DISClaimer: Sounds of Spring

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eyb33featured

Eli Young Band


I think I hear sounds of warmer days to come. Branch & Dean, Gwen Sebastian and Eric Paslay all have tempo tunes tailored to spring and summer playlists. So does the Eli Young Band. In fact, the group’s “Dust” is the rockin’ Disc of the Day. And now for something completely — and refreshingly — different. I present for your listening pleasure, Home Free. This week’s DisCovery Award winner is Country’s first a cappella singing group. I think you will find them as delightfully listenable as I did.
RAY PRICE & MARY SARAH/Heartaches By The Number
Writers: Harlan Howard; Producer: Kent Wells/Freddy Powers; Publisher: none listed, BMI; 144e (track)
-What’s the point? Ray’s 1959 original was a perfect country record in every way. All this remake proves is that he was still singing as flawlessly as ever as he aged. Her voice, on the other hand, is utterly superfluous.
BRANCH & DEAN/Glad She’s Not An Angel
Writers: Michael Huffman/Joy Harris/Tim Curtis; Producers: Dean Scallan/Michael Huffman/Jeff Silvey; Publisher: Hori Pro, ASCAP; SSM (CDX)
-I like the moxie in the records that these guys make. While an insistent beat and relentless guitar licks pump beneath their vocals, they praise a babe with a few rough edges and some not-so-prim personality. Totally groovy.
GWEN SEBASTIAN/Annie’s New Gun
Writers: Maher/Stover/West; Producer: Lewis Newman; Publishers: West Moraine/Songs of Welk/Universal/Z-Tunes/Hits and Smashes/That’s How I Roll/MGB/Desnemoiresmusic, ASCAP; Flying Island (CDX)
-She’s pert and perky, bopping and blissful, because she doesn’t give a flip that her boyfriend left her yesterday. There are plenty more guys out there, and she’s on a merry hunt for a “new gun.”
ERIC PASLAY/Song About A Girl
Writers: Eric Pasley/Jessi Alexander/Gordie Sampson; Producer: Marshall Altman; Publishers: Cal IV/Five Stone/Party of Five/Kobalt/Bughouse/Dash8/Bug/BMG Chrysalis, ASCAP; EMI (track)
-I liked Eric’s stripped-down introduction of this minor-key gem at CRS. And I like this atmospheric-production version even better. He’s on a roll: the boy goes two for two.
JENNIFER NETTLES/Me Without You
Writers: Jennifer Nettles/Tim Owens/Derek George; Producer: Rick Rubin; Publishers: Jennifer Nettles/Pedal Down/Tejuilla/Ampolified/WB/Funky Hair, ASCAP; Mercury Nashville
-The delicate acoustic accompaniment is gently persuasive. Her forcefully direct delivery of the ballad is as sure footed as can be, and remarkably free of the molasses mannerisms of her previous vocal drawl.
home free1111

