DisClaimer: Bluegrass In The Springtime

/by

Today’s stroll through the field of bluegrass is as refreshing as springtime.

Highlights include outstanding outings by such stars of the genre as The Grascals, The Infamous Stringdusters and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver.

Finishing in a dead heat for Disc of the Day are the chart-topping Lonesome River Band and the reigning Vocal Group of the Year Flatt Lonesome.

Our DisCovery Award goes to The Farm Hands.

LONESOME RIVER BAND/Wrong Road Again
Writers: Allen Reynolds; Producers: Lonesome River Band; Publishers: Universal Songs of PolyGram, BMI
– Perched at No. 1 on the current bluegrass chart is this lively remake of Crystal Gayle’s 1974 country smash. Award winning Sammy Shelor’s rippling banjo leads the sprightly way with the stellar harmony singing of his band mates turning the tune into an extra audio delight. This veteran group has long been one of my faves. Here’s one more reason why.

DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER/Life To My Days
Writers:Jerry Salley/Lee Black/Devin McGlamery; Producers:Doyle Lawson; Publishers: Banner/Extry Good/Christian Taylor/Winding Way/Dixie River, SESAC/BMI/ASCAP
– Year after year, bandleader and Bluegrass Hall of Famer Lawson attracts and trains his genre’s finest vocalists. This philosophical song about making the most of your time on earth deservedly enters the bluegrass top-10 this month.

THE GRASCALS/Sleepin’ With the Reaper
Writers: Becky Buller/Grant Williams; Producers: The Grascals; Publishers: Goodnight Sparky/Fun Money, BMI
– The new album by these Nashville favorites is titled Before Breakfast, and it kicks off with this haunting story song. The married guy gets in over his head with a temptress who has dark intentions. Co-writer Buller, by the way, has a new solo CD coming out next month.

VALERIE SMITH & LIBERTY PIKE/Small Town Hero
Writers: Sarah Majors/Penny Clark/Katy Clark; Producers: Valerie Smith; Publishers: Nashgrass/Sony-ATV Harmony, ASCAP
– A couple of counties south of Music City lies the charming village of Bell Buckle, TN. Smith rules the bluegrass kingdom there, issuing a string of homemade CDs. Her sturdy, earnest voice anchors this ode to small-town values. It’s the theme song of her current collection, Small Town Heroes.

DONNA ULISSE/Back Home Feelin’ Again
Writers: Donna Ulisse/Marc Rossi; Producers: Doyle Lawson; Publishers: Uncle Hadley/Marc My Words, ASCAP
– Singer-songwriter Ulisse is a leading light of today’s influx of female bluegrass performers. She’s currently midway up the Bluegrass Unlimited chart and climbing with this lilting, winsome, nostalgic ditty. She is the reigning Bluegrass Songwriter of the Year whose current collection is titled Breakin’ Easy.

STEVE MARTIN & THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS/Caroline
Writers: Steve Martin; Producers: Peter Asher; Publishers: None listed
– Movie star Martin is merely an adequate banjo player. The Steep Canyon Rangers are a somewhat average band. But in this case, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Together, they create delightful listening experiences like this comedic tune about a guy who can’t help talking about his ex while on a dinner date. Taken from The Long Awaited Album (yes, that’s the CD’s title), it has just entered the charts.

THE FARM HANDS/Rural Route
Writers: Daryl Mosley; Producers: Lonnie Lassiter & Ethan Burkhardt; Publishers: Songs of Daryl, ASCAP
– Everyone is picking their brains out here, guitar and dobro, in particular. The toe-tapping tune skips along with a built-in smile. The band lacks a distinctive lead vocalist, but when the four members sing together in harmony, magic happens. Other highlights of its new Colors CD include remakes of “Nashville Skyline Rag,” “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like My Daddy Anymore” and “Sin City.”

THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS/What’s Going On
Writers: Brooks/Cleveland/Gaye; Producers: James Tuttle & Jon Gold; Publishers: none listed
– Marvin Gaye goes bluegrass? I’m afraid so, complete with a dazzling acoustic instrumental jam in mid song. These hot-picking crazies are in the midst of a series of cover recordings of rock classics. The current batch also includes tunes by My Morning Jacket, The Allman Brothers, Daft Punk and The Cure.

SHANNON SLAUGHTER/That Old Country Road
Writers: Rusey Hendrix/Shannon Slaughter; Producers: Wes Easter, Randy Kohrs & Shannon Slaughter; Publishers: Sonic Hill/Elite Circuit, no performance rights listed
– Slaughter is perhaps best known in bluegrass circles as a songwriter for Blue Highway, Lonesome River Band, IIIrd Tyme Out, Lou Reid, Larry Stephenson and others. His second solo CD, Never Standing Still, illustrates that he’s a fine interpreter of his own stuff. His homespun tenor conveys loads of warmth on this jaunty romantic ditty.

FLATT LONESOME/All My Life
Writers: Paul Harrigill/Tim Stafford; Producers: Flatt Lonesome & Danny Roberts; Publishers: Truegrass/Daniel House, BMI
– With two consecutive IBMA Vocal Group of the Year honors under its belt, Flatt Lonesome is flying high. It’s a measure of how great these six musicians are that this somber yet uptempo hit single isn’t even the strongest track on its CD Silence In These Walls. The absolutely jaw dropping gospel ballad “Draw Me Near,” the heart-tugging, lovelorn “It’s Just Sad” and the soaring, contemplative “Where Do You Go” are just three other standouts on an album that has brilliance around every corner. You won’t find better country picking and singing anywhere on this planet.

Golden Woman: Maren Morris Celebrates First No. 1 Song

/by

Pictured (L-R): busbee, Laura Veltz, Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins. Photo: John Shearer [Click photo to enlarge]

Last night (Feb. 21), Maren Morris returned to what she called “the scene of the crime,” when she brought the Music City community to music venue The Crying Wolf in East Nashville, the place where Morris held her debut album launch party two years ago, and also where she shot the cover for her debut Columbia Nashville album, Hero.

On this evening, Morris and company were celebrating her first solo No. 1 single, “I Could Use A Love Song.”

“I remember three or four years ago coming to the No.1 party for Little Big Town’s ‘Tornado’” recalled Morris, a BMI songwriter. “I was standing at the back at BMI and just thinking, ‘I want to have that validation someday. I want to be making a speech like this and Jody Williams always assured me that I would someday.”

She also thanked her co-writers Jimmy Robbins and Laura Veltz, as well as longtime champions, Big Yellow Dog Music’s Carla Wallace, and her manager Janet Weir.

“Carla, you were one of the first people to sit me down and forcefully say, ‘You are an artist. You’re not just a writer. Stop saying you are just a writer, cause that’s not true. I remember really needing that fire under my a**. Janet, thank you for getting so excited with me about my demos. I feel like I can talk to you about anything and you are right there with me. You inspire me every day to be the example to someone, that you don’t need to be a b**ch to get things done.

“This is the speech I’ve wanted to make for so long,” she continued, tearing up before thanking her husband-to-be, fellow artist Ryan Hurd. “Ryan, I really could have used a love song years ago and every day you give that to me. I can’t wait to marry you next month.”

“I Could Use A Love Song,” which has also been certified Gold, is the third single from Morris’ debut album on Columbia Nashville.

“No matter how long of a career I get, this will always be one of the most important ones I’ve been a part of,” said ASCAP writer Jimmy Robbins. “You are two of my favorite people in the world.” He also gave thanks to busbee, Weir, as well as to Round Hill and Columbia Nashville, and to his wife Sarah Robbins.

“She was still working at Big Yellow Dog when this song happened, and it was because of her that the session happened. You are everything. You are amazing. The biggest gift ever was that this song went No.1 the week our first baby was born. So I felt like it was God saying, ‘You know, Sarah, you are awesome.’”

