Neal McCoy Signs With Blaster Records

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Neal McCoy


Neal McCoy has signed with Cleveland based Blaster Records, the label group founded in 2007 by Blaster Chemical Chairman Tom Porter. McCoy joins break-out duo Brother Trouble as the label’s flagship country acts.
McCoy’s eleventh studio project, and first for Blaster, is slated for a January 2012 release.
He has most recently been working on his first book, A New Mountain To Climb: Heroes I’ve Met And The Mountains They Climb Every Day.
During his 21-year career, McCoy has earned three platinum albums. His 1994 breakthrough disc No Doubt About It produced back-to-back No. 1 singles with the title track and “Wink.”

Chesney's Latest No. 1 Leads String of Hits From Sony

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Kenny Chesney notched his 22nd career No. 1 with latest single “Live A Little,” creating his own milestone and one for his label group, Sony Music Nashville. This week each of Sony’s four country imprints—Arista Nashville, BNA Records, Columbia Nashville, and RCA Nashville—have artists occupying the top four positions on the country airplay charts. Following BNA’s Chesney are: Sara Evans’ “A Little Bit Stronger,” Miranda Lambert’s “Heart Like Mine,” and Jerrod Niemann’s “What Do You Want.”
On the heels of this feat, Chesney announced that his next single will be the Grace Potter duet “You And Tequila,” shipping to radio later this month. This will be the fourth single from his critically acclaimed Hemingway’s Whiskey—the first three all reached No. 1.
“I’ve always loved the song ‘You and Tequila,’” he says of the Matraca Berg/Deana Carter tune. “I’ve had that song for years and lived with Matraca’s demo for a long time. I was looking for somebody to record it with me and I thought of Grace Potter because I love her singing and love her records. I didn’t know her, but I got in touch with her, played her the song and literally three days later she was in Nashville, and we cut it.”
Chesney and Potter shot the video in locations throughout Malibu last week, and it will be released next month.
Potter will join Chesney for his recently added tour stop on July 8 at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado—the date sold out in ten minutes on Friday (4/22). He’ll play three nights at the famed venue, which will be his first performance there. His Goin’ Coastal Tour has already sold 850,000 tickets this year.
 

Burns & Poe Plan Wide Release of Debut Album

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Blue Steel Records’ duo Burns & Poe are planning the wide release of their self-titled debut album on May 10.
A limited edition LP/CD package of the new album is already available for purchase exclusively to early-bird fans via the Burns and Poe website.
The project’s current single “Second Chance” goes for adds May 16, and is being promoted by Nine North Records. Written by the duo along with Tom Stipe, it’s the third single from the Mark Oliverius produced double-disc album.
The music video for “Second Chance” was directed and produced by Kelly Brooks, along with Director of Photography Mark Shonka. It is anticipated to appear on GAC, CMT and The Country Network in the coming weeks.
Burns & Poe, the reigning MusicRow Independent Artist of the Year, are spending the spring and summer on tour.

