, Pinnacle Financial Partners, SESAC and The Kind Cake.

Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum Adds To Board

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum tapped cultural arts activist Steve Turner, founder of Butler’s Run LLC, for a ninth term as chairman and re-elected Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill to a 15th consecutive term as president during the museum’s quarterly board meeting held last week.

Newly elected trustee David M. Ross, owner of BossRoss Media Consulting, joins re-elected trustees David Conrad, J. William Denny and Mark Bloom for three-year terms. Remaining trustees include Rod Essig, Keel Hunt, Ken Levitan, Mary Ann McCready, Turner, Ernie Williams (treasurer) and Jody Williams.

Bill Simmons, partner at the Fitzgerald Hartley Co., Chris Stewart, former CEO of Gelber Group LLC and Marcus Whitney, president of Jumpstart Foundry, were named new officers.

The new officers join re-elected board members Al Giombetti (executive vice president); and vice presidents Earl Bentz, Mike Dungan, Randy Goodman, John Grady, Lon Helton, Mike Helton, Donna Nicely, Gary Overton, Blake Rowling, Jim Seabury, Clarence Spalding, Troy Tomlinson and Tim Wipperman.

CMA CEO Sarah Trahern serves as an ex-officio member. Chris Horsnell and Mike Milom of Milom Horsnell Crow Rose Kelley PLC continue as the not-for-profit educational organization’s legal counsel.

Mark Collie’s Live Album From Prison Will Be Reissued

Mark Collie album

Eagle Rock Entertainment will reissue Mark Collie & His Reckless Companions: Alive At Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary on Oct. 14. The project will be released on CD, vinyl and digital formats.

Collie will support the release with a signing and appearance on the Grand Ole Opry that day. The album was originally issued by an independent label in 2012, after more than a decade of being in the vault at MCA Nashville.

Collie recorded the album in 2001 at the Tennessee prison with guests Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Shawn Camp and Kelly Willis. The Brushy Mountain Prison Choir appears on the final track, “Gospel Train.” The prison closed in 2009.

Collie’s band on the project includes guitarist Dave Grissom, keyboardist Mike Utley, guitarist-mandolinst Tommy Burroughs, accordionist Hassle Tekkle, bassist Willie Weeks, and drummer Chad Cromwell. Camp playes guitar and fiddle on the album in addition to taking lead vocals on two tracks.

“God gave me the opportunity to get in there and share something that might make a difference,” Collie said. “I believed the songs could matter. I wanted to make something that people could find hope in, or redemption, or restoration, or forgiveness.”

Collie has penned songs for Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Aaron Tippin, George Jones, and Alabama. In the early 1990s, he enjoyed Top 10 country hits on MCA Nashville with “Even the Man in the Moon Is Cryin’” and “Born to Love You.” He appears as bar owner Frankie Gray on the series Nashville.

Alive At Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary Track List

1. “I Could’ve Gone Right”
2. “Maybe Mexico”
3. “Heaven Bound” (featuring Kelly Willis)
4. “Got A Feelin’ For Ya” (featuring Kelly Willis)
5. “On The Day I Die”
6. “Dead Man Runs Before He Walks” (featuring Shawn Camp)
7. “Rose Covered Garden”
8. “Why Me Lord” (featuring Kelly Willis)
9. “Do As I Say”
10. “Someday My Luck Will Change” (featuring Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown)
11. “Folsom Prison Blues”
12. “Reckless Companions”
13. “Gospel Train” (featuring Brushy Mountain Prison Choir)

Sylvia Prepares First New Album In 14 Years

Sylvia

Country artist Sylvia will release the album It’s All in the Family on Oct. 7, marking her first new music in 14 years. She co-produced the album with longtime collaborator John Mock. 

Sylvia albumIn addition, Sylvia co-wrote the majority of the 12 songs. Her writing partners include Thom Schuyler, Craig Bickhardt, Jeff Pennig, Kate Campbell, Bobby Tomberlin, and Mark Narmore. Mock wrote the music for six cuts on the record as well as string arrangements for half of the album. It’s All in the Family will be released on her own label, Red Pony Records.

“I hope this music inspires and encourages people of all ages to continue to create in whatever genre brings them joy,” stated Sylvia. “I have found that there is no age limit on creativity. Your best work is ahead of you! I’ve felt like a kid again making this record, and I can hardly wait to share it with the world!”

Sylvia charted 11 Top 10 country singles in the 1980s. Her No. 1 hits include “Drifter” and “Nobody.” She was named 1982 ACM Female Vocalist of the Year.

