Previously Unheard Music From The Louvin Brothers To Release In September

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Previously unheard demo recordings from country duo The Louvin Brothers (1956-1963), will be heard for the first time Sept. 28 when Modern Harmonic releases Love And Wealth: The Lost Recordings. The 29 songs (and one warm, spoken audio letter) were recorded in the late 1950s, and have never been released before, although a few of these cuts have been covered by other artists.

The duo’s Charlie and Ira Louvin are known for their otherworldly sibling harmonies, which have graced classic songs including “I Don’t Believe You’ve Met My Baby,” and the album Satan Is Real.

The brothers were regular performers on the Grand Ole Opry and inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. Their music has been recorded by artists including The Byrds, Vince Gill and Emmylou Harris, among others. A 2003 tribute album to the duo featured artists such as Merle Haggard, Glen Campbell, Dolly Parton, Marty Stuart and Johnny Cash, and won two Grammy Awards (Best Country Album and Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for James Taylor and Alison Krauss).

In his liner notes for Love And Wealth, writer Colin Escott goes through the collection, identifying songs that were hits (or near-hits) for other artists, as well as songs like “Discontented Cowboy” that weren’t known to exist. He notes the song was possibly “the Louvin’s response to a request for western songs; if so, it’s a very southeastern spin on the western genre.” He goes on to note, “Comedic songs, love songs, and that one cowboy song aside, it’s in the religious songs that we hear the still beating heart of Ira Louvin. No one could call the Louvin’s MGM or Capitol sessions overproduced, but the gospel demos have an intimacy and immediacy that even outrank the studio recordings.”

Side A:
Spoken Message From Ira Louvin
It’s All Off
Take My Ring From Your Finger
I’ll Never Go Back (To The Ways of Sin)
Are You Missing Me?
Coo, Coo, Coo
Streamline Heartbreaker
(I’m Changing The Words To) My Love Song

Side B:
Red Hen Boogie
Unpucker
Television Set
Discontented Cowboy
Two-Faced Heart
Don’t Compare The Future With The Past
That’s My Heart Talking
I’m Gonna Love You One More Time

Side C:
Preach The Gospel
Born Again
They’ve Got The Church Outnumbered
The Sons And Daughters of God
Insured Beyond The Grave
You’ll Meet Him In The Clouds
I Love God’s Way of Living

Side D:
Love And Wealth
Bald Knob, Arkansas
Measured Love
Kiss Me Like You Did Yesterday
Would You Tear Down Your Castle
You’ll Forget
Never Say Goodbye

Reba McEntire Returns To Host ‘CMA Country Christmas’ Taping At Belmont University

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Reba McEntire. Photo: ABC/Bob D’Amico

Reba McEntire will return for a second year as host of the Country Music Association’s (CMA) ninth annual CMA Country Christmas, taping Thursday, Sept. 27. This year, the taping will be held at Belmont University’s Curb Event Center in Nashville. Tickets go on sale Monday, Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. CT at CMAchristmas.com.

The two-hour music celebration will air on ABC during the holiday season. In addition to McEntire, the lineup is set to include Tony Bennett, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Amy Grant, Diana Krall, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride, Old Dominion, Brad Paisley, Michael W. Smith, Lindsey Stirling, The Isaacs, and Brett Young.

“I’ve always cherished celebrating Christmas alongside family and friends, taking time to reflect on the season,” shared McEntire. “I’m so excited CMA invited me back to host their show and am looking forward to fun singing carols with my friends.”

CMA Country Christmas is a production of the CMA. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Paul Miller is the Director, and Jon Macks is the writer.

Attendees to the filming will receive 20 percent off rides to and from Curb Event Center with Uber, using the code: CMACHRISTMAS.

Amazon Music Features Kane Brown In Latest Campaign

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Kane Brown. Photo: Joseph Llanes

Amazon Music is spotlighting Kane Brown during the launch of a new advertising campaign: A Voice is All You Need. The campaign highlights the powerful vocals on notable songs, while demonstrating the simplicity of voice with Alexa. Brown’s current single “Lose it” is featured an animated video released Friday (Aug. 24). Other artists to be featured in the campaign include Ariana Grande, Queen, SZA and Kendrick Lamar.

“I’m excited to have my new single ‘Lose It’ be part of the new Amazon Music campaign,” Brown said. “I really admire the other artists included and know my fans will love this. I’m really proud to be a part of it.”

The ad creative, developed with global independent agency Wieden+Kennedy, celebrates the growth of Amazon Music, while playing off of powerful, isolated vocals from the participating, notable artists in a journey through the voice experience with Alexa on Amazon Music.

The animated video for Kane Brown’s “Lose It” will begin appearing today across digital and social channels as well as terrestrial radio nationally in the U.S.

