Kellie Pickler, Wynonna Join 'Dancing With The Stars'

/by

dancingwithstars_logo_240111Kellie Pickler and Wynonna are getting ready to put on their dancing shoes. Both have signed on to be part of the cast of Dancing With The Stars‘ upcoming season. Interestingly, Pickler’s dancing partner is Derek Hough, brother to actress-singer Julianne Hough. Meanwhile, Wynonna will dance with Tony Dovolani. Wynonna and Pickler will compete against Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, Olympic skater Dorothy Hamill, NFL star Jacoby Jones, boxer Victor Ortiz, soap star Ingo Rademacher, Disney Channel star Zendaya Coleman and reality star Lisa Vanderpump.
The full list of competitors is listed below:
• Boxer Victor Ortiz and new pro Lindsay Arnold
• Singer Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough
• Country star Wynonna Judd and Tony Dovolani
• Soap star Ingo Rademacher and Kym Johnson
• Disney Channel star Zendaya Coleman and Valentin Chmerkovskiy
• Comedian Andy Dick and Sharna Burgess
• Reality star Lisa Vanderpump and new pro Gleb Savchenko
• Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman and Mark Ballas
• Olympic skater Dorothy Hamill and Tristan MacManus
• Comedian D.L. Hughley and Cheryl Burke
• NFL star Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff
Previous country entertainers to compete on Dancing With The Stars include Sara Evans, Chuck Wicks, Jewel and Billy Ray Cyrus.

Luke Bryan Declares Spring Break in Louisville

/by

Luke Bryan. Photo: Eric Parker

Luke Bryan. Photo: Eric Parker


A slew of industry professionals were ready to party with Luke Bryan this past weekend (Feb. 22) at the Yum Center in Louisville, Ky., as part of Bryan’s Dirt Road Diaries Tour.
Although the winter weather outside was in the 30’s, the undulations of Bryan’s hips easily raised the arena temps while he sang a slew of signature tunes and covers including Taio Cruz’s “Dynamite,” Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out Of Heaven,” and Maroon 5’s “One More Night.” Bryan’s own hits included many off his 2011 album Tailgates and Tanlines and tracks from various spring break releases.
Luke Bryan. Photo: Eric Parker

Luke Bryan. Photo: Eric Parker


Lyrics to “If You Ain’t Here To Party” most appropriately define the event, with opening acts Florida Georgia Line and Thompson Square encouraging the Louisville set-list towards a spring break atmosphere. Bryan delivers desirable sex-appeal to today’s country music, easily gearing up his fanbase for his headlining event in Panama Beach, Fla., March 12-13.
Booked through October, the Dirt Road Diaries Tour will take place intermittently with one-off dates at various festivals and events. Bryan will co-host the ACM Awards with Blake Shelton (Apr. 7) and vie for Vocal Event, Male Vocalist, Album and Entertainer of the Year.
While Bryan has spent previous years as an opening act for artists including Jason Aldean, as well as headlining his own Farm Tour, 2013 very well could be the year Bryan solidifies his bid for the Entertainer of the Year trophy.
In advance of the beach weekend, Bryan will release the album Spring Break … Here to Party on March 5. The 14-song set boasts tracks that were previously only available via digital download, as well as new titles “Just a Sip” and “Buzzkill.”
If you’re ready to party, be sure to get your ticket to Luke Bryan in 2013. He’s worth it!

