Howard and Sebastian Accomplish “Nothing”

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Producer Chuck Howard and Gwen Sebastian

Producer Chuck Howard’s studio sessions with new artist Gwen Sebastian have produced what they hope might become the perfect tear jerker for 2011, country’s latest breakup song, “Nothing.”

The song, co-written by Jason Matthews, Lisa Carver and Sebastian, is the third release from her six-song EP V.I.P. on Open Road Records. Sebastian was selected as an “artist to watch in 2010” by Country Weekly magazine.

“I feel so honored and privileged to be working with Chuck Howard, who has created hits for LeAnn Rimes, Trick Pony, and Deana Carter, among others” says Sebastian. “I went through a really bad break up in my life. It was that kind where you just lay around and can’t eat. And then you go through the phase where you want all the ice cream and wine you can take. Mine was praline crunch ice cream and red wine. This song is very close to my heart.”

Songwriter Ronny Scaife Passes

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Hit country songwriter Ronny Scaife died Wednesday, November 3 at age 63.

The creator of such hits as “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin,’” and “Hearts Are Gonna Roll,” suffered a brain hemorrhage at his home in Perry Country on October 25 and was life-flighted to St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville. He never regained consciousness.

“He was a gem of a guy,” said Dan Hill of Cal IV Entertainment. “Everybody loved him. He was a great guitarist, a great singer and a great songwriter. He was a good, good man.”

In addition to the two hits above (the former sung by Marty Stuart & Travis Tritt in 1992 and the latter by Hal Ketchum in 1993), Ronny Scaife also won BMI awards for “Men” (Charly McClain, 1980), “Wrinkles” (Diamond Rio, 2003) and “I Couldn’t See You Leavin’” (Conway Twitty, 1991).

Other notable songs in his large catalog include “Me and the I.R.S.” (Johnny Paycheck, 1978), “Old Man River I’ve Come to Talk to You Again” (Mel McDaniel, 1983), “Here’s Your Sign Get the Picture” (Bill Engvall & Travis Tritt, 1997), “Lay Something on My Bed Besides a Blanket” (Charly McClain, 1977), “Salt of the Earth” (Ricky Skaggs & The Whites, 2007), “Redneck Games” (Jeff Foxworthy & Alan Jackson, 1996), “Drinkin’ My Way Back Home” (Gene Watson, 1984) and “Alabama Clay” (Garth Brooks, 1989).

Among the many artists who included his songs on their albums are Randy Travis, Montgomery Gentry, Mark Collie, The Osborne Brothers, Reba McEntire, Don Williams, Dottie West, Alabama, Confederate Railroad, The Beach Boys, Andy Williams and Billy Ray Cyrus.

Ronny Scaife is survived by his wife Brenda and children Coty, Jake and Nathan. Music Row producer Joe Scaife is his cousin.

Visitation will be on Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. with services to follow at 11 a.m. The location is Young Funeral Home at 25 Buffalo River Heights Road in Linden, TN.
The Ronny Scaife Memorial Fund to assist the family with medical expenses is being set up at Regions Bank.

SESAC Signs Armiger

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SESAC has signed singer/songwriter Katie Armiger for representation.  Armiger recently released her third album, Confessions Of A Nice Girl, on Cold River Records. Armiger stopped by the Nashville SESAC office to celebrate her signing with Craig Hayes (Zumwalt, Almon & Hayes), Tim Fink (SESAC), and Kates Robinson (Cold River).

Confessions debuted at No. 6 on Amazon, No. 11 on iTunes, and No. 36 on Billboard Heatseeker.

Armiger will release her new single, “Best Song Ever,” to radio next week.

Liz Rose Launches Independent Publishing Company

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Award-winning songwriter Liz Rose has launched her own publishing company, Liz Rose Music, Inc. (BMI). Scott Ponce will serve as General Manager/Creative Director, and Kobalt Music will provide administrative services for the boutique publishing house, which will focus on signing uniquely talented and driven writers.

“I am finally doing this,” says Rose about the opening of her own publishing company.  “I am excited to be able to have this opportunity and help to nurture a family of amazing writers.”

