Sugarland Sells Out Nashville Arena, Debuts Video

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Sugarland's The Incredible Machine Tour. Photo credit: Valarie Allyn Bienas


Sugarland played a sold-out show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Saturday night (4/16), drawing a crowd of 14,000 fans for the event with special guests Little Big Town and Matt Nathanson. This stop on The Incredible Machine Tour marked Sugarland’s first headlining gig in Music City.
Kristian Bush says that a highlight of the show each night is the performance of new single “Tonight.” “When Jennifer gets to the first big ‘Always’ and holds it forever, and the band finally kicks in, and the electric guitars rumble to life under her note, it really turns the room into a stadium,” he says. “I love how the audience starts to cheer and scream and how that energy carries us and the song to a new place. It makes a man want to play guitar!”
Yesterday (4/19) the duo released the video for “Tonight” exclusively through iTunes. AOL will begin streaming it tomorrow (4/21). Directed by Marcus Raboy (Santana, Mary J. Blige, Avril Lavigne), the video shot at the old Woolworth mansion in New York City plays like a striking fashion spread with numerous lighting and wardrobe looks.

Jennifer Nettles in the "Tonight" video.


In more news from Jennifer Nettles, she is spearheading the Attic Community Playground online auction, which will run through May 11 on CharityBuzz to benefit music education. Up for bid is the chance to see and/or meet Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Jon Bon Jovi, Keith Urban, Kid Rock, Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride and, of course Sugarland.
The Mercury Nashville duo is the reigning CMA and ACM Vocal Duo of the Year and has sold more than 9 million records to date.
 

DISClaimer Single Reviews (4/20/11)

