Corey Crowder, Chris DeStefano, Jimmy Yeary Added To NSAI Board

Pictured L-R: Newly elected NSAI Board Members Corey Crowder, Chris DeStefano, and Jimmy Yeary

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) recently concluded its election for the 2018 Board of Directors. Newly elected board members are Corey Crowder, Chris DeStefano, and Jimmy Yeary.

Current board members who were re-elected to an additional two-year term include Tony Arata, NSAI President Steve Bogard, Jeff Cohen, Ben Glover, Connie Harrington, Byron Hill, Liz Rose and Jenn Schott.

They join existing board members Rhett Akins, Jim Beavers, Roger Brown, Beckie Foster, Nicolle Galyon, Brett James, Lee Thomas Miller, Tim Nichols, Gary Nicholson, Josh Osborne, Rivers Rutherford, Anthony Smith, Caitlyn Smith, Bobby Tomberlin, Troy Verges and Danny Wells, whose terms expire in 2019.

NSAI Board elections happen in two phases and include voting by the NSAI Professional Songwriter Membership and appointments by the NSAI Board of Directors.

Aaron Watson’s New Live Album Will Help Support Hurricane Harvey Victims

Aaron Watson will lend a hand to some fellow Texans in need with his upcoming new album, Aaron Watson Live at the World’s Biggest Rodeo Show,  which is set for release Aug. 24 and marks the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey’s landfall on the south Texas coast (Aug. 25, 2017).

The Category 4 storm caused $125 billion in damage and impacted 13 million people in 41 Texas counties, and $1.41 from each album sold will benefit the Rebuild Texas Fund, in recognition of the widespread devastation across the Lone Star state.

Recorded live in front of 65,000 fans on opening night of the 2017 Rodeo Houston, the album, his 14th, is particularly poignant to the Texas born-and-bred singer/songwriter. It includes 13 songs from Watson’s 18-year career, including the acoustic bonus track, “Higher Ground,” which he wrote as Hurricane Harvey was devastating his home state of Texas.

“We had planned on releasing this album in the second half of 2017, but after the storm it just didn’t feel right,” says Watson.  “I’ve always wanted my music to do good in the world and it became clear that there was a real opportunity to hold onto this project and release it on the one year anniversary of the hurricane. So much of my home state of Texas was affected. Hopefully by bringing the recovery efforts back to the forefront, it will remind people that there is still so much work left to do. I’m also extremely proud to partner with the Rebuild Texas Fund, which makes sure every dollar goes back into the local communities, and help them raise money by donating a portion of the live album sales.”

Watson will play a special Houston-area show with Gary Allan on Aug. 24 at the Smart Financial Centre (Sugar Land).

Aaron Watson Live at the World’s Biggest Rodeo Show Track List:
“These Old Boots Have Roots” (Aaron Watson)
“Freight Train” (Aaron Watson, Troy Olsen, Tim Nichols)
“Real Good Time” (Aaron Watson)
“Raise Your Bottle” (Aaron Watson)
“That’s Why God Loves Cowboys” (Aaron Watson, Troy Olsen, Sarah Buxton)
“That Look” (Aaron Watson)
“Outta Style” (Aaron Watson)
“Bluebonnets” (Julia’s Song) (Aaron Watson)
“They Don’t Make Em Like They Use To” (Aaron Watson)
“Fence Post” (Aaron Watson)
“Wildfire” (John Mayer)
“Getaway Truck” (Aaron Watson)
“July in Cheyenne” (Song for Lane’s Momma) (Aaron Watson)
“Higher Ground” (Acoustic Bonus Track) (Aaron Watson)

 

Given Music Publishing Signs Tommy Karlas

Pictured (L-R): Michael Hollandsworth, VP/GM, Given Music Publishing; Jenny Hall, Creative Director, Given Music Publishing; Tommy Karlas.

Tommy Karlas has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Given Music Publishing. The singer-songwriter has had songs recorded by Blake Shelton and Randy Travis, as well as the multi-week No. 1 “Roll With Me,” recorded by Montgomery Gentry. The song earned Karlas a 2009 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year nomination.

“Tommy’s quest for perfection as a songwriter is thoroughly evident in the songs he writes,” said Given VP/GM Michael Hollandsworth. “He brings a standard and work ethic to his writing that impress not only us here at Given, but also his many talented cowriters. We are extremely fortunate to have Tommy join the Given team of writers.”