Front Row (L-R): busbee, Laura Veltz, Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins. Back Row (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, BMLG’s Mike Molinar, BMI’s Jody Williams, Big Yellow Dog’s Carla Wallace, Sony Nashville’s Randy Goodman, Janet Weir, and Round Hill’s Josh Saxe. Photo: John Shearer [Click photo to enlarge]

BMI writer Laura Veltz was moved to tears, saying, “This is a very meaningful day. These two people are my community. I moved to Nashville 10 years ago…I’m so thankful for Nashville and I love this community of people so much.”

Among those celebrating were Big Yellow Dog’s Carla Wallace, Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar, Round Hill Music’s Sarah Robbins and Mark Brown, Sony Music Nashville’s Randy Goodman and Shane Allen, and Morris’ co-producer on the track busbee.

Others who were on hand to celebrate include MusicRow Magazine’s Sherod Robertson, CMA’s Brandi Simms, and Country Aircheck’s Lon Helton, who noted that Morris is a rare artist to have earned Grammy, CMA, and ACM Awards, all before notching her first solo No. 1 song. Pinnacle Bank was also a partner at the No. 1 party.

“What’s going on with Sony Music Nashville now, in the past three years was defined in such a huge part by you Maren and you Janet,” Sony’s Randy Goodman said. “You have redefined the legacy of these great imprints, of Columbia and brought a new sense of purpose and focus for us and you chose to plant your flag with us and we will never, ever forget that. It has defined who we are and the success that we are having. We are very, very proud of that.

“Your decision to come with us and be with us meant the world. It changed our dynamic, it changed our culture, it changed our future and I can’t tell you how much that means and Janet you are part of that as well. Thank you for believing in us. That has meant the world.”

BMLG Records Adds Riley Green To Roster

/by

Pictured (L-R): Back Row – BMLG Records SVP Promotion Matthew Hargis, BMLG Records National Director of Promotion Michelle Kammerer, BMLG CMO Mike Rittberg, Rogue Management’s Joe Lee, Greenberg Traurig attorney Jess Rosen, BMLG EVP of Legal Affairs Malcolm Mimms; Front Row – BMLG Records President/BMLG EVP Jimmy Harnen, Riley Green, and BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta

Riley Green is having a good week. He has just been announced as the newest artist on the BMLG roster, following the announcement of his signing to music publisher Warner/Chappell Nashville earlier this week.

The Alabama native joins an imprint which includes Florida Georgia Line, Brett Young, Drake White, Danielle Bradbery and Ryan Follese. Led by President Jimmy Harnen, BMLG Records recently celebrated its 25th No. 1 radio hit.

“As the industry shifts and musical tastes change, we will continue to stay on the cutting edge of how artists connect and break through,” says BMLG’s Scott Borchetta. “Understanding all media and opening new doors is essential. Riley has great natural instincts on how to connect in our multimedia world and is perfectly suited to take full advantage of BMLG’s entire platform.”

“Last November I first heard Riley’s music and instantly became a HUGE fan!” exclaimed Harnen. “Shortly after that I experienced two sold-out shows with screaming fans each night singing along to every word. Riley is one of the most charismatic, yet down to earth people I’ve ever met so we are WAY in!”

“I signed with BMLG Records because they truly love my music,” added Green. “They are very passionate about what they do and understand what I’m trying to do. I felt like I was a part of their team as soon as I met Jimmy Harnen. His love for music and the artist is obvious. I’m confident they will be able to get my message out to country music fans everywhere.”

Green’s original music has already tallied millions of streams while his latest music video for “Bury Me In Dixie” has been viewed over a million times since last fall. An avid outdoorsman, Green is also known for starring in his own hunting show on DirtRoadTV.

Crosshair Music, GrassRoots Promotion Partner For Country Streaming Initiative

/by

Crosshair Music and GrassRoots Promotion are joining forces in an initiative to bring country radio programmers into the Crosshair streaming and social media influencer network.