Stoney Creek Promotes Heather Propper

/by

Heather Propper

Heather Propper


Stoney Creek Records recently promoted Heather Propper to Director of National Promotion. In her new role, Propper will grow national airplay for Stoney Creek Records artists including Thompson Square, Randy Houser, Parmalee and Lindsay Ell. Propper will report directly to BBR Music Group SVP of Promotion Carson James as well as Stoney Creek Records VP of Promotion Chris Loss.
Since joining Stoney Creek on the first day of the label’s operation in 2009, Propper has spent the last four years as its Director of Southeast Promotion.
“Heather was the first regional hired at SCR and she has proven her skill and tenacity over and over again. What better next step than to reward her with National responsibilities,” says James.
“Heather has been a big part of the Stoney Creek promotion team’s success. She has earned these stripes and this promotion,” adds Loss. “Elevating her makes our team even stronger for super-serving Country radio. It will fuel more growth for Thompson Square, Randy Houser and Parmalee all while preparing to launch Lindsay Ell this year!”
“I am so grateful to Benny Brown and my amazing bosses for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I truly love this company and my artists! I can’t wait to get on the road and make some new relationships in other parts of the country,” says Propper.
With a BA in Communication from Arizona State University, Propper spent five years at KMLE/ Phoenix, ending as Promotion Director. She then joined Equity Music as Promotion Coordinator and rose to Southeast Regional.
She may be reached at (615) 320-1372 and at heather@stoneycreekrecords.com.

Bigger Picture Group Renews with WEA

/by

BiggerPicture1Bigger Picture Group has renewed its distribution deal with Warner-Elektra-Atlantic Corporation (WEA). The Nashville-based music company, headed by CEO David Robkin, Chief Creative Officer Keith Stegall and President Michael Powers, currently represents artists Chris Cagle, Craig Campbell and Chris Janson.
“WEA provides us with first-class support and we enjoy working with them,” said Robkin. “We look forward to building on our long-term partnership with Mike Jbara and the team.”
“Bigger Picture Group continues to sign and nurture great artists, forging a strong identity as a label and providing a home for up-and-coming Nashville talent. We are very pleased to continue to help grow their success,” said Mike Jbara, President & CEO, WEA.
 

Nashville Signings

/by

Sony Music Nashville artist Angie Johnson has signed with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. The YouTube sensation was a contestant on The Voice and is currently a Missouri Air National Guard Tech Sergeant. She is working on her debut, with Josh Leo producing.

angie johnson1

Pictured (L-R): Angie Johnson and Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Nashville.

• • •

derek george1Writer/producer Derek George has signed with Warner/Chappell.
George produced the chart-topping single from Randy Houser, “How Country Feels.”
 

3 Doors Down, Phillip Phillips, Road To Bonnaroo In Nashville

/by

3 doors down logo13 Doors Down will perform an acoustic engagement at Nashville’s War Memorial on May 4, beginning at 8 p.m. The event is presented by WBUZ and tickets for the event go on sale beginning Friday (March 1). It will be a local performance for the group’s five band members, who currently reside in Nashville.
Singer Brad Arnold shares, “We all call Nashville home, and we cannot wait to perform for our fans in a more intimate setting at War Memorial. It will also be the first time we have performed a full set acoustically. It’s going to be a great evening.”
For more information, visit 3doorsdown.com.

• • •

phillip phillips11Season 11 American Idol winner Phillip Phillips will appear in a headlining concert at Nashville’s Belmont University Curb Event Center on April 21, beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets for the event are $25 for general admission and will go on sale Tuesday (Feb. 26) at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketsnashville.com, by calling (615) 460-8500, or by visiting the Curb Event Center box office. Phillips’ debut single went quadruple platinum and was used as the soundtrack for the 2012 U.S. Olympics Women’s Gymnastics team.

 • • •

road to bonnaroo1BMI’s Road to Bonnaroo 2013 will bring Nashville’s indie bands and music fans together for the fifth consecutive year to select three local artists to represent the city’s music scene on a national stage. Slated for three Mondays at the Mercy Lounge over the next three months–Feb. 25, March 25 and April 15–Road to Bonnaroo will offer one slot each night to perform at the 2013 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.
The first round will take place Monday (Feb. 25) beginning at 9 p.m. at Mercy Lounge. The show is free is and open to those 21 and older. The lineup will include Sol Cat, Five Knives, Alanna Royale, Magnolia Sons, Dylan McDonald & The Avians, Grass Roots Kids, Schools and The Young International. The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival will take place June 13-16 in Manchester, Tenn.
 
