Nathan Chapman has become one of a handful of Nashville producers who have received a Diamond certification for his work. Chapman produced Taylor Swift’s Fearless album in 2009/2010, which has now reached the 10 million sales mark. Chapman joins the ranks of Mutt Lange, Paul Worley and Allen Reynolds as one of the rare Nashville producers with a Diamond country album to his credit.
“I’m so grateful to have been a part of this album,” Chapman said. “Thank you to Taylor Swift for traveling the world to make sure everyone heard these songs. And thank you to Scott Borchetta and the whole team at Big Machine Records. As a producer, you’re responsible for turning in the first copy of the album, but it’s up to the artist and label to sell the other 10 million copies. So it is with them that I share this honor.”
Chapman has racked up an impressive number of awards and honors for his work as a producer and songwriter. He is currently in the studio with Jake Rose, Brynn Elliott and Rosy Wild, artists at Starts With Music, an artist development company he co-founded with hit songwriter/producer Kevin Kadish. Additionally, Chapman is set to release his own song, “Both Still Young,” featuring Tony Lane.
00Lorie Hollabaughhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLorie Hollabaugh2017-12-15 11:07:132017-12-15 11:07:13Nathan Chapman Joins Diamond Producer Club With Taylor Swift’s ‘Fearless’
Earlier this year, North Carolina natives Delta Rae released their debut The Valory Music Co. EP, A Long And Happy Life, featuring the rich harmonies and swirling melody of the title track.
Today (Dec. 15) the band releases a follow-up with the four-song EP The Blackbird Sessions, recorded when the band returned to same the studio where they recorded A Long and Happy Life, Nashville’s Blackbird Studios.
The group had initially intended to record a rendition of “Silent Night,” as a holiday follow-up to the band’s initial single, “No Peace in Quiet.”
“’No Peace in Quiet’ is a ballad I wrote after going through a personal heartbreak, about not being able to find peace in being by myself,” Eric Hölljes tells MusicRow. “We wanted a song that was a little more hopeful as a counterpoint to the sadness and heartbreak of ‘No Peace in Quiet.’ So we went in to record ‘Silent Night.’”
Once in the studio, the band sailed through the recording, and had enough time to put down additional songs during the session. They opted for a new version of ‘No Peace In Quiet,” along with cover versions of the Beatles’ “Blackbird,” and the Eagles’ “Seven Bridges Road.” The self-contained band handled all the musical arrangements for each track during the recording session.
“The music gods were smiling on us that day,” Hölljes says. “In Nashville, everything gets processed and pitched and timed and every note gets scrutinized over. With this record, we just let it fly because we wanted it to be as real as we could be. It was just us being ourselves.”
The cover of the Eagles classic “Seven Bridges Road” is especially fitting, given that Hölljes and his Delta Rae bandmates previously collaborated with Eagles member Don Henley on the song “Tobacco Road.”
“We had put out a song called ‘Bottom of the River,’ and he heard it on SiriusXM,” Eric Hölljes recalls. “He reached out and got us to come add harmonies on his song, so we went into the studio with Don. He knows Garth Brooks and had rented Garth’s studio. Don flew in and we recorded the song there. He’s been so kind to us, and a great mentor. We’ve stayed in touch and he’s helped guide us along the way and gave us his blessing as we’ve ventured to Nashville.
“And, the Eagles are one of the best harmony bands I’ve ever heard and Delta Rae wants to be a great harmony band.”
A full album is in the works.
The Blackbird Sessions EP Track List:
1. Seven Bridges Road (Recorded at Blackbird Studios, Nashville) | Written by Stephen T. Young
Vocals – Brittany Hölljes, Eric Hölljes, Ian Hölljes, Liz Hopkins
Acoustic Guitar – Eric Hölljes, Gideon Klein
Upright Bass – Grant Emerson
Banjo, Mandolin – Gideon Klein
Percussion – Brittany Hölljes, Liz Hopkins
2. No Peace In Quiet (Recorded at Blackbird Studios, Nashville) | Written by Eric Hölljes, Tiffany Goss, Adam Wood
Vocals – Brittany Hölljes, Eric Hölljes, Ian Hölljes, Liz Hopkins
Acoustic Guitar, Piano – Eric Hölljes
Upright Bass – Grant Emerson
Violin – Gideon Klein
3. Silent Night (Recorded at Blackbird Studios, Nashville) | Traditional (Written by Franz Xaver Gruber, Joseph Mohr, John Freeman Young) | Arrangement by Delta Rae
Vocals – Brittany Hölljes, Eric Hölljes, Ian Hölljes, Liz Hopkins
Acoustic Guitar – Eric Hölljes
Upright Bass – Grant Emerson
Cello – Gideon Klein
4. Blackbird (Recorded at Blackbird Studios, Nashville) | Written by John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Vocals – Brittany Hölljes, Eric Hölljes, Ian Hölljes, Liz Hopkins
Acoustic Guitar – Eric Hölljes
Percussion – Brittany Hölljes
00Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2017-12-15 10:21:382017-12-15 10:21:38Delta Rae’s Eric Hölljes Talks New ‘The Blackbird Sessions’ EP, Encouragement From Don Henley
Pictured (L-R): Leslie Roberts, Jody Williams, and Ruby Joy Ketchum Photo: Courtney Craun
Ruby Joy Ketchum, daughter of award-winning singer/songwriter Hal Ketchum and celebrity stylist Gina Ketchum, has signed with BMI for exclusive representation.