Crosshair Music has developed a delivery and review web app that allows artists to have their music heard and reviewed by leading streaming and social media influencers. This program leads to increased streams and exposure for new music, and GrassRoots will assist in identifying and developing streaming playlists from country radio programmers nationally.

“We are excited to add radio stations to our ever-expanding influencer network,” said Crosshair founder Garrison Snell said.”This network will continue to provide new promotional opportunities to independent artists and to encourage the creative usage of a song.”

”Radio programmers are the original influencers, and utilizing station and programmer playlists to maximize streaming follows naturally and complements traditional radio airplay,” said GrassRoots Promotion Managing Partner Nancy Tunick.

Crosshair is a subsidiary of the Nashville digital marketing agency Gryrosity Projects, which launched in 2014 and already employs 16. GrassRoots Promotion is a 21-year music marketing company specializing in radio promotion, social media and project management.

The Peach Pickers’ 5th Annual Georgia On My Mind Concert Set For June

/by

The Peach Pickers, Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip, are hosting their annual benefit concert, “Gretsch Presents the 5th Annual Georgia On My Mind” benefit concert at the Ryman Auditorium on June 26. Tickets for the event go on sale Feb. 23.

“For Ben, Rhett and I, it’s almost like organizing a bonfire party in South Georgia every year. We call our friends, they call their friends and we all get together, play the songs we love and tell stories,” said Davidson, who chairs the Georgia Music Foundation. “The fact that the last four concerts have allowed us to donate nearly $300,000 to the Georgia Music Foundation and support music education programs all over our home state just blows our minds.”

The lineup for this year’s event will be announced in the coming months, and The Peach Pickers hand-pick a star-studded group of friends to celebrate the music of the Peach State at each show, with proceeds benefiting the Georgia Music Foundation. Tickets are $54.50 and $44.50 and will be available via Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, ryman.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famers Pat Alger and Tony Arata will be on hand to perform and receive the Georgia Music Foundation Flamekeeper Award at the event, an award given since 2014 to individuals whose tireless work preserves and promotes Georgia’s musical roots and traditions. Past recipients include Jason Aldean, Deanna Brown-Thomas, daughter of James Brown, Karla Redding-Andrews, Dexter Redding and Otis Redding III, and Georgia Governor Nathan Deal.

Fundraising Campaign Launched For Family Of Daryle Singletary

/by

Daryle Singletary

Franklin Synergy Bank has organized an official fundraising account to benefit the family of late country singer Daryle Singletary, who died on Feb. 12, 2018. Singletary left behind his wife Holly and their four young children, Mercer, Jonah, Charlotte and Norah.

According to the YouCaring site, funds will be used for all family and funeral expenses. The fundraiser aims to raise $100,000.

To donate, visit youcaring.com. Checks can be sent to The Daryle Singletary Foundation: Keepin’ It Country at the following address:

Franklin Synergy Bank
c/o The Daryle Singletary Foundation: Keepin’ It Country
Attn: Ellen May
33 Music Square West, Unit 110B
Nashville, TN 37203

Patrick Droney Signs With Kobalt

/by

Pictured (L-R): Jesse Willoughby, Kobalt; Darrell Franklin, Three Ring Music; Patrick Droney; Kevin Lane, Kobalt; Stephanie Cox, Kobalt | Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kobalt Music. [Click to enlarge photo]

Kobalt has signed singer/songwriter and guitar virtuoso Patrick Droney. The worldwide agreement includes publishing administration for Droney’s future works.

“Patrick is an incredible talent and everyone on the team is beyond excited to be working with him,” said Kobalt General Manager, Nashville, Jesse Willoughby. “We’re grateful he’s chosen us to join his already great team of G Major Management. Welcome to the family Patrick, can’t wait to see what’s in store for you and look forward to growing your career.”

Named “Best Young Blues Guitarist” by the Robert Johnson Foundation at age 13, Droney spent his formative years touring with the likes of BB King, James Brown and Elvis Costello. After attending Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU, Droney placed songs in a number of network TV shows and attracted the attention of musical instrument manufacturer Fender (FMIC) as one of their go-to artist ambassadors. In 2017 the now-25-year-old signed with G Major Management and is currently working on his debut project, slated for release in 2018.

