Sturgill Simpson Adds Two Ryman Dates to Extended Tour

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Sturgill Simpson 2015Sturgill Simpson will perform shows at the Ryman Auditorium Oct. 30-31 as part of the second leg of his Living The Dream Tour, which runs through Nov. 22. Billy Wayne Davis opens the Nashville shows, and tickets for all of the newly-announced dates go on sale this Friday (July 24). Every date on the first leg of Simpson’s tour was completely sold out.

Simpson has been touring heavily all year in support of his highly acclaimed 2014 release, Metamodern Sounds In Country Music, and will hit Atlanta, Denver, Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Vancouver, and other cities on the next leg of dates. He’ll also perform some dates abroad in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK in August.

The critic’s darling has graced the stages of the Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Late Night with Seth Meyers, the BBC’s Later…with Jools Holland, A Prairie Home Companion, Austin City Limits and The Grand Ole Opry over the past year. He is up for three awards at the Americana Honors and Awards Show in September including Artist, Album, and Song of the Year. 

STURGILL SIMPSON TOUR DATES
July 24—Cooperstown, NY—Brewery Ommegang*
July 25—Newport, RI—Newport Folk Festival
July 26—Hampton Beach, NH—Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
July 29—Pittsburgh, PA—Stage AE*
July 30—Columbus, OH—The LC Pavillion*
July 31—Chicago, IL—Metro (SOLD OUT)
August 1—Chicago, IL—Lollapalooza
August 2—Indianapolis, IN—White River State Park*
August 14—Gothenburg, Sweden—Way Out West
August 15—Oslo, Norway—The Oya Festival
August 18—Edinburgh, U.K.—Liquid Rooms
August 19—Leeds, U.K.—Brudenell Social Club
August 20—London, U.K.—Islington Assembly Hall
August 22—Wales, U.K.—Green Man
August 24—Groningen, Netherlands—Noorderzon Festival
August 25—Amsterdam, Netherlands—Paradiso Grote Zaal
August 27—Tonder, Denmark—Tonder Festival
August 29—Helsinki, Finland—Helsinki Festival
September 6—Moorhead, MN—Bluestem Center for the Arts Amphitheatre†
September 7—St. Paul, MN—Minnesota State Fair – Grandstand†
September 12—Maryville, TN—The Shed (SOLD OUT)
September 13—Asheville, NC—Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
September 15—Norfolk, VA—The NorVa
September 16—Charlottesville, VA—Jefferson Theater (SOLD OUT)
September 18—Philadelphia, PA—Theatre of Living Arts
September 19—New York, NY—Beacon Theatre
September 20—Buffalo, NY—Town Ballroom (ON-SALE JULY 24)
September 23—Washington, DC—Lincoln Theatre (SOLD OUT)
September 24—Washington, DC—Lincoln Theatre (SECOND SHOW JUST ADDED)
September 25—Baltimore, MD—Rams Head Live
September 26—Boston, MA—Boston Calling Festival
October 2-4—Austin, TX—Austin City Limits Music Festival
October 9-11—Austin, TX—Austin City Limits Music Festival
October 15—Tuscaloosa, AL—Tuscaloosa Amphitheater‡
October 23—Atlanta, GA—The Tabernacle
October 30 & 31—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium
November 5—Denver, CO—Ogden Theatre
November 7—Salt Lake City, UT—The Complex
November 10—Spokane, WA—Knitting Factory Concert House
November 12—Vancouver, BC—Vogue Theatre
November 13—Seattle, WA—Showbox SoDo
November 14—Portland, OR—Crystal Ballroom
November 15—Eugene, OR—McDonald Theatre
November 18—Oakland, CA—Fox Theater
November 20—Los Angeles, CA—The Theater at Ace Hotel
November 22—San Diego, CA—The Observatory North Park
*appearing with Old Crow Medicine Show
†appearing with Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson
‡appearing with Jason Isbell

UMPG Upgrades Online Portal Features

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Universal_Music_Publishing_logoUniversal Music Publishing Group has enhanced its online royalty account portal, RoyaltyWindow.com, so that account holders can now see balance updates as royalties are being processed during the royalty period. The company is also offering a new “one-click advance” service that gives writers the ability to request an advance against their incoming royalties without an extra fee.