Two of Ketchum’s original songs will be featured in the soundtrack of a Disney feature film being released in early 2019 (title not yet released), and she will travel to Ireland in the New Year to work with fellow writers on an upcoming BBC-TV program. Ketchum will also release new music and debut her Youtube channel in early 2018.
“There’s always an extra reason to celebrate when the daughter or son of a successful BMI songwriter follows in their footsteps and signs with us. Such is the case with Ruby, whose father Hal Ketchum, signed with BMI at the beginning of his career. Ruby is a breath of fresh air, just as her dad was when he emerged on the scene. We are thrilled to welcome Ruby into the BMI family!” says Jody Williams, VP creative of BMI Nashville.
“Having grown up going to BMI No. 1 parties and having the awards hang on our walls at home, I am excited to now myself be a member of the amazing family and community of songwriters here,” says Ketchum. “My mom and dad introduced me on the Opry Stage when I was 11 days old. I literally took my naps in my dad’s guitar case.”
00Lorie Hollabaughhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLorie Hollabaugh2017-12-15 10:08:332017-12-15 10:08:33Ruby Joy Ketchum Signs With BMI
Songwriter Dean Dillon and BMI will return to “the last great Colorado ski town” to present the fourth annual Mountain High Music Festival on Jan. 10-13, 2018 in Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado.
Music lovers will be able to hear music from chart-topping songwriters and artists, including Toby Keith, Kellie Pickler, Scotty Emerick, William Michael Morgan, and festival architect, Dean Dillon.
Others performing include The Voice winner Sundance Head, Kendall Marvel, Sonia Leigh, Tracy Byrd, Shane Minor and Jessie Rice.
A live auction will be held each night of shows featuring exclusive, one-of-a-kind items to benefit local community organization’s Tough Enough To Wear Pink and Adaptive Sports organizations. The Adaptive Sports Center provides high-quality adventure activities for individuals with disabilities in and around Mt. Crested Butte year-round. Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink is a nationally-recognized campaign for rodeos and western events that aims to promote breast cancer awareness and fundraising to benefit local communities. All money raised assists the residents of Gunnison and Hinsdale counties providing support in education, mammograms, ultrasounds and further diagnosis.
The songwriter festival was responsible for Dillon’s latest biopic, which was recently previewed in Franklin, Tennessee.
00Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2017-12-15 10:03:002017-12-15 10:03:00Dean Dillon’s Mountain High Music Festival Set For January
South Carolina native Lewis Brice possesses a muscular voice that is at once soulful and rough around the edges—a natural fit for an artist who drew as much inspiration from ‘90s rock band Fuel as he did from blues and country artists.
Musical talent is deep in the family roots for Lewis and his brother (and fellow country artist) Lee Brice, whose mother was part of a family vocal group, The Lewis Sisters. After following his brother to Nashville, Lewis appeared on CMT’s Can You Duet in 2010, where he made it to the Top 8. He also starred in his brother’s video for the award-winning “I Drive Your Truck.”
During a recent visit to the MusicRow office, Brice performed three songs, including what he calls the “half-true” story in his current single, “Best Ex Ever,” as well as “Outta My Mind.”
His muscular voice was its rugged best on “Messin’ With My Mind,” a passionate take on a confusing relationship.
“I really thought for the longest time that she really wanted to connect in more of a serious relationship, and I got to the point where I wanted to make it a serious relationship. So I took her to a real nice dinner and I was like, ‘Let’s make this official, just you and I, boyfriend and girlfriend.’ But she wanted to stay friends and hang out nonchalantly. I was cool with that, and we talked about other things and hung out and had a good time at dinner.
Lewis Brice with MusicRow staffers.
