Weekly Chart Report (6/8/18)
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GLAAD And Ty Herndon’s Concert For Love And Acceptance Welcomed Surprises
Pictured (L-R): GLAAD’s Vice President of Programs Zeke Stokes, Tanya Tucker, Vince Gill, Terri Clark and Ty Herndon. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for The 2018 Concert for Love & Acceptance
Country music legend Vince Gill surprised the sold-out audience at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon on Thursday evening (June 7) for GLAAD and Ty Herndon’s Concert for Love and Acceptance.
“As a young child I always heard the words that we are all created equal,” said Gill. “I believed that as a little boy and I believe that as a grown man.”
Cody Alan (L) and Cam (R). Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for The 2018 Concert for Love & Acceptance
Also in the lineup were Tanya Tucker, Terri Clark, Billy Dean, Michael Ray, Cam, a cancer-free Anita Cochran, Cale Dodds, Britain’s Got Talent 2015 contestant Calum Scott and newcomer Parson James.
CMT Radio host Cody Alan again hosted the event, which has become a partnership with GLAAD.
Inspired by Herndon’s honesty and coming out as gay in 2014, Alan revealed publicly he was enjoying a new normal in his family life with his partner.
The LGBTQ media advocacy organization also announced a $2500 grant for young LGBTQ musicians called the Ty Herndon Rising Stars Grant. The grant is eligible to LGBTQ young people who are working to accelerate acceptance in the music industry.
Additional appearances were made by newcoming trio Temecula Road, Thompson Square, Shelly Fairchild, Cassadee Pope, Brandon Stansell, and WWE Superstars Lana and Sonya.
Partners included CMT, Ketel One Vodka, Nissan Mary Frances Rudy from Rudy Title & Escrow and Wade Weissmann Architecture.
Parson James. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for The 2018 Concert for Love & Acceptance
Calum Scott. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for The 2018 Concert for Love & Acceptance
Tanya Tucker. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for The 2018 Concert for Love & Acceptance
Billy Dean. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for The 2018 Concert for Love & Acceptance
Kane Brown To Release Sophomore Project In November
Kane Brown has released his new single, “Lose It,” which is available now to stream and download. Co-written by Brown with Chase McGill and Will Wheatherly, the song will impact at radio June 25.
Brown confirmed on social media that his upcoming sophomore album is set for release Nov. 9 and is being produced by Dann Huff. The album is the follow-up to Brown’s RIAA Platinum-certified self-titled debut, which this week returns to No. 1 for the 12th time on the Billboard Top Country Album chart.
Brown is having a big week, celebrating a CMT Award win for Collaborative Video for “What Ifs” featuring Lauren Alaina and performing on the Nissan Stage during last night’s opening night of CMA Music Fest, where he debuted the new single.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: 2018 CMA Fest Welcomes Jason Aldean, Brothers Osborne, Darius Rucker
Jason Aldean
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 593
Music Row’s much revered sense of community is bolstered by a number of brotherhood-building gatherings, several of which occur during this season.
The annual Grammy Block Party went AWOL this spring, but Fan Fair Week has brought back the CAA Barbecue (Monday, June 4), the NATD Picnic (Tuesday, June 5) and the 20th annual SunTrust Hot Dog Day (Thursday, June 7). The last-named featured tunes from singer-songwriters Kate Bowen, Parker Welling and Jason Sever, plus a mingling T-Rac mascot.
Events such as these bring together citizens from throughout our show-biz community. And then there is the CMA’s hospitality suite at Nissan Stadium during the organization’s 47th CMA Music Festival. This is a music-biz schmooze center where fellowship reigns.
Industry fabulons working the room there on the fest’s opening eve (Thursday, June 7) included Rob Phillips, Tinti Moffatt, Sherod Robertson, Dallas Gregory, Lisa Harless, Bill Wence, Pat Collins, Dennis Banka, Nathan Pyle, Biff Watson, Barry Coburn, Tim Wipperman, JoAnn Berry, Debbie Linn, and Rachel Whitney.
Texas-bred country singer Cody Michael was there, having spent the day being awed by his first CMA Fest experience. He’d spent the day strolling the downtown festival campus and pronounced himself delighted to be in Music City instead of his native Odessa.
Randy Travis was in the Nissan house, too. The legendary singer has seen a fest or two in his day.
Greeting one and all were such gracious CMA staffers as Sarah Trahern, Brandi Simms, Amy Smartt, Melissa Maynard, Aaron Hartley, Mechalle Myers and Brenden Oliver.
