In Pictures: Jason Aldean, Kip Moore, Eric Paslay

Inside Jason Aldean’s ACM Honors After Party

Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Nashville’s Mayor Megan Barry, Jason Aldean. Photo: Katie Kauss

Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Nashville’s Mayor Megan Barry, Jason Aldean. Photo: Katie Kauss

Jason Aldean held a late-night party following the 10th Annual ACM Honors Tuesday (Aug. 30) at Nashville’s The Valentine. Aldean received the ACM Triple Crown Award at the taping, which celebrated his combined win as a new artist, male vocalist and entertainer for the organization. In addition to an acceptance speech, Aldean delivered a medley of “Dirt Road Anthem,” “Tattoos on This Town” and a new single, “A Little More Summertime.”

During Aldean’s private gathering, his friends and family gained a first-listen of his upcoming seventh studio album They Don’t Know (Broken Bow Records), available Sept. 9, the same day the ACM Honors air on CBS.

Pictured (L-R): Academy of Country Music’s Lisa Lee, Jason Aldean and CBS’ Jack Sussman. Photo: Katie Kauss

Pictured (L-R): Academy of Country Music’s Lisa Lee, Jason Aldean and CBS’ Jack Sussman. Photo: Katie Kauss

 

Kip Moore Entertains Hilton HHonors Members in Nashville

Kip Moore. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Hilton

Kip Moore. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Hilton

Hilton HHonors members were treated to a special live performance showcasing MCA Nashville’s Kip Moore at Music City’s downtown Hilton on Wednesday (Aug. 31). Moore’s show marked the sixth of seven concerts planned by Live Nation for the hotel chain’s partners around the globe. Other artists that have been featured include Jason Derulo, Elle King, Halsey, Tegan and Sara, and Grimes. Gary Clark Jr. will wrap the series in Austin, Texas, on Oct. 28.

Kip Moore. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Hilton

Kip Moore. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Hilton

 

Eric Paslay Launches #AngelsInThisTown Movement For New Single

Eric Paslay

Eric Paslay

EMI Nashville’s Eric Paslay revealed original angel wings from artist Kelsey Montague during a tour stop in Denver, Colorado, this past weekend in support of his latest single “Angels In This Town.”

The life-sized pair of wings—which includes images of guitars, microphones and the Nashville skyline, a nod to the 6’4″ singer’s home and career—will be available for fans to experience and take pictures with at each of Paslay’s tour stops in 2016. Paslay used Montague’s original street art at 11th Ave. South in Nashville as the backdrop artwork for the new single, which will be featured on his forthcoming sophomore album.

Montague, who began her own #whatliftsyou initiative, was inspired by Paslay’s “Angel Visits” during his tour stops, where he visits local “angels” at hospitals, fire houses, police stations, Girls and Boys Clubs. The #AngelsInThisTown movement will also feature a website (AngelsInThisTown.com), presented by Dexcom’s efforts to raise awareness and support surrounding type 1 diabetes, for fans can share heroes and positive stories from their own lives.

Eric Paslay

Eric Paslay

Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Cancelled Due To Tropical Storm Hermine

Crew works hard to strike the stage as winds begin to blow.

Crew works hard to strike the stage as winds begin to blow.

Panama City Beach, Florida officials and the organizers for the 4th annual Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam have cancelled the popular music event, due to high winds and more than five inches of rain expected on Thursday night (Sept. 1). The three-day event was scheduled to welcome Eric Church, Brad Paisley, Jake Owen and more during Labor Day, Sept. 2-4.

Though the storm is expected to have passed Panama City Beach by Friday morning, there is not enough time to deconstruct the venue, secure the stage and festival tents, and then reconstruct the performance stage and venue. The construction of the festival village and performance stage takes nearly a week to erect. The festival is expected to return in 2017.

“Safety is the first concern for our visitors, country music fans and the festival organizers and sponsors,” said Panama City Beach Mayor Mike Thomas. “I truly appreciate all the planning and work that the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Producers, the Emergency Operations Center, PCB Police Chief Drew Whitman and city staff have done in preparation of having to make this difficult decision. We’re disappointed that we have had to cancel this weekend’s show, but hope all of the fans enjoy their weekend on the beach. We look forward to welcoming the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam back next year.”

