DISClaimer: Trent Harmon’s Star-Making Heartache Ballad

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Trent Harmon

Nostalgia seems to be the order of the day.

The new tracks by Wade Bowen, Mary Chapin Carpenter and The Swon Brothers all have this theme in their lyrics. And if you’re feeling nostalgic about the ‘90s, Carpenter, Michael Peterson and John Berry are all here to refresh your memory about what great talents country produced in that decade.

Dynamic vocalist Trent Harmon has this week’s Disc of the Day.

The DisCovery Award goes to Adrian Johnston’s duet partner Jordan Isaac, who is making his debut in the column today.

THE SWON BROTHERS/What Ever Happened
Writers: Zach Swon/Colton Swon; Producers: The Swon Brothers & Brad Hill; Publishers: none listed; SB (download)
-Breezy, wafting nostalgia for “the good old days.” It sounds like ‘70s pop.

WADE BOWEN/Acuna
Writers: Bowen/Gattis/Freed; Producer: Keith Gattis; Publishers: They Call Me Paul/Gattis/In Stereo, ASCAP/BMI; Bowen
– The good times have faded away and ain’t comin’ back in this rolling, dusty, inescapably “Texas” performance. I have always enjoyed this artist’s work. His new Solid Ground collection includes collaborations with Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall and Jack Ingram.

MICHAEL PETERSON/Lookin’ For Love
Writers: Mallette/Ryan/Morrison; Producers: Steven McClintock, Billy Yates & Michael Peterson; Publishers: EMI/Music City/Bluewater/Southern Days, No performance rights listed; 37 (track)
-Peterson has such extraordinary warmth in his voice that he makes this 1980 classic sound utterly fresh. A glowing performance that’s worth your spins.

CHRIS YOUNG/Hangin’ On
Writers: Chris Young/Corey Crowder/Josh Hoge; Producers: Chris Young/Corey Crowder/Josh Hoge; RCA (track)
– She has him dizzy in love. The track is appropriately swirling and spinning. His vocal is, of course, as super expressive as always.

ADRIAN JOHNSTON & JORDAN ISAAC/Damn I Want A Love Like That
Writers: Maloy/Ottestad; Producer: Zac Maloy; Publishers: none listed; AJ (track)
– Both vocalists are strong, penetrating vocalists. This is as potent a duet performance as I’ve heard so far this year. Highly recommended.

MAGGIE ROSE/Pull You Through
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MR
– I dig this. It has a bluesy, doo-wop, retro feel that is robo cool. She makes the most of its r&b groove with some minor-key swoops and phrasing embellishments.

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER/This Shirt
Writers: none listed; Producer: Ethan Johns; Publishers: none listed; Lambent
– A performance to get lost in. A gentle, echoey, acoustic production backs her intimate, resonant, alto delivery. Complete audio magic. Those of you with long memories might recall the song as being a promotional Sony video back in 1990. Its nostalgic warmth still casts a dreamy spell.

TRENT HARMON/You Got ‘Em All
Writers: Trent Harmon/Justin Ebach/Jordan Minton; Producers: Jimmy Robbins/Scott Borchetta; Publishers: none listed; Big Machine
– Trent pinned everyone’s ears back at CRS when he debuted this powerful, urgent, passionate and super melodic slab of sound. He was the champ on the 2016 American Idol season. Based on this torrid heartache ballad, he just might be that rare AI singer who actually becomes a star.

JOHN BERRY/Beautifully Broken
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; JB (download)
– Chesty, soaring and anthemic. Which seems apt, since it is an upcoming inspirational-movie theme song.

Music Biz To Honor ‘Despacito’ Success During Awards Luncheon

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The Music Business Association will present its Outstanding Achievement Award to record-breaking hit “Despacito,” (by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee along with Justin Bieber on its remix,) at the Music Biz 2018 Awards Luncheon during its 60th annual conference on May 17 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Released on January 13, 2017, “Despacito,” which is primarily sung in Spanish, quickly became a dominant Latin smash, debuting at #2 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart and reaching No. 1 a month later, where it has remained for 42 non-consecutive weeks. A remix featuring Justin Bieber released the following April, jolting “Despacito” to No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart, the first primarily Spanish song to do so since “Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)” in 1996. The track held the top spot for 16 consecutive weeks, and “Despacito” has since become the first-ever Latin single to be certified Diamond by the RIAA with over 10 million sales and track-equivalent streams. It currently reigns as the most-watched video in YouTube history, with over 4.7 billion views. It was also the first primarily Spanish song to top 1 billion streams on Spotify.

