Artist Updates: Brett Kissel, Donovan Woods, Tanya Tucker, Cherie Oakley

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Brett Kissel Takes Home Juno For Country Album Of Year

Brett Kissel was awarded the Juno award for Country Album of the Year for his album, We Were That Song from the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in London, Ontario on March 17. This is the second Juno win for Kissel, who won in 2014 for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.

Just a few days prior to winning the Juno, he was awarded a Gold record for his single “Anthem” (his seventh Gold record) and a “Double Road to Gold” plaque by CIMA, where he was one of the few artists to qualify in the 12-month eligibility period, for his massive 2018 “We Were That Song” tour that saw him perform over 110 dates in every province and territory in Canada.

 

Donovan Woods’ Both Ways Receives Juno For Contemporary Roots Album Of Year

Donovan Woods also picked up a 2019 Juno Award for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year for last year’s Both Ways. Donovan recently dropped the stand-alone song “Go to Her,” which was recorded during the Both Ways sessions. He’s about to embark on a short run of U.S. tour dates, visiting Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Los Angeles.

 

Tanya Tucker Launches New Tequila, Cosa Salvaje

Photo: Steven Lyon

Tanya Tucker is getting into the spirits business, launching Cosa Salvaje Tequila with founder Elle France.The silver spirit distilled by the family-owned Partida Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico is from very mature Blue Agave plants, which results in a smooth, crisp taste. Every Cosa Salvaje bottle is handmade out of recycled glass. “Cosa Salvaje translates as “wild thing” in Spanish.

“I used to be a wild thing, now I just drink a wild thing! I truly love the taste of Cosa Salvaje and certainly wouldn’t be partnering with it if it didn’t pass my taste test. All my friends did a blind test with different tequilas and Cosa Salvaje was the hands down winner, so I know everyone else is going to enjoy it as much as I do. What’s even more important to me is how the agave and distilling process is environmentally conscious, so we’re taking care of our planet too,” Tucker said.

 

Cherie Oakley Joins PLA Media Roster

Cherie Oakley has joined the PLA Media roster. Oakley recently launched her debut single “Work It” which she penned with Mark Oakley and David Fanning. The single was produced by Dann Huff and Huff’s daughter Ashlyne choreographed the dance scenes in the clip, which made its world broadcast premiere last week on The Country Network.

LANCO Releases “Rival” As First Single From Upcoming Sophomore Album

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LANCO. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Double-Platinum country band LANCO returns today after their No. 1 debut album, dropping the impassioned, outsiders anthem “Rival.” The rowdy track represents the first taste of the Arista Nashville-signed band’s upcoming second album.

With Jay Joyce returning as producer, frontman Brandon Lancaster and drummer Tripp Howell co-wrote “Rival,” marking Howell’s first appearance as a writer on a LANCO project. The track was built from an off-kilter groove that Howell took to Lancaster after a show one night, which morphed into the two writing “Rival” on the back of their tour bus.

“There’s so much pressure to be like someone else or to live up to some outside expectation, especially with social media and how perfect it makes everything look,” said Lancaster. “We wrote this song from the perspective of no matter where you come from, be proud of who you are and the way you’re creating your own path. And if anyone doesn’t like it, just chalk them up as a rival and keep doing your thing.”

“We realized that everyone has faced something they have to stand up against. It isn’t about fitting into any mold, it’s about sticking up for what you believe in and having that crew of friends around that will always have your back,” Howell added. “That’s definitely a big part of our story. We didn’t know anything or anyone when we started out trying to break into this business, and I think that underdog mentality really drove us in the beginning.”

With the success of their debut album Hallelujah Nights and No. 1 single “Greatest Love Story,” the country band has seen a whirlwind of a year. LANCO was chosen to perform at the esteemed CRS New Faces show, they were nominated for Vocal Group of the Year at the 2018 CMA Awards, and are currently nominated for New Duo Or Group Of The Year as well as Group Of The Year at the ACM Awards.

As far as touring goes, they supported Dierks Bentley on his 2018 Mountain High Tour, they just wrapped up their own headlining tour with UMG Nashville artist, Caylee Hammack, and they are currently supporting Luke Combs on his Beer Never Broke My Heart Tour.

“It was amazing to be playing shows every night in these beautiful theaters or really awesome rock clubs and people singing not only your singles but singing along to like track seven of the record,” said bassist, Chandler Baldwin. “It was one of the most fulfilling things that I’ve gotten to do.”