Home Free


HOME FREE/Wake Me Up
Writers: Tim Bergling/Michael Einziger/Aloe Blacc; Producers: Darren Rust/Home Free; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Elementary Particle/Aloe Blacc, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia (track)
-Is country music ready for an a cappella group? I sure hope so. These five Minnesota natives won first place on TV’s The Sing Off and are now headed for a radio station near you. This wildly catchy tune (already a hit by Avicii), fabulous harmonies and beatbox propulsion send them on their way in marvelous style. Home Free’s Crazy Life CD also includes an ear-opening rearrangement of “Ring of Fire,” plus a Hunter Hayes medley of “Everybody’s Got Somebody But Me,” “Wanted” and “I Want Crazy.” Essential listening.
TRACY LAWRENCE/Lie
Writers: Ruben Estevez/Brad Ramsey/Jason Massey; Producers: Flip Anderson & Tracy Lawrence; Publishers: Sweet Red Mango/Torez/Tasty Red Mango/Egg Suckin’ Dog/I-Forty/Jason Massey, BMI/ASCAP; LMG (track)
-He desperately wants to know about his ex, but can’t face the truth if she’s happy without him and has moved on with another. Hence the instruction to lie. The power ballad is very well written, and Tracy remains a terrific communicator in song. Recommended.
PAPA DON McMINN/Pick A Dream
Writers: Larry Raspberry; Producer: Don Nix; Publisher: Shifryleepole, BMI; SLG (track)
-McMinn is a Memphis blues performer and Beale Street club owner who dreamed of making a country record. Producer Nix made that dream a reality in 1989. Well, almost. Shunned by Music Row for being too r&b, the tapes were shelved for 25 years. Now dusted off and released at last, they showcase an effortlessly soulful vocalist and a band that knows its way around.
ELI YOUNG BAND/Dust
Writers: Jon Jones/James Young/Kyle Jacobs/Josh Osborne; Producers: Justin Niebank/Frank Liddell/Eli Young Band; Publishers: Agent 4T5/Young James Young/NATC/Curb Songs/Jacobsong/Wizard of Os/Songs of Black River, BMI/ASCAP; Republic Nashville
-It’s a rocker with a double-time backbeat and some wailin’ guitar work. In the lyric, she’s splitting, hitting the road, turning up the radio, cranking the windows down and leaving nothing but the title substance. Raise your hands, dance around, get dizzy and sing along.
ASHLEY ROBERTSON/Wild & Free
Writers: Ashley Robertson; Producers: John Nicholson/Ashley Robertson; Publisher: none listed; SOCAN; AR
-She has a sweetly aching delivery on this languid, torn-between-two-lovers ballad. The piano-dominated production is wonderfully sympathetic, soulful and understated. I was quite charmed by the whole thing.

Weekly Register: Swindell's Noteworthy Debut

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Albums

cole swindell11With CRS behind us, overall album sales are down 11 percent week over week, while Country album sales are down 27 percent from last week when Eric Church‘s The Outsiders sold 288k units. This week’s noteworthy debut is MusicRow Challenge Coin recipient Cole Swindell. The “Chillin’ It” singer’s self-titled debut album (Warner Nashville) heats up to No. 2 (No. 3 overall), selling 63k units. Church’s The Outsiders (EMI Nashville) continues to reign as the No. 1 Country album (No. 2 overall), selling 73k units (361k RTD). Church recently performed alongside 16 other artists at UMG’s CRS event.
The top overall album is Frozen: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Various Artists, selling 89k units (1.1 million RTD). YTD, overall album sales are down 15.4 percent, while Country album sales are down 13.5 percent. The same week last year, Mumford and Sons’ Babel was the top overall album, selling 63k units, while Taylor Swift’s RED sold 28k units as the top Country album.

Tracks 

albumstrackssBrantley Gilbert’s “Bottoms Up” is the top Country track this week (No. 19 overall), selling 64k units (479k RTD). Eli Young Band’s “Just Add Moonlight” is the top County debut, coming in at No. 40 with 9.5k units sold. Another noteworthy debut is Beck’s “Wave,” which floats at No. 92 with 17k units sold.
Pharrell William’s “Happy” is the top overall track, selling 402k units (1.7 million RTD). YTD, overall track sales are down 11.5 percent, while Country track sales are down 17.2 percent. The same week last year, Baauer’s “Harlem Shake” was the top overall album, selling 287k units, while Blake Shelton’s “Sure Be Cool If You Did” was the top Country track with 71k units sold.
Next week’s numbers will include Dierks Bentley’s Riser and Chris Janson’s Take It To The Bank.

NBC To Televise iHeartRadio Music Awards

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iheartradiologoNBC and Clear Channel Music + Entertainment will partner to televise the first-ever iHeartRadio Music Awards on May 1. The iHeartRadio Music Awards will air from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles from 8-11 p.m. ET. The show will be executive produced by Clear Channel Media and Entertainment and Ryan Seacrest Productions. The show will be produced by Done and Dusted Production, and directed by Hamish Hamilton.
The iHeartRadio Awards will broadcast and stream live the audio across all participating Clear Channel radio stations and their websites, and on iHeartRadio.
Clear Channel also recently unveiled the iHeartRadio Countdown, a new two-hour weekly program syndicated by Premiere Networks that premiered Jan. 14, and highlights the top 20 songs on the iHeartRadio chart. The show will be co-hosted each week by a major artist and iHeartRadio’s Romeo On The Radio.