“Because of our industry-leading technology we’re able to continually develop new features and services that meet the needs of our songwriters. Universal Music Publishing Group continues to be at the forefront in offering the very best system and global copyright administration worldwide,” said Jody Gerson, Chairman/CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group.

UMPG was the first major publisher worldwide to provide online accounting for its writers, including 24/7 online access to royalty statements, payment information, royalty data, and a suite of analysis tools and personalized income tracking services.

American Eagle Awards Honor Jim Halsey, Among Others

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Jim Halsey (Pictured second from left) with the Oak Ridge Boys and Dr. David Sanders.

Jim Halsey (second from left) with the Oak Ridge Boys and Dr. David Sanders.

The National Music Council honored legendary music manager/booker Jim Halsey, his late son Sherman Halsey, Kris Kristofferson, Jim Lauderdale, and Charley Pride last week (July 11) at the 32nd Annual American Eagle Awards, which were held in Nashville for the first time.

Halsey’s award comes in recognition for his lifetime commitment to music and music education and was presented by the Oak Ridge Boys.

“We have a tradition of honoring not only musical performers and writers, but also music educators, supporters of music, impresarios and producers who have shaped the music of our nation,” said NMC president Dr. David Sanders. “Jim Halsey’s ability to nurture artists, and his record of guiding the careers of some of America’s greatest talents, has earned him a special place among those who have made comprehensive contributions to musical life in America.

Halsey has worked directly to shape the careers of 24 members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, including the Oak Ridge Boys, Reba McEntire, Minnie Pearl and George Jones. He will be honored later this year when he is inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.

Easton Corbin Debuts Song For Ram Summer Campaign

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Easton Corbin. Photo: Ram

Easton Corbin. Photo: Ram

Mercury Nashville recording artist Easton Corbin has partnered with Ram Trucks to debut his new song titled “Let’s Ride” today (July 17). Directed by Shaun Silva, the official music video was released today on Yahoo! Music for a one-day exclusive before release on VEVO, YouTube, Yahoo Ram Country and other digital services.

Ram helped create the music video and behind-the-scenes video while Nashville-based G7 Entertainment Marketing and Doner agency joined in to help with the 30-second commercial spots, running from July to August.

“We continue to look for unique ways to creatively show how Ram trucks are an integral part of our culture and the everyday lives of our customers,” said Olivier Francois, Chief Marketing Officer, FCA—Global. “It is rewarding to know that Easton, one of the hottest young artists in country music today, wrote the song inspired by his ongoing experiences behind the wheel of our Ram trucks.”

“When you think about songs you want to perform, you often think about songs you heard while in your favorite truck,” said Corbin. “It’s easy to write a song like ‘Let’s Ride’ because it is all about fun and having a good time, which is what the Ram brand is all about.”

The new “Summer Nights” and “Carnival” ads tell the story of a young couple sneaking out in their Ram 1500 for a night of summertime adventures.

Corbin was previously one of five country artists who participated in the Ram’s 2012 “Road to the Ram Jam” sweepstakes and concert. The auto maker continued to work with Corbin in 2013 as part of the brand’s “Year of the Farmer” initiative where he made a series of visits and private concerts across the country for current FFA members.

Combustion Atlas Publishing Signs Paul Moak

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Pictured (L-R): Lani Crump (Showdown Management), Paul Moak, Chris Farren (Combustion Music owner/President), Dave Steunebrink (Showdown Management), Kenley Flynn (Creative Director, Combustion Music).

Pictured (L-R): Lani Crump (Showdown Management), Paul Moak, Chris Farren (Combustion Music owner/President), Dave Steunebrink (Showdown Management), Kenley Flynn (Creative Dir., Combustion Music)

Grammy-nomintated, ASCAP award winning producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter, and musician Paul Moak has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with independent publishing venture, Combustion Atlas.

“Paul is giant talent,” said Chris Farren, Combustion Music owner/President. “Not only is he an incredible songwriter, but one of the most organic and innovative producers in town who makes records that sound like none else. We could not be more excited about helping propel him to the next level.”

