Exclusive: Lindsay Ell Finds Her Voice, Showcases Female Writers On ‘The Project’

/by

When it came time for singer, songwriter, and guitarist Lindsay Ell to begin work on The Project, her full-length album for BBR Music Group that releases today (Aug. 11), she connected with her own musical roots and chiseled out her own brand of music by taking a deep dive into the work of another singer/songwriter/guitarist: John Mayer.

Ell’s producer on the album, Kristian Bush, known for his work with Sugarland as well as his own solo projects, challenged Ell to completely recreate one of her all-time favorite albums, Mayer’s blues and soul-infused 2006 project Continuum. Bush’s challenge came with a few stipulations.

“He said I had to play all the instruments on the album and recreate the whole thing myself. I had two weeks,” Ell told MusicRow during a visit to the MusicRow offices.

Ell cleared her schedule for two weeks, secluding herself in the studio from 8 a.m. until 3 a.m. each day and painstakingly dissecting and reassembling every guitar lick, every vocal, and every drumbeat.

“I thought I knew the album, but when you are recording all these different parts and recreating them in your own voice you learn something on a different level. Fast forward two weeks and I handed him this disc. I learned so much about John’s guitar playing and my own and about how I loved to hear a band recorded in the studio. Kristian was like, ‘Now it’s time to say that with your own music.’ It was such a crazy way for a producer helping me find my own voice.”

Lindsay Ell

Ell paid homage to her studio experimentation, including one of her Continuum remakes, “Stop This Train,” on her Worth The Wait EP, which released in March. Ell hopes to release her full rendition of Mayer’s Continuum project later this year.

During a visit to the MusicRow offices, Ell offered a preview of The Project, including performances of “Waiting On You,” “Criminal,” and “Champagne.”

Ell contributed writing credits on nine of the album’s 12 tracks, collaborating with writers including Bush, Justin Ebach, Andrew DeRoberts, Walker Hayes, Josh Kerr, Travis Meadows, Shane McAnally, and Josh Osborne.

On the three tracks she didn’t have a hand in writing, Ell highlights work from some of her fellow top Nashville female artists and songwriters, including Caitlyn Smith, Heather Morgan, Kelsea Ballerini, and Carly Pearce.

“As a songwriter it’s hard to find other things that are what you want to say,” Ell said. “Kristian said cutting outside songs would help me complete the story and say things I didn’t know how to say. I’m so happy that I’m able to showcase some of the female artists I look up to while making this album because there are so many in this town.”

Lindsay Ell with MusicRow staff.

Ell’s unorthodox approach to making the album gave her the courage to step out of her comfort zone, and to record songs she said she wouldn’t have recorded a year ago. Songs like the relaxed, sultry rocker “Waiting On You” or the soaring, confident vocals and guitar fuzz-fueled “Wildfire.” She name checks actress Jessica Biel as she lavishes praise on her lover on pop-flavored “Champagne.”

“I probably would have looked at half these songs and thought, ‘We can’t put it on the record.’”

Now, she offers a voice and perspective that is as self-assured as her guitar playing.

“I feel like the music we recorded for the project is the closest to the music that I was playing before I moved to Nashville,” says the Canada native. “I was listening to a couple of demos that I recorded when I was 19 years old and it’s pretty similar. It’s those vulnerabilities and imperfections as artists that make you who you are. It’s like putting them under a magnifying glass to make them stand out.

“I feel like I finally made the record I’ve always wanted to make. It’s crazy how sometimes you need to wait for things or wait a little longer than you thought you would, or work a little harder.”

Lindsay Ell on the set of her video for “Waiting On You.”

THE PROJECT TRACK LIST:
1) “Waiting On You” (Lindsay Ell, Adam Hambrick, Andrew DeRoberts)
2) “Champagne” (Lindsay Ell, Walker Hayes, Fred Wilhelm)
3) “Castle” (Lindsay Ell, Abbey Cone, Josh Kerr)
4) “Good” (Lindsay Ell, Adam Hambrick, Andrew DeRoberts)
5) “Wildfire” (Lindsay Ell, Kristian Bush)
6) “Mint” (Lindsay Ell, Justin Ebach)
7) “White Noise” (Kelsea Ballerini, Josh Kear, Ross Copperman)
8) “Criminal” (Lindsay Ell, Chris Stevens, Fred Wilhelm)
9) “Just Another Girl” (Lindsay Ell, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
10) “Space” (Caitlyn Smith, Heather Morgan, Maggie Chapman)
11) “Always Kiss The Girl” (Bobby Hamrick, Jarrad Kritzstein, Carly Pearce)
12) “Worth The Wait” (Lindsay Ell, Travis Meadows)

The McCrary Sisters Release Live Album Recorded In Nashville

/by

The McCrary Sisters – Alfreda, Beverly Ann, Deborah, and Regina- have released McCrary Sisters: Live, recorded at Nashville’s own 3rd & Lindsley.

