McCreery Adds Dates To Weekend Roadtrip Tour 2013

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scotty mcreery official image

Scotty McCreery


Scotty McCreery‘s Weekend Roadtrip Tour 2013 isn’t coming to a close anytime soon. The singer has added nearly 20 more dates to the tour, which will now run through November.
McCreery, winner of season 10 of American Idol, has earned platinum-selling status for his debut album, Clear As Day, as well as gold status for his Christmas project. The 19-year-old also earned best new artists nods from the Academy of Country Music and the American Country Awards, as well as Breakthrough Artist of the Year from the CMT Awards. He is currently working on his sophomore studio album with producer Frank Rogers, as well as beginning his sophomore year at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.
Scotty McCreery Weekend Roadtrip Tour 2013 Additional Dates
Aug. 9–Hyannis, Mass./Melody Tent
Aug. 10–Webster, Mass./ Indian Ranch
Aug. 11–Cohassett, Mass. Melody Tent
Aug. 13–Long Island, N.Y./Emporium
Sept. 1–Manteo, N.C./RI Festival Park
Sept. 6–Madera, Calif./ Madera District Fair
Sept. 7–Oroville, Calif./Gold Country
Sept. 13–Council Bluffs, Iowa/Harrah’s
Sept. 14–Spencer, Iowa/Clay County Fair
Sept. 20–Shippensburg, Pa./ Luhrs Performing Arts Ctr
Sept. 21–Baltimore, Md./Ramshead Live
Oct. 4–Salem, Va./Salem Civic Center
Oct. 5–Cherokee, N.C./Harrah’s
Oct. 21-22–Raleigh, N.C./NC State Fair
Oct. 26–Troy, Ohio/Hobart Arena
Nov. 1–Danville, Ky./Newlin Hall
Nov. 14—Austin, Texas/Waller Cre
Nov. 15–Winnie, Texas/Nutty Jerry’s
Nov. 22-23–Lincoln City, Ore./Chinook

ACM Lifting Lives Accepting Submissions For 2013 Grant Cycle

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ACM-Lifting-LivesACM Lifting Lives is accepting submissions for the 2013 Grant Cycle. ACM Lifting Lives, the Academy of Country Music’s philanthropic arm, is dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. Grant cycles allow Lifting Lives to provide funding to programs promoting education and healing with a musical connection.
Submissions will be accepted beginning Wednesday (Aug. 7) and ending Sept. 6. For information on submitting a grant request, visit acmliftinglives.org. Each organization may send only one funding application for one program to be funded through ACM Lifting Lives in any given year. Funding decisions will be made and programs will be notified in October 2013.
Programs funded by ACM Lifting Lives include music education or artist-in-residence programs, music therapy programs, purchase or repair of musical instruments, and purchase or repair of music-related equipment (included but not limited to computers, software and recording equipment).
Among the organizations that have received funding previously are the Bridges Academy in Nashville, which received funding for music education programs, Free Arts for Abused Children in Los Angeles, which received funding for “free arts days” and volunteer programs, Music National Service Initiative in the Bay Area which received funding for a summer training program for music fellows, Musicians on Call in Nashville, which received funding for music therapy through artist visits, Peace thru Music in Ventura, which received funding for the purchase and repair of instruments for children from financially challenged backgrounds, The Art of Elysium in Los Angeles, which received funding for its musical expressions program, providing music kits to hospitalized children, and Vanderbilt Music Therapy Program in Nashville, which received funding for a full time music therapist for summer trauma patients, and many more.

CMT Launches Four New Series In Wake Of Ratings Growth

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cmtCMT is launching four new series this fall following a successful quarter of ratings growth and double-digit gains over 2012. The original docu-series, The Untitled Cassadee Pope Project, which follows the season three winner of The Voice and her rise to fame, will premiere Oct. 4. A new reality series from Jersey Shore executive producer SallyAnn Salsano and 495 Productions is also slated to premiere Nov. 8, while the popular Orange Country Choppers, featuring Paul Teutul Sr., premieres Nov. 16, followed by an all-new competition series, Tattoo Titans.
The network also premieres the eighth season of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team Sept. 6, and a new episode of CMT Crossroads, featuring the iconic Stevie Nicks alongside country superstar trio Lady Antebellum on Sept. 13. In addition, CMT will continue airing new episodes of its successful series, Dog and Beth: On The Hunt, Cops Reloaded, and the animated series, Bounty Hunters.
CMT currently ranks among the top five fastest-growing cable nets for the previous quarter.
“We’re continuing to build off of our recent success, and loading our Fall schedule with brand new series, new episodes of returning series, acquisitions and the incredible music that CMT is known for,” said Katie Buchanan, SVP, program scheduling and acquisitions, CMT.  “Our prime ratings average exploded over the previous quarter, as well as over a year ago, and we’re confident that these new series will continue our growth trend.”