YouTube video

Larry Stewart ‘Shifting Gears’ With New Solo Project

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Larry Stewart, the lead singer of Restless Heart, is releasing an all-new solo album, Shifting Gears, on Sept. 7. The 10-track collection was produced by Gordon Kennedy and features five songs co-written by Stewart. “What’s That Cowgirl See in Me” is the record’s leadoff single.

“I got the chance to work with legendary musicians, world-class artists, songwriters, engineers, and producers on this project,” explains Stewart. “To be given an opportunity to make new music is a gift. To get the chance to make a new full-length album is amazing. I had some songs. I wrote some new ones. I even covered a couple that I’ve been wanting to sing for a long time.”

Stewart joined forces with Old Dominion‘s Trevor Rosen and Josh Osborne to co-write the ballad “Should’ve Run Out of Angels” about overcoming past sins, and enlisted the help of Lisa Matassa on the romantic heartbreaker duet “Compared to Goodbye.” Shifting Gears also features the recognizable voices of The Frontmen of Country — Stewart of Restless Heart, Richie McDonald of Lonestar and Tim Rushlow of Little Texas, who lent their voices to the reminiscent track “If It Wasn’t for the Radio” on the new project.

Shifting Gears Track Listing:
1. What’s That Cowgirl See in Me
2. Ain’t Done Man
3. Behind Closed Doors
4. If It Wasn’t for the Radio
5. Should’ve Run Out of Angels
6. Where the White Line Goes
7. Cry
8. Compared to Goodbye
9. Trains
10. Victim of Love

Inaugural Andrew Dorff Memorial Benefit Concert Slated For October

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The Inaugural Andrew Marshall Dorff Memorial Benefit Concert will celebrate the amazing songs of Andrew Dorff, an acclaimed songwriter who’s had over 70 songs recorded, with five No. 1 hits. The concert will take place Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee.

Confirmed to perform are artists and songwriters Hunter Hayes, Jeffrey Steele, Lori McKenna, Levi Hummon, Jonathan Singleton, Frank Ray, Rodney Clawson, Tom Douglas, Mark Irwin, and Tommy Lee James. All proceeds will benefit pediatric oncology initiatives at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, the principal beneficiary of The Andrew Marshal Dorff Memorial Fund.

“The evening will feature acoustic performances by some of Andrew’s most beloved friends and co-writers. Andrew had a gentle and open heart, and all funds raised will benefit a cause that was very dear to him. My family and I appreciate the support of the Nashville music community in coming together for a wonderful event to honor Andrew’s memory and to raise money for a special purpose in his name,” says Andrew’s father and fellow hit songwriter Steve Dorff.

Ticket purchases will help advance Children’s Hospital’s ongoing mission of compassionate patient care, discovery research and clinical training. Those unable to attend the event can make direct donations to the Andrew Marshall Dorff Memorial Fund here, which will also benefit Children’s Hospital. Contributions from the fund will play a key role in enabling more of our community’s young people to find expert, specialty cancer care.

Tickets are available at franklintheatre.com.

 

Tyler Rich To Release Self-Titled EP In September

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The Valory Music Co. artist Tyler Rich will follow his debut single “The Difference” with his self-titled EP on Sept. 21. The project features four tracks, all recorded in Nashville. Producer Michael Knox helmed the tracks “Adrenaline,” “11:11,” and “Take It Or Leave It,” while BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta, Julian Raymond, and Lindsay Rimes helmed “The Difference.”

“I’m beyond ecstatic to finally get my debut EP out to the world after all of the time we spent writing and creating!” shares Tyler. “I believe these first few songs really show who I am as an artist and what fans can expect out on the road.”

Tyler Rich EP Track Listing

1. “The Difference” | Written by Rhett Akins, Ben Burgess, Devin Dawson, Jacob Durrett
2. “Adrenaline” | Written by Tyler Rich, Jordan Baum, Johan Lindbrandt, Michael McNamara
3. “11:11” | Written by Andrew Dorff, Jon Nite, Lindsay Rimes
4.“Take It Or Leave It” | Written by Tyler Rich, Jaron Boyer, Ben Stennis

Wander Creative Announces Expansion, Adds Staffers

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Pictured (L-R): Richard Jackson, Dan Russo

Digital marketing agency Wander Creative has added two new team members and expanded its services to include digital marketing, video production and social media services.

Richard Jackson joined the Wander team as Creative Director earlier this year. Jackson previously worked with the Nashville based management company The Holland Group, Inc. in graphic design and digital marketing. Among the management companies, labels and artists he has worked with are Redlight Management, Switchfoot, Sammy Kershaw and Charles Esten. He is an award-winning filmmaker and music video director whose work has been featured on MTV and CMT.

Dan Russo has been named Digital Marketing Coordinator for Wander Creative. The Samford University alum is a former Project Manager with digital marketing agency experience working with clients, targeting their markets and helping execute strong marketing initiatives.