Meanwhile, on the Nissan stage, the evening began with The Oak Ridge Boys singing the National Anthem backed by the New Orleans Marine Corps Band. The Oaks then favored us with an a cappella take on “Elvira.”
Charles Esten of TV’s Nashville series had the first set. He committed my No. 1 fest faux pas by wearing all black on the black stage. He brought out his fellow cast members for a rousing version of “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” the show’s theme song.
Carly Pearce
The set by newly minted star Kane Brown displayed a distinct lack of stage presence and showmanship, perhaps owing to his youth and/or to nerves. He did, however, connect with the audience via his moving, tough-childhood speech introducing “Learning.” Lauren Alaina arrived, complete with rainbow sequins, to enliven his finale with “What If’s.”
Next, Carly Pearce popped up in white fringe to deliver a vivacious, expressive and lively rendition of “Hide the Wine.”
Dan + Shay were delightfully ebullient. The crowd roared as they sang “Nothin’ Like You” and held their lit cell phones aloft during “19 You & Me.” Shay Mooney let his tenor voice fly sky high, and Dan Smyers busted out Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” for some extra verve. The whole stadium sang along from the first notes of the duo’s “Tequila.” This set was star-making stuff.
Dan+Shay
Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini, who will co-host the ABC TV special about the fest, appeared to introduce Darius Rucker. He offered a good-natured, sing-along set that included “Alright,” “For the First Time” (which he sang twice), “Comeback Song” and “Hands On Me.” Inevitably, he closed with “Wagon Wheel.” Fittingly, the fully involved audience sang the song’s finale without him to lead them.
Brothers Osborne came out with guns blazing on “It Ain’t My Fault.” And these groovemeister kings of country cool kept the heat turned up on “Shoot Me Straight,” “Stay a Little Longer” and the rest of the tunes in their outstanding, smokin’ set.
Those totally gifted bros are an impossible act to follow. Fan favorite Jason Aldean tried, even spraying the crowd with foam from his beer can at one point. The highlight of his set was the 12:15 a.m. fireworks detonation that ended it. I can hear the East Nashville homeowners’ noise complaints already.
Chris Stapleton, Scotty McCreery, Luke Bryan Earn RIAA Certifications
Chris Stapleton‘s 2015 album Traveller has now earned triple-platinum status, according to the RIAA, which issued several certifications on Thursday (June 7).
Multi-platinum certifications were also issued for singles including Luke Bryan‘s “Huntin’, Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day” (2x platinum) and “Drink A Beer” (2x).
Scotty McCreery‘s No. 1 hit “Five More Minutes” earned platinum certification.
Gold certifications went to Brett Eldredge (“Somethin’ I’m Good At” and “The Long Way”), Brett Young‘s “Mercy,” and Bryan’s “Light It Up,” “Move,” and “Most People Are Good.”
Industry Pics: Brett Young, Ashley McBryde, CMA Songwriters Series
Brett Young Earns Gold
Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group President & CEO Scott Borchetta, Brett Young, BMLG EVP & BMLG Records President Jimmy Harnen
ACM Awards New Male Vocalist of the Year Brett Young was surprised with a plaque today (June 7) to recognize his current single “Mercy” earning RIAA GOLD certification. Young was honored by his record label at the Big Machine Store & Distillery in Nashville following fan signings during CMA Fest.
Ashley McBryde At CMA Fest
Pictured (L-R): John Peets (Q Prime); Kristen Williams (SVP Radio & Streaming, WMN); Ashley McBryde; Tom Martens (National Director Radio & Streaming; WMN)
Atlantic Records / Warner Music Nashville rising country star Ashley McBryde hit the Chevy Breakout Stage today at CMA Fest to perform songs from her critically praised debut album Girl Going Nowhere.
CMA Songwriters Series
Pictured (L-R): Bill Simmons, CMA Board Chairman, Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, Mac McAnally, Don Schlitz, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Vince Gill, and Jody Williams, CMA Board President, gather after the CMA Songwriters Series Presented by U.S. Bank show Wednesday, June 6 at Nashville’s CMA Theater to kick off CMA Fest. Photo: Kayla Schoen/CMA
The Country Music Association’s critically acclaimed CMA Songwriters Series Presented by U.S. Bank hosted a performance last night featuring Mary Chapin Carpenter, Vince Gill, Mac McAnally and Don Schlitz at downtown Nashville’s CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to kick off CMA Fest.
