Two McGraw Singles Competing For Airplay

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Next week Tim McGraw will have two current singles at radio. His former label home Curb recently released “Right Back Atcha Babe,” which is climbing the radio charts, and on July 3 at 12:01 AM his new label Big Machine will debut “Truck Yeah.”

The upcoming single is his first release via Big Machine, where he signed one month ago. He’s been previewing the song on the Brothers of the Sun stadium tour with Kenny Chesney, which played at Nashville’s LP Field on Saturday (6/23).

Select members of the industry enjoyed a sneak preview of McGraw’s music for Big Machine Friday (6/22) at Notable Blends Coffee House in Nashville. Before playing four tracks, including “Truck Yeah,” BMLG head Scott Borchetta told the attendees, “These songs coming are epic. I know that’s a big word, but I believe these are the best songs Tim has ever done.” After one listen, it was apparent the invited guests agreed.

“Truck Yeah” was written by Chris Lucas, Preston Brust, Danny Myrick and Chris Janson, and produced by Byron Gallimore and McGraw.

“Right Back Atcha Babe,” by Joe West and Dave Pahanish, is from McGraw’s Emotional Traffic album, released in January by Curb. The project has already yielded Gold-certified hit singles “Better Than I Used To Be” and “Felt Good On My Lips.”

Members of the industry enjoyed a sneak preview of Tim McGraw’s new music for Big Machine, Fri. (6/22), at Notable Blends Coffee House in Nashville. (L-R): McGraw, MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson, BMLG President and CEO Scott Borchetta

Hannah Showmaker Joins Parallel

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Parallel Entertainment is pleased to welcome recent Belmont University graduate Hannah Showmaker to its Nashville office. In her new role, Showmaker will work on both the management and publishing sides of Parallel Entertainment helping with day-to-day operations as well as with clients and administrative duties.

“I’ve wanted to work in the country music industry ever since I was a little girl watching CMT and GAC,” said Showmaker.

Hannah, 22, is originally from Charleston, Mo. She graduated from Belmont this past May with a degree in Music Business and a minor in Public Relations. Her resume also includes time at Red Bull, The Country Network and PLAMedia.

“Parallel Entertainment is thrilled to have found such a talent as Hannah,” said C.T. Wyatt, talent management. “We expect great things to come from our new relationship with her.”

Congratulate Hannah at [email protected].

Warner/Chappell Signs Dean Alexander, Adds New Staffer

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Warner/Chappell Music, along with Parallel Music Publishing, has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with singer/songwriter Dean Alexander. The artist is currently working on his debut album for Warner Music Nashville.

(L-R): Alicia Pruitt (Sr Director, A&R, Warner/Chappell), Steve Markland (VP A&R Warner/Chappell), Dean Alexander, BJ Hill (Sr Director, A&R, Warner/Chappell), Tim Hunze (Parallel Music Publishing), Phil May (GM/VP, Warner/Chappell), and C.T. Wyatt (Manager, Parallel Entertainment).

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Blain Rhodes

Additionally, Warner/Chappell Nashville has hired Blain Rhodes as Creative Coordinator. A native of Brunswick, GA, Rhodes began his career working on the road with Luke Bryan and followed that gig with a stint at William Morris.

 

Howell Joins Valory Promotion Staff

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The Valory Music Co. has named industry veteran Brad Howell Director of Southwest Promotion, effective immediately. In his new role, Howell will lead promotion efforts in the region for the label’s artists including Reba, The Mavericks, Justin Moore, Brantley Gilbert and Thomas Rhett.

“The experience and passion that Brad brings to The Valory Music Co. is a great addition to the team. Brad’s association with past successes will only enhance an already strong promotion team and roster that is poised for even greater success,” said George Briner, VP of Promotions for The Valory Music Co.

Howell’s experience includes time working with Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean and Faith Hill. Most recently he served as Director of Regional Promotion for upstart label Streamsound Records. He previously served as National Director of Promotion for Show Dog-Universal and as General Manager of Broken Bow Records.

Howell will continue to be based in Nashville and can be reached at 615-324-7793 or at [email protected].

Billy Ray Cyrus Heading to Broadway

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Billy Ray Cyrus is set for his Broadway debut this fall. He will star in the acclaimed musical Chicago as slick criminal lawyer Billy Flynn. Cyrus will play in a limited seven-week engagement at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St.) this holiday season, Mon., Nov. 5 through Sun., Dec. 23.

Cyrus is an established actor in TV and film, with lead roles in the PAX-TV series Doc, and the smash Disney Channel series Hannah Montana. He also appeared in and co-produced Hannah Montana: The Movie, and starred in movies on Lifetime, Hallmark Channel and more.

Cyrus continues to record. His most recent album, I’m American, was released last year in conjunction with his hit TV series Surprise Homecoming on TLC. His newest album, Change My Mind, is scheduled for release in late October/early November on Blue Cadillac Records.

JT Hodges Plans Album Release, Prize Contest

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Show Dog-Universal Music artist JT Hodges will release his self-titled debut album on August 21.

To celebrate the occasion and say thank you to his fans, Hodges has declared August to be “prize month” with a contest that will award more than 160 prizes to winners. Up for grabs are shirts, an autographed album, hats, guitar straps, and an autographed guitar, among others. Additionally, 50 winners will be selected to have their Twitter addresses included in the liner notes of Hodges’ new album. To enter the contest, visit here.