The 11-track album was produced by Tommy Sims (Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Amy Grant) and features an array of McCrary family members, including the ladies’ daughters (Tammy Crawford, Latoya McCrary, Efia Rucker, Jessica Rucker), brother (Allen McCrary), and son-in-law (Steve Crawford).

Guest musicians — Colin Linden (Bob Dylan, Keb’ Mo’), Devin McKendree (Delbert McClinton, Little Richard), Bob Britt (Bob Dylan, Lynyrd Skynyrd), Danny Flowers (Vince Gill, Willie Nelson) and Sims — lend their talents backing the quartet on their fourth album as a group.

The McCrary Sisters have upcoming Nashville appearances on Sept. 8 at Ascend Amphitheater, performances during AmericanaFest, and a show at the Ryman Auditorium on Oct. 5. They will also perform during A Very McCrary Christmas at Nashville’s Lipscomb University on Dec. 8.

‘McCrary Sisters: Live’ Tracklist:
1. David (Regina McCrary / DeMarco Johnson)
2. He Cares (Alfreda McCrary Lee)
3. Help Me (Beverly Ann McCrary / Tommy Sims)
4. Hum and Moan (Regina McCrary / Colin Linden)
5. Other Side Of The Blues (Regina McCrary / Kevin McKendree)
6. If You Believe (Alfreda McCrary Lee)
7. Stones (Regina McCrary / Tommy Sims)
8. Let It Go (Deborah Person/Kevin McKendree)
9. Train (Beverly Ann McCrary / Tommy Sims / Calvin Smith)
10. Bible Study (Regina McCrary / Kevin McKendree)
11. I’ll You There (Alvertis Isbell)

Halfway To Hazard Signs With Absolute Publicity

/by

Pictured (L-R): F3 Entertainment’s Ken Madson, Halfway to Hazard’s David Tolliver and Chad Warrix, and Absolute Publicity’s Don Murry Grubbs.

Country music duo Halfway to Hazard has signed on with Absolute Publicity for exclusive public relations representation.

“Halfway to Hazard has some great new music and we’re excited to add a company with Absolute Publicity’s expertise and work ethic to the team that’s being built,” says F3 Entertainment’s Ken Madson.

Absolute Publicity’s Don Murry Grubbs adds, “We’re going to have a lot of fun working with these incredibly talented boys from Kentucky. We’ll have more news on their latest project very soon. Welcome aboard, fellas!

Halfway to Hazard is composed of singer-songwriters David Tolliver and Chad Warrix. The band is co-managed by Josh Bleidt (Three Sheets to the Win) and Ken Madson (F3 Entertainment). Buddy Lee Attractions represents the duo for live bookings.

Kelsea Ballerini Reveals Track Listing For ‘Unapologetically’

/by

Black River Entertainment recording artist Kelsea Ballerini excitedly hosted an impromptu dance party with fan club members post-show in Darien Center, New York, to celebrate the midnight launch of her much-anticipated sophomore album, Unapologetically, available for preorder today. The long-awaited track listing was creatively unveiled in a groundbreaking partnership with Foursquare Swarm, while the cover art was revealed on Instagram.

Ballerini revealed her Unapologetically track listing via a first-ever personalized “Kelsea Ballerini Bonus” inside Swarm. All week long, users of the life-logging mobile app have actively kept watch on her social media accounts for special clues on which locations to visit. Upon checking in, they then received an interactive pop-up to swipe – which promoted an exclusive clip of a must-hear album track and Ballerini talking about the highly anticipated tunes.

Unapologetically is produced by Forest Glen Whitehead and Jason Massey and features 12 tracks all written or co-written by Ballerini. Releasing November 3, Unapologetically takes listeners on an intimate, behind-the-scenes journey of the past few years of the country singer’s life. Filled with “blood, sweat, and heartbeats,” the debut single, “Legends,” penned by Ballerini, Whitehead, and Hillary Lindsey, continues its steady climb on country radio.

