Kelly Archer, Brothers Osborne, Mac Davis, Natalie Hemby Celebrate “The First And The Worst”

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Pictured (L-R): K.S. Rhoads, Natalie Hemby and Brothers Osborne’s John and TJ

Brothers Osborne, Kelly Archer, Mac Davis and Natalie Hemby took the stage to a sold-out crowd at City Winery Nashville last week to perform the very first and worst songs they have ever written as they divulged the stories and the songs that led to their biggest hits, all to benefit Music Health Alliance. The fourth annual “The First And The Worst” event raised more than $127,000 for the non-profit, which provides access to invaluable healthcare support and services, at no cost to members of the music industry. Since 2013, Music Health Alliance has saved over $30 million dollars in lifesaving healthcare and insurance premiums and served over 8,000 people in the music community.

Songwriter Sandy Knox (“Does He Love You?,” “Why Haven’t I Heard From You?”) was the first to take the stage, sharing the inspiration behind “The First And the Worst” before humbly performing her not-so-memorable song “Mr. Flirt.”

Highlights from the evening of first and worst songs from Nashville’s most esteemed talents included Kelly Archer’s “Da-dang,” Brothers Osborne’s “Tampon Song,” Mac Davis’s ode to Putin and gluten, and the Crappy award-winning song of the night, Natalie Hemby’s “In-Breeding.” And the night wouldn’t be complete without a performance of the writer’s biggest hit songs.

Pictured (L-R): Peter Cooper, John Schneider, TJ Osborne (Brothers Osborne), Mac Davis, Tatum Hauck Allsep, John Osborne (Brothers Osborne), Shelia Shipley Biddy, Natalie Hemby, K.S. Rhoads and Kelly Archer

“Music Health Alliance can continue to provide life-saving services at no cost because so many people bought tickets, bid on auction items and made donations at our event last week,” shared Music Health Alliance Founder and CEO, Tatum Hauck Allsep. “There is nowhere else to see legendary songwriters fighting over who penned the absolute worst song. It’s hysterical and a great reminder that we all have to start somewhere.”

“The First And The Worst” – an evening of really bad songs by really good writers – showcased songwriters Archer, Brothers Osborne, Davis, Hemby, and Archer as they divulged the stories and the songs that led to their biggest hits. Hosted by music historian and musician Peter Cooper, this unique event allowed the audience to peek inside the minds of hit songwriters long before they had ever written a chart-topper or had songs recorded by superstar artists, all for a worthy cause. Proceeds from “The First And The Worst” benefit Music Health Alliance, the music industry’s non-profit healthcare advocate. Funds raised help Music Health Alliance Protect, Direct & Connect music industry professionals with medical and financial solutions.

Brothers Osborne perform.

Kelly Archer performs.

Mac Davis performs.

Concord Music Signs Blair Daly

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Blair Daly. Photo: Spidey Smith

Concord Music has signed songwriter and producer Blair Daly. Daly’s hits include “Smile” (recorded by Uncle Kracker), “People Like Us” (Kelly Clarkson), and “Stand” (Rascal Flatts). Daly has also had songs recorded by Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, and more.

Publishing company Razor & Tie was fully acquired by Concord Music, and has rebranded. Concord Music VP of Creative, Brad Kennard, said of signing Daly, “Blair is the consummate pro in any room, writing for any genre. He has the fiercest passion for writing hits across the musical spectrum and a focus that is unparalleled. On top of that, he’s one of the most genuine, kind people I’ve known. We couldn’t be more proud to get to work with him.”

“I try to find a unique idea and pull something out of the artist that really means something to them, versus just writing a song that sounds like a hit,” said Daly. “The most important thing to me is that they want to come back and they have a good time doing it.”

Native Scene Records To Launch In Mid-March

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A new Nashville-based record label, Native Scene Records, aims to bring live performances to the forefront of the industry. The label, which launches March 17, schedules shows and festivals in unique spaces that complement the artist’s personality, then records and releases the show as a live album. Native Scene Records’ first show and album release is planned for the summer of 2018. At this event ticketed fans will be a part of the recording experience and will leave with a digital download of the album.

“We want to help artists who have been overlooked” says managing partner Anna Clark. “Many artists are struggling to figure out where they fit in today’s music industry. We’re taking that pressure off of them by creating a world in which they can all belong. At Native Scene Records, artists, songs, venues, wardrobes, and all elements of performance come together to make an album a complete experience.”