“I am so thrilled to be partnering with Kobalt,” said Droney. “Kobalt’s forward-thinking approach along with their passion and commitment to creators is hugely inspiring to me as an artist and songwriter. Being a part of their global roster allows me to work without boundaries, both geographically and creatively. I am so looking forward to what’s to come with this incredible team.”

Ashley Gorley Makes CMA Triple Play Awards History, 14 Other Writers Honored

/by

Pictured (L-R): Sony/ATV Music Publishing President and CEO and CMA Board member Troy Tomlinson, Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley, Brad Warren, Josh Osborne, Jesse Frasure, Brett Warren, Trevor Rosen, Ben Hayslip, Matthew Ramsey, Brad Tursi, Ross Copperman, and CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern. Photos by Donn Jones Photography [Click photo to enlarge]

Ashley Gorley made history Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 20) during the CMA’s ninth annual Triple Play Awards, when he received three trophies for his whopping nine No. 1 songs, which brings his all-time total to 11 Triple Play Awards. The honors make Gorley the most-awarded Triple Play recipient of all time.

Shane McAnally was also recognized during the luncheon for his six chart-toppers, while Thomas Rhett and his father Rhett Akins both received honors as well, marking the first time a father and son received Triple Play Awards in a single year.

The private industry luncheon held at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works recognizes writers who have penned three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period based on the Country Aircheck, Billboard Country Airplay and Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. This year honored Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman, Zach Crowell, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Ben Hayslip, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Matthew Ramsey, Thomas Rhett, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi, Brad Warren, and Brett Warren.

Throughout the ceremony, videos recorded by each songwriter played before each award was presented, ranging from heartfelt congratulations to hilarious skits.

A special CMA Songwriters Series show featuring Copperman, McAnally and The Warren Brother took place Tuesday evening following the Triple Play Awards luncheon. McAnally hosted the event, and the four songwriters performed several of their hits for the crowd.

Rhett Akins
“Star Of The Show,” recorded by Thomas Rhett
“Dirt On My Boots,” recorded by Jon Pardi
“Small Town Boy,” recorded Dustin Lynch

Ross Copperman
“Wanna Be That Song,” recorded by Brett Eldredge
“Black,” recorded by Dierks Bentley
“If I Told You,” recorded by Darius Rucker

Zach Crowell
“Dirty Laundry,” recorded by Carrie Underwood
“Body Like A Back Road,” recorded by Sam Hunt
“Do I Make You Wanna,” recorded by Billy Currington

Jesse Frasure
“Dirt On My Boots,” recorded by Jon Pardi
“Road Less Traveled,” recorded by Lauren Alaina
“No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” recorded by Old Dominion

Ashley Gorley
“American Country Love Song,” recorded by Jake Owen
“Middle of a Memory,” recorded by Cole Swindell
“Dirty Laundry,” recorded by Carrie Underwood
“A Guy With a Girl,” recorded by Blake Shelton
“Today,” recorded by Brad Paisley
“Dirt On My Boots,” recorded by Jon Pardi
“Black,” recorded by Dierks Bentley
“Do I Make You Wanna,” recorded by Billy Currington
“Unforgettable,” recorded by Thomas Rhett

Ben Hayslip
“Mind Reader,” recorded by Dustin Lynch
“Huntin’, Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day,” recorded by Luke Bryan
“Star Of The Show,” recorded by Thomas Rhett

Sam Hunt
“Make You Miss Me”
“I Met a Girl,” recorded by William Michael Morgan
“Body Like A Back Road”

Shane McAnally
“Different For Girls,” recorded by Dierks Bentley featuring Elle King
“I Met a Girl,” recorded by William Michael Morgan
“Body Like A Back Road,” recorded by Sam Hunt
“If I Told You,” recorded by Darius Rucker
“Drinkin’ Problem,” recorded by Midland
“Unforgettable,” recorded by Thomas Rhett

