SESAC Signs Aiken

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SESAC has welcomed artist/songwriter Mike Aiken for representation. Aiken, who is also a licensed United States Coast Guard captain, has released his sixth album, Captains & Cowboys, on Northwind Records.
Dan Baird (Georgia Satellites) and Ben Strano (Jack Sundrud/Poco) produced the project. The album features musicians Dan Dugmore on pedal steel; Tammy Rogers on fiddle and mandolin; Michael Webb on accordion, bass and B3; and Michael Grando on drums.
Aiken recently stopped by SESAC’s Nashville headquarters for a visit.

Pictured (L-R): Mike Aiken and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Pictured (L-R): Mike Aiken and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Craig Morgan Releases Track List, Artwork

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Craig-MorganCraig Morgan announced details for his forthcoming Black River Entertainment album, The Journey (Livin’ Hits), during a live Facebook conference last week.

The social media unveiling also allowed fans to participate in a Q&A with Morgan.
Set for release Sept. 3, the Phil O’Donnell co-produced album offers eight of Morgan’s hits and four new tracks, including his latest single, “Wake Up Lovin’ You.”
“I think we’ve put together a really great album with new music that looks ahead to the future as well as some of the fan-favorite songs that speak to who I am at my core and what my fans love in my live shows,” said Morgan.
The new record will be available for pre-order in the coming weeks.
The Journey (Livin’ Hits) Track Listing:
1.  “Wake Up Lovin’ You”* (Josh Osborne, Matt Ramsey, Trevor Rosen)
2.  “We’ll Come Back Around”* (Brandy Clark, Jessie Dillon, Trevor Rosen)
3.  “Party Girl”* (Carson Chamberlain, Wade Kirby,  Jeff Stevens)
4.  “If Not Me”* (Tom Douglas, Lee Miller)
5.  “More Trucks Than Cars” (Craig Morgan, Phil O’Donnell, Craig Wiseman)
6.  “This Ole Boy” (Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, Ben Hayslip)
7.  “International Harvester” (Shane Minor, Danny Myrick, Jeffery Steele)
8.  “Tough” (Joe Leathers, Monty Criswell)
9.  “Little Bit of Life” (Tony Mullins, Danny Wells)
10. “Redneck Yacht Club” (Thom Shepherd, Steve Williams)
11. “That’s What I Love About Sunday” (Adam Dorsey, Mark Narmore)
12. “Almost Home” (Craig Morgan, Kerry Kurt Phillips)
*new songs

Dierks Bentley And Friends Support Wildfire Victims

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Dierks AZ

Dierks Bentley


Dierks Bentley headlined the Country Cares Concert at Tim’s Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, Ariz. on July 22. The event raised more than $476,000 for families of the 19 Granite Mountain Hot Shot firefighters who recently perished fighting Arizona wildfires. The Band Perry, Randy Houser, David Nail and country stations KLME and KAFF joined Bentley in his efforts to raise money.
Family members of the 19 victims and the lone surviving firefighter attended the concert, which included a photo tribute to the fallen firefighters during Bentley’s performance of his new song “Here On Earth.” The singer also performed a rendition of “Home” with a bagpipe intro by the Rural Metro Pipe and Drum Corp.
The concert’s proceeds will benefit the United Phoenix Firefighters Charities, which will aid the families of the 19 fallen firefighters. For more information, visit dierks.com

SoundExchange Hires LeVine

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SoundExchange has added Barry LeVine as vice president of Industry Relations. LeVine will oversee the organization’s artist and label outreach program, along with driving strategic relationships with other organizations within the music community.
Most recently, LeVine served as global executive vice president of Entertainment Relations at Gibson Brands, where he was responsible for maximizing relationships within the entertainment world and creating awareness of Gibson entertainment and lifestyle products in 19 markets worldwide.
Prior to Gibson, Barry served in senior management roles at ShoutCrowd Media/Fan2Band Inc. and SonyBMG Music Entertainment.
“I’m pleased to announce Barry LeVine will join us as our vice president of Industry Relations. He brings a solid reputation and broad set of industry and artist outreach skills to our team,” said SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe. “Barry’s unique experience will be key in the development of new programs for the 90,000 artist and 28,000 rights owner accounts that we currently serve, as well as creating new connections and opportunities as we move SoundExchange into its next chapter.”