Each album will be released digitally through Native Scene Record’s website by embedding a download code into a physical product. These products may include jewelry, clothing, artwork, or other items related to the artist and performance.

Leslie Satcher Delivers Perfect Saturday Afternoon Album On Friday With ‘Two Days In Muscle Shoals’

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Even without her bold Texas hair Leslie Satcher is unmistakable.

The ever-delivering entertainer will release her latest full-length effort, Two Days In Muscle Shoals, on Friday, March 9, marking three firsts for a woman whose music is normally known for tearing out your heart or tearing the roof off a honkytonk with her songwriting and records.

“The one thing I wanted is for this to be a joyful, fun album,” says Satcher. “There are times when you want to put on a Sheryl Crow album and have fun. I’m a huge fan of Sheryl’s and I want people to put my record on when they want something for a Saturday afternoon.”

Her first release with a band, Leslie Satcher & The Electric Honey Badgers, led her to find that balance. Fine art classes led her to paint her first album cover during a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, after the project was complete. Another first is for the 10-track project to be released as the singer-songwriter’s publishing company, Notting Hill Music, begins delivering country records from its Los Angeles and London outposts.

“I’m gambling on them just like they’re gambling on me,” says Satcher, who was signed to Warner Bros. Records nearly two decades ago. “Andy McQueen, the head of our [Notting Hill] label has always been a music innovator. They do a lot of worldwide digital releases and sync, encompassing rock, pop, hip-hop. Myself and Brown & Gray are their first forays into what might or might not be considered country—I’m probably gonna be Americana country or blues country, I’m not sure. We did get on the first round Grammy ballot under Best Country Duo or Band. It’s sort of confusing because at the end of the record there’s a gospel song which I think could get nominated for a Dove Award.”

Two Days In Muscle Shoals’ concept came when Notting Hill co-writer and producer Brad Crisler sat down to write the blues in the winter of 2017. Out of that session came “Deep Water Woman.”

“We only had half the album, and decided we wanted to record the songs, perhaps as demos,” says Satcher of the first session at the NuttHouse. “Brad said, ‘Let’s get out of our headspace and go to Muscle Shoals,’ cuz these [songs] are the blues—Texas blues. After we cut four sides we loved, we made a call back to Nashville for a specific configuration [of musicians]. It wound up being two days of recording.

“I didn’t re-sing anything. We brought in the Shoals Sisters (Marie Tomlinson Lewey & Cindy Walker) who have done backgrounds on all those great records. And I started calling friends Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow, who sang on the single, ‘This Won’t Take Long,’ Trisha Yearwood came in and sang on two songs, and my sister sang on one with me.”

The Honeybadger band brings star power too. In addition to being Bob Seger’s bandleader, Jim Moose Brown contributed writing credits on two sides and plays keys. Tommy Harden, who is out with Reba McEntire, contributes drums for Satcher. Americana artist James LeBlanc, who has a new album out of his own, plays lead guitar. Ex-Warner Bros./Curb artist Heidi Newfield plays harmonica, and not just harmonica but cross harp, self-taught from old blues records like Muddy Waters.

“Heidi got me listening to [those] older African American acts,” says Satcher of her inspiration. “I have a huge influence from Texas blues. These songs are sort of like if Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Ray Vaughan had a baby. One of my huge influences is Bekka Bramlett. At an estate sale I found a Bonnie & Delaney album, her parents, looking all hippie cool and bad to the bone in a foldout. I pinned it up in the studio for the second session and told the band, ‘We wanna do THAT!’”

In this new music, Satcher hopes fans will gain some healing, kick back and let it ride.

“There is a spiritual thread to this album,” says Satcher. “When people listen—let the songs get in their bones—they’ll find some healing. That’s my prayer.”

With Notting Hill, Satcher hopes her music will have the best chance to reach a global audience. She’s already booked in March for the Country2Country (C2C) CMA Songwriter’s Series in London and multiple shows surrounding that date.

“I think if we only write for ourselves in this little corner of the world, how can we relate to what’s happening in the world? And how can they relate to us if we don’t reach out with our music or go over there and meet/understand them in their world? That’s what I am most excited about with Notting Hill, to have the best shot at having my music exposed.

“We’ll start doing more shows with different configurations of the band from the album,” continues Satcher, who is in the process of signing with her first agent in years. “Some of the [bandmates] are out with other people. I really would like to play a lot more theaters.”

Most of all, Satcher hopes to take her strong determination and drive to the next level by staying true to her Texas roots.

