Flatt Lonesome Joins Rounder Records Roster

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Flatt Lonesome has signed with Rounder Records.

Since the band’s 2013 debut, Flatt Lonesome — Kelsi Robertson Harrigill (mandolin/vocals), Buddy Robertson (guitar/vocals), Charli Robertson (fiddle/vocals), Paul Harrigill (banjo), Dominic Illingworth (bass), and Michael Stockton (dobro) — has amassed an impressive array of honors from the International Bluegrass Music Association, Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America, and the Dove Awards.

“All of us at Rounder are thrilled to be working with Flatt Lonesome, one of the most charismatic and creative young groups around,” said Rounder co-founder Ken Irwin. “They have made an original mark in bluegrass today, are rising stars of their generation, and bring their own vision to the bluegrass world and beyond.”

“To say that we are excited about this partnership would be an understatement,” said the group. “Since day one we’ve had a list of goals we wanted to achieve and ‘signing with Rounder’ was at the very top of that list. Becoming label mates with some of our heroes is a dream come true and we’re honored to say the least. We are all looking forward to the next chapter with Rounder!”

Flatt Lonesome’s captivating live show has made them a favorite on the festival circuit and at the Grand Ole Opry, where they’ve performed more than two dozen times since their Opry debut in 2015. The band plans to go into the studio later this year to record a new album for release in 2019.

Gareth Dunlop Inks Joint Venture Deal With Round Hill Music, Moraine Music

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Pictured (L-R): Dianna Maher, President, Moraine Music Group; Matthew Beckett, Business & Legal Affairs, Round Hill Music; Gareth Dunlop; Mark Brown, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Round Hill Music; Steve Nalbert, Senior Director, Sync Licensing & Creative, Round Hill Music

Irish singer-songwriter Gareth Dunlop has signed a joint venture deal with Round Hill Music and Moraine Music Group.

Dunlop’s songs have been used in TV shows, commercials, and films including Suits, Lucifer, Bones, Subaru, Disney, and Nashville. He’s also had cuts by a diverse set of artists ranging from rapper T.I. to Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. He is currently touring across Europe, Ireland, and the UK in support of his new EP, Many Moons Ago, which comes out today (6/15).

“We are thrilled to sign Gareth to Round Hill Music for this exciting phase of his career as an artist and songwriter,” says Dianna Maher, President of Moraine Music Group.

When he’s not opening for artists like Van Morrison, The Stereophonics, or Snow Patrol, Dunlop splits his time between Nashville and his hometown of Belfast. He will also make his acting debut in the film No Postage Necessary, which also features his music. The film is the first ever to be distributed via Blockchain and will be released in theaters on July 6.

“Gareth is a unique talent whose fresh and genuine approach to songwriting is beyond compare,” says Steve Nalbert, Senior Director of Sync Licensing & Creative at Round Hill Music. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring Gareth into the Round Hill Music family.”

Weekly Chart Report (6/15/18)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

Big Machine Promotes Justin Ford

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Justin Ford

Big Machine Label Group has promoted Justin Ford to Art Director, reporting to Sandi Spika Borchetta, Sr. VP, Creative.

Borchetta said, “Justin is a brilliant and amazingly talented designer. We love working with him and he is a powerful asset to the Creative Machine!”.

A graduate of Murray State University, Justin joined BMLG in 2015 and has produced multiple award-winning designs across the entire artist roster. He currently serves as President of the Nashville chapter of AIGA, the professional association for design.

NMPA Honors NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison

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Bart Herbison (L) and David Israelite (R). Photo: Gary Gershoff

NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison was honored in New York City with the NMPA Industry Legacy Award on Wednesday (June 13).

Herbison was feted by NMPA President & CEO David Israelite as well as songwriters Steve Bogard and Lee Thomas Miller. Bogard congratulated Herbison saying, “He’s a tireless, astute, master of the politically achievable, an outspoken critic of copyright injustice and the world’s biggest song nerd. Most importantly, after 15 years, he’s still one of my best friends in the world.”

Miller added, “For 20 years he’s been dressing misfits like me up and walking us through the halls of Capitol Hill looking for an opportunity to tell our story to someone who can help us. He is shameless.”