Josh Osborne
“Make You Miss Me,” recorded by Sam Hunt
“Setting the World On Fire,” recorded by Kenny Chesney featuring P!nk
“Body Like A Back Road,” recorded by Sam Hunt

Matthew Ramsey
“Make You Miss Me,” recorded by Sam Hunt
“Song for Another Time,” recorded by Old Dominion
“No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” recorded by Old Dominion

Thomas Rhett
“Die A Happy Man”
“Star Of The Show”
“Think A Little Less,” recorded by Michael Ray

Trevor Rosen
“I Met a Girl,” recorded by William Michael Morgan
“Song for Another Time,” recorded by Old Dominion
“No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” recorded by Old Dominion

Brad Tursi
“Song for Another Time,” recorded by Old Dominion
“No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” recorded by Old Dominion
“Light It Up,” recorded by Luke Bryan

Brad Warren & Brett Warren
“Lights Come On,” recorded by Jason Aldean
“Sober Saturday Night,” recorded by Chris Young featuring Vince Gill
“Every Time I Hear That Song,” recorded by Blake Shelton

 

Big Machine Label Group Named To ‘Fast Company’ Most Innovative Companies Rankings

/by

Fast Company has announced its annual ranking of the Most Innovative Companies for 2018, honoring leading enterprises and rising newcomers that exemplify the best in business and innovation. Nashville-based Big Machine Label Group has made the prestigious list for a second time in the Music Sector and is heralded alongside companies on the overall list such as Apple, Netflix, Square, Washington Post Company, Amazon and Spotify.

“This year’s MIC list is an inspiring and insightful window into how many companies have embraced innovation and are working to make meaningful change,” said Fast Company deputy editor David Lidsky, who oversaw the issue with senior editor Amy Farley.

BMLG is led by President, CEO and Founder Scott Borchetta. Fast Company previously deemed Borchetta the “king of music row” as one of the “Most Creative People” for his dynamic business ventures and leadership style.

BMLG’s achievements in 2017 included:

The release of Taylor Swift’s reputation album, making her the only artist to achieve four million-selling first weeks in the history of Nielsen music
Florida Georgia Line earned two pop crossover hits and a blockbuster, sold-out stadium tour
Thomas Rhett earned the Academy of Country Music’s Male Vocalist of the Year trophy and released the Grammy-nominated Life Changes album
Brantley Gilbert became one of only two country artists to appear in an Apple Music TV spot
Brett Young was one of the only debut country artists to have a multi-platinum single with “In Case You Didn’t Know”
Reba McEntire won a Grammy with her first Gospel album, which topped both the country and Christian charts
Carly Pearce’s breakout No.1 ballad “Every Little Thing” enlisted her as the highest charting solo female debut since July 2015, joining an elite group of only three women to accomplish this feat in the past 12 years
The label continued to prove its ability to successfully develop new artists with the No.1 achievements with Pearce and Midland
Aligned with fashion mogul John Varvatos on a new label venture that will sign rock talent

Earlier this year Borchetta debuted his newly-created TV show The Launch in association with Randy Lennox and Bell Media. Filmed in Toronto, the first season of the music competition show saw ratings and music sales success. Serving as Executive Producer and Mentor on the show, Borchetta was joined each week by superstars such as Shania Twain, Jennifer Nettles, Nikki Sixx, Boy George and mega producers such as Ryan Tedder, Dann Huff and busbee.

William Shatner Signs Nashville Recording Deal

/by

William Shatner

Actor, director, singer and author William Shatner has inked a deal with Heartland Records Nashville.

According to a release, the Star Trek actor, 86, “is currently working on a very special project that will be released later this year.”

In addition to his roles in Star Trek, Boston Legal, and current series Better Late Than Never, Shatner has recorded eight albums, and has appeared in several of Brad Paisley’s music videos, including “Celebrity” and “Online.”

Heartland Records is also affiliated with artists including Jeff Cook and Cash Creek.