'MusicRow' Reveals 2014 Rising Women On The Row

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RWOTR-390x260MusicRow is excited to reveal the honorees of the third annual Rising Women on the Row celebration. The premier event saluting women in the Nashville music industry will be held Fri., March 21, 8:30 a.m. at the Omni Nashville City National Bank is the presenting sponsor.
The Recording Academy’s Senior Vice President, Member Services, Nancy Shapiro will be the featured speaker for the sit-down breakfast and awards ceremony. For more information, click here.
2014 RISING WOMEN ON THE ROW

Julie Boos

Julie Boos


Julie Boos
Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy
Julie Boos is an owner of FBMM where her clients include Lady Antebellum, Blake Shelton, Kip Moore, Kellie Pickler, Trace Adkins, Danielle Bradbery and Native Run. She directly supervises the relationship with many artists, some of whom are clients of FBMM because of Boos. She has worked in music industry business management since 1995. She began work at FBMM in an entry-level position and from the beginning demonstrated initiative on her clients’ behalf, attention to detail and the desire to assume more responsibility and authority. She steadily rose and became an owner of FBMM in 2011. Boos has an MBA from Belmont University and is active with the Nashville Film Festival (past President), Leadership Music (current Treasurer), as well as CMA, ACM, and The Recording Academy.
Caryl Healy

Caryl Healey


Caryl Healey
Sony Music Nashville
Caryl Healey, Vice President, Sales, oversees all aspects of sales for the Sony Music Nashville labels, working closely with Gary Overton, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville, and Darren Stupak, Executive VP, Sales & Distribution, Sony Music Entertainment. Named to her current role in September 2011, Healey is an up-through-the-ranks achiever who first joined the sales department as Coordinator. Among the numerous successes in which Healey has shared during her tenure at Sony are the emergence of Country superstar Carrie Underwood and the explosive growth of Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen, and Chris Young. Healey is a member of ACM, CMA and The Recording Academy.
Kelly Rich

Kelly Rich


Kelly Rich
Big Machine Label Group
Since joining the label in 2006, Kelly Rich has risen to SVP Sales, Marketing & Interactive where she is responsible for digital and physical sales, overseeing and implementing consumer marketing, and digital initiatives for the Big Machine Label Group (Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co., Republic Nashville). Her efforts have contributed to BMLG’s total of 39 million album sales and over 135 million digital track sales from artists including Taylor Swift, Florida Georgia Line, The Band Perry, Tim McGraw, and Rascal Flatts. BMLG holds four of the Top 5 best selling Country digital tracks of all time. Rich supports various animal shelters, and participates in Outnumber Hunger, BMLG’s partnership with General Mills and Feeding America. Her previous work stops include UMG Nashville, DreamWorks and BMG/Arista.
Ebie McFarland

Ebie McFarland


Ebie McFarland
Essential Broadcast Media
In 2007, Ebie McFarland founded the independent publicity firm Essential Broadcast Media. Her client roster has expanded to include George Strait, Eric Church, Darius Rucker, Kellie Pickler, Brandy Clark, Randy Houser, Rodney Atkins, Jerrod Niemann, Ronnie Dunn, Duck Dynasty’s Robertson family, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store’s exclusive music program, and more. McFarland previously worked in event PR with clients including Country Thunder USA Festivals. She serves on the advisory board for the Academy of Country Music’s Lifting Lives, and supports Nashville State Community College and City of Hope. She serves on the boards of directors of the Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association.

Alicia Pruitt

Alicia Pruitt


Alicia Pruitt
Warner/Chappell Music
During her eight-plus years with Warner/Chappell, Alicia Pruitt has secured countless hits and cuts. She placed George Strait’s 60th No. 1 single, “Give It All We Got,” and recently celebrated the Joe Nichols chart-topper “Sunny and 75.” As Sr. Director, A&R, Pruitt works in all creative aspects with the impressive writing staff at the major publisher. Songwriters such as Michael Dulaney, Sean McConnell, Chris Stapleton, Liz Rose, Derek George, Brantley Gilbert, Kacey Musgraves and more count on Pruitt to further their careers. She previously worked at Big Tractor Music, and is involved with CMA, ACM, Habitat for Humanity and KaBoom Playgrounds.

