Rodney Atkins Raises Funds For Nashville’s W.O. Smith School

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Pictured (L-R): Jordan Morrison (W.O. School), Greg Hill (Hill Entertainment Group), Melony Wilson (MCGB,LLC), Jim Ed Norman (Curb), Rodney Atkins, Chrysa Kovach (W.O. Smith), Jonah Rabinowitz (W.O Smith), Lynn Adelman (W.O. Smith), Becky Gardenhire (WME), Josh Hunter (Hill Entertainment Group)

Rodney Atkins visited Nashville’s W.O. Smith School, whose mission is to make affordable music instruction available to children from low-income families, on Sept. 14 to donate money raised from his annual “Music City Gives Back” concert.

This year’s seventh annual MCGB on June 6 was headlined by Kip Moore and brought together artists Brett Young, Granger Smith, Cole Taylor and duo Walker McGuire to play the official Nashville hockey tailgate ahead of the Stanley Cup Finals game and to kick off the CMA Festival week’s events all while raising money for a good cause.

W.O. Smith’s Development Coordinator Chrysa Kovach, Program Coordinator Jordan Morrison, Executive Director Jonah Rabinowitz and Assistant Director Lynn Adelman welcomed Rodney to receive the $20,000 check.

DISClaimer: The Week In Americana

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It’s Americana Music week here in Music City, and this edition of DisClaimer celebrates that fact.

There is a lot to like here. So much that we’re giving Disc of the Day prizes in Male, Female and Group categories. All three of them are going to Nashvillians. The Male disc du jour belongs to Derek Hoke. The always reliable Lee Ann Womack nails the Female division. The Group award goes to The McCrary Sisters.

The DisCovery Award goes to Travis Linville. He’s showcasing tonight.

RUSTY YOUNG/Gonna Let It Rain
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Blue Elan (track)
– This longtime mainstay of Poco has recorded his first solo CD, Waitin’ for the Sun. This track from it is on a Blue Elan compilation disc that was in the Americana convention’s goodie bag. It has an inspirational/gospel vibe with organ/guitar backing, loads of vocal harmonies and a deep, pounding rhythm track. Righteous.

CHRIS HILLMAN/Here She Comes Again
Writers: Chris Hillman/Roger McGuinn; Producer: Tom Petty; Publisher: none listed; Rounder (track)
– He’s a Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame member with a musical journey that includes The Hillmen, The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Desert Rose Band and more. This “lost” Byrds tune features chiming guitar, hearty vocal harmonies and a solid, country-rock groove. You’ll find it on Bidin’ My Time, which drops next Friday. Chris Hillman, Herb Pedersen and John Jorgenson will hit Music City to promote it via an Opry appearance on the 30th and a City Winery performance the next night. Be there.

JEFFREY HALFORD & THE HEALERS/Door #3
Writers: Jeffrey Halford; Producer: Adam Rossi/Jeffrey Halford; Publishers: none listed; Shoeless (track)
– This Californian has stripped down his sound to just evocative twang guitar, thumpy drum and bass on his appropriately titled lo-fi dreams CD. This moody, lonely track finds him moaning for love in a dry, dusty, drawling voice. The lyrics are super cool throughout the set. Join this songwriter fan club at once.

LOWLAND HUM/Folded Flowers
Writers: Daniel Goans/Lauren Goans; producers: Daniel/Lauren Goans; Publisher: Daniel Levi Goans/ASCAP; LH (track)
– This folky duo has a current album called Thin that features this laconic, drowsy, lulling ditty. Do not operate heavy machinery while listening.

MICHAEL JOHNATHON/The Dream
Writers: Johnathon; Producer: Johnathon; Publishers: Rachelaubreymusicinc, BMI; Poet Man (track)
– Johnathon is perhaps best-known as the NPR/PBS host of Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour. The title tune of this folk singer’s latest outing features a full orchestra and multi-lingual children’s choirs. With over-the-top sincerity, it yearns for world peace. Thus, the record is being released on the International Day of Peace, which is next Thursday. Not my cup of tea, but whatever floats your boat.

LEE ANN WOMACK/Hollywood
Writers: Lee Ann Womack/Adam Wright/Waylon Payne; Producer: Frank Liddell; Publishers: none listed; ATO (download)
– Sad and ethereal. She sings of a fading relationship while a steel guitar sighs forlornly and a soprano wafts above. Echoey and haunting. Lee Ann’s Americana Week events include her YeeHaw Tent whoop-di-do tonight (Thursday, the 14th) and a Q&A appearance at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Ford Theater at 2 p.m. on Saturday (the 16th). The party for her CD The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone was Wednesday at The Crying Wolf. The collection drops on the 27th.

