DISClaimer: A Changing Of The Guard

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hunter hayes new photoI think we’re in the midst of a changing of the guard. On the recent ACM telecast, only Strait and Reba remained from the good old days. And folks like Garth, Chesney, Tim, Faith and Shania now seemed like parental types. Of the upstart, new-breed stars, few shine as brightly as the rapidly rising Hunter Hayes. His “I Want Crazy” single is confirmation that he has arrived. It earns this week’s Disc of the Day prize. I believe that Adam Fears is a Texas-to-Tennessee transplant. All I can say is one loud and hearty, “Welcome!” He wins a DisCovery Award for being so good on so many levels.
MIKE AIKEN/Summertime Song
Writers: Mike Aiken/Tim Buppert; Producer: Dan Baird, Ben Strano and Mike Aiken; Publisher: Big Boat/Saddle Blanket/Buffrin Boy, SESAC; Northwind
-The subterranean bass lines sound like they were recorded at least two counties away from his barely-there vocal.
LOCASH COWBOYS/Chase A Little Love
Writers: Preston Brust and Jaron Boyer; Producer: Noah Gordon and Shannon Houchins; Publisher: none listed; Average Joes
-He invites her to jump in his truck and go for a romance ride. It’s not the most original song in the world, but the warm performance is immensely and endearingly sincere. The glistening production scores bonus points.
adam fears111WILLIAM CLARK GREEN/It’s About Time
Writers: none listed; Producer: Rachel Loy; Publisher: none listed; WCG
-The CD packaging is gorgeous. The music is junky sounding, and his singing voice is weak.
BLAKE SHELTON/Boy’s ‘Round Here
Writers: Rhett Akins/Dallas Davidson/Craig Wiseman; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: EMI Blackwood, Big Loud Shirt, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-The verses are rapped. The choruses are sung and contain the timeless line, “Chew tobacco, chew tobacco, chew tobacco, spit.” The Pistol Annies pop up occasionally with chirped interjections. Shallow, but undeniably ear catching.
ROY SOLIS/Broken Hearts Are So Cliche
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Avenue 1
-I like the atmospheric, moody, faintly Latin production style. He’s no powerhouse as a singer, but the soft way he caresses the melody is just right.
JOANNA SMITH/Girls Are Crazy
Writers: Joanna Smith, Ben Daniel and Brandon Kinney; Producer: Joanna Smith and Brandon Kinney; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree, S&S Farms, Red Vinyl, Words & Music, Tom Tom Leis, Songs of Red Bandana, BMI; RCA
-How ironic that such a demeaning song about women should be co-written by one.
SUSAN ASHTON/Love Is Alive
Writer: Gary Wright; Producer: Wayne Kirkpatrick; Publisher: Universal/ASCAP; Be
-Ashton has tried her luck in both the CCM and country genres. Reworking Gary Wright’s 1976 pop smash (it was the follow-up to “Dream Weaver”) probably looked like a good idea. After all, it does have that irresistible chorus melody. Her execution of it, however, is lacking. The arrangement is fine, but there’s no vocal passion here.
HUNTER HAYES/I Want Crazy
Writers: Hunter Hayes, Lori McKenna, Troy Verges; Publisher: Songs of Universal, Happy Little Man, Hoodie, Songs From The Engine Room, BMI; Atlantic
-I wasn’t that impressed by this when he introduced it on the ACM telecast. But the single version has a lot more audio dynamics going for it. His vocal, for instance, goes from hushed to shouted. Also, the tongue-tripping lyric, scat-sung passages, lickety-split guitar work and zippy tempo make ya dizzy with delight.
HAYDEN PANETTIERE/Hypnotizing
Writers: Cary Barlowe, Steve Robson, Caitlyn Smith; Publisher: Castle Bound, We Be Partying, Imagem, Music of Stage Three, Songs of Cornman, BMG Chrysalis, BMI/ASCAP/SESAC, Big Machine
-If the music coming out of the real Nashville sounded as good as the music coming out of the TV Nashville, maybe people would stop making fun of our parade of redneck party songs that stink up the format. Hayden, in particular, seems to make everything she sings sound splendid. Portraying “Juliette Barnes,” she chooses her material to reflect the character’s youthful, pop-country attitude. Her current single is as catchy a ditty as you’ll find.
ADAM FEARS/There’s A Girl Out There
Writers: Adam Fears, Jamie Paulin, Jeremy Stover; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publisher: none listed; LandStar
-This has it all — a pulse-quickening rhythm track, a sing-along melody, a singer with charisma and a dynamic production. I don’t know who on earth this guy is, but he is sprinkled with stardust. Play and believe.