The Valory Music Co. Promotes Sidoti

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Ashley Sidoti

Ashley Sidoti

The Valory Music Co. has promoted Ashley Sidoti to the role of Southeast Director of Promotion and Marketing. In this position, Sidoti will work in the Southeast region promoting all Valory Music Co. artists including Reba, The Mavericks, Brantley Gilbert, Justin Moore and Thomas Rhett.

“I am both thrilled and honored to be stepping into this new role,” said Sidoti. “I’ve learned so much from everyone on the Valory team and have met so many wonderful people working in Country radio. I am ecstatic that this opportunity will allow me a bigger opportunity to showcase our talented roster of artists in the Southeast and beyond.”
“Ashley has been a great addition to The Valory Music Co. acting as the Label Promotion Coordinator,” said Valory Vice President George Briner. “I’m now pleased to announce the promotion of Ashley as Southeast Director Promotion and Marketing. Her passion for music and focus to detail makes this a great choice. All of us with The Valory Music Co. and the Big Machine Label Group are excited for Ashley to take on this new position, plus it’s great to see someone grown within the organization.”
She most recently served as the promotion coordinator for The Valory Music Co., where she returned to in 2012 after serving as the Creative Assistant at Better Angels Music and as Client Manager at Harris Business Management.
Sidoti can be reached at 615-574-7827 or via ashley.sidoti@valorymail.com

[Updated] Lifenotes: Penny DeHaven Passes

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penny[Update, 3:53 CT, Feb. 25, 2014]
Funeral services for Penny DeHaven will be held Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 at Christ Church in Nashville. Christ Church is located at 15354 Old Hickory Blvd., Nashville, TN 37211. Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. on Feb. 27, followed by services at 1 p.m.
[Previous story, 2:22, Feb. 24, 14]
Country singer Penny DeHaven died Sunday, Feb. 23, at the age of 65.
Best known for a series of singles recorded for United Artists and Mercury Records in the 1970s, DeHaven had her biggest hit in 1970 as the duet partner of the late Del Reeves (1933-2007) on “Land Mark Tavern.”
She was born Charlotte DeHaven in Winchester, VA in 1948. Following her high school graduation, she began appearing on WWVA’s Wheeling Jamboree in West Virginia. She first made the country popularity charts as “Penny Starr” in 1967. DeHaven moved to Nashville two years later.
Her biggest solo hit was 1969’s “Mama Lou.” DeHaven’s other singles included country remakes of such pop hits as The Beatles’ “I Feel Fine” (1970), The Everly Brothers’ “Crying in the Rain” (with Reeves, 1972), Marvin Gaye’s “I’ll Be Doggone” (1974) and Billy Joe Royal’s “Down in the Boondocks” (1969).
Her albums included 1972’s Penny DeHaven and 2011’s gospel collection A Penny Saved. She also appeared on some of the final albums by Country Music Hall of Fame member Porter Wagoner (1927-2007), as well as on a 1982 CD by Boxcar Willie (Lecil Martin, 1931-1999).
Penny DeHaven was in the films Valley of Blood (1973), Traveling Light (1971) and Country Music Story (1972). In addition, she appeared on the 1982 soundtrack of Clint Eastwood’s film Honkytonk Man, singing “Bayou Lullaby.”
According to publicist Vernell Hackett, Penny DeHaven died of cancer. She had most recently been living in Atlanta. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