“In 30 years of business, this is the first time I’ve even been a part of something like this,” said Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “The owners of Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam are devastated and deeply saddened but are also humbled by the enormous love and response from our fans and the city. Now we need to turn focus to the people who are in the direct line of the storm and pray for God’s direct protection over them. This doesn’t stop us or defeat us. We’ll see you in Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam 2017!”

All tickets purchased through official Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam ticket outlets are eligible for refunds. Fans also have the option of leaving their tickets in the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam ticket system and redeeming them at next year’s festival.

‘MusicRow’ Reporting Station WCOW-FM Lands 2 CMA Nominations

Arnie Andrews and Ben Butler

Arnie Andrews and Ben Butler of WCOW-FM in LaCrosse, Wisconsin

WCOW-FM, a MusicRow reporting station in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, picked up two CMA Award nominations in broadcast categories on Wednesday (Aug. 31).

“Ben and Arnie” (Arnie Andrews and Ben Butler) received a nod for CMA Broadcast Personality, Small Market. In addition, WCOW-FM is on the ballot for CMA Radio Station of the Year, Small Market.

The winners will be notified in mid-October and will be acknowledged at The 50th Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 2 on ABC.

Referring to all nominees in the broadcast categories, Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer stated, “Much of the sustained success of our format and rise of country’s newest stars can be attributed to the passion and drive of these key radio professionals. They pioneer the grassroots efforts in communities across the nation to keep country music listeners excited and engaged with the genre.”

Ricky Skaggs Will Be Honored At ASCAP Country Music Awards

Ricky Skaggs

ASCAP will present Ricky Skaggs with its Founders Awards at the 54th annual ASCAP Country Music Awards on Oct. 31 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

The exclusive, invitation-only gala celebrates the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed country songs of 2015.

ASCAP President Paul Williams said: “For more than four decades Ricky Skaggs has been a musical force in bluegrass and country music. His incredible gifts as a musician combined with his boundless creativity and energy continue to fuel a passion for American roots music around the world. A national treasure, he has influenced generations of fellow music creators and we are honored to present him with the ASCAP Founders Award.”

The Founders Award is one of ASCAP’s highest honors and is presented to songwriters and composers who have made pioneering contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators. Each recipient is a musical innovator who possesses a unique style of creative genius, which will enrich generations to come.

Gator Harrison Named Sr. VP For iHeartMedia’s Nashville Market

Gator Harrison

Gator Harrison

Gator Harrison has been named Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia’s Nashville market, effective immediately. The six-station Nashville cluster includes WSIX-FM, WUBT-FM, WNRQ-FM, WNRQ-HD, WRVW-FM and WLAC-AM.

Harrison will report to RSVPP and iHeartCountry Brand Manager Rod Phillips. Harrison replaces Michael Bryan, who is pursuing another role within the company, according to iHeart spokesperson Kevin Wong.

Harrison will continue to serve as brand coordinator for the Nashville-based iHeartCountry team, which has more than 145 country broadcast radio stations across the U.S.

“We’re thrilled to have Gator join us and oversee programming in Nashville,” said Dan Endom, Region President for iHeartMedia Nashville. “Gator built his network and experience in the industry from the ground up and his proven track record makes him perfectly suited to lead our Nashville station brands’ programming.”

Harrison previously worked as the Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Chattanooga where he oversaw all aspects of on-air and online programming for the market’s five radio station brands.

“The Tennessee community has been great to me throughout my career, and I can’t wait to make them proud in Nashville,” said Gator. “iHeartMedia Nashville is home to six leading radio station brands that I can’t wait to work with and help them continue to connect with listeners every day.”

“The ability to live out my dream of assembling and developing this group of world-class air talent and programmers in Nashville has been something close to an unimaginable experience. To say I’m proud is an understatement. It’s also gratifying to know I’m leaving iHeartMedia-Nashville in terrific hands. Gator Harrison is a great friend, an exceptional programmer, and a strong leader,” said Bryan. “Meanwhile, I’ve spent years growing and developing my own skills and relationships, expanding on my passion for the music and my desire to help foster talent. I’ll be taking all of this on my next adventure and look forward to sharing more soon.”

 

BMI Signs Songwriter Ben Haggard

Pictured: Newly signed BMI songwriter Ben Haggard and BMI’s Jody Williams pose for a photo in Jody’s office.

Pictured: Newly signed BMI songwriter Ben Haggard and BMI’s Jody Williams pose for a photo in Williams’ office.