Vince Gill Joins Keith Urban, Albert Lee at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival

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Pictured (L-R): Albert Lee, Vince Gill, Keith Urban

Pictured (L-R): Albert Lee, Vince Gill, Keith Urban


Vince Gill recently performed at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival held at Madison Square Garden in New York City on April 12 and 13. Gill performed both nights. On Friday, April 12, he accompanied guitarist Andy Fairweather-Low and host Clapton on two of Clapton’s biggest hits: “Lay Down Sally” and “Wonderful Tonight.”
On Saturday, April 13, Gill and his band performed alongside guitar great Albert Lee and Keith Urban on the songs “Ain’t Living Long Like This” (Rodney Crowell song); “Leave My Woman Alone” (Ray Charles song, Lee on lead vocals); “Tumbling Dice” (Rolling Stones song, Urban on lead vocals) and “Set Me Up” (Mark Knopfler song, recorded by Eric Clapton).
Proceeds from the two-day concert benefit the Crossroads Centre founded by Clapton, a drug treatment center located in Antigua. The concerts are intended to be a showcase for a variety of guitarists of which all were hand-picked by Clapton. Gill has appeared at all the previous Crossroads Guitar Festivals held in 2004, 2007 and 2010.

Hunter Hayes Featured in 'Esquire'

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Hunter Hayes will be featured in a fashion spread in Esquire Magazine’s May issue. The segment on Hayes features shots of the singer-songwriter in apparel by Dior Homme, Rag & Bone and Dolce and Gabbana, as well as a brief interview. The spread also features Wiz Khalifa, Ne-Yo and Cold War Kids.

ESQ050113_138

Photo Credit: Ture Lillegrave


ESQ050113_138

Photo Credit: Ture Lillegraven


 

Industry Signings (4-16-13)

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ole logo111ole has secured a worldwide publishing deal of future songs written by Nashville-based singer/songwriter, Jesse Lee. The deal also includes Lee’s existing catalog, comprised of over 40 compositions. Lee has collaborated with Kara DioGuardi, Hillary Lindsey and ole legacy writer Liz Rose, among others.
“I couldn’t have found a better home. I feel very fortunate to be able to work alongside Mike Sebastian and the ole team,” says Lee. “They believe in me as a songwriter and have had tremendous success as an independent company. I’m so excited to become a part of their team and look forward to having great success together.”
“Jesse is a very diverse and talented writer and I’m extremely pleased to be working with her,” remarks ole Senior Creative Director, Mike Sebastian. “She continues to grow by leaps and bounds as a writer and an artist and ole looks forward to being instrumental in furthering her career and our collective goals. We are thrilled that she has decided to become a part of the ole team.”

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PrintImagem Music USA has signed a worldwide, multi-year co-publishing agreement with Nashville songwriter Josh Doyle, the first signing of the joint venture between producer John Shannks and Imagem Music. Doyle won the title of “the nation’s top undiscovered singer-songwriter” during Guitar Center’s competition last year. Doyle, a UK native,  has released the independent EPs The End of Fear, Values and Virtues and Middletown and Songs From The Nuclear War Vol. 1 & 2.

“I’m excited to be joining the Imagem family,” said Doyle. “I’ve already started to feel the enthusiasm within the company for my songs and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can get done as a team.”

Words & Music Night Coming To Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum April 30

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words and music logo111111Young songwriters will fill the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s Ford Theater on April 30 during the museum’s annual Words & Music Night. Nashville-area students will perform their original songs accompanied by volunteer professional songwriters during the event, which will be hosted by Grammy Award-winning artist Gretchen Wilson. The program begins at 6 p.m. and is open to performing students and their families.
Words & Music allows students to express themselves creatively and learn the craft of lyric writing. The program also provides a unique curriculum-based teaching tool for educators,” said Ali Tonn, director of education and public programming. “The Words & Music Night recital showcases the breadth, depth and quality of those student compositions. This year songs run the gamut, from a witty tune about running from zombies, to a poignant song about the heroism of President John F. Kennedy. When the students perform their songs on the Ford Theater stage with professional songwriters, it is not only a proud moment for the audience of parents, teachers and museum staff, but also an evening of first-rate entertainment. We look forward to it every year.”
Words & Music Night is the culmination of the yearlong Words & Music school program. Classes participating in the program complete creative writing lessons, developed by the museum, which highlight the lyric-writing process and support education standards in language arts and music. Students write or co-write lyrics in the classroom; the lyrics are then given to professional songwriters, who refine their lyrics and add melodies. Finally, students visit the museum for a tour and a performance of their songs by their participating songwriter.
More than 4,400 2nd through 12th grade students at 46 Tennessee schools wrote songs that were put to music by 36 volunteer professional songwriters throughout the 2012–13 school year.  This is the 34th year that the museum has offered its Words & Music program. The Tuesday night showcase will include performances by students, ranging from 4th  to 12th-graders, from Andrew Jackson Elementary, Battle Ground Academy, Bordeaux Elementary, Ensworth School, Grassland Elementary, Joelton Elementary, McFadden School of Excellence, Meigs Magnet Middle School, Mt. View Elementary, Norman Binkley Elementary, Scales Elementary (Williamson County), Spring Hill High School, Thomas Edison Elementary and Woodland Middle School.