Based in Nashville, Moak has amassed credits on more than 500 albums exceeding total sales of 10 million, across a variety of genres, with an impressive roster of artists that includes: Joy Williams, Mat Kearney, John Paul White, Marc Broussard, Relient K, The Vespers, Leagues, Madi Diaz, House of Heroes, Matt Maher, and Goodbye June.

Moak’s work has been featured on hit TV shows One Tree Hill, Private Practice, Pretty Little Liars, The Vampire Diaries and 666 Park Avenue as well as commercials for Bose, American Family Insurance, and Taco Bell.

Moak also established The Smoakstack Studio located in Nashville which he owns and operates.

Jägermeister Taps Lee Brice and Rick Monroe for Fall Tour

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Lee-Brice-JagermeisterCurb recording artist Lee Brice will headline the Jägermeister Presents: Lee Brice country concert series throughout September and October. The 18-city tour will also feature Jägermeister-sponsored brand ambassador for the past six years, country artist Rick Monroe.

As part of the tour, Jägermeister will be enlisting renowned illustrator Billy Perkins to create custom, limited edition artwork that will be featured throughout each venue. Each stop will also feature original artwork from the brand’s “56 Parts: Best as One” campaign as well as a custom Jägermeister Lee Brice cocktail inspired by the artist.

“The craftsmanship that Lee puts into his recordings and live performances are second to none, and his style of music pairs perfectly with a brand rooted in quality like Jägermeister,” said Cliff Rigano, Director of Music Marketing for Jägermeister.

“The people we play for on the road night after night are the greatest fans in the world,” shared Brice. “They love to have a great time and are fans of the Jägermeister brand. I’ve been looking for a way to partner with Jäger for a while now and this tour is the perfect way to do that. I can’t wait to get started!”

“I am honored to be invited back as the Jägermeister brand ambassador and emcee of the concert series,” said Monroe. “This will be my seventh Jägermeister tour, having performed on this tour with Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Randy Houser, Eli Young Band, Aaron Lewis, and a few others. These shows are something the fans look forward to, as much as I do, because they know it is always a party!”

Tickets can be purchased through leebrice.com.

Jägermeister Presents: Lee Brice Tour Dates
9/11 – Phoenix, AZ – Comerica Theatre
9/12 – Los Angeles, CA – Club Nokia at LA Live
9/13 – Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Winery
9/16 – Worley, ID – Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel: The Event Center
9/17 – Boise, ID – Revolution Center
9/18 – Minden, NV – TJ’s Corral at the Carson Valley Inn
9/24 – Springfield, MO – Shrine Mosque
9/25 – Enid, OK – Enid Event Center
9/26 – Muskogee, OK – Muskogee Civic Center
9/30 – Fredericksburg, VA – Celebrate Virginia Live at Pancho Villa Pavilion
10/1- Williamsport, PA – Community Arts Center
10/2- Wallingford, CT- Toyota Presents Oakdale
10/3 – Niagara Falls, NY – Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel
10/8 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center Arena
10/9 – Indianapolis, IN – Old National Centre: Murat Theatre
10/22- Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
10/23 – Danville, IL – David S. Palmer Arena
10/24 – Davenport, IA – Adler Theatre

Toby Keith To Release ’35 mph Town’ In October

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Toby KeithToby Keith’s latest album, 35 mph Town, is set for release October 9 with his Show Dog Nashville.

The new collection was co-produced by Keith and Bobby Pinson, and includes guitar by Kenny Greenberg, (who often plays with Keith’s pop-up band, the Incognito Banditos) and backing vocals by band member Mica Roberts.

Brandy Clark, Bob DiPiero, and Shane McAnally penned the collection’s debut single, “Drunk Americans,” and songwriters Pinson, Scotty Emerick, and Rivers Rutherford also have cuts on the new project. The title track has climbed to No. 16 on this week’s CountryBreakout chart.

Yesterday (July 16) Keith invited Bobby Bones and his band the Raging Idiots to open his Good Times & Pick Up Lines Tour in Washington D.C. The August 8 stop will offer attendees the ability to purchase limited-edition Toby and Raging Idiots T’s with all proceeds going to benefit the USO.