“Two days later I get a phone call from my buddy, saying, ‘Are you still seeing that girl?’ I said, ‘I hung out with her two nights ago. Things are going good, we are friends and hanging out.’ He was like, ‘Interesting, well have you seen her Facebook lately? She’s done gone and got engaged.’ So yeah, that’s when I wrote ‘Messin’ With My Mind.’”
All three tracks are from Brice’s self-titled six-song EP, which released earlier this year via Straight 8 Entertainment and Kobalt Music Recordings. The album was executive produced by Lee Brice, and produced by Lewis Brice, Brian Bunn, Ben Simonetti and Dan Frizell.
Brice says there is more to come in 2018.
“I’ve got a whole bunch of new music I’m working on, and next year is going to be a great year,” Brice says.
Pictured (L-R): Back Row – Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar, BMLG’s Allison Jones and Malcolm Mimms, Valory’s Ashley Sidoti and George Briner, L3 Entertainment’s Neil Vance and Steve Mekler, Safford Motley’s Scott Safford. Front Row – BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Tyler Rich, L3 Entertainment’s Peter Hartung
Big Machine Music and The Valory Music Co. have signed Tyler Rich to both publishing and recording deals. The California native began working with the label group early in 2017, and is on the road with Dustin Lynch’s The Ride or Die Tour.
The Valory Music Co. GM George Briner comments, “Tyler Rich is a great performer and his talents shine through in quick fashion. He’s already built a strong social following and we’re excited for everyone to hear why all of us at The Valory Music Co. are over the top about Tyler.”
Tyler officially joins The Valory Music Co. imprint’s roster, which includes Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett, Reba McEntire, Justin Moore, Eli Young Band and Delta Rae.
“When I moved to Nashville, I could have never dreamed that working with this hard-working label would even be possible. I can’t imagine a better team and stronger force behind me than Scott Borchetta, George Briner and my entire Valory family,” said Rich. “I’m just beyond words and so excited for what’s to come as an artist and also a songwriter on Big Machine Music. To my fans, I can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on with all of you, LETS GO!”
Tyler is managed by L3 Entertainment in Nashville.
00Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2017-12-14 16:11:402017-12-14 16:11:40Tyler Rich Signs Label, Publishing Deals With Valory, Big Machine Music
Nashville has always taken the lead when it comes to holiday music.
The city’s artists have given us such standards as “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Mary Did You Know,” “Blue Christmas,” “Reindeer Boogie,” “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “Tennessee Christmas,” “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy,” “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Pretty Paper,” “Kentucky Homemade Christmas,” “Santa Claus Is Watching You” and “Christmas Time’s A-Comin.’”
Today’s stack of platters includes Yule offerings from some of Nashville’s biggest country stars. But it is the city’s CCM community that comes away with top honors.
TobyMac wins the Disc of the Day. Hannah Kerr earns the DisCovery Award.
JENNIFER HANSON/Under The Tree Writers: J. Hanson; Producers: Jennifer Hanson/Nick Brophy; Publishers: none listed; JH (track)
– The track sounds like crystalline falling snow. Her winsome vocal exudes warmth and sincerity. The super melodic song is a jewel. This lady’s holiday four-song EP is essential.
TWIN KENNEDY/Cold Weather Writers: Carli Kennedy/Julie Kennedy; Producers: Dustin Olyan/Twin Kennedy; Publishers: Twin Kennedy; Factor (Canada)
– These sisters from British Columbia accompany themselves on fiddle and guitar, which forms the basis of their gentle acoustic sound. They also harmonize beautifully on this ultra-romantic song. Very pretty. The album is called A Twin Kennedy Christmas.
TOBYMAC/Bring On The Holidays Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Capitol/Forefront
– Naturally, Nashville’s CCM world embraces this season enthusiastically. This veteran of the genre kicks off his Light of Christmas CD with this jaunty pop rocker. The pulsing production is as irresistible as his tenor vocal. Highly recommended.
NORA COLLINS/Christmas Kiss Writers: Collins/Arthur; Producer: Tony Harrell; Publishers: none listed; MV2 (track)
– This pert soprano’s six-song holiday offering is titled It Must Be Christmas. Its single is a slow, sweetly romantic ballad about waking up to a special smooch on Christmas morning. Languid and lulling.
REBA McENTIRE, KELLY CLARKSON & TRISHA YEARWOOD/Silent Night Writers: Franz Xaber Gruber/Joseph Mohr/John Freeman Young; Producer: Greg Kurstin, Publisher: PD; Rockin R/Nash Icon
– Leave it to these three stellar vocalists to turn this most familiar of Christmas standards into an enchanting new audio experience. Kelly leads off, followed by Trisha with Reba taking the third verse. Throughout, the three voices echo softly in harmony in the background. Hang on for the trio-harmonized a cappella finale. It will stop you in your tracks. You’ll find it on Reba’s CD My Kind of Christmas, which also contains collaborations with Darius Rucker, Lauren Daigle and Vince & Amy.