Karlas’ relationship with Nashville and songwriting began when he was 14 years old and making trips to Music City from his hometown of East Alton, Illinois. Hollandsworth, who at that time was heading Zomba Music Publishing, was the first person he met.

“Mike was nice enough to meet with me to critique my songs and offer me advice,” Karlas said. “I made the move to Nashville when I was 19. Shortly after, I met Jeff Carlton who signed me to my first publishing deal. I’ve spent almost 10 years writing for some great publishers, and now I am reuniting with Mike. There are a lot of publishing companies I would’ve been happy to sign a deal with, but I honestly can’t think of one that would’ve been a better fit for me than Given. Mike is an incredible, no-nonsense song guy and [Creative Director] Jenny [Hall] is a hard worker who gets what I do.”

Amy Stroup Signs With WME

Pictured (L-R): Matthew Morgan, Agent, William Morris Endeavor; Amy Stroup, Artist, Co-Founder Milkglass Creative; Rob Beckham, Co-Head, William Morris Endeavor (WME).

Amy Stroup has signed with WME. The Nashville-based singer/songwriter and member of Sugar & The Hi-Lows will be releasing her forthcoming solo album Helen of Memphis on Aug. 10, featuring collaborations with the members of SUPERCOOKIES (Kendrick Lamar, DRAM), One Republic’s Tim Meyers, and Danger Twins partner Andrew Simple.

Stroup’s music has been featured in more than 450 TV shows, films and international ad campaigns. She is currently on the road and has upcoming dates with Kenny Loggins, Rodrigo y Garbiela, and Noah Guthrie. Additional fall dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

Stroup is also the co-founder of Milkglass Creative, the Nashville-based design firm responsible for the art behind Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town’s latest releases.

“I’m so excited to be a part of the amazing team at WME,” said Stroup. “They are a team that is constantly innovating the live music experience world wide and get that Nashville music isn’t just country… it’s pop, rock, indie, and beyond. I couldn’t be more excited to partner to promote my new record on the road with them.”

Weekly Chart Report (7/13/18)

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New Album Coming From Asleep At The Wheel

On Friday, Sept. 14, Asleep at the Wheel will release New Routes, (Thirty Tigers) its first new material in over a decade, embarking on a new chapter in the group’s 48 year history with a fresh group of musicians and nimble musical palette. The 11-track collection of both new and familiar country, jazz, jump blues, rockabilly, Western Swing and folk, offers a blend of originals, vibrant covers, superior musicianship, and a guest vocal appearance by Seth and Scott Avett of The Avett Brothers.

Comprised of founder/leader Ray Benson (lead guitar and vocals), Katie Shore (fiddle and vocals), Eddie Rivers (steel and sax), David Sanger (drums), Dennis Ludiker (fiddle, mandolin, vocals), Josh Hoag (bass), Connor Forsyth (piano and vocals), and Jay Reynolds (sax and clarinet), Asleep at the Wheel’s performance agility takes centerstage on the record.

For the first time since the 80’s, Benson co-wrote with a member of the Wheel for the record. “Call It A Day Tonight” is co-penned with fiddler and recent band addition, Katie Shore. The Ft. Worth, Texas, native follows in the long tradition of strong and talented women who have been an integral part of the band’s identity for decades. From founding vocalist Chris O’Connell to Mary Ann Price, Rosie Flores, Cindy Cashdollar, Elizabeth McQueen and Emily Gimble, female vocalists and musicians have shaped the band’s legacy.

New Routes tracklist:
1. Jack I’m Mellow (Public Domain / Arranger Ray Benson)
2. Pencil Full of Lead (Paolo Nutini)
3. Call It a Day Tonight (Ray Benson, Katie Shore)
4. Seven Nights to Rock (Buck Trail, Henry Glover, Louis Innis)
5. Dublin Blues (Guy Clark)
6. I Am Blue (Katie Shore)
7. Pass the Bottle Around (Ray Benson)
8. Big River (Johnny Cash / House of Cash Inc (BMI))
9. Weary Rambler (Katie Shore)
10. More Days Like This (Seth Walker, Gary Nicholson)
11. Willie Got There First ft. Seth and Scott Avett of The Avett Brothers (Seth Avett)

BBR Music Group Announces New Executive Appointments

BBR Music Group has announced a slate of new executive appointments, following this week’s restructuring of its label lineup with new assignments and responsibilities effective immediately.