Hodges made the announcement to his fans over the weekend via his social media properties. The performer’s latest single “Goodbyes Made You Mine” recently made it to No. 15 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout chart.

TV Show “Nashville” Gets $7.5 Million Boost

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The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development has approved a grant of up to $7.5 million for ABC’s television series Nashville. The reimbursable grant will be based on the production’s actual qualified expenditures, which are goods or services purchased from a Tennessee vendor or paid to a Tennessee resident in connection with the production.

Pre-production on the series is already underway with shooting scheduled to begin in mid-July in the Nashville area. More than 350 Tennessee residents are expected to be employed as part of the show’s crew. Music written and recorded locally will also be used in the series.

“We are taking a new approach to one of Tennessee’s strongest and most unique businesses, the entertainment industry,” said Commissioner Bill Hagerty, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. “Gov. Bill Haslam has made a concerted effort to fold the film and music sectors into our department and make them a part of the state’s regular economic goals and initiatives. The unique confluence of film and music that Nashville offers is central to our aim of highlighting Tennessee’s great strength as a center of creative excellence in the music industry. Additionally, the consistent employment afforded Tennesseans as a result of this multi-episode series will result in constructive training and talent development and longer term employment for Tennessee’s entertainment industry.”

ABC execs ordered the series after seeing the pilot episode, which also premiered in front of fans at the recent CMA Music Festival. The show is set to premiere this fall. The series is produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Gaylord Entertainment.

Nashville stars Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights, American Horror Story) as country superstar Rayna James, and Hayden Panettiere (Heroes) as up-and-coming singer Juliette Barnes. Also starring in the series are Powers Boothe (MacGruber, 24), Eric Close (Chaos, Without a Trace) and Clare Bowen (General Hospital).

For more information on the show, visit www.facebook.com/NashvilleABC.

Martina McBride Joins New E! Series

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Martina McBride has signed on to be part of the artist development team for the new original series from E! called, Opening Act.

Producer Nigel Lythgoe and his artist development team, comprised of McBride, label founder Pete Wentz; performer Jason Derulo; producer Antonina Armato; and vocal coach Nick Cooper, will prepare amateur performers, singers and songwriters to play as an opening act for artists such as Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean, Nicki Minaj, Rod Stewart, LMFAO, Jason Mraz, and Gym Class Heroes, among others.

The series promises no auditions, no judges, no eliminations and no competitions. The amateur performers were found through their online videos, and once they are chosen their “performance boot camp” begins. Each participant will be given a one-night-only performance that can make or break their musical career. The twist is that they aren’t aware they are being considered until the show’s host, Olivia Lee, surprises them with the news.

Opening Act premieres Monday, July 9 at 10:00pm ET/PT, on E!

Opening Act Sneak Peak:

June/July ’12—On the Cover: BMI

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Launched in 2011, the BMI Live program uses digital and mobile technology to distribute royalties for live performances of original music. In its first year, BMI Live paid thousands of performing songwriters, offering additional income to those facing the tough economic realities of gigs and touring. Thanks to BMI Live’s online platform and the sophisticated information technology structure beneath it, it is easy for songwriters to sign up and receive the royalties they’re owed.

To sign up for BMI Live, BMI members should log into the BMI Live section of bmi.com and register their set lists with the date and venue where they performed. Songwriters who have not yet affiliated with BMI should first go to www.bmi.com/join to register their songs with BMI. Both BMI and BMI Live are free to join.

“It’s easy to register your live shows on BMI.com – every independent artist should be taking advantage of this.” – Chancellor Warhol

“What BMI has done and continues to do, is find ways for performing writers/artists to receive compensation for their works in all avenues of performance. I am proud to be a part of such a team for 25 years now, and I remember all those years ago as a young writer I was treated the same way as I am now, with respect.” – Jeffrey Steele

“Getting paid? Sometimes it is hard. BMI Live helps us get paid for when we play our songs live even at medium to smaller venues. Every bit helps and am grateful that BMI has our back.” – Jessi Darlin / Those Darlins

“BMI Live has been a great tool for my artists, who are also writers, to be paid for the performances of their songs from touring. The extra income paid by BMI has helped cover expenses for my acts making it easier to invest in their touring business.” – Aaron Hartley, Manager / Caitlin Rose

“Touring is my passion and has always been the primary way I wanted to build my career.  I love that I get paid through BMI every time I play live!  Such an amazing program for independent, up and coming songwriters who want to spread their music through playing live.” – Allen Stone

“BMI Live is a great program for touring artists, especially the ones who aren’t playing arenas (yet).” – Ruthie Foster

Bootstraps Foundation Hosting Inaugural “Passion For Fashion” Show

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The Bootstraps Foundation and Nashville City Club’s Young Executive Council will host the inaugural “Passion For Fashion” show at Nashville City Club this Thursday (6/28).

Tammy Genovese, the current head of Music City Sports & Entertainment Group and former CEO of CMA, will host the event with Titans kicker, Rob Bironas.

“This fashion show is an opportunity to showcase Nashville as a center of culture and charity as well as music,” said Genovese.

Stylist, Betsy Briggs Cathcart and her glam squad from Studio BBC Salon, will be responsible for hairstyles and make-up walking the runway. Milton White, co-producer of Nordstrom’s 2012 Nashville Symphony gala, will produce the event.

The Bootstraps Foundation provides the ability for students who have achieved success in High School despite facing severe obstacles and hardships, the ability to follow educational goals.

For more information, click here.