BMI continues the songwriting legacy of country music’s Haggard family with the signing of songwriter Ben Haggard.

Ben Haggard, the 23-year-old son of legendary country singer-songwriter and BMI Icon recipient Merle Haggard, stopped by the BMI Nashville office on Wednesday (Aug. 31) to officially sign as a BMI writer.

Ben has been on the road with his brother Noel, finishing out a slate of concerts Merle had been scheduled for before his death on April 7. Ben and Noel have opened for Willie Nelson, Jamey Johnson and the Oak Ridge Boys.

DISClaimer: David Nail, Brandy Clark, Billy Ray Cyrus Stand Out

David Nail

David Nail

As summer drags on relentlessly, we find relief in fresh country sounds.

Our vocal collaboration du jour is the awesome new single by David Nail featuring Brothers Osborne. Our most fabulous female is the brilliant Brandy Clark. Our surprise male winner is the wonderfully humorous performance by Billy Ray Cyrus. Give all three a Disc of the Day honor.

The DisCovery Award goes to Margo Price. She performed “Four Years of Chances” on The Tonight Show on Aug. 2 and introduced “Hurtin’ (On the Bottle)” and “Since You Put Me Down” on SNL earlier this year. All three are on her new Midwest Farmer’s Daughter vinyl album. Way to go, TV broadcasters.

CURTIS BRALY/Love You Down
Writers: Jeremy Bussey/Tom Tillman/Jayce Hein; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: none listed, SESAC/BMI, Go Time/Briley (track)
– His clinging to pitch for dear life. Despite his shaky vocal performance, the track pumps mightily behind him and the song is solid.

 

DAVID NAIL Featuring BROTHERS OSBORNE/Good At Tonight
Writers: TJ Osborne/John Osborne/Troy Verges/Barry Dean; Producers: Frank Liddell/Chuck Ainlay/Glenn Worf; MCA Nashville
– Thrilling. As you might expect, the voices are on fire with conviction. What is just as great is the fact that the song is a total barn burner, loaded with pounding percussion, churning electric guitars and passionate lyrics. Play it again.

WAYLON JENNINGS/Young Widow Brown
Writers: Waylon Jennings/Sky Corbin; Producers: Robby Turner; Publishers: Heart of the Hills/Trio/Fort Knox, no performance rights listed; Country Rewind
– Finding new Waylon music is always a good thing. He and a bunch of other country acts recorded a series of short, military-recruitment radio shows in 1970. These tapes have recently been rediscovered. Former Waylon band member Robby Turner put new instrumentation on the performances to bring them up to date. Most of the tunes on the resulting The Lost Nashville Sessions CD are early Waylon hits such as “Just to Satisfy You,” “Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line,” “Mental Revenge” and “Brown Eyed Handsome Man.” This tasty country rocker is more obscure, the tale of a man who inherits a lusty gal he can’t keep up with. Delightful.

BRANDY CLARK/Love Can Go To Hell
Writers: Brandy Clark/Scott Stepakoff; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: House of Sea Gayle/Highway 508/Clearbox Rights/Nettwerk One-A/Ten Ten, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
– I am on board with the fact that she’s a country songwriting genius. What is frequently overlooked is that she is also a singer of flawless phrasing, liquid tone and silky listenability. This lightly bopping, tinkling, twinkling outing about an ended relationship is audio ecstasy on every level. I am in love with this woman’s music.

 

SOUTHERN HALO/Rewind
Writers: Chancie Neal/Gerald O’Brien/Catt Gravitt; Producers: Catt Gravitt/Gerald O’Brien; Publishers: none listed; BMI/SESAC; Southern Halo
– Smiley. Sunshiny. Summery. Swaying.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Dirty Laundry
Writers: Zach Crowell/Ashley Gorley/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Atlas/External Combustion/Songs of Southside Independent/HillarodyRathbone/BMG, ASCAP; Arista/19 (track)
– That ain’t her shade of lipstick. She doesn’t drink the red wine that’s on his shirt. That’s not the smell of her perfume. He’s trying to sneak in late, again. You’re in trouble, pal. She’s pissed off and rocking.

 

RUSTY RIERSON/Something  ‘Bout You
Writer: Kevin Welch; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Sony/ATV Cross Keys; RecordRanch
-This Kansas-bred country boy has a delivery that goes down easily. He has a natural warmth and an instantly likable sound. The rolling groove of this Kevin Welch song fits him like a glove. If there’s such a thing as a baby Strait, this guy is it.

