Matchbox Twenty's Kyle Cook Opens Nashville Label

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TN Recording company

From left: Angela Everett, Kyle Cook, Mike Fiorentino, Ben Shaw


Matchbox Twenty’s Kyle Cook has partnered with longtime collaborator Mike Fiorentino and web developer Ben Shaw to create the Nashville-based label Tennessee Recording Company. Former Country Music Association and Haber Corporation alum Angela Everett serves as the company’s Director of Operations, overseeing the Nashville office and studio in the burgeoning Berry Hill music community.
The label will develop artists of different musical genres under one umbrella. The label’s debut project, an EP from hip-hop artist Maurico, will release Aug. 12.
The multi-talented musician, songwriter, singer, composer and producer Cook has compiled a dedicated team in Music City and London. Fiorentino brings producing, songwriting and engineering talents to the mix, while Shaw manages the company’s online presence from the United Kingdom.
“I always loved Tennessee, because there are so many great writers and musicians here – but, of course, there’s more to it than just country music,” Cook said. “When starting a label in Nashville, most people would think that the most obvious thing to do is to sign a country artist. But then, we’re just another needle in a haystack if we do that, aren’t we? Maurico is a talented singer and has a great sense of storytelling, with a heart-opening quality. So, Tennessee Recording Company wants to break a hip-hop artist out of Nashville… let’s get people talking.”
“We knew we didn’t want to be genre-specific with the music we put out,” said Fiorentino. “I grew up loving The Beatles, Hank Williams and Run DMC- and everything in between. Kyle and Ben have that same creative outlook. Making great music that really moves people is priority No. 1.”
Everett can be reached at 615-482-5621 or angela@tnrc.co.

Black River Publishing Names Creative Director

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Dave Pacula

Dave Pacula


Black River Entertainment‘s VP of Publishing Celia Froehlig has hired Dave Pacula as Creative Director of BRE Publishing.
Pacula, New York native, is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, and also has an audio technology diploma from SAE Institute of Technology. Pacula previously spent five years at Universal Music Publishing as Creative Manager, and most recently served as Creative Director at Ten Ten Music.
“I am thrilled to join the BRE team,” says Pacula. “I’m looking forward to working with Gordon, Celia, and the amazingly talented songwriters at Black River Publishing.”

Black River Publishing recently celebrated the chart-topping single “My Eyes,” co-written by Black River’s Josh Osborne. Osborne currently has five songs in the Top 30, including Billy Currington‘s “We Are Tonight,” Blake Shelton/Gwen Sebastian‘s “My Eyes,” The Band Perry‘s “Chainsaw,” Eli Young Band‘s “Dust,” and Sam Hunt‘s “Leave The Night On.”
Pacula can be reached at dave@blackriverent.com and at 615-780-3070 (x 6218).

Chesney Plans Free Flora-Bama-Jama Concert

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kenny chesney11111

Chesney in the studio earlier this year.


Kenny Chesney will play his only concert of the year on Aug. 16 at the Flora-Bama-Jama, a free event he organized for fans.
The performance will be at The Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar, on the Alabama/Florida border where Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Ala. meet Perdido Key, Fla.
Details for the August 16 show, including how to get wristbands for access to the enclosed beach area, will be available tomorrow (July 17) at 7 a.m. CT at kennychesney.com/florabamajama, along with a clip from Chesney.
“I’ve been holed up making a record for the last year… and anyone who knows me knows how much I miss playing, miss the fans, but especially miss the culture the people who love this music bring with them,” Chesney says. “Obviously, this isn’t going to be one of those huge shows we do, but it’s gonna be a long day, a whole lotta music and even more fun.
“To me, a place like the Flora-Bama is all about kicking back, being with your friends and not worrying about a thing… Just hang out and be easy. I love that it’s on a border, that it’s on a beach, that it’s like the best bar anywhere people get together and just be! It’s everything the notion of The Big Revival is built on: taking that time to regroup, replenish then re-engage with the passion of being truly, absolutely alive.”
“This all started with ‘American Kids’ for me,” Chesney explains. “The idea how passionate my fans are, the way they come together and how much they love life, they love music and they celebrate every moment. I miss getting out there and playing, and I figured this is a way to combine everything they love in one place… Capture the essence of that freewheeling, seize the moment notion of the song, the album and the Nation.”

Chesney’s album The Big Revival will be released Sept. 23 and the lead single “American Kids” is scaling the radio charts.