SOURCE Awards Sets Date

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sourcelogo40411The 2013 SOURCE Awards will take place Sept. 24 and will honor seven women who have been a vital source in the success of Music Row and the Nashville entertainment industry during this year’s 11th annual event.
The 2013 Honorees are Bebe Evans (Charlie Daniels Band, Inc.), Bonnie Garner (Rothbaum and Garner, Columbia Records, Dick Cavett Show), Gerrie McDowell (Gerrieco, Curb, Capitol and Mercury Records), Debi Fleischer-Robin (Fleischer-Robin Enterprises, Columbia/Sony Records, Crystal Gayle), Paula Szeigis (Charlie Daniels Band, Inc.), Sarah Trahern (Great American Country, TNN, C-Span), plus a posthumous recognition for Donna Hilley (Sony/ATV Publishing).
The celebration will be held at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum at the Historic Municipal Auditorium in Nashville (417 4th Avenue North.) Information on how to purchase tickets to the awards will be released in the coming weeks.
Major sponsors for this year’s event include MAC Presents; Sony/ATV Publishing; Martin, Allbee & Associates, LLC; and Shepherd Center’s SHARE Military Initiative.
Founded in 1991, SOURCE is a nonprofit organization supporting women executives and professionals who work in all facets of the Nashville music industry. In 2003, the annual SOURCE Awards were established to pay respect to and honor the women who helped develop and build upon the foundation of the music industry in Nashville. SOURCE also pays tribute to women who presently make major contributions with their work in the industry.

Shooter Jennings Co-Headlines Tour with Reverend Peyton

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shooter jennings tour1Shooter Jennings and Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band will co-headline a string of tour dates throughout the U.S. this fall. The tour will begin in Bloomington, Ind. on Friday, Sept. 27.
Jennings, the self-described “son of a rebel saint,” released his new album, The Other Life, earlier this year. Indiana natives Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band’s work ethic keeps them on the road 250 dates a year. Their latest album, Between The Ditches, released in 2012.
Sept. 27 Bloomington, Ind.—Bluebird Nightclub
Sept. 28 Muncie, Ind.— Muncie Community Civic Center *
Oct. 2 Des Moines, Iowa— TBD*
Oct. 3 Lincoln, Neb.— Bourbon Theatre
Oct. 4 Denver, Colo.— Bluebird Theatre
Oct. 5 Kansas City, Mo.— Knuckleheads
Oct. 9 Little Rock, Ark.— Revolution Music Room
Oct. 10 Birmingham, Ala.— Workplay Theatre
Oct. 11 Atlanta— Masquerade
Oct. 19 Live Oak, Fla.— Magnolia Music Fest *
Oct. 20 Live Oak, Fla.— Magnolia Music Fest **
* Rev. Peyton only
** with Jimbo Mathus & Alvin Youngblood Hart

Warner Bros. Records Adds To Artist Roster

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CS_Promo Image1

Cole Swindell


Singer-songwriter Cole Swindell is set to release his debut single, “Chillin’ It,” on Warner Bros. Records on Aug. 19. Independent radio airplay and social media have already contributed 140,000 in sales of the single. Swindell has appeared on select dates on Luke Bryan‘s Dirt Road Diaries Tour. It’s quite the career trajectory for the Georgia native; Swindell started out as Bryan’s merchandise rep.
Swindell filmed a video announcement for his fans, complete with news of his label signing.

Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group Adds Director

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tri star logo1Entertainment business management company Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group has hired Wayne Milligan as Director of Special Services and Royalty Compliance. In his new role, he will focus on songwriter services and music licensing for film, television and brand advertising; he will also oversee royalty processing and compliance auditing.
Milligan, a Belmont University graduate with two decades of industry experience, most recently served as Director of Administration at Big Machine Label Group. He has also managed the administration, licensing and royalty/audit services for catalogs including Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses and REO Speedwagon. Prior to his work at Big Machine, Milligan worked with accounting firm Sussman & Associates.
“We are very pleased to welcome Wayne Milligan to our Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group family and executive team,” said CEO Lou Taylor. “Wayne brings with him extensive knowledge of music industry administration and will contribute a wide range of experience in publishing, songwriter services, royalty processing/compliance auditing and more.”

'Alabama & Friends' Set For August Release

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alabama & friends1Alabama enlisted a slew of country entertainers to collaborate on its latest project, ALABAMA & Friends. The 11-track album features Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Eli  Young Band, Trisha Yearwood, Toby Keith, Florida Georgia Line and Jamey Johnson, all giving their own renderings of some of the group’s hits.
In addition, the collection features the band’s first new tracks in over 10 years – “All American” (written by Trey Bruce) and “That’s How I Was Raised” (written by Charley Stefl, Tony Ramey, Skip Sasser and Trent Tomlinson). For select tracks, Alabama teamed again with producer Harold Shedd, who worked with the group during its early years. Executive producers on the project are Alabama, Fletcher Foster and Mark Wright.
ALABAMA & Friends is set for release on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
Track Listing
1. “Tennessee River,” Jason Aldean. Produced by Michael Knox
2. “Love In The First Degree,” Luke Bryan. Produced by Jeff Stevens
3. “Old Flame,” Rascal Flatts. Produced by Jay DeMarcus
4. “Lady Down on Love,” Kenny Chesney. Produced by Buddy Cannon
5. “The Closer You Get,” Eli Young Band. Produced by Michael Knox
6. “Forever’s As Far As I’ll Go,” Trisha Yearwood. Produced by Garth Fundis
7. “She & I,” Toby Keith. Produced by Toby Keith
8. “I’m In A Hurry (And Don’t Know Why),” Florida Georgia Line. Produced by Joey Moi
9. “That ‘s How I Was Raised,” Alabama. Produced by Harold Shedd
10. “All American,” Alabama, Produced by Harold Shedd
11. “My Home’s in Alabama,” Jamey Johnson. Produced by Jamey Johnson

Steve Buchanan Named Outstanding Nashvillian of the Year

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Steve Buchanan

Steve Buchanan


Kiwanis Club of Nashville has honored Steve Buchanan as 2012 Outstanding Nashvillian of the Year for his community contributions. Buchanan is president of the Opry Entertainment Group, a division of Ryman Hospitality Properties, and executive producer for Nashville.
“Steve has worked tirelessly to ensure Nashville and country music are recognized for higher social, business and professional standards,” says George H. Armistead, III, one of three original authors of the accolade, Kiwanis board member and co-chair of the Outstanding Nashvillian committee. “He is a Vanderbilt graduate who remained here and has been an integral segment of our entertainment community now for over 30 years. His leadership and accomplishments last year with Nashville are so noteworthy and appreciated. Nashville exemplifies his expertise in maintaining and boosting sound public opinion of our city and his perseverance, devotion and focus have already yielded substantial tangible and intangible benefits to the best city in the South. We are forever grateful to him!”
Kiwanis Club of Nashville has presented the Outstanding Nashvillian of the Year Award annually since 1980. Past recipients include Martha Ingram, Jack Massey, Vince Gill, Phil Bredesen, Mike Curb, Darrell Waltrip, Marty Dickens, Karl Dean and Ellen Lehman/Brian Williams, among others. Raul Regalado was honored in 2011.
Founded in 1916, Kiwanis Club of Nashville is comprised of nearly 200 business leaders in all professions, including consulting, health care, law, accounting, banking, real estate and retail. Its club members make an impact on the Nashville community by performing many worthy community service projects to serve children and young adults.