The band is still writing their follow-up album to Hallelujah Nights, but the first taste, “Rival,” is out now.

In Pictures: Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild, Nordstrom Host Designer Christian Louboutin In Nashville

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Karen Fairchild and Christian Louboutin. Photo: Getty Images for Nordstrom

Nordstrom and Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild hosted designer Christian Louboutin at her home in Nashville for an exclusive and intimate cocktail event. Fairchild feted the designer’s inaugural visit with the city’s biggest country music stars, music industry executives and fashion influencers.

James “JC” Curleigh, CEO of Gibson guitars, presented Louboutin with a custom Gibson guitar in signature Louboutin red. The party concluded with a musical performance by Nashville rising stars The Brummies, Fancy and Lucie Silvas.

The party celebrates the Christian Louboutin Optical Illusions Spring/Summer 2019 collection at Nordstrom. Nashville is Louboutin’s second stop in a three-city Nordstrom personal appearance tour, including Nordstrom Topanga, Nordstrom The Mall at Green Hills, and Nordstrom Michigan Avenue.

Pictured (L-R): Singer-songwriter Jesse Frasure, Maile Misajon, Christian Louboutin, Matthew Tursi of Old Dominion, Kelleigh Bannen. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Nordstrom, Inc.

Pictured (L-R): Christian Louboutin and Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Nordstrom, Inc.

Pictured: Jessie James Decker. Photo: Getty Images for Nordstrom

Pictured (L-R) Lucie Silvas, Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook of Little Big Town, John Osborne of Brothers Osborne. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Nordstrom, Inc.

Pictured (L-R): Jacob Bryant of The Brummies and Natalie Osborne. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Nordstrom, Inc.

Pictured (L-R): Martina McBride, Kellie Pickler. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Nordstrom, Inc.

Karen Fairchild, Christian Louboutin. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Nordstrom, Inc.

 

Ashley McBryde Earns Daytime Emmy Nomination

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Ashley McBryde.

Warner Music Nashville artist Ashley McBryde has earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Musical Performance. The “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” singer is being honored for her performance on CBS This Morning Saturday.

She joins fellow nominees Israel and Adrienne Houghton (for their performance on The Real), Lindsey Stirling‘s performance on Live with Kelly and Ryan, The Band’s Visit on The Today Show, and Ben Rector‘s performance on Pickler and Ben.

McBryde is also nominated in the recently-announced AIMP Awards’ Publisher Pick category, for “Girl Goin’ Nowhere.” She will perform on the upcoming Academy of Country Music Awards on April 7, where she is nominated for New Female Artist of the Year. McBryde also has a collaboration on Brooks & Dunn’s upcoming Reboot project, where she offered vocals on “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone.” She will perform during CMA Music Festival, on the Chevy Riverfront Stage.

4th Annual AIMP Nashville Awards Reveal Nominees

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The Association of Independent Music Publishers will host its 4th annual AIMP Nashville Awards at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. The awards show, created by the Nashville chapter of the AIMP, celebrates the thriving independent publishing and songwriting community in Nashville.

This year’s AIMP Nashville Independent Spirit Award will go to Celia Froehlig.

The final ballot for the remaining awards is open beginning today, and closes on Thursday, March 28 at 5 p.m. CT. Eligible voters must be active members of the Nashville chapter of the AIMP.

The final nominees are listed below:

AIMP NASHVILLE RISING SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR 
Aaron Eshuis
Alysa Vanderheym
Ben Goldsmith
Jameson Rodgers
Mike Walker
Will Weatherly

AIMP NASHVILLE RISING ARTIST-WRITER OF THE YEAR 
Abby Anderson
Adam Hambrick
HARDY
Teddy Robb
Tenille Townes
Travis Denning

AIMP NASHVILLE ARTIST-WRITER OF THE YEAR 
Brett Young
David Lee Murphy
Jimmie Allen
Jordan Davis
Luke Combs
Maren Morris
Old Dominion

AIMP NASHVILLE SONG CHAMPION OF THE YEAR 
Alex Heddle
Jeff Skaggs
Lee Krabel
Leslie Roberts
Shannan Hatch
Stephanie Cox

AIMP NASHVILLE PUBLISHER’S PICK
“Always Remember Us This Way” (Lady Gaga, Natalie Hemby, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna) independently published by MV2 Entertainment, Rezonant Music Publishing, Creative Nation Music