“No other song in the past year illustrates so perfectly the way that music overcomes barriers quite like ‘Despacito,’” said James Donio, President of Music Biz. “Throughout 2017, the track dominated more than just the Latin charts, proving that fans will embrace music from cultures and in languages that are foreign to them. We are really excited to recognize the song and the artists’ success at Music Biz 2018.”

“My heartfelt thanks to Music Biz for honoring ‘Despacito’ and its achievements,” said Fonsi. “The amazing response from around the world has been overwhelming in the best possible way. This is an exciting time for Latin music, and I’m just so honored that the world connected to the song, a Spanish song, and to see all of these beautiful countries singing in Spanish. Thanks to Daddy Yankee, Justin Bieber, Erika Ender, Andres Torres, and Mauricio Rengifo. Thanks again to Music Biz and, of course, my fans everywhere!”

The Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes exceptional creative, commercial or charting accomplishments by artists, songwriters and recordings. Previous winners include the Hamilton Original Cast Recording & Mixtape and the Frozen soundtrack.

Registration for Music Biz 2018 is open now at musicbiz2018.eventbrite.com, with special early bird rates available through March 2.

WMA Launches Nashville Office

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Hannah Dudley

Music and entertainment agency WMA has launched its third operation in the United States with the opening of WMA Nashville. The company, which launched in 2013, also has offices in London, New York and Los Angeles.

To head the operation, Hannah Dudley joins the agency as Head of Marketing Strategy. Hannah has 10 years experience in both digital and traditional marketing roles across UK and US labels. Starting at EMI in London, Hannah led digital strategy for artists including The Beatles, David Bowie, Blur and Pink Floyd, before progressing to Head of Digital at Warner UK.

Dudley relocated to Nashville in 2015 and launched her own marketing consultancy, Dream Big Entertainment Group, helping to launch Johnny Marr’s US tour and live album Adrenalin Baby. She was offered a role at Sony Nashville as VP of Marketing Strategy and New Business, overseeing all marketing, brand partnerships and international strategy across the roster, helping to develop new artist signings and established superstars like Carrie Underwood. At Sony, Dudley oversaw album launches for Maren Morris, Kane Brown, Kenny Chesney and Miranda Lambert.

Hannah comments on the launch and new role, “I’m incredibly excited to join the WMA team and launch their Nashville presence. Having worked with WMA on several projects while I was at labels in the UK and here in Nashville, I’ve always loved what they do and found their offering truly sets them apart. Since first visiting Nashville in 2007 to calling it home for almost three years, it’s an absolute gift to be able to use my experience and skills to contribute to such a thriving and exciting scene and with WMA uniquely set to help position artists on a global stage, I’m thrilled to begin this next chapter with them and grateful for Seb’s on-going support.”

Seb Weller, Global CEO and Founder, comments, “I’m delighted to announce our further US expansion with the launch of WMA Nashville. A place that holds so much music history, heritage, and incredible talent. With the continued success of country music on streaming platforms we’re excited to get the chance to help support Nashville based talent and brands with their global digital ambitions. With the addition of Hannah we’re also extremely pleased to welcome another amazing and experienced executive to our 50 strong global WMA team.”

WMA now employs over 50 people across its offices in London, New York, LA and Nashville. The WMA client roster includes brands spanning various sectors such as Universal Music, Sony Music, Warner Music, Kobalt Music Group, Disney, Vevo, Bacardi and Adidas.

For more, visit wma.agency.

Pandora Rolls Out Premium For The Web

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Pandora has announced its Premium service is now available on the web, providing listeners with Pandora radio and the ability to search and play tracks or albums and build playlists or have Pandora build one for them. The Premium service is the most requested platform by Pandora users, since free users of the radio service could listen to their stations via the browser, but previously those who paid for the upgrade couldn’t play their music on-demand, build playlists, or take advantage of any of the paid-only features.

On the new web app, subscribers can search for any track, album, station or playlist and start playing their music on-demand from personalized search results based on listening history. Subscribers to the Premium service are now able to organize favorite songs, albums, stations and playlists in a section called “My Music” for convenient access in the future.