The Words & Music program is made possible by the Country Music Association Endowment for Words & Music.

 

Second Soundtrack for ABC's 'Nashville' To Release May 7

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nashville soundtrack111The Music of Nashville (Season 1, Volume 2) will be released May 7 on Big Machine Records. The project features new music from Connie Britton (Rayna Jaymes), Hayden Panettiere (Juliette Barnes), Charles Esten (Deacon Claybourne), Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley), Clare Bowen (Scarlett O’Connor), Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott) and sisters Lennon and Maisy Stella (Maddie & Daphne Conrad).
Award-winning producers T Bone Burnett, Buddy Miller, Gabriel Witcher, Garth Fundis, Frank Liddell, Dan Auerbach, and Ross Copperman worked together to showcase the original content on both the show and soundtrack, respectively. Target will simultaneously release an exclusive version of the soundtrack that will include five additional bonus tracks.
TRACKLISTING:
1. Fade Into You
Performed by Sam Palladio, Clare Bowen
Written by Matt Jenkins, Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen
2. Ho Hey
Performed by Lennon Stella, Maisy Stella
Written by Jeremy Fraites, Wesley Schultz
3. Gun For A Mouth
Performed by Sam Palladio
Written by David Poe
4. We Are Water
Performed by Hayden Panettiere
Written by Patty Griffin
5. Looking For A Place To Shine
Performed by Clare Bowen
Written by Natalie Hemby, Angela Lauer
6. Stronger Than Me
Performed by Connie Britton
Written by Sarah Buxton, Kate York
7. Bitter Memory
Performed by Connie Britton
Written by Lucinda Williams
8. Let There Be Lonely
Performed by Jonathan Jackson
Written by Laura Rogers, Lydia Rogers, Gordie Sampson
9. Hypnotizing
Performed by Hayden Panettiere
Written by Cary Barlowe, Steve Robson, Caitlyn Smith
10. I Will Fall (Studio Version)
Performed by Clare Bowen, Sam Palladio
Written by Tyler James, Kate York
11. Nothing In This World Will Ever Break My Heart Again
Performed by Hayden Panettiere
Written by Sarah Buxton, Kate York
 
 
 

Compass Records Signing

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The Bankesters

The Bankesters


Compass Records has added The Bankesters to its roster of bluegrass artists. The band includes Phil and Dorene Bankester and their three daughters and son-in-law. They are currently at work gathering material for a new album to be produced by Alison Brown and tentatively slated for a fall 2013 release. In the meantime, Compass will be re-releasing the band’s latest album Looking Forward on May 28 for international distribution.
Compass Records Group is home to more than 500 releases across the Compass Records, Green Linnet and Mulligan Records imprints with a roster that boasts a variety of artists including Colin Hay, Victor Wooten, Claire Lynch, Altan, Peter Rowan, The Gibson Brothers, Darden Smith, BeauSoleil, Catie Curtis and label co-founder Alison Brown.
 

Artist Snapshots (4-16-13)

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Following a big win at the ACM Awards, Florida Georgia Line’s first visit to Colorado on Saturday night (April 13) proved to be more “icing on the cake.” Just before taking the stage for their sold-out, headlining show in Denver, KWOF’s Jonathan Wilde and Brooke Diaz and Grizzly Rose owner Scott Durland surprised the ACM Award Winners for New Artist of the Year with a giant cake.