“Girl Goin’ Nowhere” (Ashley McBryde, Jeremy Bussey) independently published by Song Factory

“Made For You” (Benjy Davis, Joey Hyde, Neil Medley) independently published by Plaid Flag Music, HoriPro Entertainment Group

“Monday Morning Merle” (Bart Butler, Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Lance Miller) independently published by HoriPro Entertainment Group, Bill Butler Music, Big Loud Publishing, Round Hill Music

“People Get Old” (Lori McKenna) independently published by Creative Nation Music

“Somebody’s Daughter” (Tenille Townes, Barry Dean, Luke Laird) independently published by Big Yellow Dog Music, Pulse Songs, Creative Nation Music

AIMP NASHVILLE SONG OF THE YEAR 
“Break Up In The End” (Jessie Jo Dillon, Chase McGill, Jon Nite) independently published by Big Machine Music

“Burning Man” (Luke Dick, Bobby Pinson) independently published by Little Louder Music, Sea Gayle Music

“Drowns The Whiskey” (Brandon Kinney, Jeff Middleton, Josh Thompson) independently published by Tom Leis Music, Love Monkey Music, Liz Rose Music, Big Machine Music

“I Lived It” (Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Ben Hayslip) independently published by Rezonant Music Publishing, Combustion Music, Round Hill Music, THiS Music

“Rainbow” (Kacey Musgraves, Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally) independently published by MV2 Entertainment, SMACKSongs

“Take It From Me” (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Jason Gantt) independently published by ole, Wrensong Entertainment, Rezonant Music Publishing, Love Monkey Music

AIMP NASHVILLE SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Ashley Gorley
Hillary Lindsey
Jessie Jo Dillon
Josh Osborne
Ross Copperman
Shane McAnally

AIMP NASHVILLE PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR 
Big Loud Publishing
Big Machine Music
Combustion Music
Rezonant Music Publishing
Round Hill Music
SMACKSongs

Nashville Meets London Week Returns In July

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Representatives of the international music brand, Nashville Meets London (NML), have announced the return of Nashville Meets London Week, set for July 24-27, 2019.

Kicking off the event series is Nashville Meets London Presents at PizzaExpress Live! on Wednesday and Thursday, July 24-25, followed by the return of the Nashville Meets London ‘Southern Fridays’ Boat Cruise, in partnership with Buck’ N Bull Saloon, on Friday, July 26 and the popular Nashville Meets London Music Festival on Saturday, July 27 at Canary Wharf.

Launched in August 2016 as a music festival, Nashville Meets London has developed into a global music brand providing opportunities that support the globalization of country and Americana music. The brand’s mission is to expand on the cultural and economic exchange of music while driving more synergy between the recording and live performance industries in the United States and the UK.

The festival, which has become London’s largest free country music festival, is held at Canada Square Park in Canary Wharf and is part of Canary Wharf’s Arts + Events program. Talent confirmed to appear in 2019 will be announced soon.

The Nashville Meets London Music Festival is co-produced by Peter Conway Management, Christy Walker-Watkins and Matt Watkins of Nashville-based agency, The AristoMedia Group, and Canary Wharf Group. U.K. based radio DJ Baylen Leonard leads the artistic programme and serves as the host. Ascot Travel Services exclusively books travel for the Nashville Meets London Music Festival.

Tickets are available here.

Nashville Meets London Week Returns In July

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Representatives of the international music brand, Nashville Meets London (NML), have announced the return of Nashville Meets London Week, set for July 24-27, 2019.

Kicking off the event series is Nashville Meets London Presents at PizzaExpress Live! on Wednesday and Thursday, July 24-25, followed by the return of the Nashville Meets London ‘Southern Fridays’ Boat Cruise, in partnership with Buck’ N Bull Saloon, on Friday, July 26 and the popular Nashville Meets London Music Festival on Saturday, July 27 at Canary Wharf.

Launched in August 2016 as a music festival, Nashville Meets London has developed into a global music brand providing opportunities that support the globalization of country and Americana music. The brand’s mission is to expand on the cultural and economic exchange of music while driving more synergy between the recording and live performance industries in the United States and the UK.

The festival, which has become London’s largest free country music festival, is held at Canada Square Park in Canary Wharf and is part of Canary Wharf’s Arts + Events program. Talent confirmed to appear in 2019 will be announced soon.