 

Thomas Rhett, Lee Brice And More Set To Play ACM Stories, Songs & Stars Benefit

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The Academy of Country Music’s songwriter event, ACM Stories, Songs & Stars, is set to take place Friday, April 13 at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino as part of the 6th Annual ACM Party for a Cause. Thomas Rhett, Lee Brice, Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally, and Lori McKenna are the first round of performers announced for the special event, with additional performers and attendees, including ACM Songwriter of the Year nominees, to be announced in the coming weeks.

Portions of event proceeds will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, which works to lift lives through the power of music. VIP table seating on the floor will include a cocktail reception and dinner. Tickets starting at $55 are available for purchase now at PartyForaCause.com. For VIP table seating, contact [email protected].

ACM Stories, Songs & Stars is part of the 6th Annual ACM Party for a Cause signature events set to take over the Las Vegas Strip April 12-15, 2018 leading up to and immediately following the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards, which will broadcast live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 15, 2018 on CBS.

Industry Ink: 117 Entertainment, Aloompa, Average Joes Entertainment

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117 Entertainment Adds Heather Trotter

Heather Trotter

117 Entertainment President and CEO, Zach Farnum has announced the addition of Heather Trotter as Publicity Manager. A recent graduate of Baylor University, Trotter was born and raised around the music industry in Franklin, Tennessee.

“I’m so happy to be working with 117. It’s been a long time coming for me to get where I am and I couldn’t be more excited to work with this team and their amazing clients,” said Heather Trotter.

 

Aloompa Adds Sr. Director Of Business Development For Artists And Brands

Josh Baron

Aloompa, the Nashville-based industry-leading behavioral data and event utility software and innovation company, announced the hiring of Josh Baron as Senior Director of Business Development for Artists and Brands.

In this newly developed role, Baron will spearhead Aloompa’s expansion into the artist vertical with the company’s latest product offering, TourApp. An organic outgrowth from Aloompa’s core suite of festival-oriented products, TourApp produces cost-effective event engagements at scale through its ability to deliver in-venue notifications, pre- and post-event messaging, in-venue fan behavioral analytics and introduces new digital assets in the touring space that enable unique brand brand sponsorship and activation opportunities. The company will be making a more formal announcement surrounding several new products ahead of the summer concert season.

 

Average Joes Entertainment Artist Signs With Buddy Lee Attractions

Pictured (L-R): Buddy Lee Attractions’ Jimmy Dasher, Tayler Bock, Amy Aylward; Average Joes’ Andrew Davis; Cypress Spring’s Kalan Miller, Tyler Ackerman and Paul Roche; Buddy Lee Attractions Mike Meade, Aura Guadagno, David Kiswiney

Average Joes Entertainment’s Fastest Rising Band, Cypress Spring, has signed with Buddy Lee Attractions for booking representation.

 

 

In Pictures: Blake Shelton, Sara Evans, RaeLynn, Kalie Shorr, Lindi Ortega

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Blake Shelton And Ryman Hospitalities Donate To City Of Tishomingo

Pictured (L-R): Tom Lokey, Mayor of Tishomingo; Blake Shelton; Travis Stroud, Tishomingo, Oklahoma City Manager; and Charles Haisler, GM Ole Red Tishomingo. Photo: Courtesy of Ole Red​

Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. donated $50,000 of ticket sales from last weekend’s concerts at Ole Red, Shelton’s restaurant, live music venue and retail space in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, to the City of Tishomingo. The money will stay in the community and benefit Pennington Park, including improvements to the current splash pad and the addition of water features.

 

Sara Evans, RaeLynn, Kalie Shorr Kick Off CMT’s Next Women Of Country Tour

Sara Evans headlined the 4th annual CMT Next Women of Country tour launch, kicking off the series with a sold-out show at New York City’s B.B. King’s Blues Club. In addition to sets from Sara and special guests RaeLynn and Kalie Shorr, the packed house was treated to a special encore with the three artists performing a special rendition of the 80’s anthem “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.”

 

Lindi Ortega Previews New Album Liberty At SESAC

Pictured (L-R): Samantha Cantu, Soundly; Stephanie Hudacek, Soundly; Lindi Ortega, artist; Jim Logrando, Craft Services; Michelle Szeto, Paquin Entertainment

Lindi Ortega hosted a listening event for her new album Liberty at SESAC for members of the industry. The new 12-track project, featuring six songs penned by Ortega by herself, is due out March 30.