Pictured (L-R): Grizzly Rose Owner Scott Durland, FGL's Tyler Hubbard, KWOF MD Brooke Diaz, KWOF PD Jonathan Wilde, Republic Nashville's Lois Lewisand FGL's Brian Kelley

Pictured (L-R): Grizzly Rose Owner Scott Durland, FGL’s Tyler Hubbard, KWOF MD Brooke Diaz, KWOF PD Jonathan Wilde, Republic Nashville’s Lois Lewis
and FGL’s Brian Kelley

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Scotty McCreery took a break from his Weekend Roadtrip Tour 2013 on April 13, to make an $18,000 donation to Nashville RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) as part of the nonprofit organization’s Opening Day festivities. The event coincided with Jackie Robinson Weekend activities across Major League Baseball. McCreery, who is a huge baseball fan and former high school pitcher, feels all kids should have the opportunity to play sports and be active. In celebration of the day, McCreery also threw out the first pitch at Nashville’s Seven Oaks Park and visited with RBI participants. More than 250 RBI kids ages 3-12 were onsite for the Opening Day celebration.
Pictured (L-R): McCreery, John Ray Clemmons, Nashville RBI Board Chairman, and JoLyn Hilliard, Nashville RBI Executive Director.

Pictured (L-R): McCreery, John Ray Clemmons, Nashville RBI Board Chairman, and JoLyn Hilliard, Nashville RBI Executive Director.

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The music video for Brad Paisley’s current single, “Beat This Summer,” debuted on Friday, April 12. The clip was directed by Roman White (Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift), and filmed in Santa Monica, Calif. The video captures the thrills and heartbreak of a summer crush between a young boy and a young girl. Watch the video here.

Brad Paisley on the set of his video for "Beat This Summer."

Brad Paisley on the set of his video for “Beat This Summer.”

 

Country Stars To Decorate Best Cellars Dinner

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TJThe 14th Annual T.J. Martell Best Cellars Dinner will be hosted on Monday, April 29 at the Bridge Building in Nashville featuring musical stars Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Gary Allan, Jonathan Cain, Sheryl Crow, Amy Grant and Dustin Lynch.

This exclusive wine and food celebration pairs “Best Sellers” (popular chart-topping artists) with “Best Cellars” (top wine collectors) who share rare wines with guests at their tables.
This year’s wine hosts include Sam and Celeste Beall; co-chair Tom Black, Keith and Pam Browning; co-chair John and Chantel Esposito; co-chair Bill Hearn and Elise Loehr; Billy Ray and Nancy Hearn; Clint Higham and Joe Galante; Chris Johnson and Jeff Roberts; Eliza Kraft Olander; Keith and Deby Pitts; Bill Shea and Kip and Valerie Summers.
Unique to this year, a reception sponsorship by SunTrust Bank, and post-dinner attendees may now also choose to purchase separate admission to the previously invite-only Tom Black After Party with performances by Warner Music Nashville’s Brett Eldredge and Charlie Worsham.
The four-course dinner will be created by Bob Waggoner (Watermark) and Sean Brock (McCrady’s and Husk in Charleston and Husk in Nashville).
Since the inaugural dinner, created by Billy Ray Hearn in 1999, the Best Cellars Dinner has raised more than $1.65 million to support the foundation’s mission of funding ground-breaking leukemia, cancer and AIDS research.
To purchase tickets and sponsorships for this event, please call Cindy Lovelace at 615-256-2002 or click here.

Artist Updates (4-16-13)

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Sarah Darling 2012Singer-songwriter Sarah Darling is engaged to James Muriel.

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water tower111Syco/RCA Nashville recording artist Tate Stevens‘ hometown of Belton, Mo. has honored the singer-songwriter with an 160-foot City of Belton water tower, freshly painted with “Home of Tate Stevens, Live the Dream!”
Stevens, a former blue collar road worker for the city, won the second season of The X Factor. Among those viewers that season was a contingent of Belton residents, who led the charge to raise 100 percent of the funds for the water tower repainting and dedication. “It’s moments like this that really make me smile,” says Stevens. “The support I’ve felt from the community is incredible, and I hope I can continue to make them proud. I’m so incredibly humbled by this honor.”
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unbridled eve logo111Luke Bryan and Jo Dee Messina are among the performers at The Unbridled Eve Gala, which is poised to return to the Kentucky Derby Eve social scene again this year. Bryan will headline the event. Other performers will include The Voice finalist Nicholas David and party band The Louisville Crashers.
Guests expected to attend this year include actress Jane Seymour, fashion designer Lauren Conrad, NFL Hall of Fame member Warren Moon, actress Jennifer Tilly, actor William Fichtner and actress Patrika Darbo, author Nora Roberts, recording artist Ski Johnson, among others.