NMPA also honored singer-songwriter Alicia Keys with the NMPA Songwriter Icon Award at the event. Publisher Caroline Bienstock was honored with the Lifetime Service Award and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse was presented the NMPA President’s Award.

The keynote was given by United States Department of Justice (DOJ) Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division, Makan Delrahim, who addressed the ASCAP and BMI consent decrees.

Steve Bogard. Photo: Gary Gershoff

DISClaimer: Survey Of Current Music City Pop/Rock

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Old favorites and new dancefloor darlings mix and mingle in today’s survey of current Music City pop/rock.

The enduring Nashville popsters of yore are Los Straitjackets, Take 6 and Webb Wilder. The electronic wunderkinds are Cappa, Mona and Davis Mallory.

The Disc of the Day award belongs to, of course, Taylor Swift, who is currently conquering the world (again) on tour.

The DisCovery Award goes to Birdtalker, a Nashville quintet that’s about to issue its debut album.

BAD COP/Dreamer Man
Producer: Chris Grainger
—It’s been a long wait for the new album by this Nashville post-punk outfit. But Hello Mr. Sunshine is out now, and so is this snarky emphasis track. Lead singer Adam Moult has a classic tenor snarl/whine that delivers sarcastic and/or ironic lyrics with flair. The band is minimalist thrashy, featuring old-school, small-kit drumming and jangling electric guitar. In previous seasons, Bad Cop’s music has had network syncs (ESPN, Showtime), been used in a Capri Sun ad and has enjoyed in-store promotion by Converse sneakers.

TAKE 6/Change the World
Writer: Tommy Sims/Gordon Kennedy/Wayne Kirkpatrick; Producer: Mark Kibble & David Thomas
—This Grammy winning a cappella jazz vocal ensemble has titled its new CD Iconic because it contains Take 6 versions of modern pop chestnuts. The group’s gospel background is revealed in “Nothing But the Blood.” It does a particularly nice job with the Christopher Cross oldie “Sailing.” And its Music City roots are showing with this groovy cover of Eric Clapton’s anthem, penned by three of Nashville’s best tunesmiths. The ballad is turned inside out via tempo shifts, melodic improvisations and background scatting. Ear opening.

WEBB WILDER & THE BEATNECKS/Powerful Stuff
Writer: R. Field; Publisher: Sharp Circle, ASCAP
—Written by Beatneck R.S. Field, this steaming, unrelenting, power-pounding blues rocker was originally recorded by Wilder 30 years ago. But The Fabulous Thunderbirds picked it up and made it a 1988 hit, so the original sat on the shelf. Now it’s the title of Wilder’s new collection of previously unreleased stompers. Clap hands and shout, “Hallelujah” at this rock ‘n’ roll evangelist. Then get up and dance to his muscular takes on Little Richard’s “Lucille,” Lightnin’ Hopkins,’ “I’m Wild About You Baby” and Sam & Dave’s “Ain’t That a Lot of Love.”

MONA/Thought Provoked
—I was initially smitten with this Music City band last year via its sex-positive viral-hit video “Kiss Like a Woman.” Mona’s new Soldier On CD drops June 22, and it has sent out this tease track to promote it. The hallmarks here are a hooky, soaring, anthem-like chorus, crunching guitars and a searing high-tenor lead vocal. Stomping and glam infected, evoking nouveau Queen.

TAYLOR SWIFT/Delicate
Writer: Taylor Swift/Max Martin/Shellback; Producer: Max Martin & Shellback; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Taylor Swift/MXM/Kobalt, BMI/ASCAP; Big Machine
—Now that she’s launched her tour, sales of Taylor’s Reputation CD are bound to spike. This thumpy, seductive, swoony single sure won’t hurt. A dreamy track to get lost in.

CAPPA/Tension
—This EDM lady splits her time between L.A. and Nashville. Her new single is a catchy, light-hearted, bubbling bopper with winsome vocals and rhythmic pops, drops and dollops. Very promising. Cappa showcased her sounds at the Hutton Hotel’s cool Analog venue on Wednesday evening.