“You know I have a bluesy style,” sums Satcher. “I’ve always had that. Even labels push their artists who have a bluesy stile towards me to write. But these songs were written solely for myself. This kind of music has always been imbedded in my songs/albums. It’s just this time I didn’t say, ‘I’m gonna write this and pitch it to Trisha Yearwood.’ I wrote it and asked her to come sing on it.”

Two Days In Muscle Shoals Track Listing

Side One
1.) “Run It Down South” featuring Trisha Yearwood   (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler)
2.) “Listenin’ To The Blues” (written by Leslie Satcher/Jim “Moose” Brown
3.) “All God’s Creatures” (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler)
4.) “This Won’t Take Long” featuring Vince Gill & Sheryl Crow (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler/James LeBlanc)
5.) “Who I Belong To” featuring Trisha Yearwood (written by Leslie Satcher/Jim “Moose” Brown)

Side Two
6.) “Chrome Halo” (written by Leslie Satcher)
7.) “Waitin’ On The Sun To Shine” (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler)
8.) “Deep Water Woman” (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler)
9.) “Nowhere To Be But Gone” (written by Leslie Satcher/Larry Shell/Larry Cordle)
10.) “Crown” featuring Jeannie Winn & Brad Crisler (written by Leslie Satcher)

The Electric Honeybadgers
James LeBlanc – guitars & vocals
Jim “Moose” Brown – Hammond B3 & Wurlitzer piano
David Hood – Bass guitar
Tommy Harden & Jon Davis – Drums
Heidi Newfield – Harmonica

Abby Anderson Brings Wit And Wisdom To New Tunes

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Abby Anderson performs. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Black River Entertainment artist and songwriter Abby Anderson displayed a wry wit and transparent songs during a recent visit to the MusicRow Magazine offices to preview songs from her upcoming Black River project.

“I grew up listening to country music,” says Dallas native Anderson, who is the second-oldest of seven siblings, all of whom were homeschooled. “Both my parents are very musical. My parents always knew I was moving to Nashville, and they just were crazy supportive.”

In 2014, she performed a unique arrangement of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” which was renamed “Let Freedom Ring.” Her performance caught the attention of radio journalist/host Glenn Beck, who welcomed her to perform the song on his show. She moved to Nashville in 2015 to continue crafting her sound and co-writing skills.

It hasn’t taken long for Nashville to take notice.

Just over a year ago, Black River signed Anderson to recording and publishing deals, celebrating her signing onstage at the Ryman Auditorium stage.

“I got spoiled right from the start, man,” she says of the signing.

Anderson previewed three songs, blending relatable lyrics with country grooves and elements of neo-soul and jazz.

Abby Anderson and MusicRow Magazine owner/publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

The plucky “I’m Good” takes on an ex-lover who hopes to reclaim her heart. “It’s about a guy who broke my heart and wanted me back for some reason, but I was like, ‘I’m good, honey! I’m doing my thing. I don’t need ya.’”

She offered up twangy, fiery vocals on “The Naked Truth,” and a quietly confident, wise take on “Make Him Wait.”

“My family has six girls, and one boy, and my dad is super man,” Anderson said. “He’s the kind of guy that taught his daughters what they are worth. That is something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, so I wrote this for him.”

Anderson’s talent and passion for music comes naturally as the daughter of two musically-inclined parents.

“We were all required to start classical piano lessons at age 5 and the rule is you can’t quit until you’re 18 or until you graduate,” she says. “I was homeschooled, and I graduated early so I could stop that and start doing real music. And being the second oldest, I think that’s why I got to get out of the house early. My mom’s like, ‘I got five others, go!’”

Abby Anderson with MusicRow Magazine staffers.

 

Justin Weaver Joins peermusic Nashville Roster

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(L-R:) Justin Weaver, Matt Michiels (Senior Creative Director, peermusic Nashville), Kendall Lettow (Creative Manager, peermusic Nashville), and Michael Knox (Vice President, peermusic Nashville)

peermusic Nashville has signed multi-platinum songwriter/producer Justin Weaver to a worldwide publishing deal.