Darius And Friends Benefit Concert Raises Over $400,000
Darius Rucker performs for the Ryman Auditorium crowd | Photo: Steve Lowry
Almost a decade after first pledging his support to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the thousands of children the healthcare institution treats, Darius Rucker hosted his sold-out ninth annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert on Monday night followed by his traditional golf tournament on Tuesday morning. This year’s concert, auction and golf tournament alone raised $404,000 for St. Jude, breaking the previous year’s record and bringing the cumulative total raised for all years to $1.6 million.
“As a parent I can’t imagine the emotional toll hearing your child has cancer takes, not to mention the financial stress,” said Rucker. “The support families with a child facing life-threatening illness receive from St. Jude is just incredible. I’m proud to support St. Jude and I’m so grateful to all our friends who came out and donated their time to be on the show.”
For its second year at the Ryman Auditorium, Rucker welcomed surprise guests Patrick Davis, Edwin McCain, A.J. McClean of the Backstreet Boys and Brad Paisley, along with stars Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina, Bobby Bones, Ashley McBryde and Rachel Wammack and more than 2,400 fans to the sold-out event.
DISClaimer: Craig Campbell’s Sexy, Country “See You Try”
Look who has new music for the thousands of fans who are attending the CMA Music Festival this week.
Step right up, Little Big Town, Thomas Rhett, Luke Combs, Brett Eldredge and Kacey Musgraves. The DisClaimer spotlight is on you.
Despite the presence of these big-time artists, it’s underdog Craig Campbell who has the Disc of the Day. Running close behind him are Combs and Eldredge, both of whom also have dandy offerings.
We have no newcomers this week, so the DisCovery Award goes unclaimed.
GRANGER SMITH/You’re In It
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Wheelhouse (ERG)
– Small-town good times blah blah blah.
BRETT ELDREDGE/Love Someone
Writers: Brett Eldredge/Ross Copperman/Heather Morgan; Producers: Ross Copperman & Brett Eldredge; Atlantic (track)
– Joyous. I love the way this guy delivers a lyric. And you can’t beat a track this bouncy and delightful.
JASON BOLAND & THE STRAGGLERS/Hard Times Are Relative
Writers: none listed; Producers: The Stragglers, David Percefull, Adam Odor; Publishers: none listed; Thirty Tigers
– The title tune to the band’s new CD is a story song about tough times on the frontier. It has a vintage, folkie quality that is quite evocative and appealing. Be patient with it, because the rhythm track doesn’t kick in until it’s almost halfway through.
LITTLE BIG TOWN/Summer Fever
Writers: Jesse Frasure/Cary Barlowe/Sam Romans/Karen Fairchild; Producers: Jesse Frasure/Shane McAnally; Publishers: none listed; Capitol
– If you had any doubt that the sunshine season has arrived, this will erase it. This sways and simmers with an irresistible groove. Breezy and then some.
THE BURRITO BROTHERS/Between Your Hands and Mind
Writers: Gram Parsons/Chris P. James; Producer: John Sturdivant, Jr.; Publishers: GPJ/Blue Meteor, ASCAP/BMI; Junction (track)
– Still Going Strong, this ensemble’s latest CD, kicks off with a wafting, airy song originated by its founder, Parsons. Alas, it lacks a strong lead vocal, as does the rest of the album. The venerable group is now populated entirely by Nashvillians. Chris P. James is the Burrito veteran, having first worked with the group in 1986. Steel guitarist Tony Paoletta is a disciple of the late Burrito Sneaky Pete Kleinow. Bob Hatter is a Music City session man, and Larry Marrs is well known as a country bass player. Producer, guitarist and drummer John Sturdivant Jr. is the grandson of Kitty Wells & Johnny Wright and the son of the late Record World/Music City News media maven whose name he bears.
THOMAS RHETT/Leave Right Now
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Julian Bunetta/Edward Drewett/John Henry Ryan; Producers: Julian Bunetta/Thomas Rhett; Valory (track)
– I don’t care for all the tempo-shifting electronic phasing and wooshing in the production. Nor the compressed vocal.
LUKE COMBS/Beautiful Crazy
Writers: Luke Combs/Wyatt B. Durrette III/Robert Williford; Producer: Scott Moffatt; Publishers: Big Music Machine/50 Egg/Straight Dimes/Island South/Rosest/Works of RHA, BMI/SESAC; Columbia/River House
– A very nice change of pace. Combs unveils a gentler side here, softly crooning about an offbeat, unpredictable lover he’s just head-over-heels about. Ernest and endearing.