Rose is renowned for her work with superstar Taylor Swift, notably, “Tim McGraw,” “Teardrops On My Guitar,”  “Picture To Burn,” “Fearless,” “You Belong With Me” and many more titles with Swift. Other hits include “Songs About Rain,” by Gary Allan, “Walk Away,” by Martina McBride, and cuts by such superstars as Bonnie Raitt, Tim McGraw, Lee Ann Womack, Jewel, Trisha Yearwood and many more.

“We are launching with one of the industry’s most seasoned of songwriters in Liz,” says General Manager/Creative Director Scott Ponce.  “Our goal is to manage our assets to their fullest potential and continue to develop the talent we are signing.”

Grammy winner Rose has been designated as Songwriter of the Year by SESAC (2007) and was honored with BMI’s 2008 Song of the Year for “Teardrops On My Guitar” with Taylor Swift.

Liz Rose Music, Inc. is located at

1301 16th Ave south suite 204 Nashville, TN 37212.

Phone: 615-618-5509

Kenny Chesney to Co-Headline Stadium Tour with Zac Brown Band

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Kenny Chesney announced his return to the stage for a nine stadium “Goin’ Coastal Tour”. When the four time CMA/ACM Entertainer of the year sets out on the 2011 tour, he will be joined by co-headliners The Zac Brown Band, plus special guests Billy Currington and Uncle Kracker.

“With four acts on the bill, we’ve created these shows as all-day events, and are working hard to make them affordable for our fans,” says tour promoter Louis Messina. Chesney will make at least 7,000 tickets available at $25 at the majority of the stadium dates.

Tickets for the first leg for of the tour will go on sale starting Nov. 20, with a presale available for registered fan club members at kennychesney.com. Additional arena and amphitheater dates to follow.

Chesney took a 2010 hiatus from the road, to produce a documentary about high school football, “The Boys of Fall,” which shares the name of his first radio single from his latest album, Hemingway’s Whiskey.

Kenny Chesney 2011 Tour
(Stadium Dates Only – co-headline with Zac Brown Band)

Sat Mar 19 – Tampa, FL – Raymond James Stadium (on sale Sat Dec 11)
Sat Apr 16 – Dallas, TX – Cowboys Stadium (on sale Sat Dec 4)
Sat Jun 4 – Washington, DC – FedEx Field – (on sale Fri Dec 3)
Sat Jun 11 – Green Bay, WI – Lambeau Field (on sale Sat Dec 11)
Sat Jun 18 – Philadelphia, PA – Lincoln Financial Field (on sale Sat Nov 20)
Sat Jul 2 – Pittsburgh, PA – Heinz Field (on sale Sat Dec 4)
Sat Jul 30 – Kansas City, MO – Arrowhead Stadium (on sale Sat Dec 4)
Sat Aug 20 – Detroit, MI – (on sale Sat Dec 4)
Sat Aug 27- Foxboro, MA – Gillette Stadium (on sale Sat Nov 20)

SESAC Promotes Edwards

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SESAC has announced the appointment of Maxine Edwards to Vice President, Broadcast Operations. Edwards previously served as Vice President, Licensing Administration & Process Development. In her new position, she will be responsible for directing and evaluating strategic licensing initiatives within the broadcast and digital media industries. She will continue to work out of the SESAC headquarters in Nashville.

“Maxine brings a deep understanding of the ever-changing licensing world and has proven to be a confident and effective leader,” states Pat Collins, SESAC President/COO. “She possesses a clear vision of the future of SESAC and I feel she will continue to contribute significantly to SESAC’s ongoing growth in the music world.”

Edwards joined SESAC in 1995 as Manager, Account Resolutions and was subsequently promoted to Director, Administration & Support in 1997.  In 2000, Edwards was named Senior Director, Licensing Administration before being promoted to Vice President, Administration & Process Development in 2005.  Prior to joining SESAC, Edwards served as Senior Case Manager for Chapter 13 Trustee, Western District of TN.

Big Machine Publicity Adds Burr

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Erin D.D. Burr

Big Machine announces it has added Erin D.D. Burr to its publicity department as PR Account Manager. Burr’s primary focus will be the day-to-day facilitation of publicity initiatives for the Republic Nashville label roster, which includes The Band Perry, Eli Young Band, Jaron And The Long Road To Love, Sunny Sweeney and SHEL.