Industry Ink (8-7-13)

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•RymanThe Ryman Auditorium has landed near the top of Rolling Stone’s recent “Best Music Venues in America: Reader’s Choice” list and sixth on its industry-voted “The Best Big Rooms in America.” The venue also received kudos from National Geographic, which named the Ryman to its list of “11 Music Icons in the U.S.” Websites for both publications feature prominent photography of the Ryman in their stories. The Ryman also currently holds the titles of Pollstar Theatre of the Year (for the third year in a row), CMA’s Venue of the Year, and ACM Venue of the Year.
•the neverclaim1Portland, Ore. worship band The Neverclaim is the latest addition to Essential Records’ roster. The group will release its debut, self-titled CD produced by Paul Moak (Matt Kearney, Third Day, Matt Maher) and Jason Ingram (Chris Tomlin, Tenth Avenue North, Building 429) on Sept. 24.
The Neverclaim is comprised of Jeremiah Carlson (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Mitchell Maldonado (keys, banjo, guitar), Chuck Hill (bass, upright bass), Josh Anderson (lead guitar), Matthew Warren (guitar) and Jared Key (drums, percussion).
• rpmRPME has moved its offices. The company’s new address is: 118 16th Avenue South, Suite 208, Nashville, TN 37203. They can still be reached at 615-256-1980.
•MSO PR Nashville celebrated their 5th anniversary with a media mixer at the historic Union Station Hotel in Nashville on July 23. Radio personality/musician Billy Block was among the guests at the celebration.

Pictured (L-R): MSO President Mitch Schneider, Billy Block, MSO Nashville Director Lyndie Wenner and MSO Account Executive Angela Villanueva.

Pictured (L-R): MSO President Mitch Schneider, Billy Block, MSO Nashville Director Lyndie Wenner and MSO Account Executive Angela Villanueva.


 

Kenny Rogers Taps Billy Dean For 'The Toy Shoppe'

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billy dean 2013 photo1

Billy Dean


Kenny Rogers has recruited Billy Dean to play the lead role in this year’s edition of the Broadway-style Christmas production, The Toy Shoppe. The show will launch Nov. 1 and run through Dec. 21 at The Starlite Theatre in Branson, Mo.
The original music and story were written and arranged by Rogers and producer/director Kelly Junkermann. Dean will take on the role of Toy Shoppe owner Hank Longley, normally portrayed by Rogers. The original music from the production features 11 songs co-written by Rogers, along with several holiday classics.
“I’m over the top about getting to play Hank Longley in The Toy Shoppe,” notes Dean. “This is normally Kenny’s role so I’ve got some big shoes to fill. But I promise to give it my all and make Kenny proud!”
Tickets are available now at starlitetheatre.com or the Starlite Theatre box office at 866-991-8445.