Shelley Hargis, former VP of Promotion at Red Bow Records, has joined the Broken Bow Records team as new co-VP of Promotions alongside Lee Adams. Hargis’s responsibilities will now include overseeing promotion for the Midwest. Both Hargis and Adams report to Carson James, SVP Promotion BBR Music Group.

Kendra Whitehead and Caitlyn Gordon transition from Red Bow Records in their Director of Promotions positions to Wheelhouse Records with similar responsibilities. The two will report to newly appointed Wheelhouse VP of Promotions Ken Tucker who transitions from Apple Music July 23.

Lexi Willson will move from her position as the Director of Promotion, West Coast at Wheelhouse Records to handle responsibilities in the Northeast for Stoney Creek Records. Willson now reports to Stoney Creek VP of Promotion Byron Kennedy.

Matt Holmberg, formerly the Promotion Coordinator for Wheelhouse Records and Red Bow Records, has been named Manager of Secondary Promotions.

Andrea Knipp has been named Promotion Coordinator for Wheelhouse Records, Broken Bow and Stoney Creek Records.

Jon Loba, EVP BBR Music Group, said, “Our newly restructured labels strongly position us to deliver at the highest levels for our artists as well as our radio partners.”

“The team and the artists here at BBR Music Group are the best in the industry. I can’t wait for country radio and the fans to hear what we have in store for them,” added Carson James, SVP Promotion BBR Music Group.

 

Music Expo To Hold Inaugural Nashville Conference This Fall

Music Expo, the multi-city conference series for music makers in partnership with Sound On Sound, is hosting its first-ever Music Expo Nashville on Sept. 22.

Hosted by SAE Institute, the day-long exhibition will feature keynote presentations, panels and educational workshops led by producers, engineers, songwriters, music industry leaders and tastemakers including Brian Bauer, Matt Leigh, Zach Allen, Logan Crowell, Robert Venable and more.

Early bird conference tickets are $15 and are available now until July 31st. The final program and speaker lineup will be announced in the coming weeks. Since Music Expo’s inception five years ago, the series of conferences has brought together artists, producers, engineers and innovators in cities like Boston and Miami.

“Our mission is to provide a platform that encourages dialogue between music creators, and after five years in other cities, we are really excited to bring Music Expo to Nashville for the first time with the help of SAE Institute. Nashville is a music hub for so many creators, musicians, producers and songwriters, and we hope to be apart of that, and provide more opportunities for the creative community to gather,” said Loïc Maestracci, Founder of Music Expo.

Early bird conference tickets are $15 and are available now until July 31. 

DISClaimer: Powerful New Tunes From David Lee Murphy, Rachel Wammack

David Lee Murphy and Rachel Wammack

This week, we say howdy to several of our old pals.

John Scott Sherrill, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, Sylvia, David Ball and Larry Stewart are all artists that I have followed affectionately for years. So is David Lee Murphy, and he has the rockin’ Disc of the Day.

I reviewed one of Rachel Wammack’s tracks earlier this summer. Now with her official debut single, “Damage,” she’s an official contender. This lady is the most deserving DisCovery Award winner I have had in many a moon.

DAVID BALL/I Got A Broken Heart In The Mail
Writers: none listed; Producer: David Ball; Publishers: none listed; Public
– Kinda spare sounding and lo-fi, but full of hillbilly personality. And the echoes of Buck Owens in his vocal delivery are delightful.

SYLVIA/Nobody
Writers: Kye Fleming/Dennis Morgan; Producers: John Mock/Sylvia; Publishers: none listed; Red Pony
– Sylvia’s latest CD is titled Second Bloom: The Hits Re-Imagined. She still sings with immense verve, and the songs still sound sturdy. Her biggest tune is given an arrangement that puts more spotlight on the personality in her voice and on the song’s tightly crafted lyric. Highly recommended listening.

JON PARDI/Night Shift
Writers: Tofer Brown/Phillip LaRue/Billy Montana; Producers: Bart Butler; Publishers: Maxx/Let the Road Pave Itself/Razor & Tie/Bicycle/Mike Curb/Rain Town, BMI; Capitol
-It’s a wailing, workingman’s-romance country rocker. It’s been a tough week, but the weekend lovin’ is gonna make the overtime worthwhile.