DEREK HOKE/Bring The Flood
Writers: Derek Hoke/Dexter Green; Producer: Dex Green; Publishers: Slow Hoke/Made With Blank Ink, BMI/ASCAP; Little Hollywood
– This East Nashvillian has a downbeat collection of overcast, shadowy, gloomy and utterly compelling tunes. This is its title track, an unsettling slab of doom with a demonic figure threatening spiritual destruction and soul annihilation. The crunch guitars and shuddering rhythms underscore his swampy vocal. Fascinating and essential.

THE MCCRARY SISTERS/Let It Go
Writers: Deborah Person/Kevin McKendree; Producer: Tommy Sims; Publishers: Person Mac/East Fork, BMI; MCC (track)
– The McCrary Sisters Live CD and DVD is a showcase for how thrillingly accomplished Alfreda, Regina, Deborah and Ann have become as songwriters. There is one cover, of The Staple Singers’ “I’ll Take You There,” but otherwise the set’s tunes are all originals. Deborah’s shoulder-shaking rhythm rocker is about shedding yourself of trials and tribulations. It will make you want to clap your hands, shout and maybe even pick up a tambourine like Regina does during the percussion-solo breakdown. You need the music of these soul-gospel women in your life.

Travis Linville

TRAVIS LINVILLE/Wishes
WRiters: Travis Linville; Producer: Travis Linville; Publishers: none listed; TL (track)
– This Oklahoman is best known as a sideman for Hayes Carll. But with his CD, Up Ahead, he has stepped into his own spotlight this year. Its current single has a buoyant, hopeful lyric delivered in a youthful tenor. Percussion rumbles in the background while his own guitar twangs along. Highly listenable. Catch him this evening, the 14th, at The Country as an Americana showcaser.

SARA PETITE/It Was Just A Kiss
Writer: Sara Petite; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Sweet P, BMI; Sweet P (track)
– This San Diego troubadour recorded her last two CDs in Nashville but for her current Road Less Traveled collection, she relied on her road band back home in California. This country-rock track illustrates how catchy a song crafter she can be, but also reveals her vocal tendency to slide into flat notes.

Shy Carter To Release ‘Tha Fountain Of Juice’ Via Big Yellow Dog Music

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Big Yellow Dog Music’s independent label will soon have another album release under its belt, with the release of R&B singer Shy Carter‘s Tha Fountain of Juice, Vol. 1 on Friday (Sept. 15). Carter wrote and produced all 10 songs on the album.

“It makes me happy when I listen to it because I put everything good in it that I could find,” says the New York-based singer/songwriter/producer. “I tried to filter it out like some good pure clean water and, to me, it’s like an organic anti-depressant pill.”

Carter is known as a co-writer behind songs including Charlie Puth’s “One Call Away,” the Tim McGraw/Faith Hill duet “Speak To A Girl,” and Rob Thomas’ “Someday.” In 2015, Carter’s single “Bring It Back” (ft. Aleon Craft) on Latium/RCA Records earned nearly 4 million streams on Spotify.

Carter’s release is the latest in a lengthy list of albums, EPs and singles released from Big Yellow Dog’s independent music label. Maren Morris initially released her single “My Church” via Big Yellow Dog, before signing with Columbia Nashville. Jessie James Decker has released several seasonal singles and EP through Big Yellow Dog. Adam Sanders, who has had No. 1 singles for Cole Swindell and Dustin Lynch, has released music via Big Yellow Dog Music, while artist-writer Keelan Donovan released his self-titled EP in June.

Tha Fountain of Juice, Vol. 1 can be purchased at iTunes.

Tha Fountain of Juice, Vol. 1 Track Listing:

  1. In My Handz (Shy Carter)
  2. Beautiful to Me (Shy Carter)
  3. Light O Da World (Shy Carter, Todd Steinhardt)
  4. Take It From Me (Shy Carter)
  5. Tha Fountain of Juice Innertube (Shy Carter)
  6. Turn You Out (Shy Carter)
  7. Jehovah Jireh (Shy Carter)
  8. There’s No Reason (Shy Carter)
  9. Winner Winner (Shy Carter)
  10. One Day In Your Courts (Shy Carter)

Pennington Entertainment Signs Kaylee Rose

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Pictured (L-R): Shawn Pennington, Danielle Clement, Kaylee Rose, Cara Kozulak, Kelly Rickert, Nick Estrem

Artist management team Pennington Entertainment, led by Shawn Pennington, has signed developing artist Kaylee Rose. Rose joins Pennington Entertainment’s roster which includes Grammy-nominated duo Thompson Square, Platinum-selling band Parmalee and rising star Hudson Moore.

“Where most are running away from female artists, we couldn’t sign Kaylee fast enough! ” says Pennington. “Her artistry is unique, authentic, and REAL! We are proud to have her join our family!”