It’s All in the Family Track List

1. “Every Time A Train Goes By”
2. “Somebody’s Daughter”
3. “Leave the Past in the Past”
4. “A Right Turn”
5. “All in the Family”
6. “Grandpa Kirby Runnin’ the Hounds”
7. “Immigrant Shoes”
8. “Cumberland Rose”
9. “Hope’s Too Hard”
10. “I Didn’t Know What I Was Missing”
11. “Here Lately”
12. “Do Not Cry For Me”

CMA Honors Gord Bamford, Paul McGuire With International Achievement Awards

Gord Bamford. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

Gord Bamford. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

The Country Music Association presented entertainer Gord Bamford and radio show host Paul McGuire with CMA International Achievement Awards on Saturday (Sept. 10) during the Canadian Country Music Association Gala Dinner and Awards in London, Ontario.

A 22-time CCMA Award winner, Bamford received the Jeff Walker Global Artist Award, which recognizes outstanding achievements by a country artist originally signed outside of the United States in both furthering the popularity of country music and bringing attention to the country music format in their foreign-based territory.

“I am truly honored and humbled to receive the CMA Jeff Walker Global Artist Award,” said Bamford. “To be recognized by CMA for a second time is a highlight in my career and something I am very proud of. Jeff Walker was a dear friend and one of the first people to warmly welcome me to Nashville, so to win this award in the first year it has been named in Jeff’s honor is extremely emotional and extra special. This award will be proudly displayed in our Nashville home. A heartfelt thank you to CMA.”

Paul McGuire. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

Paul McGuire. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

McGuire was presented with the International Country Broadcaster Award, recognizing outstanding achievement by radio broadcasters outside the U.S. who have made important contributions to the development of Country Music in their country.

“I felt immediately welcomed and embraced by the country music community the first time I traveled to Nashville 10 years ago,” remarked McGuire. “To be recognized by CMA, the gatekeepers of the genre that I love and respect so much, is a true and humbling honor that I will carry with me forever. And the fact that a kid born in Edinburgh, Scotland and raised in Toronto, Canada can win a CMA Award is proof that country music knows no borders.”

“The CCMA Gala Awards event was a wonderful forum to present two prestigious CMA Awards to our very deserving Canadian recipients. These awards from CMA are a vital and symbolic tribute to the hard work and dedication applied by these individuals as they go above and beyond in the interest of propagating the country music format around the globe,” said Ted Ellis, Harbour Media Partners President, CMA Board member, and CCMA Chairman.

CMA Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships Damon Whiteside (left) and Harbour Media Partners President, CMA Board member, and CCMA Chairman Ted Ellis address attendees during the CCMA Gala Dinner and Awards Saturday in London, Ontario. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

CMA Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships Damon Whiteside (left) and Harbour Media Partners President, CMA Board member, and CCMA Chairman Ted Ellis. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

BBR Music Group Signs Walker McGuire To Wheelhouse Records

Pictured (back row, L-R): EVP of BBR Music Group Jon Loba; VP of Promotion Wheelhouse Records Teddi Bonadies; SVP of Promotion BBR Music Group Carson James; COR Entertainment’s Mickey Jack Cones. (Front row, L-R): Jordan Walker; CEO/ Founder BBR Music Group Benny Brown; Johnny McGuire)

Pictured (back row, L-R): EVP of BBR Music Group Jon Loba; VP of Promotion Wheelhouse Records Teddi Bonadies; SVP of Promotion BBR Music Group Carson James; COR Entertainment’s Mickey Jack Cones. (Front row, L-R): Jordan Walker; CEO/ Founder BBR Music Group Benny Brown; Johnny McGuire

BBR Music Group has signed country duo Walker McGuire to its Wheelhouse Records imprint.

Walker McGuire includes BMI singer-songwriters Jordan Walker and Johnny McGuire. The duo met in 2012, when they performed at the same open mic night at Nashville venue The Commodore. The duo combined their vocal and songwriting talents. In the past year, they have performed more than 200 shows.

The duo is produced by Mickey Jack Cones, and managed by Cones’ COR Entertainment, and signed to Combustion/Atlas and Cor Music Publishing. The duo is booked by United Talent Agency.

“Walker McGuire’s songwriting skills, stage presence and unique vocal blend impressed me the first time I heard the duo live. Most importantly, Walker McGuire is relatable to country music fans and we’re proud to welcome Jordan and Johnny to Wheelhouse Records and the BBR Music Group family,” said BBR Music Group CEO/Founder Benny Brown.