“I am ecstatic to be a part of this creative and passionate team that is defying challenges in our industry and making history,” says Burr.  “I look forward to the journey and most importantly… the music our artists are making!”

Burr recently completed a three year stint as publicist for the Colgate Country Showdown, followed by two years as the Communications Director for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).

“Erin’s previous work with aspiring artists, plus her national media and promotional experience, makes her a natural fit for the Big Machine Label Group as we continue to embark upon exciting new endeavors,” says Natalie Kilgore, BMLG Head of Publicity.  “She will play an integral role in our artists’ day-to-day lives as well as serve as an important conduit between our three labels.”

Jimmy Harnen, President of Republic Nashville welcomed Burr saying, “Her ‘refuse to lose’ attitude make her the perfect addition to the Republic Nashville and Big Machine Label Group team.”

NYC Songwriters Series, Aldean’s Kind of Party, and Currington in Georgia

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Eric Church, Bob DiPiero, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Luke Laird recently performed a sold-out show for CMA’s Songwriters Series at Joe’s Pub in New York City.

Pictured (L-R): Bob DiPiero, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Eric Church and Luke Laird.

Broken Bow Records’ Jason Aldean celebrated with publishers, producers and writers for the release of his latest album, My Kinda Party, at Red Rooster’s in Nashville.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP's Mike Sistad, Producer Michael Knox, songwriters Jason Sellers and Neil Thrasher.

Mercury artist Billy Currington stopped by the WKHX studios in Duluth, GA, before his appearance at the Gwinnett Arena.

Pictured (L-R): Mike Macho, MD, WKHX, Billy Currington, Christy Ullman, Promotions Director, WKHX.

Sara Evans Presents; Kid Rock Performs

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Sara Evans

Kid Rock is back, and set to perform on the 44th Annual CMA Awards set to air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 10. The show will be hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood.

Kid Rock is nominated for Musical Event of the Year for “Don’t You See,” his duet with the Zac Brown Band. He has a career total of two CMA Award nominations, having also been nominated in 2003 for Vocal Event of the Year for “Picture,” a duet with Sheryl Crow. His new album, Born Free, will be in-stores on Nov. 16.

Sara Evans has been added to the list of previously announced presenters which includes The Band Perry, Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Jerrod Niemann, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker, Chris Young, NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon and ABC television stars JoAnna Garcia (“Better With You”) and Ty Pennington (“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”). Rodney Atkins will present Awards in Pre-Telecast Ceremonies.

Kid Rock

Previously announced performers include Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Underwood, and Keith Urban. In addition, special performances will feature Gwyneth Paltrow in her live Country Music singing debut performing with Vince Gill; top nominee Lambert with Sheryl Crow in a tribute to Loretta Lynn’s 50th Anniversary as a recording artist; Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson; and Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson.

Brown Opens Nashville Format Office

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Anastasia Brown has joined LA/NY based Format Entertainment, which specializes in music supervision, production and soundtracks for film. Format has worked on films such as Iron Man 1 & 2, Sex and the City 1 &2, The Blindside, Alvin and The Chipmunks 1 & 2, and Swingers.

Brown will head up a Nashville Format branch, act as a music supervisor, plus tap into musical talent residing in Nashville and the surrounding areas. Having already developed offices in Los Angeles and New York, Format looks forward to the Nashville expansion.

“I’ve spent the last several years focusing on bridging Nashville with the film and entertainment communities in New York and LA,” says Brown. “I am passionate about music and excited to join forces with Format to take Nashville and its singers, songwriters and musicians to the next level. Whether it be supervision, consultation, artist representation or raising film financing for music driven films, I’m committed. I believe Nashville will become the true third coast within the next few years.”

Dave Jordan, Format’s President and Founder, adds, “Having been friends with Anastasia as well as admiring her talent, I’m thrilled she is joining the Format family.”

Brown has worked with artists such as Sting, Peter Frampton, Leon Russell, Waylon Jennings, Junior Brown, John Berry and Keith Urban, whom she helped launch in 1994 as co-manager. She has experience in artist management, A&R, and publishing and was asked to join NBC’s Nashville Star as a celebrity judge.

Anastasia can be reached at [email protected]