BBR Music Group Adds VP Promotion for BBR Management

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JoJamie

JoJamie Hahr


The BBR Music Group is pleased to announce the addition of JoJamie Hahr to its team in the newly-created position of VP of Promotion for BBR Management. The move marks a return home for Hahr who previously spent two years as the Southeast Director of Promotion for Broken Bow Records.
In her new role, Hahr will serve as a liaison between radio and BBR Management whose acts include Thompson Square, Parmalee, Lindsay Ell and American Idol’s Kristy Lee Cook. Hahr will hold additional promotion responsibilities relating to the entire BBR Music Group roster which also includes Jason Aldean, Randy Houser, Joe Nichols, Dustin Lynch, and more.
“Every major career move I’ve made has been with Jon Loba. His belief in me is an honor,” said Hahr. “This is such an incredible opportunity for both my personal and professional growth. I will always be grateful for the magic we were able to create at The Valory Music Co. Scott, that entire team, and its amazing artists will always have a place in my heart. I can’t wait to dive in with Benny, Jon and the entire BBR family.”
“From the moment I met JoJamie, when she was the Event Coordinator at K92 in Orlando, I noticed a unique spark. That spark has only grown brighter as she has advanced through the radio and records ranks. Coupled with her honesty and work ethic, JoJamie has excelled at every new opportunity given. Benny and I have wanted to bring JoJamie home for quite some time and the creation of this new position within our management company was the perfect opportunity to do so. While her primary responsibilities will be to the BBR Management acts, we will absolutely utilize her knowledge and relationships throughout the BBR Music Group,” said Executive Vice President of BBR Music Group Jon Loba.
For the past three years, Hahr served as the National Director of Field Promotion for The Valory Music Co. (TVMC) after being promoted from Director of Southeast Promotion & Marketing as which she’d previously served for three years. Immediately prior to joining TVMC, Hahr served as the Director of Southeast Promotion of Broken Bow Records and Promotion Coordinator/ Secondary Promotion at MCA Nashville. Hahr’s previous stints include as Promotion Director for WSIX-Nashville as well as Event Coordinator for K92-Orlando.
Hahr’s position as VP of Promotion for BBR Management is effective Monday, March 10. She can be reached at 615-495-7056 and at Jojamie@bbrmusicgroup.com

'Friday Night' Sweet Ride To No. 1

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Marshall Altman, Eric Paslay, Rose Falcon and Rob Crosby, (back row): ASCAP's Mike Sistad, Cal IV Entertainment's Daniel Hill, The Song Factory's Jennifer Johnson, Universal Music Group Nashville's Mike Dungan and BMI's David Preston. Photo by Ed Rode.

Front row (L-R): Marshall Altman, Eric Paslay, Rose Falcon and Rob Crosby, (back row): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Cal IV Entertainment’s Daniel Hill, The Song Factory’s Jennifer Johnson, Universal Music Group Nashville’s Mike Dungan and BMI’s David Preston. Photo: Ed Rode.


“I’ve never seen a team put their heads down and leave blood on the tracks like this one,” assured UMG Nashville boss Mike Dungan yesterday (Feb. 24) during the No. 1 party for “Friday Night” held at CMA. Then he named every member of the EMI Records Nashville radio promotion team that drove the Eric Paslay song to the top.
Their efforts resulted in a landmark hit for those behind the cut. It is Paslay’s first chart-topper as an artist and fourth as a songwriter. It is the first No. 1 for co-writer Rose Falcon and the first for The Song Factory, the publishing home to co-writer Rob Crosby. “Friday Night” marked Crosby’s third No. 1.
Paslay’s career is as red-hot as his hair. He had previously received the CMA Triple Play award, signifying three chart-toppers in one year, as a writer on “Angel Eyes” (Love and Theft), “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (Jake Owen) and “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (Eli Young Band). Paslay co-wrote the current Rascal Flatts single “Rewind” and has a cut on Amy Grant’s latest album, on which he and Sheryl Crow contribute vocals. (The same song, “Deep As It Is Wide,” also appears on his self-titled debut.)
“Friday Night” first saw the light of day on Lady Antebellum’s 2011 Own The Night, though it wasn’t released as a single. Producer Marshall Altman is behind Paslay’s rollicking version.
Taking the stage to salute their respective affiliates were ASCAP’s Mike Sistad and BMI’s David Preston. Cal IV President Daniel Hill toasted everyone involved with the hit, saying, “On this side of a No. 1 it looks easy, but it is anything but.” Paslay joined the publishing company as an intern eight years ago. Hill joked, “We’ve been working with him so long we’re starting to look like him,” and held up a mask with a red beard.
Jennifer Johnson from The Song Factory recalled signing Crosby after falling in love with his music. “That’s where my heart was,” she said earnestly before complimenting Crosby’s gentlemanly manners and strong work ethic. She added, “Eric is the first one to congratulate others… He always shows gratitude and graciousness.”
On behalf of Avenue Bank, Ron Cox presented a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in honor of the writers. Brandi Simms distributed the CMA’s No. 1 medallions.
“I feel like it’s the end of a movie,” said an emotional Paslay, “but it’s the beginning of a movie, really. Thank y’all for letting me dream and thank you for not waking me up from it.”