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Vince Gill


We have a nice mix of newcomers and established stars this week.
The three contenders for the DisCovery Award are Hunter Hayes, Russell Hitchcock and Jim Quick. Although Hitchcock might not be a household name, he has sold millions of records as a vocalist in Air Supply. So even though I heartily recommend his CD, it doesn’t seem fair to give the honor to him. Despite his tender age, Hayes is apparently already a vet, too. That leaves the much deserving Jim Quick, whose bruiser voice is a must listen.
Among our established hit makers this week are Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley and Alison Krauss. But the most established one of them all is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame who wins the Disc of the Day prize. For enduring greatness, hearty applause for Vince Gill from this corner.
JIM QUICK/Down South
Writer: Gary Nicholson/Gary Nichols; Producer: Gary Nicholson; Publisher: Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Gary Nicholson/Fame, ASCAP/BMI; iSuwanee (track) (www.isuwanee.com)
—Jim Quick’s CD is comprised entirely of Gary Nicholson songs. Its title tune and single is a grinding, gritty, swampy, bluesy rocker with groove to spare. Quick sings with Deep Dixie assurance and sass.
DIERKS BENTLEY/Am I The Only One
Writer: Jim Beavers/Jon Randall Stewart/Dierks Bentley; Producer: Jon Randall Stewart; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Beavertime/Reynsong/Wha Ya Say/Big White Tracks/Works & Music, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol Nashville (CDX)
—Twangy, romping, thumping and loads and loads of fun. Dierks is ready to party, but his buddies bail on him. Not to worry: He finds a babe who’s flying solo, too.
LUKE BRYAN/Country Girl (Shake It For Me)
Writer: Luke Bryan/Dallas Davidson; Producer: Jeff Stevens & Mark Bright; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Peanut Mill/EMI Blackwood/String Stretcher, BMI; Capitol Nashville (CDX)
—A little on the sleazy, trashy side, but not without its charms.
ALISON KRAUSS & UNION STATION/Paper Airplane
Writer: Robert Lee Castleman; Producer: Alison Krauss & Union Station; Publisher: Farm Use Only, BMI; Rounder (CDX)
—This hushed ballad wafts by like clouds, creating patterns of sunshine and shadow. The Jerry Douglas dobro notes are pure poetry.
VINCE GILL/Threaten Me With Heaven
Writer: Vince Gill/Amy Grant/Will Owsley/Dillon O’Brian; Producer: Vince Gill, John Hobbs & Justin Niebank; Publisher: Vinny Mae/Grant Girls/The Loving Company/Willie-O/Dillon O’Brian, BMI; MCA Nashville (CDX)
—This gorgeous meditation would be heart melting even acoustic and unadorned. As it happens, the production swells with inspiring choral backing, celestial guitar work and echoey ambiance. If it doesn’t produce a lump in your throat, you are made of stone.
SUNNY SWEENEY/Staying’s Worse Than Leaving
Writer: Jay Clementi/Radney Foster/Sunny Sweeney; Producer: Brett Beavers; Publisher: WB/Mountain Morning/House of Sea Gayle/Little Mojo/Big Music Machine/Three Minute Movie/Super 98, ASCAP/BMI; Republic Nashville
—This country gal’s voice delivers perfectly on this dandy tempo tune with rolling rhythm and steel embellishments. I remain an enormous fan.
HUNTER HAYES/Storm Warning
Writer: Gordie Sampson/Busbee/Hunter Hayes; Producer: Dann Huff & Hunter Hayes; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Happy Little Man/Dash8/Bughouse/Bug/BMG Platinum/Hello I Love You, BMI/ASCAP; Atlantic
—He looks and sounds quite young, but evidently already has an extensive, multi-album background as a Cajun artist in his native Louisiana. His bopping, pop-ish single bubbles right along and will doubtless play well to Taylor Swift’s audience as he opens dates on her Speak Now Tour.
BURNS & POE/Second Chance
Writer: Burns/Poe/Stipe; Producer: Mark Oliverius; Publisher: Morris Bedell/Poe Haus/Studio 33/Checks to Rex/Pen, SESAC/BMI; Blue Steel (track) (www.burnsandpoe.com)
—The conversational, swapped lines are expertly delivered in the verses. The ultra-hooky choruses find them harmonizing delightfully. It’s all about overcoming romantic misunderstandings, with deep-twang guitar in the background.
SEAN PATRICK McGRAW/My So Called Life
Writer: Sean Patrick McGraw/Bruce Wallace; Producer: Sean Patrick McGraw; Publisher: Seananigan, no performance rights listed; Little Engine (track)
—The title tune to Sean’s self-marketed CD is a raucous rave-up that wails the working-man’s blues with gusto. Perseverance is the name of the game, here.
RUSSELL HITCHCOCK/Far Enough Away from Colorado
Writer: Wes Hightower/Don Poythress/Rob Rappaport/Jimmy Ritchey; Producer: Rob Rappaport; Publisher: Sixteen Stars/Universal-MGB/Don Poythress/Canalco/Better Angels/Universal-Careers/Fox Ridge, BMI/ASCAP; Better Angels (track)
—In an unusual move, two singles are being released simultaneously from this fellow’s Tennessee double CD collection. One is a tender ballad called “Hold Me Like You Love Me.” The other is this a more countryfied story song about a man starting over by farming in Nebraska and trying to forget what he left behind in Denver. Gloriously melodic. If Aussie Hitchcock’s voice sounds familiar, it’s because you heard him in Air Supply during the ’80s (”Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” “The One That You Love,” “Even the Nights Are Better,” “Making Love Out of Nothing at All,” etc.).

Swift Leads Digital Download Sales Race

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According to the RIAA’s latest tally, Taylor Swift is the top-selling digital single artist with over 22.5 million career song downloads to date.
Though it is early in 2011, she is facing competition for the most career downloads from Lady Gaga (20 million digital singles as of February), Rihanna (19 million) and the Black Eyed Peas (17.5 million).
Swift sold more digital downloads during the past decade (2000-2009) than any other RIAA certified artist.
Additionally, all three of Swift’s Big Machine Records albums are RIAA certified triple-Platinum or higher with Taylor Swift (2006) 4x multi-Platinum, Fearless (2008) 6x-multi Platinum, and Speak Now 3x multi-Platinum.
 

Industry Ink: Stanley Generation Records Opens

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Laura Dodd


Performer and producer Nathan Stanley, grandson of Ralph Stanley, is launching his own Stanley Generation Records with the signing of flagship artist Laura Dodd. Sony/RED is expected to handle distribution and Larry Pareigis of Nine North Records has been tapped to oversee radio promotion. Dodd’s first single will arrive at radio in June.
Nathan Stanley grew up performing with his grandfather’s Clinch Mountain Boys. Last year at age 18, he released his fourth album, My Kind Of Country, which he co-produced with guests appearances by Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Patty Loveless and more. Now he is producing a tribute album to his grandfather which will be released on Stanley Generation.
Laura Dodd was named New Artist of the Year at the 2010 Inspirational Country Music Awards. The Alabama native has opened for George Jones, Rascal Flatts, Josh Turner, and also performed at the White House.