Weaver has penned hits including the 4X Platinum No. 1 single from Meghan Trainor featuring John Legend, “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” the triple Platinum No. 1 single “Bottoms Up” by Brantley Gilbert, Gary Allan’s “Get Off On The Pain,” Kip Moore’s “I’m To Blame,” and has had cuts by Dustin Lynch, Joe Nichols, Meat Loaf, Montgomery Gentry, Randy Houser, Josh Turner, and the Eli Young Band, along with numerous co-writes with long-time friend Jason Aldean. Growing up in Forsyth, Georgia, Weaver played in bands throughout high school and toured most of the Southeast playing with Aldean. He stopped touring for a few years to attend college, graduating from Gordon College with an AS in Business and then graduating Cum Laude from Georgia College & State University with a BA in Business Administration. After graduating he moved to Nashville, signed a publishing deal, and has been writing songs ever since.

“I’m a big fan of Justin and what he does,” said Vice President, peermusic Nashville Michael Knox. “I’m more excited that I get to watch him go to the next level as a songwriter and producer.  He’s come a long way since I first met him back in the day as Jason Aldean’s band leader.”

“Michael Knox has been an inspiration and mentor to me since before I moved to Nashville,” said Weaver. “In addition to working with Michael, peermusic’s proven and energetic staff and roster full of talented co-writers already feel like family. My songwriting and production careers have come full circle by joining the peermusic family and I’m exited about this next phase.”

Nile Rodgers To Receive Music Biz Chairman’s Award During Conference Luncheon

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The Music Business Association will present its Chairman’s Award for Sustained Creative Achievement to Grammy award-winning composer, producer, arranger, and guitarist Nile Rodgers during the 60th anniversary Music Biz 2018 conference’s Awards Luncheon on May 17 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Over the last four decades, Rodgers has sold over 300 million albums and 50 million singles worldwide as both a member of CHIC and the producer of iconic albums from David Bowie, Madonna, Diana Ross, Sister Sledge, Duran Duran, and more. He also collaborated with Daft Punk on their multi-Platinum smash single “Get Lucky” and album Random Access Memories, which won three Grammy Awards in 2014 for Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Rodgers has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Dance Music Hall of Fame; received the EBONY Icon Award at the 2017 EBONY Power 100 Gala; was awarded the “Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” by the French Embassy in New York; was elected to the Recording Academy’s Board of Governors and received the organization’s President’s Merit Award during the 8th Annual GRAMMY Week Celebration for the Producers & Engineers Wing; and had CHIC’s Platinum-selling single “Le Freak” inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame.

Rodgers is currently recording It’s About Time, the first new CHIC album in over 25 years. “I’ll Be There,” the album’s first single, went to No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Charts, and the accompanying video generated nearly 3 million views in less than a week.

“Nile’s music truly stands the test of time. He not only helped define the sound of Pop, Disco, and Hip-Hop in the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s but also continues his prolific work on hits with modern artists such as Daft Punk, Avicii, Disclosure, and Sam Smith, not to mention his own upcoming album with CHIC,” said Music Biz Chairman Fred Beteille of Facebook. “His longevity and repeated successes make him the ideal candidate for our Chairman’s Award. I’m honored and excited to recognize him for his important contributions to music over the past four decades.”

Registration for Music Biz 2018 is open now at musicbiz2018.eventbrite.com.

Ashley Monroe Reveals Cover Art, Track Listing For New Album

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Ashley Monroe has unveiled the cover art and track list for her upcoming album Sparrow on Warner Music Nashville. Set for release April 20, Monroe’s fourth project was recorded with producer Dave Cobb in Nashville’s RCA Studio A.

Monroe worked with some of her closest collaborators on the new album, including Brendan Benson, Waylon Payne, Anderson East and Angaleena Presley. She wrote all of the songs on Sparrow, and recorded the album while pregnant with her first child.

Sparrow Track List:
1. “Orphan” (Ashley Monroe, Gordie Sampson, Paul Moak)
2. “Hard On A Heart” (Ashley Monroe, Blu Sanders, Paul Moak)
3. “Hands On You” (Ashley Monroe, Jon Randall)
4. “Mother’s Daughter” (Ashley Monroe, Brendan Benson, Ryan Beaver)
5. “Rita” (Ashley Monroe, Nicole Galyon, Paul Moak)
6. “Wild Love” (Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne, Brendan Benson)
7. “This Heaven” (Anderson East, Ashley Monroe, Aaron Raitiere)
8. “I’m Trying To” (Ashley Monroe, Kassi Ashton, Jon Randall)
9. “She Wakes Me Up (Rescue Me)” (Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne, Paul Moak)
10. “Paying Attention” (Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne, Brendan Benson)
11. “Daddy I Told You” (Ashley Monroe, Angaleena Presley, Josh O’Keefe)
12. “Keys To The Kingdom” (Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne)

Industry Ink: Chris Janson, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Musicians On Call

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Chris Janson Performs At Grand Ole Opry

Pictured (L-R): Chris Janson, Chuck Mead

Readying for his official induction on March 20, Chris Janson joined his Grand Ole Opry family once again last night (March 1) for the Opry Country Classics show at the legendary Ryman Auditorium. The event honored Johnny Cash and his wife June’s 50th wedding anniversary. In true Opry fashion, Janson ran into fellow performer and Americana icon Chuck Mead backstage.

