Music Video Releases: Carrie Underwood, RaeLynn, Brantley Gilbert

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RaeLynn is revealing more of her unique musical journey through a new video profile. From her Baytown, TX roots to spreading her wings on The Voice (season 2) and moving to Nashville, RaeLynn has conquered chords, crowds and coming of age.

The singer-songwriter recently released the EP Me. The project includes five songs RaeLynn wrote, including “God Made Girls,” which topped the iTunes Country Top Songs chart.

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Carrie Underwood premiered her music video of “Little Toy Guns” for fans via social media.

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Brantley Gilbert‘s latest video, “One Hell of an Amen,” honors two brave men whose separate legacies prove to be as strong as their fights. One being Brantley’s close friend, Kory, who lost his battle with Leukemia while courageously telling his doctors to “bring it on.” The other is a hometown hero’s best friend named Jon who was killed in combat while defending others in Iraq. 

 “One of my dear friends back home, Josh, went to Iraq on several tours,” said Brantley. “He had a best friend over there who passed away just a couple feet from where he was positioned. Josh told me the story and it made me feel like I was right there with him. I try not to write songs about things I haven’t been through or experienced, but the way Josh told me the story…it punched me in the chest.”

Brantley once again teamed up with director Shane Drake, who spearheaded the singer’s previous video, “Small Town Throwdown” ft. labelmates Justin Moore and Thomas Rhett.

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Mark Your Calendar – February 2015

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Mo-PitneySingle Add Date

February 2
Kenny Chesney/Wild Child/Blue Chair-Columbia
Kip Moore/I’m To Blame/MCA Nashville
Parmalee/Already Callin’ You Mine/Stoney Creek Records
Macy Martin/Back To Reality/Go Time Records
James Robert Webb/ Daddy Made A Million/ Bison Creek Records
Jill & Julia/Cursed/Lamon Records
Lost Hollow/Water & Oil/Render
Jason Cassidy/Cowboy Girl/Nine North Records-Turnpike Music-Edgehill Music Nashvile
Kayla Calabrese/Whisper/SMG Nashville
Diana Upton-Hill/Do Love Well/Third Floor Records
Jessica Marie/Don’t Let It Bring You Down/Jessica Marie Music

February 9
Mo Pitney/Country/Curb Records
Waterloo Revival/Hit The Road/Big Machine
Blackberry Smoke/Living In The Song/Rounder Records
Angie Lynn Carter/Simple Man/SMG Nashville

February 16
Michael Ray/Kiss You In The Morning/Warner Bros.-WEA
David Fanning/Doin’ Country Right/Red Bow
Abi Ann/Future Ex Boyfriend/One Country Records
Mitch Goudy/My Girl’s Hand/Third Floor Records
Jordyn Stoddard/Like Me Til’ You Love Me/J Stodd
Presley & Taylor/Lookin For A Cowboy/SMG Nashville

February 23
LoCash/I Love This Life/Reviver Records

CRS2015_post2Industry Events

February 6
MusiCares’ 2015 Person of the Year in Los Angeles

February 7
Pre-Grammy Gala at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif.

February 8
57th Annual Grammy awards

February 19-21
Pollstar Live! 2015 at Nashville’s Omni Hotel

February 21
The 26th Annual Pollstar Awards at the Ryman Auditorium

February 25
2015 CRS Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards, invitation-only at Margaritaville in Nashville

February 25-27
CRS 2015 at the Nashville Convention Center

Gretchen-Peters-BlackbirdsAlbum Releases

February 3
Lucie Silvas/Lucie Silvas [EP]/Furthestpoint Records-Caroline

February 10
Love and Theft/Whiskey On My Breath/Hate & Purchase Music
Gretchen Peters’/Blackbirds’

February 17
The Mavericks/Mono/The Valory Music Co.
Aaron Watson/The Underdog/BIG Label-Thirty Tigers

AXS TV Zooms In On Colt Ford, Lucy Angel

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colt ford on axs tvAXS TV’s latest country music programming includes the recently launched series Discovering Lucy Angel and Colt Ford’s first-ever concert special.