DAVIS MALLORY/Sun and Moon
Producer: Lopic Panillo
—With the Nashville Pride Festival approaching (June 23-24), this singer-songwriter’s music is timely indeed. His “Pride Edition Music Video” for this poppy track is out now. The infectious track highlights his breathy vocals, steady beats and synth accents. Mallory first achieved notoriety on MTV’s Real World Denver and three seasons on the game show The Challenge. Since moving to Nashville about four years ago, he’s written more than 300 dancefloor songs, including “Not That Far Away,” “Loud,” “Dance With Me,” “Be Without You” and “Anyone Would Know” all of which have internet videos.

LOS STRAITJACKETS/(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding
Writer: Nick Lowe; Producer: Neil Brockbank; Yep Roc
—These masked marvels have this instrumental twanger as the title tune of their tribute CD to Nick Lowe. He’s often noted for his witty lyrics, but the Nashville surf rockers shine their spotlight on what a cool melody maker he is as well.

SWING SET/Make Mine a Double
Writer: Bois/Mosser/Scheinman/Shropshire/Spencer; Producer: Eight O’Five Jive; Publisher: Red Rudy Too Tunes, BMI; Red Rudy Too Tunes
—This came out last year, so I am quite tardy in getting to it. The quintet dresses in period costumes of the ‘30s and ‘40s when it plays its jump-blues tunes. The sound may be vintage, but the tunes are originals. Liven up your next cocktail party with this.

BIRDTALKER/Feel Like a Broken Heart
Missing Piece
—This is the advance tune for this Nashville band’s debut CD, which drops on June 22. It’s an upbeat, lo-fi outing with folk-flavored vocals backed by a crunchy rhythm track and nifty electric guitar licks. A previous Birdtalker track, “Heavy” amassed 21 million Spotify streams, I am told. Also check out the band’s delectable “One” lyric video and amusing dance clip “Graveclothes.”

Carly Pearce Celebrates 50th Opry Appearance

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Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Records’ Jim Weatherson, Longshot Management’s Rob Baker, Jeannie Seely, Carly Pearce, The Grand Ole Opry’s Sally Williams, Longshot Management’s Aaron Kinssies, 650 WSM’s Bill Cody Photo: Chris Hollo, Grand Ole Opry

Carly Pearce celebrated a momentous occasion Wednesday night (June 13): her 50th Grand Ole Opry appearance. Pearce first made her debut in the famed circle on May 30, 2015, and was just as proud the 50th time she stepped onto the hallowed stage to be introduced by Opry member Jeannie Seely and 650 WSM host Bill Cody.

Pearce told the crowd she held such a special place in her heart for the Opry and would still be  just as excited to sing there for the next fifty years. The Kentucky native kicked off her set with “If My Name Was Whiskey” before launching into her No. 1 “Every Little Thing” and capping the celebration off with her new single “Hide The Wine.”

“I love country music and country music fans more than anything and the Grand Ole Opry will always be the most precious thing to me,” said Carly.

Pearce is set to head to the Radio Disney Music Awards on June 22 where she is nominated for The Freshest! – Radio Disney Country Best New Artist.

Photo: Sonni Young

Elvis Presley Drummer D.J. Fontana Passes

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DJ Fontana

Famed Elvis Presley drummer D.J. Fontana passed away in Nashville on Wednesday, June 13, at age 87.

Fontana played on more than 450 Presley records and toured with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll for 14 years. He was the last surviving member of Presley’s original band.

Born Dominic Joseph Fontana, he was a native of the Texarkana area who served an apprenticeship drumming in strip clubs. In 1953, he became the staff drummer at The Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport, where Presley became a regular performer.

Presley (1935-1977), guitarist Scotty Moore (1931-2016) and bassist Bill Black (1926-1965) hired Fontana to join their Blue Moon Boys band in 1955. Fontana played on such seminal Elvis Presley hits as “Hound Dog,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” ‘Love Me Tender,” “Jailhouse Rock” and “Teddy Bear.” He, as well as Moore and Black, also appeared on Presley’s Ed Sullivan Show appearances in 1956-57.

DJ Fontana and Elvis. Photo: Elvis Presley Enterprises

He also appeared in several of Presley’s movies in the 1960s, including King Creole, G.I. Blues, Jailhouse Rock and Loving You. He continued to appear with the superstar until 1969, when he left over a pay dispute with manager Col. Tom Parker (1909-1997).