DISClaimer: Dog Days of Summer

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bakersfield album11They call these the “dog days” of summer, and there are definitely a few dogs in this column. But rather than dwell on them, let’s focus on the folks who got it right this week. One of them is newcomer Justin Adams. He is an Oklahoma native and former college football player who displays impressive chops as both a writer and a singer on his EP debut. Somebody sign this guy. In the meantime, give him a DisCovery Award. The pickin’s were slim when it came to naming a Disc of the Day. Only one record stood head and shoulders above the rest. It comes from two members of the Grammy-nominated Time Jumpers, Vince Gill and Paul Franklin. Lend this your ears. It is a salute to the Bakersfield country sound of yore, but this is no exercise in nostalgia. It is as vibrant and contemporary a CD as you’ll hear all year.
KELLY CLARKSON/Tie It Up
Writers: Shane McAnally/Ashley Arrison/Josh Osborne; Producer: Shane McAnally; Publisher: none listed; ASCAP/BMI; RCA (CDX)
-She’s such a super vocalist, and that’s what keeps you hanging on every note. From her staccato alto notes in the verses to her searing, soaring soprano shouts in the choruses, Clarkson totally owns this number. Catchy, catchy, catchy.
JOSH THOMPSON/Cold Beer With Your Name On It
Writers: Brent Anderson/Clint Daniels; Producers: Mark Wright and Cliff Audretch III; Publishers: House of Seagayle/Writers of Seagayle, ASCAP/BMI; Show Dog (CDX)
-His thin, strangulated singing conveys the regret he feels about his country girl having gone to the city. Pass.
JAKE OWEN/Days of Gold
Writers: Jaren Johnston/Neil Mason; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: Sony-ATV Harmony/Texas Rae/Nettwerk One B/Revelry/Nevada House, ASCAP/BMI; RCA
-The tempo is frenetic, and the production is zippy. The country-party lyric is as dull as mud.
AUSTIN WEBB/Slip On By
Writers: Allen Dukes/Blake NeeSmith/Nathan Tomberlin/Chris Stevens; Producer: Byron Gallimore; Publishers: Universal/Brentwood Benson/Finding Favour/Meaux Mercy/Larrydavid/EMI CMG, ASCAP/BMI; Streamsound
-The old man wishes he hadn’t wasted his youth and his opportunities. Considering the emotional possibilities, the vocal performance is somewhat monochromatic.
BRAD PAISLEY/I Can’t Change The World
Writers: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Kelley Lovelace; Producer: Brad Paisley; Publishers: House of Sea Gayle/Words & Music/EMI April/Didn’t Have To Be, ASCAP; Arista (track)
-Brad belts in bodacious balladeer mode here. The heartfelt lyric promises to change the world with love, even if he is helpless in the face of the reality that surrounds us. The echoey production that swirls around him is punctuated with his pin-sharp guitar notes. A terrific listening experience.
ZANE WILLIAMS/Sure Felt Like Goodbye
Writers: Zane Randolph Williams; Producers: Zane Williams and Tom Faulkner; Publishers: Born Into Love/BE Original, ASCAP; Be
-Unapologetically country and undeniably classy. His hearty singing is matched by his skill as a sturdy tunesmith. Formerly a Music Row publishing staff writer, Williams returned to his native Texas a few years ago. This single will appear on his fifth CD, Overnight Success, which drops next week.
LAURA BELL BUNDY/Two Step
Writers: Laura Bell Bundy/Andy Davis/Colt Ford/Lance Kotara/Adam McInnis/Bryan Ray; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Publishers: EMI April/If I Had A Nickel/Really Complicated/Average JZS/Jacobstream/Playboy Poetry/Penny Dog/ASCAP; Big Machine
-Bundy is back in the bouncing dance-floor mode with which she began her county career two years ago. This time her ditty includes terpsichorean instructions as well as a guest rap from Colt Ford. As if this track isn’t busy-sounding enough, there’s also a dance mix available.

Justin Adams

Justin Adams


JUSTIN ADAMS/Miss Me Whiskey
Writers: Justin Adams/Karyn Rochelle; Producers: Aaron Eshuls and Matthew McGuinn; Publisher: none listed; JA (track)
-He hooked me from the well-written opening lines. This is a real piece of songwriting craftsmanship, and fact that he sings it with so much force makes it that much more involving. An artist who has all the ammo he needs for stardom. And I loved the haunting instrumental coda.
VINCE GILL & PAUL FRANKLIN/Foolin’ Around
Writers: none listed; Producers: Vince Gill and Paul Franklin; Publisher: none listed; MCA Nashville
-Steel guitarist Franklin and Hall of Famer Gill’s new Bakersfield collaboration salutes the tunes of Buck, Merle and their peers. It kicks off with a remake of this 1961 Buck bopper, which sounds like an onrushing locomotive on a breakneck pace. Super exciting, as is the whole package.
DAVID SHELBY/Kick A Little Dirt Around
Writers: F.J. Turner; Producers: David Shelby, Chris Virzi and F.J. Turner; Publisher: none listed; Highway South
-It’s a rousing invitation to get out on the dance floor. What it lacks in melodic inventiveness, it more than makes up for in enthusiasm. Rhythm happy, to say the least.