Unapologetically Track Listing:

  1. Graveyard (Kelsea Ballerini, Forest Glen Whitehead, Shane McAnally; *Produced by Whitehead, Massey, McAnally)
  2. Miss Me More (Kelsea Ballerini, David Hodges, Brett McLaughlin)
  3. Get Over Yourself (Kelsea Ballerini, Ross Copperman, Shane McAnally)
  4. Roses (Kelsea Ballerini, Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley)
  5. Machine Heart (Kelsea Ballerini, Greg Wells, James Abrahart)
  6. In Between (Kelsea Ballerini, Jimmy Robbins, Shane McAnally)
  7. High School (Kelsea Ballerini)
  8. End Of The World (Kelsea Ballerini, Hillary Lindsey, Lindsay Rimes; *Produced by Lindsay Rimes)
  9. I Hate Love Songs (Kelsea Ballerini, Trevor Rosen, Shane McAnally)
  10. Unapologetically (Kelsea Ballerini, Forest Glen Whitehead, Hillary Lindsey)
  11. Music (Kelsea Ballerini, Jimmy Robbins, Nicolle Galyon, Jennifer Denmark; *Produced by Whitehead, Massey, Robbins)
  12. Legends (Kelsea Ballerini, Forest Glen Whitehead, Hillary Lindsey)

Ballerini will co-host ABC’s CMA Fest: The Music Event of Summer alongside Thomas Rhett, airing August 16 at 8 p.m. ET.

NSAI Announces Promotions, Staff Additions

/by

The Nashville Songwriters Association International has promoted Shelby Yoder to Director of Professional Membership and Events and added four new team members to the staff.

Yoder moves to the director position after nearly two years with NSAI as Logistics Coordinator. In her new position her primary focus will be on songwriter membership, NSAI special events, and the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival.

”We are beyond excited to expand Shelby’s role with NSAI.  She has been a phenomenal member of the team for the past two years and I can’t wait to see how much more she can bring to the organization with her new responsibilities,” said Jennifer Turnbow, Senior Director of Operations.  “It’s an exciting time at NSAI as we have been able to bring on some amazing talent and really play to the strengths of our employees.  I believe we have assembled a team that will take our next 50 years to a whole other level and allow us to serve songwriters to our utmost potential.”

Four new staffers have joined NSAI as well: Brittni Talley (Marketing Director), Brooke Perry (Executive Assistant), Jolie Grace Wareham (Logistics Coordinator), and Whitney Ingram (Receptionist), with all positions taking effect immediately.

Talley joins NSAI after several years with Country Thunder Music Festivals as a project manager and eventually Creative Director handling marketing, advertising, and event logistics. Prior to Country Thunder she worked as a publicist with Webster Public Relations.

Perry, a recent graduate of the University of Florida, joins NSAI as Executive Assistant after gaining extensive experience through internships and positions with CMT, Warner Music Nashville, Pilgrimage Music Festival, and the Country Music Association.

Wareham graduated from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn. in 2017 after obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.

Ingram, a graduate of Belmont University, returned to Nashville after two years in the Family Criminal Law Division of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in her hometown of Houston, Texas.

Lecrae To Headline Winter Jam West Tour

/by

Lecrae heads up the star-packed lineup of Christian artists set to perform at this year’s Winter Jam West Tour, which kicks off Nov. 9 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

In addition to Lecrae, Winter Jam West will feature Third Day frontman Mac Powell, Andy Mineo, Building 429, Family Force 5, NewSong, Moriah Peters presenting TRALA, and evangelist Nick Hall. The West Coast Pre-Jam Party is set to showcase Mallary Hope and Westover.

“For the past seven years, we’ve been honored to bring Winter Jam to the West Coast,” said Eddie Carswell, tour creator and NewSong co-founder. “Every year has been a step of faith, as we are committed to sharing these great artists and the Gospel message nationwide.”

Created and hosted by NewSong, Winter Jam exploded from a single show in 1995 to become Christian music’s benchmark tour. Throughout the past 20 years, the tour has provided a powerful platform for the Gospel in major arenas nationwide, consistently showcasing the genre’s top artists.

Kip Moore Pleads The Fifth This Fall On New Tour, Celebrates Platinum Album

/by

Kip Moore is clamming up and hitting the road this Fall on the Plead The Fifth Tour, which will kick off Oct. 19 in Bowling Green, OH. Drake White and Jordan Davis will join him on the 15-date tour, which runs through Dec. 2. Tickets will go on sale on Aug. 18 at 10 a.m. CT. 

