Country Mines Precious Metal in February RIAA Certifications

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Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban received multiple gold and platinum certifications for albums and singles during the month of February, while Florida Georgia Line scored a multiplatinum nod for their single “This Is How We Roll.”

Newcomers Brett Young and Jon Pardi also racked up some metal as well.

Multiplatinum Single:
“This Is How We Roll” – Florida Georgia Line (4x)
“I Don’t Dance” – Lee Brice (2X)
“Die A Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett (3X)

Platinum Single:
“One Hell Of An Amen” – Brantley Gilbert
“John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16” – Keith Urban
“Blue Ain’t Your Color” – Keith Urban

Gold Single:
“Look At You”- Big & Rich
“Sleep Without You” – Brett Young
“May We All” – Florida Georgia Line
“Dirt On My Boots” – Jon Pardi
“Break On Me” – Keith Urban
“Wasted Time” – Keith Urban
“John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16” – Keith Urban
“Blue Ain’t Your Color” – Keith Urban
“Vacation” – Thomas Rhett

Platinum Album:
Lucky Old Sun – Kenny Chesney
Welcome To The Fishbowl – Kenny Chesney
Painkiller – Little Big Town

Gold Album:
You Should Be Here – Cole Swindell
Black – Dierks Bentley
Life On A Rock – Kenny Chesney
The Big Revival – Kenny Chesney

Ford Debuts 2018 Model Without CD Player

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Ford Expedition interior. Photo: Ford

On Feb. 28, Ford announced the EcoSport models—debuting in the US in 2018—will come without a CD player in lieu of streaming and subscription music compatibility.

Citing Nielsen’s 2016 Mid-Year U.S. Music Report of falling CD sales and increase in popularity of streaming and subscription services among younger consumers, Ford’s SUV group marketing manager, Michael O’Brien, noted the manufacturer is constantly looking at ways to be more efficient with space. Ford’s announcement went on to note IHS Automotive projects that by 2021, 46 percent of vehicles sold in North America will not have a CD player.

Additionally, the 2018 Ford Expedition—hitting showrooms later this year—will offer live streaming cable and satellite TV just in the back seats via SlingPlayer, even TV shows and live sporting events streamed from a home cable or satellite system. The SUV will also include Wi-Fi hotspot, capable of supporting 10 devices up to 50 feet away from the vehicle.

Although the DVD players the SUV offers are capable of playing audio CDs, the revised Expedition will also include gamer compatibility hookups HDMI, USB and SD cards. Ford will be capable of integrating Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ capability in addition to SiriusXM™ radio.

DISClaimer: Brett Eldredge, Maren Morris Offer Vocal Power, Rhythmic Tracks

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It’s a day for second-generation music makers.

The sons of David Bellamy of The Bellamy Brothers, the cousins born to Don & Harold Reid of The Statler Brothers and Roger Miller’s gifted namesake are all here with new sounds. All of them are heartily recommended. And one of them, Wilson Fairchild (the Reid kids), takes home our DisCovery Award.

The Disc of the Day gets a male-female split today. Running in a dead heat are Brett Eldredge and Maren Morris, both of whom have absolutely essential additions for your playlists.

STEPHANIE QUAYLE/Winnebago
Writers: none listed; Producer: Matt McClure; Publisher: none listed; Rebel Engine
– She has some cash saved up and some groovy wheels. So why not hop on in and just go someplace on the open road? A rollicking, sunny come-on that’s hard to resist.

MAREN MORRIS/I Could Use A Love Song
Writers: Maren Morris/Jimmy Robbins/Laura Veltz; Producer: busbee & Maren Morris; Publishers: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia (track)
– Enchanting. Deliciously melodic and wonderfully thumpy as it yearns for romance. Also, she’s singing her heart out here.

LUCAS HOGE/Dirty South
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Rebel Engine
– I thought bro country was over.

YouTube video

DEAN MILLER/’Til You Stop Getting Up
Writers: Dean Miller/Sean Patrick McGraw; Producers: Dean Miller/Brian Eckert; Publishers: none listed; Off The Verge
– He’s broken hearted, sitting next to an ex-boxer at the bar. The prize fighter’s advice is, “You ain’t a loser until you stop getting up.” Written and sung like a champ. By the way, former Golden Gloves pugilist Kris Kristofferson co-stars in the video.