The Nashville Meets London Music Festival is co-produced by Peter Conway Management, Christy Walker-Watkins and Matt Watkins of Nashville-based agency, The AristoMedia Group, and Canary Wharf Group. U.K. based radio DJ Baylen Leonard leads the artistic programme and serves as the host. Ascot Travel Services exclusively books travel for the Nashville Meets London Music Festival.

Tickets are available here.

Rascal Flatts Honored With Surprise Billionaire Plaque By Pandora

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Pictured (L-R): Joe Don Rooney, VP Label Relations at Pandora Jeff Zuchowski, Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus

Rascal Flatts were surprised during a visit to Pandora’s New York office yesterday (March 19), when they were presented with a Billionaire Plaque, commemorating the trio’s success in reaching over four billion streams on Pandora.

The trio’s new single “Back To Life” is currently ascending at country radio and follows back-to-back chart-topping singles “Yours If You Want It” and “I Like The Sound Of That.” They recently dropped a four-song EP, JUKEBOX as a surprise for fans that features special spins on their most-loved songs. The group has also earned over 40 trophies from the ACA, ACM, AMA, CMA, People’s Choice and more, also making them the most-awarded country group of the past decade. Known as one of the hottest-selling touring acts in any genre with over 10 million tickets sold, the trio just announced their headlining Summer Playlist Tour, kicking off in Cincinnati on May 16.

ADA Worldwide Inks Partnership With Sara Evans, Born To Fly Records

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Front row (L-R): Robert Turner (ADA Worldwide), Sara Evans. Back row (L-R): Brinson Strickland (Collective Artist Management), Greg McCarn (Born To Fly Records), Craig Dunn (Collective Artist Management)

ADA Worldwide has inked an exclusive partnership with Sara Evans and her label, Born To Fly Records. ADA Worldwide will support the Nashville-based label across sales and distribution on a global scale. Launched in 2017, Born To Fly Records is home to Evans’ critically acclaimed eighth studio record, Words.

“As ADA continues to put an emphasis on building its Nashville roster, we are thrilled to join forces with such an acclaimed, decorated artist in country music such as Sara, as she enters this phase in her career,” says Warner Music Group President of Independent Music & Creator Services, Eliah Seton.

“On behalf of Sara, Born To Fly Records and Collective Artist Management, we’re excited to enter into this partnership with ADA and the overall Warner team,” said Craig Dunn, Vice President, Collective Artist Management. “Their passion and track record speak for itself and we’re thrilled to have Sara Evans alongside the long list of accomplished artists on the ADA roster.”

ADA President, A&R and Label Services Kenny Weagly adds, “We’re very excited to partner with Sara on the next steps of her already-lauded career, which is illuminated with No. 1s, prestigious awards, platinum success and numerous tours. In addition to our partnerships that include Aaron Watson’s Big Label Records and Broken Bow Records, joining forces with an artist such as Sara further exemplifies ADA’s focus and commitment to the music coming out of Nashville.”

Dierks Bentley To Headline Free Concert For St. Jude Rock ‘N’ Roll Nashville Marathon, NFL Draft Weekend Festivities

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Dierks Bentley will headline a free concert on Saturday, April 27 as part of the 2019 St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon & ½ Marathon and 2019 NFL Draft on the Draft Main Stage in downtown Nashville.

“This year’s St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon & ½ Marathon and NFL Draft festivities are going to be memorable as we celebrate 20 years in Nashville and the NFL celebrates 100 years,” said Keats McGonigal, Senior Regional Director for Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. “We are excited to work closely with the NFL and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. to engage our runners in the numerous events and concerts coinciding with our race and the 2019 NFL Draft. This is especially true on Saturday night with Dierks Bentley, which gives our runners an exciting headliner to celebrate the conclusion of our race in Music City.”

The concert will take place following the day’s selections on the Draft Main Stage which is located on First and Broadway in downtown Nashville. The designated viewing areas will be from Second to Fifth on Lower Broadway and Music City Walk of Fame Park. Throughout the site, there will be food trucks, beer, soft drinks and water, as well as video screens.

In addition, more than 20 Nashville-based acts will perform during the three days of activities on the NFL Draft Experience Stage, including Chip Esten, Rayland Baxter, Mikky Ekko, and Charlie Worsham.