David Renzer Leaving Post as UMPG Chairman and CEO

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David Renzer


Universal Music Publishing Group Chairman and CEO David Renzer announced today (4/26) his plans to exit the company. He has been with the publisher 15 years, starting in 1996 with MCA Music Publishing. Renzer was promoted to his current post in 2004.
He shared the news of his departure with staffers today via a lengthy email. He says in the letter that he always viewed age 50 as a milestone, and now at age 51 he wants to devote more time to philanthropic endeavors and “exciting entrepreneurial options.”
“For 15 years I’ve worked 24/7 to build UMPG into the industry’s leading music publishing company,” Renzer told MusicRow. “During that time, I shepherded the company through the purchases of Polygram, Rondor and BMG Music—three of the biggest acquisitions in the history of the music publishing industry.  I worked hard to recast and expand the role of the music publisher, and to collaborate with our companies around the globe in confronting the challenges facing our industry. With UMPG now the industry leader globally, and with an executive team that I believe is second to none, the time feels right to now enjoy more time with family and explore other personal and professional activities. I leave UMPG knowing that the company remains in great hands, with a remarkable catalog and artist roster. I will treasure the relationships I’ve built over the years, with executives and songwriters. This has truly been the most fulfilling work experience of my career.”
The official response from UMG is, “David has informed us that after 15 years running UMPG, a period of remarkable growth for the company which saw it become the industry leader, it is time for him to re-balance his life, spend more time with his family, and concentrate on personal priorities. While we are sorry to see him go, we respect his decision. David has done a monumental job running the company, and we will miss his dedication, creativity, vision and work ethic. UMPG is now an industry leader in Pop, Urban, Latin, Country, Classical, Christian and Production music–with an incredible team of executives around the world. We are poised for exciting growth and creative excellence in the years to come.”
•••••
Biography: At the helm of the leading global music publishing operations, David Renzer, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), is responsible for overseeing the activities of UMPG’s 57 offices in 47 countries.
Since Renzer joined the company (then called MCA Music Publishing) in 1996, UMPG has grown exponentially through direct signings and catalogue acquisitions, including the BMG Music Publishing, Zomba, Polygram and Rondor catalogues. UMPG is the global leader in the areas of Production Music, Christian/Gospel and Classical Music.
Major signings, renewals and deals under Renzer include: the catalogues of Elton John/Bernie Taupin, Justin Bieber, Florence & The Machine, Eminem, Keith Urban, Mariah Carey, U2, Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake, Owl City, Alex Da Kid, Tricky Stewart, Leon Russell, Desmond Child, Sean Garrett, Jamie Foxx, Ester Dean, T-Pain, Dave Grohl, The Killers, Juanes, Paul Simon, Bon Jovi, Beastie Boys, 50 Cent, Danny Elfman, the catalogues of Jimi Hendrix, Leonard Bernstein, Bee Gees, Glen Ballard, Cash Money and Notting Hill. Renzer was also responsible for deals with Holland Dozier Holland and the Henry Mancini catalogues, Film/ TV administration deals with Warner Bros. Pictures/Warner Bros. Television, DreamWorks, as well the acquisition of Interscope Publishing, All Nations, Epitaph, Momentum, Forerunner, Marantha Music, EMack and the John Phillips catalogues.
In 2008, UMPG became the first major publisher to offer clients online access to royalty accounts with RoyaltyWindow.com. The ground-breaking royalty tool allows UMPG clients to access their royalty accounts via a secure web-based environment.
Renzer also started a Latin Music Division in 1996. Having won ASCAP’s Music Publisher of the Year four times, UMPG Latin America has concluded deals with: Juan Gabriel, Juanes, Rudy Perez, Gustavo Santaolalla, A.B. Quintanilla III, Jorge Luis Piloto, Wisin & Yandel, the catalogs of Gloria and Emilio Estefan and more.
Recent accolades for the company under Renzer’s leadership include: No. 1 Global Market Leader by Music & Copyright (a position the company has held since 2007); 152 nominations and 30 wins at the 52nd annual GRAMMY awards; Publisher of the Year at ASCAP London Awards; Songwriters of the Year and Song of the Decade at the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards; Publisher of the Year, Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year at the SESAC Country Awards; Publisher of the Year at BMI Christian Music Awards; Producer of the Year at BMI Urban Awards; and Best Songwriter, Best Song, and Most Performed Song at the Ivors to name a few in 2010 to date.
Renzer began his career at Zomba Music Publishing, where he rose to SVP and GM. During his decade-long career there, Renzer helped Zomba achieve ASCAP’s R&B Publisher of the Year and Pop Publisher of the Year awards.
Renzer sits on the Boards of ASCAP, NMPA, the International Music Publishers Association and the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding. He also serves on the Executive Committee of the Music and Entertainment Division of the City of Hope, and founded Songs of Hope, raising over $1,750,000 for the City of Hope Hospital. He also founded the “Songs of Hope” events benefiting City of Hope, which has raised over $1.75 million to date for the charity.
Renzer received his B.A. from N.Y.U.

Mark Wills Lends Voice To Military Vets

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Mark Wills and military assistance charity USA Cares, are partnering to lead a national awareness campaign about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
He will be the official spokesperson and voice for the “Crazy Being Home” outreach to encourage and support veterans. His recording of “Crazy Being Home” (written by Chris Lindsey, Robin Lindsey, Brett Warren and Brad Warren) will be the campaign’s anthem, and will be on Wills’ album Looking for America, due in June 2011.
Kicking off the “Crazy Being Home” campaign, Wills will perform at the 6th Annual National MilBlog Conference in Washington, D.C. on Friday, April 29. Also slated to make a guest appearance is former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.
PTSD is an important cause to Wills, whose father was affected by serving in Vietnam. He has been working with USA Cares since 2009, and has made more than seven trips to Iraq and Afghanistan to entertain the troops.

Fun Photo Spread

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TackleBox Film’s owner/director Shaun Silva directed the new music video for Capitol Records Nashville’s Luke Bryan last week in Los Angeles. The new single, “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” is Bryan’s fastest rising single to date and is Top 20 after five weeks on the charts. Bryan and Silva have been working together for over five years.

Shaun Silva (L) and Luke Bryan (R) on the set of Bryan's new video.


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Steel Magnolia teamed with Chevrolet and CBS Radio to help Chevrolet’s “Cell Phones For Soldiers” campaign. The initiative raises funds to purchase pre-paid calling cards to send to soldiers serving abroad. Students from high schools in Ft. Pierce and Tampa, Florida collected 800 phones, winning an acoustic performance from the Big Machine Records duo. WIRK and WQYK helped promote the contest.

Pictured (L-R): Steel Magnolia’s Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones during a concert for students at Braden River High School in Tampa, FL. Photo credit: Jeff Davis (Courtesy of Big Machine Records)


• • • • • • •
Redneck Records artist Gretchen Wilson performed an infield concert at the Talladega Superspeedway Saturday night (4/23) and hung out in the pits of her favorite driver, Mark Martin, on Sunday. Wilson and her buddies Big & Rich, Cowboy Troy and Two Foot Fred will hit the road in June for Xtreme Music The Tour.

Gretchen Wilson at Talladega.