AXS TV will premiere Colt Ford: Crank It Up! Live At Wild Adventures, Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 9 p.m. CT. The special shot at Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Ga. spotlights tracks from Ford’s career, ranging from newest single “Crank It Up” to fan favorites such as “Drivin’ Around Song,” “Ride Through the Country” and “Chicken & Biscuits.”

The concert special follows Ford’s guest-appearance on Discovering Lucy Angel at 8 p.m. CT. AXS TV’s first original docu-series focuses on mother-daughter trio Lucy Angel and their family, The Andertons. It is produced by Taylored TV and Eggplant TV.

FRANKLIN, TN - JANUARY 12: The Andertons, Fletcher, Emily, Kate, Doug (G-MAN), Lindsay, Jake, Anthony Smith and McCartney Blaze Smith attend World Premiere debut party for AXS TV Docu-series "Discovering Lucy Angel" on January 12, 2015 at the Franklin Theater in Franklin, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for "Discovering Lucy Angel")

The Andertons attend the debut party for “Discovering Lucy Angel” on Jan. 12, 2015 at the Franklin Theater in Franklin, Tennessee. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for “Discovering Lucy Angel”

Unstoppable Chief: Eric Church Saves Show Despite Sick Band

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Eric Church. Photo: Jill Trunnell

Eric Church. Photo: Jill Trunnell

After a stomach bug knocked out most of his band and crew in Salt Lake City, UT on Saturday, Jan. 31, Eric Church took the stage at the EnergySolutions Arena for a 19-song acoustic set.

“If you’ve seen our show so far on this tour, you’re probably wondering what the hell is going on right now. Well, so am I,” Church told the crowd. “Here’s the deal: Yesterday we had the stomach flu strike our band, our crew, everyone. We had no one to hang video, lights, nothing. But I’m still here. I’m still standing. We’ve talked about how every show on The Outsiders Tour is different. Well, tonight will be the most different one. Shit there’s nobody left. It’s just me. I’m going to give you everything I got.”

As a consolation, Church announced he will return to play Memorial Day (Mon., May 25) with a full band. Supporting acts will be announced at a later date. Fans wishing to attend should hold onto all physical tickets. Those unable to attend that show can seek a full refund at point of purchase beginning Wednesday, Feb. 4, until 5 p.m. day of concert.

Lzzy Hale‘s rock band, Halestorm, opened the show with a full 45-minute set. The production and stage were scaled back–only four spotlights and a minimal floor lighting package showcased Church in this unique setting. Guitar players Jeff Hyde, Jeff Cease and Driver Williams joined Church for a few songs and Hale came onstage for an acoustic rendition of “That’s Damn Rock and Roll.” Church worked six mic positions (scaled back from the normal 14), still performing to every section of the 360-degree setup.

Fans looking to experience Church live can tune-in to CBS on Feb. 8 for the Grammy Awards, where he is up for Best Country Album and Best Country Song, and will play a yet-to-be-announced song. The Outsiders World Tour will return to the road on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California.

Saturday’s complete set list is as follows:
“Talladega”
“Drink In My Hand”
“Guys Like Me”
“How ‘Bout You”
“I’m Getting’ Stoned”
“Creepin’”
“Like Jesus Does”
“Cold One”
“Livin’ Part Of Life”
“Give Me Back My Hometown”
“That’s Damn Rock and Roll”
“Before She Does”
“Homeboy”
“These Boots”
“Like A Wrecking Ball”
“Jack Daniels”
“Smoke A Little Smoke”
“Thunder Road”
“Springsteen”

NMPA Names VP of Industry Relations, Government Affairs

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Amelia Wang

Amelia Wang

The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) has named Amelia Wang Vice President of Industry Relations and Government Affairs. Starting today (Feb. 2), Wang will interact with Capitol Hill and federal agencies, advancing NMPA’s legislative and regulatory policy goals. She will also manage outreach to the music publishing and songwriting industry.