MARGO PRICE/Four Years Of Chances
Writer: Margo Price; Producers: Alex Munoz/Matt Ross-Spang; Publisher: Peach Pit, SESAC; Third Man (track)
– It’s a slow build, starting with a stark little guitar figure and her plaintive, accusatory voice. The rhythm track picks up steam as the rest of the band comes creeping in. But no matter what is going on with the track, it’s her piercing, riveting delivery that commands the spotlight. A very cool little record.

 

KAREN RICHARDS/Ladies Man
Writer: Karen Richards; Producers: Frank Green/Jim Sanford; Publisher: none listed; Krystal Mac (track)
– Yikes. The echo chamber only emphasizes her shortcomings. And they are too numerous to list here.

BILLY RAY CYRUS/Hey Elvis
Writer: none listed; Producers: Brandon Friesen/Noah Gordon; Publishers: none listed; Blue Cadillac (track)
– Billy Ray’s upcoming Thin Line collection is loaded with celeb guests — Shelby Lynne, Joe Perry, Shooter Jennings and children Branson Cyrus and Miley Cyrus, for starters. This fantastically catchy, rocking track features Bryan Adams and Glen Hughes singing backup on its wildly clever lyrics. Its video, available on his website, is comprised of hilarious footage from his wacky CMT television sit com Still the King. Heartily recommended.

Mark Your Calendar—September 2016

Single Add Dates

carriedirtylaundrySeptember 5
Carrie Underwood/Dirty Laundry/Arista Nashville
Cody Jinks/I’m Not The Devil/Thirty Tigers
Joe Loftus/Can’t Take the Us from the USA/Stanley Music Group
Scott Steele/Drink About It/The Spot Light Records
Gary West/I Ain’t Playing No Jason Aldean/Stanley Music Group

September 12
David Nail w/ Brothers Osborne/Good At Tonight/MCA Nashville
Luke Combs/Hurricane/Thirty Tigers
Brandy Clark/Love Can Go To Hell/Warner Bros.
Morgan Wallen/The Way I Talk/Big Loud Records
Andy Ross/Back on the Backroads/Buck Shot Records
Skye Claire/Pawn Shop/Mandolin

September 19
Rick Trevino/Cowboys Like Me/Campo Negro Records
Casey Donahew/Kiss Me/Almost Country Entertainment
Shari Rowe/Take That Shot/Maven Media
Jordan Rager/Now That I Know Your Name/Broken Bow

September 26
Jeremy Bowman/Like A Song On The Radio/Funky Cowboy Records

Album Release Dates

williammichaelmorganvinylSeptember 2
Waylon Jennings/The Lost Nashville Sessions
Ryan Follese/Ryan Follese [EP]/BMLG Records
Jared Wade/We’ve Got the Summer/Independent

September 9
Jason Aldean/They Don’t Know/Broken Bow Records
The Time Jumpers/Kid Sister/Rounder Records
Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris/The Complete Trio Collection [re-released/remastered 3-discs]
Billy Ray Cyrus/Thin Line/Blue Cadillac
Paper Bird/Paper Bird/Sons of Thunder Records-Thirty Tigers
Chely Wright/I Am The Rain/MRI-Sony
Jack White/Jack White Acoustic Recordings 1998-2016/Third Man Records-Columbia
Whiskey Myers/Mud/Thirty Tigers

September 16
Aaron Lewis/SINNER/Dot Records
Willie Nelson/For The Good Times: A Tribute To Ray Price/Legacy Recordings

September 23
Luke Bryan/Farm Tour…Here’s to the Farmer [EP]/Capitol Records Nashville
Dwight Yoakam/Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars…/Sugar Hill Records

September 30
John Prine/For Better, Or Worse/Oh Boy Records-Thirty Tigers
William Michael Morgan/Vinyl/Warner Bros.-Warner Music Nashville
Nitty Gritty Dirt/Circlin’ Back: Celebrating 50 Years [CD/DVD]/NGDB Records-Warner Music Nashville

Industry Events

musiccityfood+wine2016September 9
10th annual ACM Honors airs 9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT on the CBS

September 17-18
Music City Food + Wine Festival

September 20-25
AmericanaFest 2016

September 21
Americana Honors and Awards show at the Ryman Auditorium

September 24-25
Pilgrimage Music Festival at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee

September 26
38th annual ASCAP Christian Music Awards at Rocketown

Talkative Table Hosts Named For T.J. Martell Foundation Event

TJ Martell logo

The T.J. Martell Foundation has confirmed guest hosts for Let’s Talk Nashville on Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Hutton Hotel.