Breaking: Shane Tarleton To Lead Artist Development Team For WMN

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Shane Tarleton

Warner Music Nashville Chairman and CEO John Esposito announced the appointment of Shane Tarleton to the newly created position of SVP Artist Development. In its commitment to supporting artist progression and improving team structures, WMN will reformat the existing Brand Management department to better harness the marketing and creative muscle of the company. Under Tarleton’s direction, brand sponsorship, marketing, digital interactive and creative services will all fall within the purview of Artist Development.

“Shane’s creativity, leadership and community involvement render him exquisitely tailored for this position, but it is his artist-sensitive vision that makes him uniquely qualified for such an important role,” said Esposito. “For seven years Shane has been able to translate concepts into video and design realities on behalf of each individual artist. It is only natural that he should expand on that incredible perceptiveness in a larger way, for the benefit of both the company and, more importantly, the artists we serve.”

Tarleton joined Warner Music Nashville as Creative Director in 2010. He was upped from Vice President to Senior Vice President, Creative Services just last month. “I am honored to have this amazing opportunity. We have stellar artists and a brilliant staff and it’s a dream to lead this team to many successes!”

Country Music Hall Of Fame To Unveil Ray Stevens: Everything Is Beautiful Display

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Ray Stevens will be featured as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame’s permanent exhibition, Sing Me Back Home, with a display titled Ray Stevens: Everything Is Beautiful. The display will open Sept. 22, and will commemorate Stevens’ six decades in country music. The items will be displayed through April 2018.

“I am very flattered that the Country Music Hall of Fame has chosen to display some items from my career,” says Stevens. “I can hardly wait to see the items on exhibition myself!”

Among the artifacts on loan to the museum from Stevens include a Spinet keyboard used by Stevens to compose “Everything Is Beautiful,” his Grammy for Best Contemporary Vocal Performance, Male (1970) for “Everything is Beautiful,” his 1975 Grammy for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists for “Misty,” his Nashville Songwriters Association International Hall of Fame induction award (1980), and a Rhinestone-embellished “Coy” fez used in Stevens’ video for “Shriner’s Convention.”

This fall Stevens will open the doors to his new Nashville entertainment venue, CabaRay. The 35,000 square foot live music venue will include a 700-seat showroom, a piano bar, a gift shop as well as television production and recording studios.

WME Signs John Mark McMillan And The Young Escape

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WME has signed two new Christian acts, John Mark McMillan and The Young Escape for representation.

John Mark McMillan is platinum-selling singer songwriter. Over the past year, he has opened for NEEDTOBREATHE and co-headlined The Revelators tour with Josh Garrels. This year he is kicking off a three-month U.S. headlining tour in support of his new album.

The Young Escape is a band hailing from Southern California composed of four siblings. They will support Crowder on tour this Fall, and their new single will be released later this year.

Rhett Akins Enjoys Unprecedented Seven-Year Run On Country Airplay Chart

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Talk about a streak: Rhett Akins has had at least one song in the Country Airplay chart every week for the past seven years straight, including 28 songs that hit the top of the charts during that time period. The Warner/Chappell Nashville writer’s current hits on the charts include this week’s No. 1, Dustin Lynch’s “Small Town Boy,” and Easton Corbin’s “A Girl Like You.” Akins’ song “Kinda Don’t Care” by Justin Moore impacts radio next week.

Akins is the recipient of 29 BMI Awards, as well as six Triple Play Awards, which recognize three No. 1 singles in a 12-month period. Over the course of his impressive career, Akins has been named BMI Songwriter of the Year twice, and his songs have been awarded BMI Song of the Year and ASCAP Song of the Year.

“I write songs I hope people will relate to, so it’s humbling to see these numbers,” said Akins. “It’s also a testament to all the talented artists and co-writers I’ve worked with and to everyone on my team.”

“This unique achievement is further proof that Rhett belongs among country music’s all-time greats,” said Ben Vaughn, President of Warner/Chappell Nashville. “Rhett has been shaping the modern day Country Songbook that we’ve all sang along to each week for the past seven years.”