“Our live show has been such a focus for me and the band for many years,” said Moore. “We are constantly woodshedding and trying to come up with new ways to engage the loyal fan base we’ve developed such a bond with. I’ve always felt Drake is cut from the same cloth and his focus has always seemed to be on the things that matter. We’ve been talking about touring for years and we’re finally going to get that chance. It’ll be a blast to see what we come up with, and also see Jordan Davis build his fan base out here with us.”

Moore exclusively premiered the futuristic video for a new track today, “The Bull” on Billboard, which can be seen here. The song is the first track Moore has shared from his upcoming album Slowheart, due out Sept. 8. Moore shared some insight into the new project at an event last night (Aug. 10), where he celebrated the platinum certification of his breakout debut album Up All Night. Moore was surprised by Universal Music Group Nashville’s Mike Dungan and Cindy Mabe with a commemorative plaque during the event, which was hosted by CMT’s Leslie Fram. 

 

Luke Combs to Kick Off Headlining Tour In October

/by

Luke Combs is launching his first headlining tour, with the Don’t Tempt Me With A Good Time Tour, kicking off Oct. 3 in L.A. The tour will hit 25 cities through Dec. 16 including Atlanta, Boston and his hometown of Asheville, N.C., where he will headline his first-ever arena at US Cellular Center. Special guests for Combs’ tour include Ray Fulcher, Josh Phillips and Faren Rachels.

Performing more than 200 shows a year as an indie artist, Combs first began building the foundation of his career on the road touring while in college. He was tapped in 2017 to join Brantley Gilbert for his Devil Don’t Sleep Tour and also played notable music festivals including Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits and CMA Fest.

Pre-sale tickets for the Don’t Tempt Me With A Good Time Tour go on sale August 15, with general on-sale beginning August 18. 

Don’t Tempt Me With A Good Time Tour

October 3, Los Angeles, CA, The Roxy*
October 4, Bakersfield, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace*
October 12, Milwaukee, Wis., The Rave*
October 13, Des Moines, Iowa, Wooly’s*
October 14, Wichita, Kan., The Cotillion*
October 19, Tulsa, Okla., Cain’s Ballroom*
October 20, Columbia, Mo., The Blue Note*
October 21, Springfield, Ill., Boondocks*
October 26, Fayetteville, Ark., George’s Majestic Lounge*
October 27, Kansas City, Mo., The Truman*
October 28, Denver, Colo., Grizzly Rose*
November 2, Baton Rouge, La., Texas Club*
November 3, Houston, Texas, House Of Blues*
November 4, Fort Worth, Texas, Billy Bob’s Texas*
November 9, Oxford, Ohio, Brick Street Bar+
November 10, Columbus, Ohio, Newport Music Hall+
November 16, Boston, Mass., House of Blues+
November 17, Baltimore, Md., Rams Head Live+
November 18, Asbury Park, N.J., The Stone Pony+
December 1, Atlanta, Ga., The Tabernacle+
December 7, Columbia, S.C., Township Auditorium+
December 8, Charlotte, N.C.,  Coyote Joe’s+
December 14, Orlando, Fla., House of Blues+
December 15, Jacksonville, Fla., Florida Theatre+
December 16,  Asheville, N.C., US Cellular Center+
Bakersfield, Cali. & Oxford, Ohio,  on-sale August 19th
Jacksonville, Fla, on-sale August 25th
Columbia, S.C., Charlotte, N.C. & Orlando, Fla., on-sale Sept. 22nd
 *Ray Fulcher & Josh Phillips
+Josh Phillips & Faren Rachels

Weekly Chart Report 8/11/17

/by

Click here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

DISClaimer: Ryan Hurd, Brett Eldredge Enchant With New Music

/by

Variety is the spice of life.

This week’s country offerings range from over-produced, slick Nashville items to the rootsy charms of EmiSunshine and Margo Price. Kevin Costner is back, sounding as good as ever. And the well-established Rascal Flatts demonstrates that it still has plenty of gas in its tank.

The best newcomer is Ryan Hurd, who earns a DisCovery Award.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Brett Eldredge. Some production, publishing and songwriter credits on both of these winning tunes would have been nice, record companies.