Cumulus, Dick Clark Productions Team On Awards Coverage

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Cumulus LogoCumulus Media Networks has partnered with Dick Clark Productions to create original radio and digital content around the upcoming American Music Awards and the Billboard Music Awards, according to Billboard.com.  As part of the partnership, Cumulus will create six hours of original programming surrounding the upcoming AMAs on Nov. 24 that will be broadcast to its 5,500 affiliate stations across the country. The programming will be live and tailored to major formats including country, pop, urban, and rock.
Leading up to the televised broadcast, Cumulus stations will also build excitement about the show by announcing the artist nominees across its various platforms. Radio listeners across the country will also have the opportunity to win tickets to the AMAs, and following the broadcast, event coverage will be available across the stations’ websites and owned-and-operated social media profiles. The company will take a similar approach to its coverage of the Billboard Music Awards in 2014.
“There’s never been that level of interactivity and access to these shows that we’ve been able to bring to radio and our audience,” Cumulus Media Networks executive VP and co-COO John Dickey tells Billboard.biz. “We’re very excited about having that opportunity to get up close and personal, from the red carpet and backstage to embedding some of our talent with the artists as they get ready and dressed for the show.”
Dick Clark Productions and Billboard share the same parent company in Guggenheim Partners.

peermusic Adds Creative Manager

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Heather Cook

Heather Cook


Heather Cook, founder of Cook’n Up Music Publishing and Artist Management, has joined peermusic‘s Nashville team as Creative Manager in Advertising Markets.
Cook has closed down her boutique publishing and artist management company, which she managed for the past three years. Cook’n Up Music Publishing and Artist Management worked with songwriters including Simone Simonton, Robin Grant, Sonia Lee, Seth Jackson and artist-writers Big Vinny, Emily Reid, Leah Turner, Jessie Smith and Savannah Jane, among others.
“The last three years have been an amazing journey and I have enjoyed working with every single artist and songwriter who have come to my door,” says Cook. “I am proud to say we have been successful in accomplishing many of the goals we set for each of our artists and songwriters. I am excited about the next chapter and look forward to joining the peermusic team.”
peermusic songwriters include Neil Thrasher, Vicky McGehee, Rachel Farley and Michael Tyler, among others.
Cook can be reached at 615-329-0603 and here.

Cassadee Pope Releases Album Cover, Release Date

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Cassadee_Pope_FRAME_BY_FRAME
Cassadee Pope, winner of season three of NBC’s The Voice, is giving her fans creative control by letting them choose the cover for her latest album, Frame By Frame. 
Cassadee used social video site Vine over the weekend to unveil the title of her forthcoming album. Over the course of 72 hours, thousands of fans took to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to select their favorite artwork.
“My fans are the ones who gave me this incredible opportunity to create Country music and I want to ensure they are a part of the process as much as possible” says Pope. “I’ve received great feedback on my new music while visiting Country radio stations each week and while out on the Rascal Flatts tour, so I also wanted to make sure the fans had input on the artwork for Frame By Frame.”
The singer’s latest hit “Wasting All These Tears” has already sold more than 200,000 downloads and earned the #1 spot on iTunes Top Country Songs chart. Pope’s new album will be released on Oct. 8 on Republic Nashville.

Artist Updates (8-6-13)

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jake owen days of gold1Jake Owen will debut his brand new single “Days of Gold” on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on Thursday (Aug. 8). “Days of Gold” is the lead single/title track from his forthcoming full-length studio album produced by Joey Moi, expected for release later this year. Owen is currently on the road with Jason Aldean‘s Night Train Tour with upcoming shows in Hershey, Pa., Saratoga Springs, and Cincinnati.

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Florida Georgia Line performed their Top 10-and-climbing hit “Round Here” on TBS’ Conan last night (Aug. 5). The duo, comprised of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley , also taped a web exclusive of the emotional ballad “Stay” for TeamCoco.com during their visit to the show.

Photo Credit: Meghan Sinclair/Team Coco

Florida Georgia Line. Photo Credit: Meghan Sinclair/Team Coco

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Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood received an out of this world introduction prior to her performance at the recent WE Fest on Aug. 3. Underwood, via a video link, was welcomed on stage by Karen Nyberg, who is currently serving at the International Space Station (ISS), circling the earth in a 255-mile high orbit.

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Charlie Daniels and emerging artist Jay Jolley met recently in Monroe, Mich. Aboard Daniels’ bus, the two began their own dialogue on Jay’s new single, “God Save Us All From Religion,” written by Daniels, Kim Williams and Doug Johnson. “It was simply amazing to meet the man who co-wrote this song that I love; the man behind the larger-than-life legend,” says Jolley. The track was originally released by The Charlie Daniels Band on their Dueces album in 2007.

charlie daniels1

Pictured (L-R): Jay Jolley and Charlie Daniels