Darlene Bieber Forms Bieber Public Relations

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Darlene Bieber

Darlene Bieber

Longtime music publicist Darlene Bieber has formed Bieber Public Relations, and will represent Country star Brad Paisley exclusively. She exits Schmidt Relations after a successful 16-year stint.

Bieber can be reached at Bieber Public Relations, P.O. Box 51863, Bowling Green, KY 42102, or at darlene@bieberpr.com and at 615-584-9060.
In related news, Dixie Owen has joined Schmidt Relations.

Dixie Owen Joins Schmidt Relations

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Dixie Owen

Dixie Owen


Publicist Dixie Owen has joined Schmidt Relations, the publicity company that handles the careers of Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Easton Corbin, Luke Bryan, and the Grand Ole Opry.
Owen has nearly 20 years experience in public relations, media marketing, events and strategic planning. She served as Sr. Director of Artist & Media Relations at Universal Music Group Nashville, spent eight years at Capitol Records Nashville, and three years as Sr. Publicist at CMT: Country Music Television. She also served four years at the CMA and began her career at Network Ink Public Relations.
Owen opened PR firm All The Buzz in 2012. She will continue to operate All The Buzz, and her roster and projects, which include Billy Gilman, Brian Davis, Stephanie Quayle, and PawnShop Kings, will remain exclusive to All The Buzz.
Beginning July 21, Owen can be reached at dixie@schmidtpr.com or at 615-440-6171. Schmidt Relations owner Jessie Schmidt can be reached at her new office number at 615-491-7988.
Longtime Schmidt Relations publicist Darlene Bieber has exited Schmidt Relations to form Bieber Public Relations.

Artist Updates (7/16/14)

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Screen shot 2014-07-16 at 10.08.22 AM1Brothers Osborne released the music video for their single “RUM” on CMT, cmt.com, CMT Pure, and CMT Artist app. It can be viewed here.

                                                          • • •

Ray Stevens

Ray Stevens


Ray Stevens will be spotlighted at the Country Music Hall of Fame with a Songwriter Session on Saturday, July 19 at the CMHoF’s Ford Theater.
The 45-minute program will begin at 11:30 a.m. Stevens will perform several of his hit songs and discuss his career. Following the program, Stevens will sign copies of his recently released memoir, Ray Stevens’ Nashville, in the museum store.
The session is free with museum admission or museum membership. For more information, visit countrymusichalloffame.org.
 

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Slate Creek Records artist Angaleena Presley gave Nashville media a preview of her project American Middle Class earlier this week. Guests enjoyed a home-cooked meal of soup beans, cornbread, cucumber and tomato salad, and blackberry cobbler, while Presley shared the stories behind the songs on the album with host Robert K. Oermann.
American Middle Class, a dozen-song concept record, was co-produced by Presley and husband Jordan Powell, and will release Oct. 14.

Pictured (L-R): Garth Fundis, President/Creative Director, Slate Creek Records; Jordan Powell, AMP Managment/Co-Producer; Angaleena Presley; Jim Burnett, CEO/Founder Slate Creek Records; Scott Kernahan, AMP Management (Photo Credit: Blu Sanders).

Pictured (L-R): Garth Fundis, President/Creative Director, Slate Creek Records; Jordan Powell, AMP Managment/Co-Producer; Angaleena Presley; Jim Burnett, CEO/Founder Slate Creek Records; Scott Kernahan, AMP Management (Photo Credit: Blu Sanders).