 

ANITA COCRHAN/Fight Like A Girl
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; AC
– The multi-talented Anita has been battling breast cancer for all of this past year. This is her survivor anthem, with a powerfully throbbing rhythm, a rocking production and a piercing, high-voiced chorus. The gal needs medical bucks, folks. Buy this and/or contribute to her GoFundMe page.

DAVID LEE MURPHY/I Won’t Be Sorry
Writers: David Lee Murphy/Paul Jenkins/Jason Sellers; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Reviver/Blue Chair
– This seriously rocks. Murphy looks at life with the pedal pushed firmly to the metal, knowing that he’ll go out in a blaze of glory with nary a backward glance. This has summertime branded on its hiney.

RACHEL WAMMACK/Damage
Writers: Rachel Wammack/Tom Douglas/David Hodges; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: none listed; RCA
– Wow. This packs an emotional wallop. A splendid illustration of how real and artistic this genre can be, it’s a the tale of a bartender who sees the grief and loss and ruin that comes from our mighty human capacity for love. Essential listening. This is the second straight time that this woman has pinned my ears back. Make her a star.

 

JOHN SCOTT SHERRILL/Mr. Honky Tonk
Writers: Sherrill/Robbins/Wright; Producers: John Scott Sherrill, Josh Matheny, Brad Stella; Publishers: Lobo Libre/TreCor/Blair’s Boy/ClearBox Rights, BMI/ASCAP; Lobro Libre/DeFacto
– Scotty has been writing giant hits for others for four decades. But apart from his stint in Billy Hill, he hasn’t made records. This is the title tune of a debut solo album that changes all that. Sung in a pleading folkie tenor, it’s a solid country two-step produced with finesse. The CD is dominated by new tunes, but also contains ear-opening versions of JSS hits better known in versions by such stars as Patty Loveless (”Nothin’ But the Wheel”), Josh Turner (”Would You Go With Me”), Steve Wariner (”Some Fools Never Learn”) and John Anderson (”Wild and Blue”).

LORRIE MORGAN & PAM TILLIS/Come See Me and Come Lonely
Writers: Red Lane; Producer: Richard Landis; Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree, BMI; Goldenlane
– This was a terrific 1978 single by Dottie West that I have always loved. Its revival as a duet by these two sterling voices is a splendid listening experience. It is the title tune of an album that also revisits such gems as K.T. Oslin’s “Do Ya,” Skeeter Davis’ “End of the World,” Roy Orbison’s “It’s Over,” Dwight Yoakam’s “Guitars Cadillacs,” Billie Jo Spears’ “Blanket on the Ground” and more. Joy abounds.

LARRY STEWART/What’s That Cowgirl See In Me
Writers: none listed; Producers: Gordon Kennedy; Publishers: none listed; 5West
– Lilting and innocent sounding, with just the right seasoning of Larry’s usual vocal “heart.”

SCOTT SOUTHWORTH/Hey Hillbilly Singer
Writers: Scott Southworth/Marc Alan Barnette; Producers: Buddy Hyatt; Publishers: none listed, SESAC/ASCAP; Scott Likes Pie
– As you might expect from the title, this is a bawling, honky-tonk, beer-drinkin’ blazer. It doesn’t get more in-your-face country than this.

 

Stadiumred Group Acquires Gyrosity Projects

The Stadiumred Group has acquired Nashville-based Gyrosity Projects. The company is now part of Stadiumred, the communications and marketing firm based in New York City with offices in Amsterdam and Los Angeles. Stadiumred’s clients include BMW, Bacardi, Avion Tequila, Rolls-Royce, Fiji Water, Heineken, and The Recording Academy, among others. 

Garrison Snell remains as Gyrosity’s CEO, leading the Nashville team and leveraging Stadiumred’s international platform for the Nashville community and clients. Snell has built a roster of clients including CeCe Winans, Kenny Loggins, Bad Company, Mellow Mushroom, TEDxNashville and others. Both Gyrosity Projects and Crosshair Music clients will continue to be served by them, but will now have access to the Stadiumred Group’s network to leverage enhanced capabilities such as brand strategy, creative, experiential marketing and public relations services.

“Music is in our blood and, while we have done so much in music because of our history, as well as in the general digital advertising world, we really haven’t scratched the surface of what Garrison and his team are doing,” said Claude Zdanow, Stadiumred CEO.