MACY MARTIN/Broke Down
Writers: none listed; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: none listed; GTR
– The relationship is busted like a vehicle that’s never gonna run again. The track is a sprightly country rocker, and her vocal has a nice bluesy, throaty quality.

WILSON FAIRCHILD/How Are Things In Clay Kentucky
Writers: H. Reid/D. Reid; Producers: Gordon Kennedy/Blair Masters; Publishers: none listed; WF (track)
– Wilson Fairchild are Langdon and Wil Reid, the sons of Don and Harold Reid, respectively. As the core of The Statler Brothers, the fathers are members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. The sons’ new CD, Songs Our Dads Wrote, is a reminder that the elder Reids are also masterful tunesmiths. It is, refreshingly, not a collection of remakes of Statler hits, but a series of lesser-known former album cuts that shine just as brightly as the better known Reid songs. The boys sing ‘em like pros, and have also included their own tribute tune “The Statler Brothers Song,” which name-checks many of the cherished Statler oldies.

YouTube video

 

JESSE & NOAH/This Town Was Built On Heartbreak Songs
Writers: Jesse David Bellamy/Noah Frank Bellamy; Producers: Jesse & Noah Bellamy; Publishers: Skunk Ape, ASCAP; J&N (track)
– I have liked this duo a great deal in the past. Its new CD is titled Southern Usonia. The collection leads off with this marvelously melodic, atmospheric, soaring anthem. If the boys don’t have a hit with it, somebody else sure should. Looking for a cornerstone composition for your new album? Here it is.

RICK MONROE/This Side Of You
Writers: Jason Duke / Rick Monroe / Ryan Griffin; Producer: Sean Giovanni; Publishers: Dan Hodges Music(ASCAP)/Jindo Dog Music (ASCAP); MRG  (ERG)
– Stately and potent. I have liked just about everything this guy has sung in the past. This ballad shows another side of his voice, and it’s just as chesty and solid as ever.

BRETT ELDREDGE/Somethin’ I’m Good At
Writers: Tom Douglas/Brett Eldredge; Producers: Ross Copperman/Brett Eldredge; Publishers: ©2017 Sony/ATV Countryside / Paris Not France Music (BMI) / Sony/ATV Tree Publishing / Tomdouglasmusic; Atlantic (download)
– A boatload of fun, fun, fun. He can’t cook toast, change a flat or dance. But he can make her smile with love. And with this delightful, rhythm-happy track, he can make her tap her toes, too. A blast.

YouTube video

TWOSHINE COUNTY/Track 9
Writers: none listed; Producer: Sean Giovanni; Publishers: none listed; Pitbull (ERG)
– I chose this one because I was intrigued by both the title and the band name. It’s a cool, swirly outing about dizzy love that comes rushing back to him every time he hears “track 9” on their favorite album. Tenor vocals with stacked harmonies, burbling rhythms and ringing guitars are the hallmarks here. Very listenable.

The Recording Academy To Honor Keith Urban With Recording Artists Coalition Award

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Keith Urban

Keith Urban will be honored by the Recording Academy for his tireless commitment to and support of music education with the Recording Artists’ Coalition Award April 5. Four-time Grammy-winner Urban will be awarded the honor at the annual Grammys on the Hill Awards ceremony at the Hamilton Live in Washington D.C., which will feature unique live performances and some musical surprises.

Urban has been supporting music education efforts for nearly a decade, volunteering for the Academy’s Grammy Camp summer music program, supporting grant-based education initiatives that provide funds to sustain local music programs in schools, and participating in the Grammy U Soundchecks program on many occasions.

“Through music education programs, Keith Urban has encouraged aspiring musicians by giving them the opportunity to perform and achieve their dreams,” said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. “An engaged member of the music community and The Recording Academy for many years, Keith is an outstanding music citizen and supporter of the future of music, so it is our great pleasure to honor and recognize his dedication at GRAMMYs on the Hill.”

“The opportunity to work with aspiring musicians and kids, who are just discovering music for the first time, really inspires me,” said Urban. “Creativity is at the heart of an innovative society – it brings people together and teaches children self-expression, creative confidence, and improvisational skills which are essential to their development. Being honored by The Academy, especially given the fact that they’re the ones that have given me the chance to be part of their work in this area, is humbling. It’s an incredible honor.”