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Thinking Bee Productions, a Nashville company which produces unscripted series, music videos, documentaries and web content for social marketing, has announced three hirings. Joining the team are Production Manager Sara Foster, and Editors Stephen Shiveley and Joey Von Haeger. They are working under President Bill Filipiak and EVP Jo Hunt.

Pictured (L-R): Joey Von Haeger, Sara Foster and Stephen Shivley

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Janie Fricke


Third Coast Talent has signed Janie Fricke for exclusive booking representation. The singer charted numerous hits during the late seventies and into the eighties, including several No. 1s. Carrie Moore-Reed will be the responsible agent. She can be reached at 615-685-3331 and [email protected].

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MusicRow’s thoughts are with Keith Burns (Burns & Poe) and his family as daughter Savannah Leigh undergoes cancer treatment. The 18-year-old college student was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this month. She had been in the ICU in Atlanta but her condition was recently upgraded. More here.

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Alyssa Drew Taylor


Congratulations to Warner Music Nashville’s Sr. Coordinator of Brand Management Danielle Taylor and husband Shane on the birth of their daughter. They welcomed Alyssa Drew Taylor on Monday, April 11, weighing 8 lbs and measuring 20 inches long. Mom and baby are doing great.

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Congrats to industry vet Allen Butler who scored his first hole-in-one on the golf course recently. He was on the No. 6 hole at Old Natchez Country Club in Franklin.

Adams and Reese Music Row Office Celebrates 10th Year

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Adams and Reese recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of the opening of their Music Row law office. (L-R) Music Row Partners Linda Edell Howard, left, and Lynn Morrow, joined by Sam Bartholomew the Founding Partner and visionary who started the Nashville law offices of Stokes Bartholomew, the predecessor to Adams and Reese.


Adams and Reese recently celebrated the tenth anniversary of its Nashville Music Row office with a festive event and presentation to founding partner Sam Bartholowmew. Bartholomew, current Of Counsel with Adams and Reese, saw the need to service the entire Nashville Music Row community by starting an entertainment practice and presence there.
“Only someone as wonderful and well-respected as Sam Bartholomew could have enticed me away from Loeb & Loeb 10 years ago to start a law office from scratch,” said Linda Edell Howard who now serves as the firm’s Entertainment and New Media Team Leader. “The challenge was exciting and the last 10 years have been incredibly rewarding.”
Howard opened the Music Row office in 2001 under the name of the law firm Stokes & Bartholomew. Lynn Morrow, who currently serves as serves as the Partner in Charge of the Music Row offices, joined a few months afterwards. In 2005, Stokes Bartholomew completed a merger with Adams and Reese and a year later added attorney John Ouellette to the team. Before joining Adams and Reese, Ouellette worked with Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing as Director of Business Affairs and Copyright Administration.
“We are very proud of the success we’ve had and look forward to continuing that success for many years to come,” added Morrow. Morrow and Howard’s 10-year entertainment and intellectual property law work on Music Row have helped the full-service firm amass a client roster that includes Grammy winners, award winning songwriters and artists, the estates of deceased legendary celebrities, key industry executives,  music publishers,  personal managers,  producers,  authors and more.
Adams and Reese ranked No. 1 in Entertainment and  Media Law in Tennessee by Chambers USA and was named Entertainment Law Firm of the Year in 2010 in Corporate INTL Magazine. The firm also ranked No. 3 in Nashville in most entertainment cases handled in 2009 and 2010, a listing created by the Nashville Business Journal.

Capitol Promotes Allison Hardy

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Allison Hardy


Capitol/EMI Records Nashville has promoted Allison Hardy to Manager, Media & Public Relations. She has been part of the label’s team since interning with the company in 2008 and has worked in the promotion and marketing teams over the last three years. Her most recent stint was Coordinator of the Marketing Department, reporting to Cindy Mabe, SVP, Marketing.
“Allison Hardy is such a valuable team member at Capitol, having experience within promotion, marketing, and digital and social media,” explains Mabe. “Her work ethic, love for the music and artists and desire to learn and grow make her the perfect candidate for the job. I really believe she will bring a unique perspective and skill set to our aggressive media team. I am really excited and proud to have Allison join Lori and Taryn as we take the media department in a new focused direction with our incredible roster of talent.”
In her new role, Hardy will report to Lori Genes Christian, Senior Director, Media & Public Relations and help to oversee media campaigns for the artists on Capitol/EMI Nashville which include Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Walker Hayes, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Jennette McCurdy, Troy Olsen, Jon Pardi, Eric Paslay, Roy D. Mercer, Kenny Rogers, Darius Rucker, Keith Urban and Tim Wilson.
Hardy can be reached at [email protected] or 615-269-2031.
Capitol/EMI is now looking to fill the New Media Coordinator position. Resumes can be sent to [email protected].