In addition to Elvis Presley, Fontana backed such artists as Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Ringo Starr, Gene Vincent, Red Sovine, Faron Young, Steve Earle, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Charley Pride, Porter Wagoner, Johnny Cash and Webb Pierce.

Starr, Levon Helm, Max Weinberg, Charlie Watts, Stan Lynch and many other rock drummers have cited Fontana as an influence. His style was characterized by power, steadiness, accuracy and get-to-the-point directness.

In 1983, Fontana published D.J. Fontana Remembers Elvis, a pictorial volume of reminiscences.

He and Scotty Moore won a Nashville Music Award and were nominated for a Grammy in 1998 for their album All the King’s Men.

In 2009, he was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame as well as the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame (in the sideman category).

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Annual Lightning 100 + Project 615 Block Party To Celebrate All Things Nashville This Friday

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Lightning 100 is partnering with Project 615 once again this year during their annual “615 Day,” this Friday, June 15 featuring a block party at Richland Park. New this year to the celebration will be a 6 p.m. concert with performances by local artists Smooth Hound Smith, Jeremy Lister & Friends, and Goodbye June. The station will also feature 24-hour local programming throughout the day, including live on-air performances and interviews.

The free, family friendly event is being held in the West Nashville neighborhood and will feature music from Musicians on Call, over 50 vendors including food and craft beer trucks, video gaming trucks, local vendors, and non-profits.

The 2018 615 Day celebration will benefit Musicians on Call and their mission to bring live and recorded music to the bedside of patients in healthcare facilities. With Lightning 100’s continued yearly expansion of the 615 celebration and with the Project 615 partnership, the city’s local businesses and musicians have adopted the “holiday” as its own. Project 615, known for capturing the spirit of Nashville with unique graphic designs on apparel and other products, has long been a local business with a global mission. Other partners helping make the 615 Day possible include M.L. Rose Craft Beers & Burgers, Lipman Brothers, Google Fiber, Habitat Yoga, Mountain High Outfitters, Cohub, and Major Family Chiropractic.

“One of our most important initiatives as Nashville’s independent radio is to help Nashville artists. The Local Lightning Spotlight started in 2005 and was one of the first official programming features we implemented to highlight local music,” said Gary Kraen, VP Programming. “Over the last 13 years, we’ve continued to expand this initiative and now local artists make up 25-30 percent of our music playlist.

The station will also be broadcasting from Project 615’s West Nashville location mid-day and then bring their afternoon drive show with Analee to the 615 Day site at Richland Park.

Steve Moakler Celebrates ‘Born Ready’ Album, Out Friday

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Pictured (L-R): Creative Nation’s co-founder Luke Laird, Jeff Skaggs, Christina Wighton, Kelsey Granda, Rachel Burleson, Steve Moakler, Brandon Gill, Shaina Botwin and CN co-founder Beth Laird. Photo: Sonni Young, Remedy Creative

Steve Moakler gathered with his Creative Nation family with Luke and Beth Laird at Ocean Way Studios in Nashville on Tuesday (June 12) to celebrate the soft launch of his latest album, Born Ready, set for release Friday, June 15.

“At Creative Nation, we just want to work with people we believe in,” Laird shared on the company’s mission upon launching in 2011. “I’m obviously a songwriter first, so what drew me to Steve was his songwriting. All these songs he writes are songs I wish I could write or wish that I’d have written. For me, to have the opportunity to be his producer — which really, all that means is that I’m just trying not to mess up the heart that’s in these songs he’s written…I believe in this music a lot.”

Moakler performed some songs from the album during the celebration, including the title track “Born Ready,” “Slow Down,” “Thirty,” and “One More Troubadour,” a song inspired by an early conversation in his Nashville journey.

“When I first moved [to Nashville] I ended up in the conversation with a native [of the city] and he was really nice to me” Moakler said. “He asked ‘What brought you to town?’ and I realized how typical my answer was being a singer/songwriter, so I answered insecurely with a smirk, ‘Well sir, I’m a singer/songwriter, just one of the 10,000.’ I thought he was going to laugh, but he just paused and looked at me real serious and said, ‘Well son, there’s 10,000 angels, too, you know?’ I’ve never thought of it quite the same way. I really love getting to be a songwriter, getting to be a troubadour, and that’s what really drives me to get up in the morning.”

The CN Records album is available everywhere June 15.