The impetus of Wander Creative is to curate detailed digital marketing plans that better serve creatives, artists, tours, etc. The team’s aim is to help their clients make data-driven decisions and serve as a guide in the ever-evolving world of technology. Wander has worked with clients including Mandisa, Ryan Stevenson, TobyMac, and Zach Williams.

“For us, it’s all about understanding the needs of our clients and delivering results tailored to those specific needs. For instance, this Fall we’re helping to promote multiple tours alongside our artist and corporate client list,” explains Wander Creative President & CEO Matt Hadley. “We also understand how confusing digital marketing and new technologies can be and how much content is needed to succeed in today’s market. As soon as you figure it out, there’s something new to figure out. Platforms and algorithms change. There’s so much to keep up with. That’s a big reason I started Wander Creative. My clients just didn’t have the time to keep up with the marketing and content they needed so I came along to help them succeed and keep their focus where it needs to be, which is on their careers.”

Derek George Inks Publishing Deal With Spirit/Fluid

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Front row (L-R): Freeman Wizer (Sr. Director of Creative, Spirit Music Nashville); AJ Burton (VP, Fluid Music Revolution); Derek George; Daniel Hill (President, Spirit Music Nashville); Billy Lynn (VP, Creative, Spirit Music Nashville). Back row (L-R): Frank Rogers (President/Founder, Fluid Music Revolution) and Brian Bradford (Sr. Director of Administration, Spirit Music Nashville)

Derek George has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Spirit/Fluid, the Nashville-based joint venture between Spirit Music Group and Frank Rogers’ Fluid Music Revolution.

George has over 25 years of experience in the music business, with hits spanning across three decades as a songwriter, producer and publisher. In the last six years he has produced eight top 10 hits, with five of those topping the charts. George recently celebrated his third No.1 as a writer with Darius Rucker’s hit “For the First Time,” and has had songs recorded by Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, Brantley Gilbert, Jennifer Nettles, Trace Adkins, Miley Cyrus, Drake White, Hootie And the Blowfish, and Darius Rucker, among others.

“Spirit and Fluid are excited to welcome Derek George to the family,” said Rogers. “We are all big fans of the songs he writes and the records he makes. I see some great music, big success and big fun in our future!”

“I’m so excited about working with Frank, AJ, and all the fine folks at Fluid and Spirit Music!” said George. “They are passionate about GREAT SONGS and I’m grateful to have them on my team. I’m looking forward to what we will build together!”

 

Randy Houser To Release New Album, ‘Magnolia’, In November

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Following his return to country radio with “What Whiskey Does,” Randy Houser has announced his new full-length album, Magnolia, will be released Nov. 2 via Stoney Creek Records. Also released today is “No Stone Unturned” a new song off the new album, and one of Houser’s personal favorites. Houser will launch his “Magnolia Tour” in October.

For nearly two years, Houser worked with co-producer Keith Gattis’ in his studio in East Nashville, exploring the sounds that would result in Magnolia.

“This album was a total reset for me in every way possible. With the last album, I just didn’t have time to create, and it was obvious that it didn’t all come from my guts. Because of that, the music just didn’t feel as genuine,” said Houser. “When writing for this new project, I knew the production had to lean on songs and melodies, not a bunch of tricks and loops. That was the catalyst for album. So, for the past two years we’ve been focused on trying to find a unique sound and trying to best serve the songs.”

Tickets for the “Magnolia Tour” will go on sale Wednesday, Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. local time on www.RandyHouser.com. Additional dates will be announced at a later date. Fans who purchase tickets to the “Magnolia Tour” will also receive a copy of the Magnolia album with every purchase (one redemption per transaction).

Magnolia Track Listing:

“No Stone Unturned” (Randy Houser, Dallas Davidson)
“Our Hearts (feat. Lucie Silvas)” (Randy Houser, Kylie Sackley, Rob Hatch)
“What Whiskey Does (feat. Hillary Lindsey)” (Randy Houser, Keith Gattis, Hillary Lindsey)
“Whole Lotta Quit” (Randy Houser, Travis Meadows)
“No Good Place to Cry” (Randy Houser, Gary Nicholson)
“New Buzz” (Randy Houser, Keith Gattis, Jeff Trott)
“Nothin’ On You” (Randy Houser, Jaren Johnston, Tony Lane)
“What Leaving Looks Like” (Randy Houser, John Osborne, James Otto)
“High Time” (Randy Houser, Brice Long)
“Mama Don’t Know” (Randy Houser, Jaren Johnston, Tony Lane)
“Running Man” (Randy Houser, Jeffrey Steele)
“Evangeline” (Randy Houser, James Otto )

Weekly Chart Report (8/23/18)

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