A full list of Akins’ songs that have been in the Country Top 40 over the seven-year stretch:
1.  Gimmie That Girl – Joe Nichols
2.  Farmer’s Daughter – Rodney Atkins
3.  All About Tonight – Blake Shelton
4.  All Over Me – Josh Turner
5.   Shape I’m In – Joe Nichols
6.   A Buncha Girls – Frankie Ballard
7.   Honey Bee – Blake Shelton
8.   Take a Back Road – Rodney Atkins
9.    Bait a Hook – Justin Moore
10.  This Ole Boy – Craig Morgan
11.   I Don’t Want This Night to End – Luke Bryan
12.   Kick It in the Sticks – Brantley Gilbert
13.   I Can Take It from There – Chris Young
14.   Point at You – Justin Moore
15.   Boys ‘Round Here – Blake Shelton
16.   Hey Girl – Billy Currington
17.    It Goes Like This – Thomas Rhett
18.    Parking Lot Party – Lee Brice
19.    Wild in Your Smile – Dustin Lynch
20.   When She Says Baby – Jason Aldean
21.    Get Me Some Of That – Thomas Rhett
22.    Ready Set Roll – Chase Rice
23.    Small Town Throwdown – Brantley Gilbert
24.    Just Getting’ Started – Jason Aldean
25.    Young & Crazy – Frankie Ballard
26.    Going Out Like That – Reba McEntire
27.    Tonight Looks Good on You – Jason Aldean
28.    That Don’t Sound Like You – Lee Brice
29.     Mind Reader – Dustin Lynch
30.     I Know Somebody – Locash
31.      Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day – Luke Bryan
32.      Dirt on My Boots – Jon Pardi
33.      Star of the Show – Thomas Rhett
34.      A Girl Like You – Easton Corbin
35.      Missing – William Michael Morgan
36.      Small Town Boy – Dustin Lynch

Chris Lane Plots First Headlining Tour

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Big Loud Records artist Chris Lane is set to embark on his first headlining tour, with 18 shows on the books through the fall. His Take Back Home Tour will feature Bailey Bryan, Dylan Schneider and Morgan Wallen on select tour stops.

The trek launches Oct. 25 in Baltimore, Maryland, before visiting cities including Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Columbus, Ohio before wrapping Dec. 15 in Wichita, Kansas.

“I couldn’t be more excited for my first headlining tour. I’ve learned so much as a performer on the road with Florida Georgia Line this summer, so to be able to showcase that and take more music to the fans is a dream come true,” says Lane. “With Bailey, Dylan and Morgan along for the ride, it’s going to be an incredible couple of months.”

Lane’s current single, “For Her,” became his second single to earn gold status, following his debut single “Fix.” His debut album Girl Problems entered the Top 10 on Billboard‘s Country Albums chart. His all-acoustic version of Girl Problems is streaming on digital services. He opened shows for Florida Georgia Line’s The Smooth Tour 2017 and for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s Soul2Soul Tour.

Here’s a complete list of CHRIS LANE’s TAKE BACK HOME TOUR dates:

Oct. 25–  Baltimore, MD #/*
Oct. 27 – Stroudsburg, PA #/*
Oct. 28 – Sayreville, NJ *
Nov. 2 – Patchogue, NY *
Nov. 3 – Atlantic City, NJ *
Nov. 4 – Uncasville, CT *
Nov. 9 – Columbia, MO #/*
Nov. 10 – Minneapolis, MN #/*
Nov. 16 – Baton Rouge, LA #/^
Nov. 17 – Tallahassee, FL #/^
Nov. 25 – Indianapolis, IN #/^
Nov. 30 – Lexington, KY #/^
Dec. 1 – Kansas City, MO #/^
Dec. 2 – Rogers, AR
Dec. 7 – Columbus, OH #/^
Dec. 8 – Rootstown, OH #/^
Dec. 9 – Rosemont, IL #/^
Dec. 15 – Wichita, KS #/^

# – with Bailey Bryan
^ – with Dylan Schneider
* – with Morgan Wallen

Nicole Hoglund And Alyssa Smeykal Join Bandtwango

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The funding platform Bandtwango has added two staffers. Nicole Hoglund has been hired as Director of Client Relations, and Alyssa Smeykal joins the company as Manager of Music Marketing.

Hoglund joins Bandtwango with ten-plus years in corporate marketing as an iPEC certified performance and executive coach for solo entrepreneurs, start-ups and artists. She is also a co-host on the Pixie Success Collective podcast. In her role, she helps clients begin taking action on goals that are needed to grow the business.

“Nicole’s expert skills help build the confidence of those she coaches to achieve goals and realize a clear vision and path to move forward,” says Bandtwango Co-Founder John Alexander. “She is an asset to the vitality of our clients as she helps them find the drive, confidence and community of peers to help navigate this crazy journey of creating their own future!”

Smeykal, a recent graduate of Pennsylvania State University, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Marketing. Most recently she worked as a media temp for the Country Music Association. In her new duties, she will be responsible for marketing Bandtwango artist clients through social media promotion and monitoring and will also play an A&R role for Bandtwango, assisting with artist acquisition.

“We are excited to add Alyssa to our team,” says Alexander. “While at Penn State, she worked with aspiring artists, assisting with marketing and awareness-creation.”

Bandtwango has also enlisted Karen Gale of LOUDMOUTH Entertainment for publicity efforts.