Opry Country Classics Series Returns March 9

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The popular Opry Country Classics series is back for the Spring and will run Thursdays from March 9 – June 1, beginning each evening at 7 p.m. Larry Gatlin returns as host for 10 of the weeks, with Opry announcer Bill Cody stepping in for Gatlin for two shows.

The March 9 kickoff show is set to feature some songs from the catalog of late Opry great Dottie West. Among those set to honor West are three artists she shepherded through their early years in Nashville: Jeannie Seely, show host Gatlin, and the evening’s Spotlight Artist Steve Wariner.

Additional spotlight artists already scheduled for the spring lineup include Pam Tillis (March 16), Lorrie Morgan (March 23), Crystal Gayle (April 13), Tanya Tucker (April 20), Oak Ridge Boys (April 27), Charlie Daniels Band (May 4), Brenda Lee (May 11), and Dailey & Vincent (May 25.)

A special Saturday afternoon edition of Opry Country Classics is scheduled for CMA Music Fest Week on June 10. Opry Country Classics tickets as well as money-saving ticket combos including admission to both Thursday night Opry Country Classics shows and Tuesday, Friday, or Saturday shows are available by visiting opry.com or by calling 615-871-OPRY.

In Pictures: ‘The Shack’ Premiere, Last Bandoleros, Jim Horn, Marty Roe

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Soundtrack Artists, Writers Attend ‘The Shack’ Premiere

Pictured (L-R): Lori McKenna, Shane McAnally, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney Photo: Marion Curtis

Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Dan + Shay, Lori McKenna, and Shane McAnally attended The Shack film premiere at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City Tuesday night. McAnally teamed with McKenna to write the album’s second track “Keep Your Eyes on Me,” recorded by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw.

 

Last Bandoleros Join Sting For Music City Stop

Pictured (L-R): Emilio Navaira, Scott Hendricks (WMN), Diego Navaira, John Esposito (WMN), Jerry Fuentes, Derek James

Warner Music Nashville’s The Last Bandoleros hit the stage at the Municipal Auditorium Wednesday night (March 1) for Sting’s 57th & 9th Tour’s Nashville stop.

 

Jim Horn Latest ‘Nashville Cat’ Honored By Hall Of Fame

Pictured, Back Row (L-R): Former Music Masters honoree Garth Fundis, former Nashville Cats honorees David Briggs and James Burton; Jim Horn; and Dave Pomeroy; Front row (L-R): former Nashville Cats honoree Reggie Young, Nashville Cats host Bill Lloyd, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Abi Tapia Photo by Carissa Riccardi

Jim Horn was honored by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Saturday (Feb. 25) during its Nashville Cats series. Horn, who can be heard on the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations,” Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night” the Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” and many more classic recordings, discussed his extensive career and performed for the audience.

 

Marty Roe Tapes ‘Jesus Calling’ Podcast

Marty Roe (lead singer of Diamond Rio) and JT Olson (Founder of Both Hands) recently taped an episode for the new Jesus Calling (HarperCollins Publishers) podcast at API Studio in Nashville.

The Nashville House To Showcase Top Nashville Alternative Artists At SXSW

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2017 marks the first year of official South by Southwest showcase “The Nashville House” – an all day, all night event featuring 25 of Nashville’s top emerging artists in pop, alternative, rock and electronic genres, curated by Nashville tastemakers.

The Nashville House will host its showcase on Tuesday, March 14 at Tellers Austin, located at 607 Trinity St. The showcase is open to the public from noon to 8 p.m. Performances from 8 p.m. to midnight require a SXSW credential or wristband.

The lineup includes Nashville favorites Ron Gallo, CAPPA, R.LUM.R, ELEL, The New Respects, Future Thieves and more. Also performing are newcomers Cardboard Kids’ Jake Germany as Phangs and Farewell Flight’s Luke Foley as LUKR.

The event has been curated by Lightning 100, Nashville’s independent radio station, as well as local publishing company Anacrusis, record label Curb Records, music sync company Sorted Noise, the collective POPOFF, and music community PØPSQUAD, among others.

Support comes from Nashville venues Mercy Lounge and The High Watt, distribution company ONErpm, marketing and publicity firm ECHO AVE, recording studio Laughing Heart, and business management firm Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman. The Nashville House will serve Barista Parlor coffee during the day and Blue Chair Bay rum at night to complete the Nashville experience.