 

Artist Updates: Easton Corbin, Brad Paisley, Chris Janson

/by

Mercury recording artist Easton Corbin released his new music video, “All Over The Road” today to all outlets, following exclusive premieres on VEVO and YouTube. The Roman White directed video was shot last fall near Saint Augustine, Fla. and showcases Corbin in a “theatrical movie trailer.” See it here. Corbin will be “all over the road” this summer as he joins Blake Shelton on the Ten Times Crazier Tour, launching July 19.

Pictured (L-R): Easton Corbin, Roman White. Photo credit: Stephen Shepherd

Pictured (L-R): Easton Corbin, Roman White. Photo credit: Stephen Shepherd

• • •

Brad_Paisley390Brad Paisley‘s new single “Beat This Summer” arrived at country radio today (Feb. 25). It is from his self-produced album, Wheelhouse, due in stores April 9. “Beat This Summer,” the follow-up to his No. 1 hit, “Southern Comfort Zone,” was co-written by Paisley, Chris DuBois and Luke Laird.
“This song is about that feeling we’ve all had at some point in our lives—when you’re young, you’ve fallen in love, maybe you’re on the beach or working near the boardwalk,” explains Paisley. “You’re thinking there may never be a summer to compare.”

• • •

Bigger Picture Group’s hot newcomer Chris Janson made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Feb. 15. He opened with new single “Better I Don’t,” which was the second most added song at country radio the week of release. He also teamed with pal James Otto to perform their co-write, “When I’m Holding Her.” Both songs will be on Janson’s full-length debut album produced by Keith Stegall, which is expected to release later this year.

Photo Credit: ©2013 Grand Ole Opry, Joel Dennis, Hollo Photographics, Inc.

Photo credit: 2013 Grand Ole Opry, Joel Dennis, Hollo Photographics, Inc.

Country Artists Were Top Money Makers in 2012

/by

kenny chesney1Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band and Blake Shelton all ranked among Billboard‘s all-genre list ‘Music’s Top 40 Money Makers 2013.’ The list tallies the gross income produced artists, including income from touring, album sales, ringtone sales, digital downloads and other non-touring revenue.
Madonna topped the list, with $34,577,308.62, followed by Bruce Springsteen at $33,443,606.64.
Kenny Chesney is the top country moneymaker, ranking at No. 5 on the list and bringing in $19,148,525.24. His Brothers of the Sun tour with Tim McGraw grossed close to $100 million. His latest album, Welcome To The Fishbowl, brought in non-tour revenue of nearly $3 million. He also garnered sales of over 64,000 ringtones and over 4.6 million digital downloads in the U.S. Revenue from merchandise sales and such sponsors as Corona were not included in the figures.
Other country artists on the list include (by rank):
No. 7–Tim McGraw–$18,329,167.89
No. 8–Jason Aldean—$17,578,651.96
No. 12–Lady Antebellum–$12,968,992.17
No. 14–Brad Paisley–$12,848,724.84
No. 15–Taylor Swift–$12,695,783.32
No. 16–Carrie Underwood–$11,942,956.65
No. 18–Eric Church–$11,015,773.11
No. 19–Rascal Flatts–$10,777,282.68
No. 23–Toby Keith–$9,805,764.04
No. 27–Miranda Lambert–$8,818,536.04
No. 37–Zac Brown Band–$6,682,797.58
No. 40–Blake Shelton–$5,914,591.11
 
 
 