 

RYAN HURD/Love In A Bar
Writers: Ryan Hurd/Joey Hyde; Producer: Aaron Eshuis; Publishers: Universal Music Corp./Lake Allegan Pub Club (ASCAP). All rights for Lake Allegan Pub Club controlled and adm by Universal Music Corp. ©2016 Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI); RCA (ERG)
– Utterly enchanting. The melody swirls beautifully. The production builds and boils with intensity. His vocal delivery is loaded with dynamics as it goes from a whisper to a scream. A mighty debut.

AARON LEWIS/Folded Flag
Writers: Marty Morgan/Luc Nyhus/Yasmine Van Wilt; Producers: Ben Kitterman/Aaron Lewis; Label: Big Machine (ERG); Publishers: Morgan House Music Publishing (SESAC)./ Timberslust Music (BMI)./ Yasmine Van Wilt (BMI). 
-Sung from the point of view of a dead soldier. It’s very well written and performed, but I don’t imagine radio folks will clamor to program such a downer.

RASCAL FLATTS/Back To Us
Writers: Cary Barlowe/David Hodges/Josh Thompson; Producers: Jay DeMarcus/Rascal Flatts; Publishers: Castle Bound/We Be Partying/3 Weddings/Songs of Kobalt/Big Music Machine/Two Laine Collections, SESAC/BMI; Big Machine (track)
– I dig the crunchy production and the gripping lyric. Gary’s lead vocal is more chesty and intimate than usual, and he’s not constantly at the top of his range. This is the group’s strongest single in years.

EMISUNSHINE/Ninety Miles
Writer: EmiSunshine; Producers: EmiSunshine/Randall Hamilton/Troy Dixon; Publishers: none listed; Little Blackbird
– Considering the fact that she’s just 13, this is an extraordinary song. It is not only loaded with melodic hooks, it deals with the topic of autism in a strikingly mature way. Available now, it is the advance track of a hard-country CD titled Ragged Dreams that’s due on Aug. 25.

RAELYNN/Lonely Call
Writers: RaeLynn/Nicolle Galyon/Rob Hawkins; Producers: Jimmy Robbins/Nicolle Galyon; Label: Warner Music; Publishers: ©2016 Super Big Music / I Take The Bull By The Horns (ASCAP) admin. by Big Machine Music, LLC / Prescription Songs LLC (ASCAP), admin. by Kobalt Songs Music Publishing / Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI) / A Girl Named Charlie (BMI). All rights admin. by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI) / Songs Music Publishing, LLC o/b/o Pneumatic Man (ASCAP), Songs of SMP (ASCAP)
– I don’t like the way her voice is buried in the mix. You have to strain to understand the lyric, and that ain’t the country way.

BRIAN MILSON/I’d Have To Kiss Ya
Label: First Short Road
-Nicely done. He runs into an old flame and resists the urge to rekindle it. Catchy, well crafted and extremely promising.

KEVIN COSTNER & MODERN WEST/Love Shine
Writers: Teddy Morgan/Henry Jack Williams; Publishers: Teddy Morgan/songs of LGME! BMI/ASCAP; Producer: Teddy Morgan; Kevin’s Music
– I have liked this guy’s music from the start. The new single is a doomy, dramatic, minor-key outing that he delivers in a gritty whisper. Despite the dark atmosphere, the overall message is oddly positive. I dig this.

BRETT ELDREDGE/The Long Way
Writers: Brett Eldredge/Matt Rogers; Producers: Ross Copperman/Brett Eldredge; Publishers: Sony/ATV Countryside/Paris Not France Music; BMI;
Ole Canalco Publishing (ASCAP); Atlantic
– Simply put, he is one helluva singer. This addictive, rolling, rhythmic production surrounds a personality-packed performance that ranges from nearly-spoken intimacies to falsetto quasi-yodels. A brilliant performance.

KAREN & THE SHADOWS/Take Me For A Ride
Writers: Karen Pittelman; Producers: Charles Burst; Publishers: Ocean Born Mary, ASCAP; OBM (track)
– Fiddle and steel in Brooklyn? You betcha. This outfit lays down a country-rock groove that’s as solid as anything you’ll hear in Music City. Plus, Karen shows real promise as a songwriter. Recommended.

MARGO PRICE/Paper Cowboy
Writers: Matt Gardner; Producers: Margo Price, Alex Munoz, Matt Ross-Spang & Jeremy Ivey; Publishers: none listed; Third Man
– Yes, I know I reviewed a single by her last week. The thing is, she has TWO new singles on the market. This one is a toe-tapping, stuttering-steel romp wherein she wails about a no-good guy. The surprising, extended instrumental coda is like a splash of cool water in the face. Refreshingly different.