Last month as Keith was inducted into New York’s Songwriters Hall of Fame and the month prior raised $1.2 million during his golf classic for charity, supporting families of children with pediatric cancer.

Video Footprints: Jake Owen, Dailey & Vincent, Scotty McCreery, Jeffrey Steele

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Jake’s ‘Real Life’ on the Cumberland

Jake Owen will join Cody Alan as co-host for a special episode of the CMT Hot 20 broadcast this Saturday (July 18) from a pontoon boat on Nashville’s Cumberland River. During their water adventure, Owen talks about his single “Real Life,” and gives fans a glimpse into what his life is like on the water, showing off his wake boarding skills.

Cody Alan and Jake Owen

Cody Alan and Jake Owen

‘Dailey & Vincent Show’ Comes To RFD-TV

Dailey & Vincent announced they will host their own national, year-long TV series, The Dailey & Vincent Show presented by Springer Mountain Farms on RFD-TV. The series is filmed in front of a live audience at the Franklin Theatre, produced and directed by Travis Television and executive produced by Zac Koffler of APEX Entertainment Management. Scheduled to debut the first of 26 episodes Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015 at 8:30 PM CT, the shows will welcome such guests as Vince Gill, Dan Tyminski, The Oak Ridge Boys and Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers.
Vince Gill chats with Dailey & Vincent on set Photo Credit: Dusty Draper

Vince Gill chats with Dailey & Vincent on set.
Photo: Dusty Draper. 

Scotty McCreery Visits HLN’s ‘Weekend Express’

Mercury Nashville/19/Interscope recording artist Scotty McCreery will be interviewed on HLN’s Weekend Express with Lynn Smith (Saturday July 18, at 7:00 a.m. ET). McCreery stopped by the news studios en route to his concert on Friday, July 17 in Gainesville, GA.

Pictured: (L-R): HLN's Lynn Smith, McCreery

Pictured: (L-R): HLN’s Lynn Smith, McCreery

Jeffrey Steele on Footprint.TV

Hall of Fame Songwriter Jeffrey Steele has debuted a video channel on Footprint.TV featuring his 2 minute songwriting tips series. Recorded over the past 10 months on his 3 Ring Circus Music YouTube channel, the videos highlight music business topics and advice from stories behind the songs to tips on songwriting. For hands-on songwriting training with Steele, his Bootcamp 2.0 is preparing to launch in the near future. View some of the video series here.

Jeffrey Steele

NSAI Opens Ballot for ’10 Songs I Wish I’d Written,’ ‘Song of The Year’

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nsaiOnline voting has begun for professional songwriter members of the Nashville Songwriter Association International‘s (NSAI) for 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written award, with the top voted song to receive its Song of The Year title for 2015.

The 2015 ballot will be sent from the organization to eligible members through July 31, featuring Nashville-associated songs from several categories: Country, Pop, Christian, Rock and Alternative. Ballot-eligible singles must have entered the Top 20 on Billboard Airplay of their respective charts between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015, and must not have been awarded during the previous year’s ceremony.

Awards will be distributed during the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony on October 11, honoring recently announced talent including Rosanne Cash, Mark James, Even Stevens and Craig Wiseman.

During the event, NSAI will also recognize it’s Songwriter-Artist of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year.

Ashley Monroe’s ‘The Blade’ Previews Ahead of Schedule On NPR

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Ashley-Monroe-The-BladeAshley Monroe’s sophomore project for Warner Bros. Records, The Blade, is being streamed this week by NPR ahead of next Friday’s July 24 release.

“Monroe is a star who’s both arrived and rising: accepted by insiders without losing her veneer of outsider cool,” NPR’s Stephen Thompson wrote, adding “The Blade aims to do more than start conversations; it’s here to win hearts en route to cementing Monroe’s status as a superstar.”

Five songs from the 13-track Vince Gill and Justin Niebank-produced project have been released for fans who pre-order the album on iTunes or at AshleyMonroe.com, where they will receive those tracks instantly.  

Monroe has made numerous appearances in support of the new CD already and will appear on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon July 27 to perform a track from the new collection.