JANA KRAMER/Dammit
Writers: Nicolle Galyon/Elizabeth Huett; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Sophie Dog
– No longer with Warner, Jana has her own imprint now. This stunning ballad is righteous evidence that she’s still got the goods. The torrid tale finds her ruminating about a ruined relationship in the house they used to share. Painful and real and powerful.
CRAIG CAMPBELL/See You Try
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Red Bow
– Very catchy, very sexy and very country. This thumper boasts a terrific lead vocal and a dandy, rumbling, barroom production. Addictive.
KACEY MUSGRAVES/Butterflies
Writers: Luke Laird/Natalie Hemby/Kacey Musgraves; Producers: Ian Fitchuk, Daniel Tashian & Kacey Musgraves; Publisher: none listed; MCA (track)
– Very pretty pop music. Her voice has never sounded better. But you will seek in vain for the grit and wit of the country artist who previously created “Merry Go ’Round,” “Follow Your Arrow,” “Dime Store Cowgirl” and “Blowin’ Smoke.”
SESAC Launches Program To Support Women, Minorities In Film Composer Community
Pictured (L-R): John Josephson, Christophe Beck and Erin Collins
Nashville-based music rights organization SESAC has launched SESAC Scores: The Beck Diversity Project, a five-year mentorship and grant program designed to make an impact on the historically low number of women and people of color hired in the film composer community.
As part of a $1 million commitment, divided over the next five years, the investment will be used for educational programming and composer workshops. The Beck Diversity Project will host its first weekend workshop at SESAC’s Santa Monica office in July.
In addition, there will also be a national application process to select individuals for grants to support films already in production, which are short on funds, to enhance and deliver a better score. Projects considered for the grant program will be open to any narrative film and the fund will support composers from a wide range of musical backgrounds.
The inaugural project is a collaborative effort between long-time SESAC composer Christophe Beck and the SESAC Film & Television team, led by SESAC Chairman and CEO John Josephson and Erin Collins, Vice President of Film, Television and Developing Media.
“We’re thrilled to embrace a program that helps foster diversity in the audiovisual creative community and which empowers creators to pursue their passion,” said Josephson. “Working with Chris to help execute his vision to provide the needed resources to underrepresented composers is exciting for all of us at SESAC and an important way that we can demonstrate our commitment to the music community.”
“Creating opportunities for new composers to contribute in a meaningful way to our industry is a passion of mine, and I’m looking forward to working alongside SESAC to make this happen,” says Beck.
Applications for the initial July workshop will be accepted at sesacscores.com. Additional workshops will be announced throughout the year.
Song Suffragettes To Host Fourth Anniversary Party
Nashville’s weekly singer-songwriter round, Song Suffragettes, will host its 4th Anniversary Party on Monday, June 11 at 6:30 P.M. at Analog at Hutton Hotel in Nashville. The party will feature two rounds by some of Nashville’s best female singer-songwriters, and a special panel on the “State of Women in Country Music,” which will feature CMT’s Leslie Fram, Red Light’s Tracy Gershon and MTSU’s Beverly Keel. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.
”We started Song Suffragettes in 2014 simply to give underserved female singer-songwriters a place to play their music and hone their craft,” says program founder Todd Cassetty. “To watch Song Suffragettes evolve from simply a talent showcase to a proud community of talented women has been highly rewarding. And on June 11, we’re excited to once again celebrate the diversity of female voices that we will continue to support until there’s more gender parity within the Nashville music community.”
Since Song Suffragettes first debuted four years ago, they have grown to become the Listening Room Cafe’s largest weekly sold-out show. Each show airs live on Periscope with as many as 28,000 viewers per week. Song Suffragettes performances have featured guest appearances from Lauren Alaina, RaeLynn, Lindsay Ell, Kelsea Ballerini, Deana Carter, Jesse James Decker, Jamie O’Neal and more. Nine suffragettes, including Carly Pearce and Jillian Jacqueline, have received record deals and 37 women have received publishing deals.
Song Suffragettes Anniversary Lineup
Round 1: Kelleigh Bannen, Candi Carpenter, Alys Ffion, Tegan Marie and Kalie Shorr
Round 2: Nora Collins, Erin Enderlin, Madison Kozak, Hayley Orrantia and Tara Thompson