 

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats To Make Grand Ole Opry Debut March 3

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats will make their Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, March 3. Fans can tune in to their Opry appearance via opry.com and the Opry’s mobile app as well as the Opry’s flagship radio station, 650 AM WSM. The Saturday night performance will run on a 30-minute delay on Willie’s Roadhouse on SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Grand Ole Opry performances are also streamed live at Opry City Stage, the new restaurant and music venue in New York City’s Time Square.
The performance will be in support of the band’s upcoming album, Tearing at the Seams, out March 9 on Stax Records.  For the fourth consecutive week the album’s lead single “You Worry Me” is the No. 1 track at Triple A and Americana radio.

 

Musicians On Call: Los Angeles Celebration

Pictured (L-R): Pete Griffin, Musicians On Call President, Graham Sierota, Rachel Platten, Sydney Sierota, Noah Sierota, Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans attend the Musicians On Call 5th Anniversary Celebration in Los Angeles Delivering The Healing Power of Music on February 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Musicians On Call

Musicians On Call celebrated five years of delivering music to the bedside of patients in the Los Angeles area on Feb. 28 with an event at Avenue in Hollywood. Warner Music Nashville’s Morgan Evans and Warner Bros. Records’ Echosmith both performed. Others in attendance included Evans’ wife and Black River Entertainment artist Kelsea Ballerini, as well as Rachel Platten and Sam Hollander.

“Through the support of our volunteers, donors, corporate and hospital partners and board members, Musicians On Call has delivered the healing power of music to more than 20,000 individuals since bringing our program to Los Angeles five years ago,” said Pete Griffin, Musicians On Call President. “We were thrilled to host this special evening and show our appreciation to everyone who helped us reach this milestone. A special thanks to Echosmith and Morgan Evans for their fantastic performances, and to our gracious supporters Kelsea, Rachel and Lindsey for joining the celebration as well.”

 

 

 

Wade Bowen Finds Himself On ‘Solid Ground’ On New CD

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Wade Bowen‘s new album Solid Ground, which was released in February, includes an all-star list of contributors including Miranda Lambert, Andrew Combs, Jack Ingram, Waylon Payne, Angaleena Presley, Jon Randall, Lucie Silvas, and Charlie Worsham among others. The project, Bowen’s first release on Thirty Tigers, was produced by Keith Gattis and landed at the top of the iTunes chart upon its release.

The project also included a who’s who of players – Audley Freed (Black Crowes) on guitar, Jeff Trott (Sheryl Crow) on guitar and lapsteel, Fred Eltringham (Wallflowers, Willie Nelson, Robert Plant) on drums, Billie Mercer (Ryan Adams, Lucinda Williams) on bass, and on keys, Jenn Gunderman (Sheryl Crow), Rami Jaffee (Wallflowers, Foo Fighters), and John Henry Trinko (Randy Houser).

Bowen is currently touring around the country in support of the new project, including an upcoming appearance at the 10th Annual Salute To Texas Independence Day March 9 in New York.

SOLID GROUND TRACK LIST:
1. “Couldn’t Make You Love Me” written by Wade Bowen, Keith Gattis and Audley Freed
2. “Day Of The Dead” written by Keith Gattis
3. “So Long 6th Street (with Miranda Lambert and Jack Ingram)” written by Wade Bowen and Keith Gattis
4. “Broken Glass (with Lucie Silvas)” written by Wade Bowen
5. “Death, Dyin’ And Deviled Eggs (with Jon Randall)” written by Wade Bowen and John Randall
6. “7:30” written by Wade Bowen, Angaleena Presley and Waylon Payne
7. “Acuña” written by Wade Bowen, Keith Gattis and Audley Freed
8. “Compass Rose” written by Wade Bowen and Andrew Combs
9. “Anchor (with Lucie Silvas)” written by Wade Bowen and Jeremy Spillman
10. “Fell In Love On Whiskey” written by Wade Bowen and Charlie Worsham
11. “Calling All Demons” written by Wade Bowen and Seth James