Founded by Ben Jumper, CEO of Soundcheck and Crew One Productions and T.J. Martell board member, Let’s Talk Nashville provides a rare opportunity for guests to dine at tables hosted by some of the most interesting, accomplished and influential people in Nashville.

All proceeds benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation which funds innovative leukemia, cancer and AIDS research at top hospitals, including the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

“I’m so excited about the upcoming ‘Let’s Talk Nashville’ event for the T.J. Martell Foundation,” Jumper says. “The list of hosts this year is amazing and has helped push it over the top. The event continues to grow. I look forward and have great expectations for the future of the event.”

Each table will have a guest host, who will provide a table centerpiece that reflects their background and acts as a conversation starter. Centerpieces will be included in the evening’s silent auction. Tickets are $200 each and tables start at $2,000. Seats are limited and may be reserved.

Confirmed table hosts thus far include:

Christiev Alphin: creative director, celebrity stylist, designer, model scout and wife of Big Kenny of Big & Rich

Amy and Eddie: integral members of the award winning Bobby Bones Show which reaches millions of listeners on nearly 100 radio stations across the country.

Gigi Butler: founder of Gigi’s Cupcakes, which opened its first location in Nashville in 2008 and is now the largest cupcake franchise in the country.

Danielle Breezy: News 2’s new Chief Meteorologist and a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist. She covered Oklahoma’s second largest tornado outbreak—when 36 tornados touched down in 24 hours.

Guy Gilchrist: created Jim Henson’s Muppets Comic Strip and has had his hand to Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry, Fraggle Rock, The Pink Panther, and many more.

Sheriff Daron Hall: sworn-in as the 61st sheriff of Davidson County in September of 2002 and elected to his fourth term in 2014

Ali Harnell: Senior Vice President at AEG Live/The Messina Group. She oversees all aspects of bookings, operations and touring activity for Hunter Hayes, Little Big Town and others.

Stacie Kinder: director of cheerleading for the Tennessee Titans. She is also the co-founder of Pro Cheer & Dance, which specializes in cheer and dance training and competition.

Brenda Lee: a member of both the Rock & Roll and Country Music Halls of Fame and has received the coveted Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Derrick Mason: played 15 seasons as a wide receiver in the NFL. He spent most of his career with the Tennessee Oilers/Titans and is the No. 12 receiver on the NFL’s all-time list.

Mike McCloud: CEO of World Food Championships. He works to make food competitions a long-term, fun-filled legacy for the culinary industry.

Chris McCracken: entrepreneur and the current Local Owner of Jim ‘N Nick’s Community BBQ of Tennessee.

Andrew Nacario: 9-year veteran baseball agent with CAA sports. He has advised over 27 first-round draft picks and negotiated more than $100 million in amateur contracts.

Dr. Rhea Seddon: veteran of three space shuttle flights and one of the first six women to ever enter NASA’s Astronaut Program.

Dr. William (Bill) Tansey: Ingram Professor of Cancer Research and Cell and Developmental Biology and a co-leader of VICC’s Genome Maintenance Research Program.

Keni Thomas: country music singer and former US Army Ranger. He served in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia and the Battle of Mogadishu, which was recounted in Blackhawk Down.

Dean Unkefer: former undercover agent for the Federal Bureau of Narcotics in New York City. He has since started Special Promotions, Inc. and founded the Country Showdown.

Erik and Karin Vonk: the proprietors of Richland Distilling Company, America’s only Single Estate Rum distillery.

Pete Weber: the play-by-play voice of the NHL’s Nashville Predators. He has won four Tennessee Sportscaster of the Year awards.

Dean Wolfe: founder of American Music Water. He and his company are dedicated to giving back with the sale of bottled water.

Charlie Worsham: singer and songwriter who has toured with Taylor Swift and opened for Miranda Lambert. He also guest appeared in an episode of Bones.

 

Ellis Island Provides Setting For Florida Georgia Line’s ‘Dig Your Roots’ Release

logofeat

Keeping with the theme of their new album title, Dig Your Roots, Florida Georgia Line celebrated the release of their third studio album this week in New York City. The project was released on Friday, Aug. 26 through Big Machine and Big Loud Mountain. It was produced by Joey Moi and contains 15 tracks, six of which were co-written by Jordan Schmidt, a writer for FGL’s publishing company Tree Vibez.