BlackHawk Signs With Loud & Proud Records

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Blackhawk

Blackhawk


BlackHawk recently signed with Raleigh, N.C.-based Loud & Proud Records. The band, comprised of Henry Paul and Dave Robbins, is working on their first studio release in 12 years.
“Brothers of the Southland is the product of BlackHawk’s evolution,” says Loud & Proud Owner & President Tom Lipsky. “It represents the band through the years and their many hits, the adversity they faced and Henry and Dave’s decision to continue their musical journey together. BlackHawk’s sound remains a beautiful blend of melody and harmony with genuine and purposeful lyrics and Loud & Proud is excited to be their label partner. We know their legions of fans are going to love experiencing this new music.”
Along with third founding member Van Stephenson, Paul and Robbins made their Country music debut in 1993. The band notched several hit singles including “Goodbye Says It All,” “Every Once In A While,” “I Sure Can Smell The Rain” and “That’s Just About Right.”
In 1999, Stephenson was diagnosed with melanoma. After a courageous fight, Van lost his battle in 2001. Henry and Dave established the Van Stephenson Memorial Cancer Research Fund in his memory, donating the proceeds of their efforts to the Vanderbilt Cancer Research Center.
Loud & Proud Records is an independent record label founded in 2007 by Lipsky. The label’s current roster includes Jonathan Jackson (currently on ABC’s Nashville) and his band Enation, singer/songwriter Willie Nile, and bands The Winery Dogs, Walking Papers, and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas. Loud & Proud Records is a registered trademark of Lipsky Music, LLC, and is distributed in the U.S. and Canada by RED.

Industry Ink (2/25/14)

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Alison Rose

Alison Rose


SESAC has promoted Alison Rose to Associate Director, Business Affairs. In the new position, Rose will be responsible for the daily administration task of the Business Affairs department, as well as assist the Senior Director of Business Affairs.
A graduate of Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., Rose joined SESAC four years ago following an internship at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. During her tenure at SESAC, she has worked in the Business Affairs department as a full-time administrator, reviewing and processing various agreements, processing statements and serving as a liaison for songwriter and publisher affiliate correspondence.

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Third Floor Records artist Mitch Goudy recently became one of the newest members of the Country Music Association. While on a radio tour to promote his debut single, “Blow These Speakers Out,” Goudy stopped by the CMA office to become an official member.

Pictured (L-R): Carrie Tekautz, Membership & Balloting Assistant, Mitch Goudy and Brenden Oliver, Coordinator of Membership & Balloting. Photo credit: Christian Bottorff.

Pictured (L-R): Carrie Tekautz, Membership & Balloting Assistant; Mitch Goudy; and Brenden Oliver, Coordinator of Membership & Balloting. Photo credit: Christian Bottorff.

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GrammysNashville is one of four cities that will host a Grammy Camp, aimed at encouraging music education in schools. Belmont University will host Grammy Camp Nashville (a nonresidential day camp) from June 9-13. Other cities hosting camps throughout the year include St. Paul, Los Angeles and New York City. Grammy camp provides instruction from industry professionals in a creative environment.

The camps are open to U.S. high school students, and provide seven tracks of study, including Audio Engineering; Electronic Music Production; Music Business; Music Journalism; a performance track for drums, bass, guitar, keyboard, vocal, and wind & string instruments; video production; and songwriting.

For more information, visit grammyintheschools.com.