Flying Island Entertainment Plans For Launch

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Entertainment attorney Nancy Eckert and booking veteran Louis Newman have announced the formation of Flying Island Entertainment, a Nashville-based artist services company to address the needs of both up-and-coming and established artists.
GrassRoots Promotion’s Nancy Tunick will oversee the staffing of Flying Island’s radio division, as well as serving as its label and promotion consultant. Tunick will also maintain her role as managing partner and co-owner of GrassRoots.
“We are excited to have someone with Nancy Tunick’s experience and reputation to guide our promotion efforts,” says Eckert. “We are developing some strategic partnerships that we will announce very soon, but right now we are looking for several highly-motivated radio promotion vets to round out our in-house staff.”
Those interested in applying should direct inquiries and resumes to Nancy Tunick at: 615-353-2778 or [email protected].

"Rolling Stone" Declares Nashville "Best Music Scene"

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In its new Best of Rock issue, Rolling Stone lists Nashville as the nation’s Best Music Scene. The one-page spread covers Music City restaurants, bars, venues, shopping and record stores, with quotes from local rockers about their favorite hangs.
Kings of Leon’s Caleb Followill prefers Losers, and Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney can be found at the Station Inn or the 12 South Taproom.
Taylor Swift shares her love for yogurt parfait from Fido.
And most of the interviewees agree that Grimey’s is the best record store, except for Jack White’s wife Karen Elson who prefers Third Man for obvious reasons.
See the complete PDF article here.

Photo Spread: Judds, Lunabelles, SOLID

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The Judds donated proceeds from VIP packages sold during their final farewell tour, The Last Encore, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Naomi Judd and manager Kerry Hansen were on hand to present the donation to St. Jude representatives.

(L-R): Kerry Hansen of Big Enterprises, Jackie Profitt of St. Jude, Naomi Judd, Teri Watson of St. Jude Photo: Aaron Crisler/The Judy Nelon Group

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Show Dog-Universal President Mark Wright appeared as a guest speaker at the Society of Leaders in Development’s (SOLID) General Assembly meeting recently at Belmont University. Wright shared with the group of young music business professionals the challenges of record label consolidation while managing a team, his perspective on the producer of the future, and his experience of balancing being a songwriter, producer and label head.

(L-R): Show Dog- Universal Music A&R/Production Coordinator Laurel Kittleson, Show Dog-Universal Music President Mark Wright, SOLID President Ian Wolczyk, and SOLID Vice President Jon Romero

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The Lunabelles, BNA Records newest act, stopped by the April 4 meeting of the Belmont University chapter of CMA EDU. Comprised of Alex Kline and sisters Dominque, Gabby, and Olivia Arciero, the group gave the students an inside look at what it is like to be a new act on a major label.

(L-R) The Lunabelles' Olivia, Dominque, and Gabby Arciero, CMA Sr. Coordinator of Partner Programs Sarah McGrady, The Lunabelles' Alex Klein, and Producer Jeff Coplan. Photo: Ben Bennett/CMA.


 

Nine North Adds Two Staffers

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Will Robinson (L) and Jim Dorman (R)


Nine North Records has added Jim Dorman and Will Robinson to its staff, effective May 2. Dorman takes over the Director of Promotion, West Coast/Southwest region from the departing Dave Collins and Robinson will be Director of Promotion, Northeast/Midwest region as Stan Marczewski exits.
Dorman has over 21 years experience in radio including stops at KTOM/Monterey, KRLL/Sacramento and KMIX/Modesto, and another 12 years on the records side with Epic, Atlantic, Warner Bros. and Black River.
Robinson brings 16 years of radio experience to the, including gigs with WRBQ/Tampa, WNEW/New York, WCAT/Harrisburg and WFRE/Frederick, MD.
Reach Dorman at [email protected] and Robinson at [email protected]