The High Watt will host The Nashville House: SXSW Send Off Show on March 9, featuring My Red + Blue, Masha, LUKR, Koyoke, EZA, and Phangs. All of the show proceeds go directly to the bands. Doors are at 7pm, the show starts at 8pm, and tickets are $5. Full show details here.

Greg Janese Joins UTA As Head Of Corporate And Special Events

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Greg Janese

Greg Janese has joined UTA as Head of Corporate and Special Events. Janese will be based in Nashville and will be responsible for booking the agency’s roster in those categories and will also work closely with other departments throughout the agency.

Janese joins UTA from Paradigm, where he was employed for 12 years and headed the corporate and special event division. Prior to joining Paradigm, Janese was president of TBA Entertainment Corporation, a corporate event production company. While at TBA, Janese led the company’s expansion into the corporate communications business through strategic acquisitions and internal growth. He joined TBA after selling Avalon Entertainment Group, a company he co-founded, to the entertainment concern. Avalon Entertainment Group was a concert promotion and production company that specialized in producing entertainment marketing events and headline entertainment for the corporate market.

Jeremy Zimmer, chief executive officer, co-founder of UTA said, “Greg is a key executive who will help us continue to strengthen the bridge between our artists and corporate America. UTA is committed to fulfilling the promise of full service representation and Greg will be a tremendous asset in that regard.”

Janese said, “I’m honored to take this role at UTA, and to have the opportunity to work alongside Jeremy Zimmer and so many other talented executives at a company that is truly raising the bar within the creative community. Artists today are looking to their representatives for visionary, forward-thinking and specialized services across many areas of their work. UTA is leading the way, and that’s why I’m so excited to join this team and focus on the corporate event market.”

Former Word Entertainment VP Launches Artist Development Company

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Pictured (L-R): Andrea Kleid, Lisa Johnson.

Andrea Kleid, former VP of Promotion at Word Entertainment, has launched artist development company Boxer Poet, alongside Lisa Johnson, the creator of Story U’s workshops and a suite of story-building tools.

Kleid will work alongside artists, labels and management companies to help increase an artist’s emotional connection with fans through the power of identity and storytelling.

Kleid and Johnson have partnered to teach artists how to excavate their true identity and be more influential through an experience including a half-day workshop called Artist Identity.

“An artist’s career is fueled by a very specific fuel—emotional connection,” explains Kleid. “Nothing happens until people feel something. No songs get played on the radio, no videos are streamed and no concert tickets are purchased. Everything we do at Boxer Poet is to create authentic emotional connection between an artist and their fans.”

Blake Shelton Celebrates Chart-Topper “A Guy With A Girl” In Nashville

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Pictured: (L-R): back row: Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Sea Gayle’s Marc Driskill, Combustion’s Chris Farren, producer Scott Hendricks, Warner Bros. Nashville’s John Esposito, BMI’s Bradley Collins, Spirit’s Daniel Hill. Seated: Songwriter BMI songwriter Bryan Simpson, BMI artist Blake Shelton, ASCAP songwriter Ashley Gorley.

The Sutler Saloon in Nashville was packed with an industry-only crowd on Tuesday, Feb. 28, in celebration of Blake Shelton‘s 23rd No. 1 single, “A Guy with a Girl.”

The chart-topping song was written by BMI songwriter Bryan Simpson and ASCAP songwriter Ashley Gorley and is the fourth single off Shelton’s 10th studio album If I’m Honest.

“Thank you guys for a great song,” Shelton told the songwriters. “And go write me another one, for God’s sake. Quit sitting around.”

The No. 1 party was the second of the day for Warner Music Nashville, which hosted a No. 1 celebration earlier in the day for Cole Swindell.

ASCAP’s Mike Sistad and BMI’s Bradley Collins led the celebration, which also included presentations from Warner/Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel, Sea Gayle’s Marc Driskill, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito, and Spirit Music’s Daniel Hill.

Shelton also commented on how the song has inspired some unique merchandise that takes its cue from both “A Guy With A Girl” and Gwen Stefani’s early career days with No Doubt, when they hit big with a song called “Just A Girl.”

“Gwen [Stefani] actually came out onstage and performed with me last weekend,” Shelton said. “And somebody threw . . . there’s a picture of this somewhere . . . somebody threw a t-shirt up on the stage that said, ‘She’s just a girl with a guy’ and it had a picture of me on it! So you know that a song is getting big whenever they start making their own merch up.”