“Amelia’s extensive experience on Capitol Hill, and specifically in the copyright space, will make her an incredible advocate for songwriters and music publishers,” said David Israelite, President and CEO of NMPA. “Her leadership on the Creative Rights Caucus and in multiple Congressional offices has given her a great appreciation for the challenges faced by those in our industry and we’re excited to have her championing their efforts.”

Prior to joining NMPA, Wang was chief of staff to Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-Calif.) for five years and previously worked for Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.). While working for Chu, she spearheaded the creation of the Congressional Creative Rights Caucus, a 55 member bi-partisan group focused on strengthening copyright protections and fighting to achieve fair compensation to creators for their work.

Martin Guitar VP Honored with She Rocks Vision Award

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2015 She Rocks Awards Acceptance Photo1

Amani Duncan

Amani Duncan, Vice President of Brand Marketing at Martin Guitar, was honored with the Vision Award at the She Rocks Awards recently at the Anaheim Hilton Pacific Ballroom during NAMM. The event pays tribute to women who display leadership and stand out within the music industry at a gathering of who’s who of music industry execs, celebrities, luminaries and supporters of women in music.

The She Rocks Awards featured performances by Colbie Caillat, The Bangles, Mindi Abair, Orianthi and Richie Sambora, and was co-hosted by solo artist and 2013 She Rocks Awards winner Orianthi.

Other honorees included Music Inc. editor, Katie Kailus; multi-platinum artist, Colbie Caillat; Grammy Award nominated sax player, Mindi Abair; The Bangles; Vice President for Online Learning and Continuing Education/CEO for Berklee College of Music’s online continuing education program, Berklee Online, Debbie Cavalier; Vice President of iconic Capitol Studios, Paula Salvatore; Avedis Zildjian CEO, Craigie Zildjian; Beacock Music Co-Owner, Gayle Beacock; and owner of Robo Records, Rob Christie, the first-ever male to receive a She Rocks Awards.

peermusic Promotes VP, Counsel to Sr. VP

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Timothy A. Cohan.

Timothy A. Cohan.

peermusic, the world’s largest independent music publisher, has announced the promotion of Tim Cohan to the position of Senior Vice President of Legal and Business Affairs in California.

In addition to overseeing all legal and corporate matters for peermusic’s U.S. companies, Cohan serves as counsel to peermusic’s Chairman and CEO, Ralph Peer, II and heads all global negotiations with respect to the firm’s digital and online agreements. Cohan is also an active representative of peermusic in various industry associations and committees.

“Tim’s guidance and expertise on all of the firm’s legal matters is invaluable to the success of the U.S. companies. He is an essential and valued member of our executive team,” said Kathy Spanberger, peermusic President and COO.

Peer added, “In this position Tim will assume new responsibilities for our increasingly important international licensing framework. His insight and global perspective are an integral part of peermusic’s continuing expansion and outreach worldwide.”

Cohan has been in-house counsel for the firm since 2011 when he moved to Los Angeles, holding the previous position of Vice President. Cohan rose through the ranks at peermusic after joining the firm as a legal assistant in the late 1990’s. He is a member of the New York State Bar and the California State Bar, speaks fluent French, and is a trained chef.

Industry Ink: Crowd Surf, ASCAP, CMA, BMI, YEP Nashville

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Crowd Surf Promotes Two
Screen shot 2015-01-30 at 3.08.51 PM11

Cassie Petrey and Jade Driver, owners of Crowd Surf, have announced the promotions of Teddy Cheek to General Manager and Elise Stawarz to Marketing Director.

Cheek may be reached at teddy@crowdsurf.net and Stawarz may be reached at elise@crowdsurf.net. ​

 

ASCAP, CMA Present Songwriters Round at Sundance ASCAP Music Cafe

The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the Country Music Association (CMA) presented two songwriter rounds on Wednesday, Jan. 28 and Thursday, Jan. 29 at the Sundance ASCAP Music Cafe in Park City, Utah. The songwriters round featured Jessi Alexander, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher, and Warner/Chappell songwriter-artist Brandon Lay.

Pictured (L-R): Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher, Jessi Alexander, Brandon Lay, ASCAP's Robert Filhart and the Country Music Association's Vilma Salinas. All photos by ASCAP's Erik Philbrook.