A VIP reception, presented by Budweiser, was held on Monday, Aug. 29, in The Registry Room (or “The Great Hall,” as it is called today) at the iconic Ellis Island, which was originally used for processing immigrants. Ellis Island was the gateway for over 12 million immigrants as the nation’s busiest immigrant inspection station from 1892 until 1954, drawing in 5,000 to 10,000 people through the immigration station each day. The island is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.

Interesting fact: Estimates show that close to 40 percent of all U. S. citizens can trace at least one of their ancestors back to Ellis Island.

MusicRow sat down with Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley on Ellis Island for an exclusive conversation about the new project. Kelley was eager to share details about collaborating with Tim McGraw for the second single, “May We All,” and the duo’s experience of cutting their acting chops in the song’s music video.

How did the collaboration on “May We All” with Tim McGraw come about?

“May We all” came in pretty early in the Dig Your Roots recording process. It was one of the earlier songs. On this album, we knew we wanted to do more collaborations since we didn’t have any on the Anything Goes album. We took it on a song-by-song basis and let it happen naturally. For this song, it was easy for us to know we wanted McGraw on it.

What drew you to bring McGraw in on this project?

He’s a legend and we’ve always loved him. I can even tell you where I was when I first heard “Don’t Take The Girl.” I’m a huge fan. He is the man! He’s on our label so we hit him up and he loved the song. We didn’t get to record it together but shooting the video was a day that Tyler and I will never forget. He’s a total pro, shows up in character and gave a lot of really good advice. He said, “Don’t act. Just let it be natural. Let it be organic and let it happen.” I think Tyler and I showed up prepared and ready to do that. Making a mini-movie gives our fans something different. It allowed us to get in the acting world a little bit and dip our toes.

Now that you’ve had a chance to show off your acting chops in the new video, is acting something you would like to add to your career?

Man, I think we both would love to! It’s something that has always interested us. If the right thing came along and we could get creative, taking it to the next level and be fresh, that would be amazing. It’s a really cool outlet because who doesn’t love the movies and TV shows and short films? Today, when Tyler and I get any free time, we love to catch up on a good show or movie and hopefully our fans would love to see us in something different. If the right thing came along, I think we would jump at it, work really hard and make sure it was quality material.

Invited guests at the celebration, which consisted of broadcasting, media influencers and team members, noshed at several food stations highlighting many different cuisines. Old Camp Whiskey, FGL’s newly released peach pecan whiskey, appeared in the featured cocktail, allowing attendees to taste the newly minted drink. Beer drinkers were also pleased with offerings from Budweiser, the company FGL has teamed up with on their Dig Your Roots Tour.

Big Machine's Scott Borchetta and Florida Georgia Line's Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard

Big Machine’s Scott Borchetta and Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard in The Great Hall

Big Machine Label Group CEO Scott Borchetta presented FGL with plaques honoring one million downloads of “H.O.L.Y.,” the first single from the “Dig Your Roots” project which also topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart on July 7.

The evening culminated with the exciting world premiere of the music video for “May We All” directed by TK McKamy, featuring Tim McGraw. The song is FGL’s second single from the Dig Your Roots album. Produced like a mini-movie, the five-minute-plus video includes moments of intense suspense, giving FGL members Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley an opportunity to try out their acting chops.

 

FGL has teamed with YouTube to produce the behind-the-scenes content of the new video in 360° virtual-reality technology. Guests were given the Google Cardboard viewer and, by inserting their smartphone into the device, they were able to experience an immersive, 360° 3D environment from the set of the video.

The following day, broadcasters from all over the United States and Canada gathered to interview FGL, as well as key members of their team including Google Cardboard’s Aaron Luber, Tree Vibez songwriter Jordan Schmidt, Big Loud Mountain’s Seth England, Live Nation Nashville’s Brian O’Connell, Proximo Spirits’ Scott Green, and FGL Tour Manager and Management Consultant Troy “Tracker” Johnson. Interview segments were broadcast live on air during the day from the heart of Manhattan at 246 Fifth The Yard.

Guests take private ferry to the iconic Ellis Island.

Guests take private ferry to the iconic Ellis Island.