“We’ve both been dreaming of doing this since we were kids and we are extremely grateful to Benny and the BBR Music Group team for believing in us and giving us this opportunity,” said Walker McGuire in a joint statement.

Walker McGuire. Photo: Chase Lauer

Walker McGuire. Photo: Chase Lauer

Artist Updates: Brantley Gilbert, Lorrie Morgan, Mo Pitney, Jared Wade

Brantley Gilbert Gives Songwriters First Listen New Album

Front row (L-R): Dann Huff (producer), Mike Dekle, Brantley Gilbert, Ben Hayslip, Bobby Pinson, Cledus T. Judd Back row (L-R): Brett James, Justin Weaver, Andrew DeRoberts, Derek George, Ashley Gorley, Brian Davis, Rhett Atkins, Michael Dulaney, Blake Chaffin, Jeremy Bussey, Jayce Hein

Front row (L-R): Dann Huff (producer), Mike Dekle, Brantley Gilbert, Ben Hayslip, Bobby Pinson, Cledus T. Judd. Back row (L-R): Brett James, Justin Weaver, Andrew DeRoberts, Derek George, Ashley Gorley, Brian Davis, Rhett Akins, Michael Dulaney, Blake Chaffin, Jeremy Bussey, Jayce Hein. Photo: Amy Allmand

Warner/Chappell Nashville, along with Warner/Chappell songwriter and The Valory Music Co. artist Brantley Gilbert, hosted a listening party for the songwriters who contributed to Gilbert’s upcoming studio album. The listening party was held at Southern Ground Studio, where the album was recorded.

Gilbert – Kneeling. Front row (L-R): Emily Falvey, Karen Harrison Hite, LuAnn Inman, Alicia Pruitt. Second row (L-R ): Matt Michiels, Justin Weaver, Bethany Mako, Ashley Gorley, Ben Hayslip, Cledus T Judd, Patricia Mainello. Back row, (L-R): Brett James, Derek George, Alison Junker, Brian Davis, BJ Hill, Rhett Atkins, Michael Dulaney, Ben Vaughn, Neena Wright, Will Overton, Jessi Vaughn

Kneeling: Brantley Gilbert. Front row (L-R): Emily Falvey, Karen Harrison Hite, LuAnn Inman, Alicia Pruitt. Second row (L-R ): Matt Michiels, Justin Weaver, Bethany Mako, Ashley Gorley, Ben Hayslip, Cledus T Judd, Patricia Mainello. Back row, (L-R): Brett James, Derek George, Alison Junker, Brian Davis, BJ Hill, Rhett Akins, Michael Dulaney, Ben Vaughn, Neena Wright, Will Overton, Jessi Vaughn

 

Lorrie Morgan, Mo Pitney, Chris Tomlin Sign On For Music With A Mission

Lorrie Morgan, Mo Pitney

Lorrie Morgan, Mo Pitney

Lorrie Morgan, Mo Pitney, and CCM singer-songwriter Chris Tomlin will take part in this year’s Music with a Mission, slated for Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. at Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville. Also on the bill are Jason Crabb and Ruby Amanfu.

Jim Gray will conduct the award-winning Nashville Symphony.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Nashville Rescue Mission. The Mission serves over 2,000 meals a day, and provides over 800 men, women, and children experiencing homelessness with safe shelter each night. For more, visit nashvillesymphony.org.

 

Jared Wade Releases EP We’ve Got The Summer

jared-wadeSinger-songwriter Jared Wade has released his sophomore EP, We’ve Got The Summer. The Georgia native collaborated with producer Ryan Youmans, as well as co-writers including Rick Huckaby, Andrew Wills, Matt Chase, Danny Simpson, Kyle Stallons, and Ty Reynolds.

Wade, an independent artist, recently signed with SESAC, and was scouted by SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. He performed on Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour, and has been featured on The Pursuit Channel’s Outdoor Edge.

Taylor Swift Renews Deal With Sony/ATV

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift has extended her longtime publishing relationship with Sony/ATV.

Swift moved to Nashville at the age of 14 to pursue her music career. Once there, she signed with Sony/ATV, becoming the youngest writer/artist ever signed to the company.

In a press release, the company stated, “Sony/ATV is proud to say Taylor’s new deal reflects her record-breaking achievements and recognition as one of the world’s greatest songwriters. “