Pictured (L-R): Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher, Jessi Alexander, Brandon Lay, ASCAP’s Robert Filhart and the Country Music Association’s Vilma Salinas. All photos by ASCAP’s Erik Philbrook.

 

YEP Nashville, BMI Hold Quarterly Showcase Series

YEP Nashville and BMI continued their YEP/BMI quarterly showcase series last night with a capacity crowd at Exit/In. The featured acts on the rise included new duo The Lookout, Ryan Beaver and Drew Baldridge. YEP’s next event in conjunction with the Song Suffragettes will be held Monday, February 9th at The Listening Room from 6:30-8:30pm.

Pictured (L-R): YEP’s Marc Rucker, BMI’s Perry Howard, The Lookout’s Tyler Filmore & John Gurney, Drew Baldridge, Ryan Beaver, YEP’s Andrew Cohen and BMI’s Brooke Ivey

Pictured (L-R): YEP’s Marc Rucker, BMI’s Perry Howard, The Lookout’s Tyler Filmore & John Gurney, Drew Baldridge, Ryan Beaver, YEP’s Andrew Cohen and BMI’s Brooke Ivey

Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy Staffer Promoted To Business Manager

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David Boyer

David Boyer

Entertainment business management firm Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy has promoted David Boyer to the role of Business Manager. Boyer joined the firm in 2001 and was most recently an associate business manager.

The Huntsville, Ala., native is a graduate of the University of Mississippi and has more than 20 years of experience in the music industry. He is a voting member of The Recording Academy, the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, and is a Leadership Music and SOLID alumnus. Boyer has also served as treasurer of The Nashville Film Festival.

“David Boyer is the real deal with over 13 years of direct, hands-on experience in the very complicated and challenging practice of what business management really is in our complex industry today,” said Mary Ann McCready, president, FBMM. “He has truly earned his marks. His moral compass, his commitment to excellence, and his team spirit are a perfect fit for our culture.”

At FBMM he represents a diverse roster of clients including The Black Keys, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Eli Young Band, John Hiatt, Andrew Bird, Scotty McCreery, Sam Hunt, and The Apache Relay.

SoundExchange Pays Record $733 Million To Artists, Labels

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soundexchangeAs cash registers continue to ring-down for music sales, streaming revenue is again on the rise. This time for artists and record labels from more than 2,500 non-interactive Internet radio (Pandora, etc.), satellite radio and cable radio services collected by SoundExchange for their use of sound recordings.

This week (Jan. 28), the 15-year-old nonprofit announced a record breaking year-end royalty distribution totaling approximately $773 million. Those figures are up 31 percent from last year’s $590 million.

By comparison, BMI paid out $840 million to the songwriters and publishers in its most recent fiscal year.

SoundExchange“2014 was a banner year for SoundExchange,” said SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe. “Not only did we pay out more royalties to recording artists and record labels, but they now receive payments faster than ever after we became the first sound recording performance rights organization in the world to deliver monthly payments. While 2014 finished on a high note, we look forward to continuing our success and growth in 2015 which promises to be even more exciting.”

The Washington DC-based company’s 2014 fourth quarter distribution also increased from the previous year with more than 38,800 payments totaling approximately $183 million.

For SoundExchange, significant 2014 endeavors included:

• Project72, a campaign launched to ensure fair pay for artists who recorded their music before
• 1972, in support of the RESPECT Act.
• Issuing quarterly Digital Radio Reports.
• Beginning the SoundExchange Influencers Series at the Bluebird Café in Nashville.
• Reaching thousands of artists and record labels through ongoing outreach as well as several high-profile and effective database matches with partner organizations such as SXSW, CMJ, GRAMMYS, SAG-AFTRA, LOCKN’ Music Festival, and School Night
• Announcing Michael Huppe as President and CEO through 2018.
• Introducing annual year-end charts naming the Top Streaming Artists, Top Recordings, and Top Breakout Artists.
• Representing the entire recorded music industry in proceedings before the Copyright Royalty Board to set rates paid by webcasters.