BALSAM RANGE/Christmas Lullaby Writers: Doc Watson; Producer: Balsam Range; Publishers: Hillgreen/Budde, BMI; Mountain Home
-The bluegrass genre’s holiday entry, It’s Christmas Time, comes from this 10-time IBMA awarded band. The group’s trademark, flawless, hearty harmonies and deft picking are paired with The Nashville Recording Orchestra. The mixture of banjo and fiddle with lush, soaring strings is an unexpected delight. Well worth your spins.
BLAKE SHELTON/Christmas Eve Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros.
-His heartbroken lead vocal on this downbeat waltz is dandy. He remains such a superb country singer. The track is marred by the presence of a kiddie chorus.
SHANE OWENS/Christmas in Dixie Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; AmeriMonte (CDX)
– This honky tonker’s revival of Alabama’s 1983 holiday classic is a welcome reminder of what a cool song it is. Winning and warm.
LUKE BRYAN/O Holy Night Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Capitol (CDX)
– His accent just feels out of place on this loveliest of Christmas melodies. To his credit, he does take the octave-leap finale in stride.
HANNAH KERR/Emmanuel Writers: Hannah Kerr/Andy Gullahorn/Jill Phillips; Producer: Mark Miller; Publishers: Songs of Black River/The Gullahorns, ASCAP; Black River Christian
– This is the title tune of a six-song EP that introduces Black River’s first entry into the CCM field. Her soft, airy delivery gives the lilting ballad extraordinary intimacy and presence, particularly when her co-writers add their lovely, lacy harmony voices. I was hanging on every phrase, mesmerized.
00Robert K Oermannhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngRobert K Oermann2017-12-14 13:58:482017-12-14 13:58:48DISClaimer: TobyMac, Hannah Kerr Release Top Christmas Offerings
The Country Music Hall of Fameand Museum is partnering with the Ford Motor Company Fund for the museum’s ninth Ford Community Day on December 17. Museum admission on that day will be free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as a way to say thank you to the Middle Tennessee community and reward lucky out-of-town visitors.
Tours of Hatch Show Print and Historic RCA Studio B will also be free that day and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors can also choose from a variety of programs and events throughout the day including Songwriter Sessions with Paul Overstreet and Jesse Lee, a Musician Spotlight with Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, beginnner banjo lessons, and a performance from Kane Brown.
Although the brief performance by Kane Brown will be free, a program pass will be required for admittance. Guests can make reservations beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. A limited number of program passes will also be available at the museum on Sunday. For additional programming information or to make a reservation for this performance, visit countrymusichalloffame.org/ford.
“As a non-profit organization and one of the leading arts institutions in the United States, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum makes it a priority to give back to the local community,” said Steve Turner, chairman of the museum’s board of officers and trustees. “Each year, the Ford Motor Company Fund generously allows the museum to open its doors for free to the public. We are grateful for their support and excited to make the museum available to our community for what is sure to be a memorable day.”
Ford Community Day visitors who show their Ford key will receive 10 percent off purchases in the Museum Store, Circa and Hatch Show Print, and on food and beverage purchases at Red Onion and Bajo Sexto (excludes alcohol and gift certificates). Visitors who wish to purchase a museum membership on this day will receive a 20 percent discount on any Individual or Family Level membership. The discount will be honored on December 17 at the membership desk and online.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/10160721/CMHOF-390x260-1.png260390Lorie Hollabaughhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLorie Hollabaugh2017-12-14 12:56:212017-12-14 12:56:21Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum Offers Free Community Day Dec. 17
Lee Roy Parnell has signed exclusively with New Frontier Touring for worldwide booking representation. Parnell’s latest project, Midnight Believer, was released earlier this year by Vector Recordings/BFD and is available on all digital platforms.
“I am very pleased and excited to be working with Paul Lohr, Trip Brown and New Frontier!” states Lee Roy Parnell. “We share the vision moving forward in my career and 2018 could very well be my best year ever!”
“New Frontier is thrilled to be working with Lee Roy,” reflects New Frontier Owner/President Paul Lohr. “We have been fans of his singing, guitar playing and songwriting for years, and look forward to a great future together!”
00Lorie Hollabaughhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLorie Hollabaugh2017-12-14 12:04:472017-12-14 12:04:47Lee Roy Parnell Signs With New Frontier Touring
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is partnering with the Ford Motor Company Fund for the museum’s ninth 