• • • • • • •
The Academy of Country Music welcomed Aria Records Nashville recording artist David St. Romain to the office when he was in Los Angeles. While at the Academy, he sang his current single “Twenty Years Late” and others from his recently released CD All I Really Wanted To Say.

(L-R): Bob Romeo, CEO of the Academy of Country Music and David St. Romain. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the ACM


 

Big Machine Label Group Joins iHeartRadio Lineup

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Justin Moore will give listeners a preview of his album "Outlaws Like Me" on iHeartRadio today (4/26).


Clear Channel Radio has announced the addition of Big Machine Radio to its iHeartRadio lineup. The commercial-free, digital station offers exclusive interviews, rare recordings, and a weekly “From the Vaults” feature from the label group’s artists including Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Martina McBride, The Band Perry and more. The station is accessible at iheartradio.com or via the iHeartRadio application for smartphones and iPad.
“As one of the most popular music apps, with more than 25.5 million downloads, Clear Channel’s iHeartRadio was an easy choice when it came to expanding our reach with a digital radio partner,” says Big Machine President/CEO Scott Borchetta. “We’re excited to launch on iHeartRadio and give fans even more access to amazing interviews, rare recordings and special radio features from our artists.”
As part of the launch listeners tuning in this morning (4/26) will hear a preview of Valory artist Justin Moore’s sophomore album Outlaws Like Me, which will be available June 21. On Thursday (4/28), the first “From the Vaults” program will spotlight Jewel’s 2010 radio special for her Sweet and Wild album.

Grand Ole Opry Benefit Marks Flood Anniversary

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The Grand Ole Opry will mark the first anniversary of the flood that devastated much of Nashville and temporarily displaced the Opry from the Grand Ole Opry House with a star-packed show. Play On, Nashville!, is set for Tues., May 3 at the Opry House. Among those scheduled to perform are Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Charlie Daniels Band, and more.
Nashville charitable organizations including Hands On Nashville, the American Red Cross, and United Way of Metropolitan Nashville will provide promotion codes to their supporters such that $10 from every ticket purchased using the codes will be returned to the charity. Additionally, proceeds from Play On, Nashville! commemorative prints available exclusively at the Opry House that night will go to Hands On Nashville.
Nashvillians can be a part of the night by submitting photos of their flood relief efforts to be shown in the Opry’s signature barn backdrop during the show. The photos, which will also be used in the commemorative print from the night, should be submitted tooprymail@opry.com no later than Thurs., April 28.
The Grand Ole Opry House was one of Nashville’s most famous icons affected by the May 2010 flood. Four feet of water engulfed the stage, and the show temporarily moved to several other Nashville venues throughout the summer before returning to the Opry House following an around-the-clock six-month recovery and restoration.
“The May 2010 flood devastated homes, businesses, and lives, but it also showcased the unsinkable spirit of our city and its citizens in ways we are still learning about a year later,” said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager. “We want to celebrate that the Opry’s hometown is stronger than ever the best way we know how— with a one-of-a-kind night of great music.”
 

Darius Rucker Marks Latest No. 1 With Media Rounds

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Photo by: Lloyd Bishop/NBC


Darius Rucker performed on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon last night (4/25). While in New York City he visited the Today show yesterday, and the syndicated Wendy Williams Show, set to air today (4/26). He also played a benefit concert to fight homelessness and AIDS.
The Capitol Records Nashville artist recently celebrated his fifth chart-topping single, “This.” It was co-written by Rucker, his producer Frank Rogers, and Kara DioGuardi.
Rucker will be touring throughout the summer in support of his latest album Charleston, SC 1966. He will host the Darius & Friends Benefit Concert for St. Jude on June 6 in Nashville, as one of the events surrounding CMA Music Festival.

Ronnie Dunn Reveals Solo Album Details

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Ronnie Dunn has revealed the full track listing and cover art for his self-titled solo debut, set for release June 7. He has writing credits on nine of the album’s 11 tracks.
The video for “Bleed Red,” the first single from Dunn’s upcoming album, premiered recently (4/22) on CMT, CMT.com, and CMT Pure as part of the network’s Big New Music Weekend. It will be released for purchase as a digital download on April 26.
Complete track listing for the Sony Music Nashville project:
1.   Singer in a Cowboy Band (Ronnie Dunn/Craig Wiseman)
2.   I Don’t Dance (Ronnie Dunn/David Lee Murphy/Craig Wiseman)
3.   Your Kind of Love (Maile Misajon/Jeremy Stover)
4.   How Far to Waco (Ronnie Dunn/Terry McBride)
5.   Once (Jamie Floyd/Philip LaRue/Peter Sallis)
6.   Cost of Livin’ (Phillip Coleman/Ronnie Dunn)
7.   Bleed Red (Andrew Dorff/Tommy Lee James)
8.   Last Love I’m Tryin’ (Ronnie Dunn)
9.   Let the Cowboy Rock (Ronnie Dunn/Dallas Davidson)
10.  I Can’t Help Myself (Ronnie Dunn/Terry McBride)
11.  I Just Get Lonely (Ronnie Dunn)
12.  Love Owes Me One (Ronnie Dunn/Terry McBride/Bobby Pinson)