JD Souther One of Songwriters Hall of Fame 2013 Inductees

/by

JD Souther1JD Souther joins Tony Hatch, Mick Jones & Lou Gramm, Holly Knight, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry as one of the latest inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. “Each of our 2013 inductees has been responsible for captivating the world with their creativity for decades, serving up a rich variety of songs for our global soundtrack,” said SHOF Chairman Jimmy Webb. “We are looking forward to celebrating their contributions at our Annual Awards Gala.”
All of the artists will be inducted during the organization’s 44th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner, to be held June 13 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.
An architect of the Southern California sound and an influence on modern songwriting, JD Souther has written and co-written many Eagles hits including “Heartache Tonight,” “Victim Of Love,” “New Kid In Town,” “Best Of My Love,” Don Henley’s “The Heart Of The Matter,” and the Eagles hit from 2007, “How Long.” Linda Ronstadt recorded ten of his songs, including “Faithless Love,” “Simple Man, Simple Dream,” and “Prisoner In Disguise.” His hit “You’re Only Lonely” reached the top ten followed by “Her Town, Too” with James Taylor.  He has written with Warren Zevon, Paul Williams, Burt Bacharach, Brian Wilson, Arthur Hamilton, Roy Orbison, Will Jennings, and Jackson Browne. His songs appear on more than 150 million records worldwide including Hugh Masekela, Bonnie Raitt, Glen Campbell, Crosby, Stills, & Nash, Najma Akhtar, George Strait, India Arie, Trisha Yearwood and Bernadette Peters. Souther has released eight solo albums. In 2012 he was cast as a guest star on ABC’s Nashville. Souther has received Grammy® nominations, Academy of Country Music and American Music Awards, 21 ASCAP performance awards, and the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award in 2009. He is currently writing and recording and believes in “music without boundaries.”
 
 
 

Industry Ink (2-25-13)

/by

napa1Top Napa Valley winemakers and Nashville songwriters will come together to pair music and wine with stories behind their creations. Napa in Nashville will be held March 7 at Nashville’s Hard Rock Cafe, beginning at 6 p.m. The evening will include wine tasting with the winemakers and performances from several top songwriters.
Currently confirmed songwriters include Pat Alger (“Unanswered Prayers,” “The Thunder Rolls,” “Small Town Saturday Night”), Tony Arata (“The Dance,” “I’m Holding My Own,” “Here I Am”) and Dave Berg (“If You’re Going Through Hell,” “These Are My People,” “Stupid Boy”), with additional performers to be announced.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Notes For Education, supporting arts education for today’s youth and the continued development of the artists of tomorrow.

 $60 includes wine tasting, food and live music. Visit www.notesforeducation.org for tickets and more info.

• • •

tatemusiclogo1Tate Music Group has added Doug Briney to its roster.

 “We are happy to be partnering with the good people at Tate Music Group,” said Doug’s manager, Michael Stover of MTS Management Group. “Tate has worked with some of Doug’s biggest influences, including Lee Greenwood.  So, to have him on the same label is a real dream come true for him. We are looking forward to getting Doug in the studio to cut his Tate Music Group debut.”
Briney, known as the Alaskan Cowboy, is based in Anchorage, Alaska. He is a 2012 Independent Country Music Association award nominee. His debut CD, It’s All Country has received international airplay and chart success, placing in the Top 20 of the Roots Music Report charts for several months. His next release, his first for Tate, will be recorded in the coming weeks. He will be singing the national anthem for the beginning of the Iditarod Trail race in March.

• • •

ticket-summit-logo1Ticket Summit®’s  Executive Director, Dr. Molly A. Mérez, was recently honored by both Collaborate Magazine and EXPO Magazine. Collaborate included Mérez in its ’40 Under 40′ list while EXPO recognized her on its Elite list for the second year in a row. More information about this announcement can be found in the attached press release.

• • •

renegade radio1Renegade Radio Nashville has partnered with Curb Records for an informative music industry radio show, The Road To Music Row. Featuring Taylor Childress, VP of Curb and Sidewalk Records, as well as station co-owner and voice Captain Jack Aponte and radio personality and country recording artist Lindsay Lawler, the show airs every Wednesday night from 5-6 p.m. and provides listeners with an in-depth discussion about the inner workings of the music industry.
“We’re always trying to be innovative and take Internet radio to the next level,” said Aponte. “We’re excited to offer listeners a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes in the music industry with our new show. It’s especially exciting to have the label’s perspective that Taylor Childress offers.”
To learn more about The Road to Music Row, visit www.renegaderadionashville.com