Big Deal Music Group’s Kenny MacPherson Joins NMPA Board

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The National Music Publishers’ Association has elected Kenny MacPherson to its Board of Directors. As the Founder and President of Big Deal Music Group, Kenny oversees all operations from their headquarters in Los Angeles including their offices in New York, Nashville and London.

“We are very excited our Board has elected Kenny,” NMPA President & CEO David Israelite said. “I know he is deeply passionate about protecting music creators, and I’m thrilled he will be at the table while we work towards that goal.” Israelite added, “Kenny’s rapid growth of Big Deal is a testament to his skill at finding and shepherding talent. His history as a songwriter advocate and business innovator will be a huge asset to us as we work to improve the music licensing landscape so companies like his can thrive.”

“I am honored to have been elected to serve alongside my peers at the NMPA,” said MacPherson. “The NMPA plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights of songwriters and I am thrilled to be able to contribute in any way I can.”

Prior to forming Big Deal Music Group, MacPherson served as President and Senior Executive of Chrysalis Music Division North America, a company he joined in 2001. While at Chrysalis, Kenny and his team signed such acts as Ray LaMontagne, My Morning Jacket, OutKast, St. Vincent, Afghan Whigs, and Dan Wilson. He got his start in publishing in the early 80s, forming Redhead Music Publishing, a venture between Rondor music and Mismanagement, the company that managed Supertramp and other superstars. In 1989, he went to Warner/Chappell, running the company’s New York offices, later moving to the L.A. headquarters. During his 13 years at WCM, MacPherson signed such artists as Radiohead, Underworld, Paul Westerberg, Afghan Whigs, BRMC and the Blue Nile. He began his music career as a concert manager at Glasgow’s Apollo Theatre before becoming Billy Connolly’s tour manager.

Hitmaker Kip Moore Celebrates “More Girls Like You”

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Pictured (L-R): Josh Miller – Songwriter, David Garcia – Songwriter, Kip Moore, Steven Lee Olsen – Songwriter. Photo: Ed Rode

Kip Moore celebrated his fourth No. 1 single, “More Girls Like You,” on Tuesday (Feb. 13), with a celebration at Analog at The Hutton Hotel in Nashville.

The party, hosted by ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe and Michael Martin, as well as BMI’s Bradley Collins, feted Moore and the song’s writers Steven Lee Olsen, Josh Miller, and David Garcia.

The song marks the second No. 1 for ASCAP writer Steven Lee Olsen, following his smash hit “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” recorded by Keith Urban. “More Girls Like You” is the first No. 1 for BMI writer Josh Miller, and the first country radio No. 1 for ASCAP writer David Garcia (known for his hits in the Contemporary Christian market).

Notably, both Garcia and Miller are also writers on the Florida Georgia Line/Bebe Rehxa smash hit, “Meant To Be.”

Others celebrating the chart-topping song included UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Cornman Music’s Nate Lowry, and CMA’s Brandi Simms.

First Tennessee Bank and Pinnacle Bank were the partners for this No. 1 party.

Moore is on the road with Luke Bryan this week, and in March, he will return to Europe’s Country To Country Festival.

Guthrie Trapp Gets A Hand From Vince Gill, Charlie Worsham On New Project

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Session guitarist Guthrie Trapp is set to release Life After Dark, his star-studded second album, on March 9. The new project features some heavy hitters guesting from the blues, soul, jazz and country worlds, including Jimmy Hall, Jeff Coffin, Sam Bush, Vince Gill, and Paul Franklin. Other notable performers on Life After Dark include Stuart Duncan, Bekka Bramlett, Danny Flowers, and Trapp’s friend, Charlie Worsham, who sings on the Don Gibson classic, “Oh Lonesome Me,” an update with a toe-tapping zydeco influence.

“I’m super fortunate to be able to make music with people of this caliber and even more grateful to call them my friends. I know it will always be a fun hang as well as great music,” Trapp says. “That energy translates directly to the music. If you put on ‘Mojo Workin’ while in the car, you’re probably going to start driving faster.”

Gill lent his soprano to Trapp’s Tele-driven version of George Jones’ “You’re Still on My Mind” on the new record, while legendary vocalist Jimmy Hall joins Trapp on the blues classic “Got My Mojo Workin,” one of six cover tunes on the 12-song project.

Trapp cut the record, which features six original songs, at his favorite studio, Nashville’s Sound Emporium A, Cowboy Jack Clement’s old studio. He is currently on tour with John Oates through March 16.