DISClaimer: An Americana Review

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mary gauthier trouble and love1With master song craftspeople David Olney and Mary Gauthier celebrating new record releases in these past few days, the signs are right for an Americana review session.
We’re breaking the Disc of the Day into three parts. In our female division, we crown Mary Gauthier, of course. It is also a given that David Olney wins the male sweepstakes. The group award goes to Dualtone’s esteemed Shovels & Rope.
I have never before heard of David White. But what a talent. He takes home this week’s DisCovery Award.
REAGAN BOGGS/On A Bad Note
Writers: R. Boggs/Producers: Eric Fritsch/Reagan Boggs; Publishers: Reagan Boggs, BMI; Reckless Bess
-The Reagan Boggs CD Quicksand leads off with this slow-burning neo-soul groover. She delivers its earthy lyrics of failed romance with a sultry sigh. She is backed by The Coal Men and co-producer Eric Fritsch, who sound as good or better as any band in town. Recommended.
DAVID OLNEY/When The Deal Goes Down
Writers: David Olney; Producers: David Olney/Mark Robinson; Publishers: Red Lilly, ASCAP; Deadbeet (track)
-The title tune of Olney’s latest collection is one of his passionate, darkly intense creations that manages to rock your body as well as stimulate your brain. If this man’s works aren’t already in your record collection, your Nashville songwriting education is remedial. You will not find a finer story teller about the mysteries of love, life and death. On Tuesdays, visit his website for his weekly “You Never Know” streams of singing and musing.
when the deal goes down david olney1NORTH OF NASHVILLE/Eyes For Me
Writers: Jay Basiner; Producers: Jonathan Wyman & North of Nashville; Publishers: none listed; NON (track)
-Like, way-way north. “North” all the way to Portland, Maine, where this duo is headquartered. Their style has an “outlaw” country thump, yet is firmly rooted in acoustic fiddle music. Intriguing, if a little thin sounding.
MARY GAUTHIER/Another Train
Writers: Mary Gauthier/Ben Glover; Producers: Marty Gauthier/Patrick Granado; Publishers: none listed; ASCAP/PRS; In The Black (track)
-This is the tune Gauthier sang at her recent Grand Ole Opry debut (backed by Marty Stuart, Kathy Mattea and Radney Foster, no less). On her new Trouble & Love CD, the sad, languid ballad features Guthrie Trapp, Darrell Scott, Viktor Krauss and Beth Nielsen Chapman. Scott is also prominently featured on the brilliant, atmospheric, gospel-flavored “Oh Soul,” and Chapman co-wrote two of the collection’s songs. The McCrary Sisters and Ashley Cleveland (plus Scott) are singing on the stately heartbreaker “Walking Each Other Home.” Gauthier co-wrote that with newly anointed Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Gretchen Peters, as well as the stunning “When a Woman Grows Cold” and “How You Learn to Live Alone” (which was sung by Jonathan Jackson on Season 2 of Nashville). In addition to the Opry, Gauthier’s album has recently been in the spotlight on NPR’s “Fresh Air.” Buy this record.
DAVID WHITE/Midnight Shift at the Maplewood Methodist Church
Writers: David White/Ashley Gorley; Producers: David White; Publishers: Everytown/Music of Windswept/Bug/BMG Chrysalis, ASCAP; Footpath (track)
-White is a Brentwood-based pediatrician with a style of vocal delivery that echoes James Taylor and a grasp of story-telling song craftsmanship that is right up there with the best of Music City. He also has one heckuva address book, for his self-produced opus features a cast that includes Chris Thile, Stuart Duncan, Dan Tyminiski, Bryan Sutton, Paul Franklin and Jerry Douglas. This Long Roots CD is an awesome disc debut.
shovels and rope swimmin time1SHOVELS & ROPE/The Devil Is All Around
Writers: Shovels & Rope; Producer: Michael Trent; Publishers: Famous Nightclub/Noberta Jean, BMI; Dualtone (track)
-The duo’s new Swimmin’ Time album comes out on Aug. 26, but you can hear this preview of its opening track now on its website. They shout this journey of the soul in thrilling twin harmonies while backed by a punching rhythm section. Be among the first to get on board.
THE STATESBORO REVUE/Huck Finn
Writers: J. Mann/S. Mann; Producers: The Statesboro Revue; Publishers: none listed; Shalley/Vision
-The Mann brothers recorded their new CD in Nashville as well as back home in Texas. Its single is a loose-limbed, rambling outing that recalls a vintage track by The Band. Jaunty and highly listenable.
PETER COOPER/Opening Day
Writers: Peter Cooper; Producer: Peter Cooper; Publisher: Well Known, SESAC; Red Beet (track)
–Tennessean music writer Cooper also pursues a side career as a singer-songwriter. The title tune of his latest evokes the promise and hope that come with a new baseball season. The fact that we Pirates fans so often come to the fall in disappointment goes without saying. Sweetly sad and wonderfully evocative.
THE HANDSOME FAMILY/Spider
Writers: Brett Sparks/Rennie Sparks; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Carrot Top (track)
-Sloppy, simplistic string-band music for children.
david white long roots1BRIGITTE DeMEYER/Savannah Road
Writers: Brigitte DeMeyer/Will Kimbrough; Producer: Brigitte DeMeyer; Publisher: Brigitte DeMeyer; BDM (track)
-The title tune of DeMeyer’s disc is a bluesy Southern backwoods lament that raises goosebumps and lives in steamy nostalgia. Her supporting cast on this collection includes Jeff Coffin, Will Kimbrough, Guthrie Trapp, Michael Rhodes and The McCrary Sisters. Let a word to the wise be sufficient.

Weekly Register: 'Dirt' Debuts At No. 1

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FGL performed "Dirt" on Live and showed hosts Michael Strahan and Kelly Ripa "how to make love to the camera." Photo: Rob Tannenbaum/Disney-ABC Domestic TV

FGL performed “Dirt” on “Live” and showed hosts Michael Strahan and Kelly Ripa “how to make love to the camera.” Photo: Rob Tannenbaum/Disney-ABC Domestic TV


The new track from Florida Georgia Line flew to the top of the Country download chart this week, debuting with sales of 182K. “Dirt,” the lead single from the duo’s upcoming sophomore album, landed at No. 2 on the overall chart.
The big news out of Nashville last week is the return of Garth Brooks. New music is coming from the legend before year’s end, and his back catalog is finally going digital, which is good news for Country sales.
With no major album debuts, Weekly Register decided to check in on this week’s top selling albums including Track Equivalent Album sales (see list below).
This week’s Top 5 Country tracks
FGL, “Dirt,” 182K TW, 182K RTD
Kenny Chesney, “American Kids,” 79K TW, 272K RTD
Dierks Bentley, “Drunk on A Plane” 66K TW, 555K RTD
Lady Antebellum, “Bartender,” 64K TW, 452K RTD
Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, “Somethin’ Bad,” 51K TW, 411K RTD
Top 5 Country albums
Miranda Lambert, Platinum, 20K TW, 351K RTD
Brantley Gilbert, Just As I Am, 17K TW, 450 RTD
Luke Bryan, Crash My Party, 12K TW, 2 mil RTD
FGL, Here’s To The Good Times, 11K TW, 1.945 RTD
Colt Ford, Thanks For Listening, 10K TW, 33K RTD
Top 5 Country albums including Track Equivalent Albums
(10 tracks equals 1 album)
Luke Bryan, Crash My Party, 789K
Eric Church, The Outsiders, 775K
FGL, Here’s To The Good Times, 750K
Brantley Gilbert, Just As I Am, 620K
Miranda Lambert, Platinum, 453K

Music Makes Us Launches Online Hub To Connect Musicians, Schools

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music makes us logoMusic Makes Us has launched an online hub that allows music educators and the music community to partner in enhancing music education in Metro Schools. Partially funded by the Bonnaroo Works Fund, the online hub is a listing of music professionals who want to share their programs and expertise with Metro school students. A pool of funds will be provided by Music Makes Us to assist teachers with the cost of the programs.
“The online hub gives teachers and students greater access to the full richness of the Nashville music community, whether it be a performance with a classical ensemble, a workshop with barbershop harmonies or a career-inspiring visit with a world famous songwriter, audio engineer or record producer,” Music Makes Us director Laurie Schell said.
“It is a database built with teachers in mind,” said Jennifer Cole of the Metro Nashville Arts Commission. “Teachers or school leaders can search by music genre, grade level, cultural origin and program type. The hope is that music professionals will have a cleaner, easier way to connect directly with students in a way that is specific to classroom needs and teachers will have a clearer way of cataloging their opportunities.”
The online hub is now accepting applications from music professionals who want to share their expertise with students. Ideal applicants will provide quality musical learning opportunities, link music curriculum with real world experiences and collaborate with music educators.
The online hub will offer two tracks for musicians and organizations. Track A, the extended outreach track, is for organizations and musicians who can be available regularly to Metro Schools’ teachers for ongoing educational programming. Track B, the Done in a Day track, is for those who have limited time available and can share their expertise occasionally.
To request a link to the application, contact Valerie Harbin. The deadline for submission is Aug. 29 at 5 p.m. Those accepted to the online hub will be notified no later than Oct. 17.
For more information, visit musicmakesus.org.

Sony/ATV Makes Global Music Catalog Available Online

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Sony ATV LogoSony/ATV Music Publishing‘s entire music catalog, including EMI Music Publishing, can be viewed and downloaded by music services and other interested parties on sonyatv.com, beginning Wednesday (July 16). Sony/ATV.com allows authorized users to search by song name, alternative titles, and composer, as well as other information including country of origin.
“As the world’s leading music publisher we want to ensure that existing users, prospective licensees and those with a need to access our extensive song list are provided with that capability,” said Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of the company. “We are thrilled to announce today that the company is taking the next step and offering a greater level of transparency by enabling our global catalog to be accessible upon request.”
Sony/ATV’s catalog includes artists such as The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Taylor Swift, and Pharrell Williams. Songs in the Sony/ATV Music Publishing catalog include “Hey Jude,” “I Heard it Through The Grapevine,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Over The Rainbow,” and others.