Steven Curtis Chapman Extends SCC Solo Tour Into Fall

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Steven Curtis Chapman is continuing his successful tour, SCC SOLO: Hits, History, and Influences tour this Fall for a third season. He’ll visit 21 markets on the SCC SOLO tour, which kicks off on Aug. 11 in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, and wraps Nov. 18 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
He is also releasing a new single, “Remember to Remember,” which he was inspired to write after his 2017 best-selling memoir, Between Heaven & The Real World.  The song is Chapman’s first single in almost two years, and will be available on all digital formats.
The upcoming fall run of the tour will offer more stops at historic and iconic theaters across the U.S., such as San Francisco’s Marines’ Memorial Theatre, The Lyric Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama, and The Folly Theater in Kansas City, Missouri.
“I had such a great time on the past two legs of the SCC Solo Tour, sharing stories and taking my friends on a musical journey in cities across the country,” Chapman said. “Since I couldn’t squeeze all the places I wanted to visit during the spring run, I’m excited to be coming back with more dates for SCC SOLO this fall. I hope you’ll come join me for what is proving to be one of the most special tours I’ve ever experienced.”

Jake Owen, Cole Swindell Join CMA Fest Nissan Stage Lineup

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CMA Fest has announced more than 100 additional performances throughout Downtown Nashville June 7-10, including Jake Owen on the Nissan Stadium Stage Friday night and Cole Swindell on Sunday night. Xfinity Fan Fair X is back featuring three stages packed with artist performances, panels and meet and greets, in addition to music and lifestyle exhibits, prize giveaways and the Marketplace taking place daily from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. inside Music City Center. The HGTV Lodge returns for a seventh year, hosting performances with Country favorites and appearances from HGTV stars.

“What makes CMA Fest unique from other music festivals are our one-of-a-kind fan experiences at Xfinity Fan Fair X,” said Damon Whiteside, CMA Chief Marketing Officer. “For decades, country music fans have flocked to Nashville to attend the festival to get up close and personal with their favorite artists. We’re proud to continue that tradition year after year.”

“With Xfinity Fan Fair X, we’re looking to extend a live version of the home experience we give millions of people across the country everyday – instant access to their favorite artists on the TV, mobile devices and online, all in a simple, easy and fun way,” said Matt Lederer, Comcast’s Executive Director of Partnership Marketing. “Country music fans are passionate, and we look forward to creating an immersive destination for them within CMA Fest.”

The Radio Disney Country Stage returns to Xfinity Fan Fair X, where attendees can catch some of today’s hottest stars and up-and-coming artists. Scheduled performances and appearances include Jimmie Allen, Abby Anderson, Cam, Jillian Cardarelli, CB30, Jordan Davis, Devin Dawson, Russell Dickerson, Cale Dodds, Lindsay Ell, Emily Hackett, Adam Hambrick, Trent Harmon, Walker Hayes, Jillian Jacqueline, Caroline Jones, Madison Kozak, LANCO, Maddie & Tae, Tegan Marie, Jaden Michaels, Cassadee Pope, Stephanie Quayle, RaeLynn, Noah Schnacky, Kalie Shorr, Christina Taylor and Rachel Wammack. Marie, Hayley Orrantia and Shorr join Radio Disney Country personality Betsy Spina to share hosting duties throughout the weekend.

An addition to Xfinity Fan Fair X, the Spotlight Stage will showcase more than 50 emerging acts performing acoustic sets and hosting meet and greets. Scheduled artists include 2Steel Girls, 8 Ball Aitken, American Young, Paul Bogart, Haley Mae Campbell, Cort Carpenter, Caryn Lee Carter, CERRITO, Jessie Chris, Chas Collins, Dustin Collins, Nora Collins, Crystal Day, Joe Denim, Dixie Jade, James Dupré, Tim Elliott, EmiSunshine, Farewell Angelina, Folk Soul Revival, Kenny Foster, Gal Friday, Josh Gallagher, Lee Gantt, Harper Grae, Kristi Hoopes, Jason Morton & The Chesapeake Sons, Meghan Kabir, Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road, Kelsey Lamb, Olivia Lane, Cherish Lee, Jenny Leigh, Lucy Angel, Elizabeth Lyons, Red Marlow, Bobby Marquez, Jackson Michelson, Kylie Morgan, Marta Olejarz, Shane Owens, Presley & Taylor, Jesse Rice, Matt Rogers, Southern Halo, Summer Brooke & The Mountain Faith Band, Glen Templeton, The Lovers, The Springs, The Wandering Hearts, The Young Fables and Karen Waldrup.

In addition, the Xfinity Zone will feature appearances by Chase Bryant, Easton Corbin, Ell, Lucas Hoge, Jerrod Niemann, Quayle, Dylan Scott, Temecula Road, Aaron Watson and Drake White.

Cody Jinks Joins Rounder Records Roster, Thirty Tigers To Release Jinks’ Catalog

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Cody Jinks has signed with Rounder Records. His debut album for the label, Lifers, is slated for release July 27. The project’s first single, “Must Be the Whiskey” is due out June 15.

“When I became the President of Rounder in the Fall of 2017, I’d already been involved in Cody’s career for a couple years,” said Rounder Records President John Strohm. “I’m well aware of his immense talent, personal integrity, and work ethic.” He continues, “It’s been my top priority since I started my job last fall to sign Cody, and I could not be more thrilled for Rounder and Concord Music to have the opportunity to work with such an incredible, groundbreaking artist.”

“Cody is a very special, unique, one of a kind artist,” said Tom Whalley, Chief Label Officer at Concord. “He’s an abundantly gifted singer, songwriter, and performer, and I’m very proud that he has chosen to work with our team at Rounder.”

Due to his unique marketing strategy, Jinks has sold in excess of 225k independently-released records and consistently sells out shows all over the country. Thirty Tigers has entered into an agreement to reissue Jinks’ back catalog, including 2016’s breakthrough I’m Not the Devil.

“I set out to find a great partner to license my new album to – a record company that believed in my music and my vision, ” said Jinks. “I definitely found that with Rounder Records.”

DISClaimer: Country Polishes Its Pop Aspirations

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Country polishes its pop aspirations this week.

The new singles by Clare Dunn, Sam Hunt, Kalie Shorr and (gasp) Joe Diffie all burble and burp with electronic liveliness. WEA stars-on-the-rise Dan + Shay and Michael Ray continue to straddle the line between pop and country.

Our most “country” contenders of the week are Jason Aldean and Disc of the Day winner Luke Bryan.

The DisCovery Award goes to a new female, Abi.

CLARE DUNN/More
Writers: Clare Dunn/Gordie Sampson/Josh Kear; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MCA Nashville
– Lustrous and lovely. The tune is super catchy, her throaty alto is a glittering jewel and the layered production shimmers. A simply stunning pop listening experience that deserves massive radio airplay.

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JASON ALDEAN/Drowns The Whiskey
Writers: Brandon Kinney/Jeff Middleton/Josh Thompson; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; BBR (download)
– The shuddering, deep-twang guitar work give the production its power. He can’t shake her memory, no matter how much he drinks. Miranda Lambert provides the harmony vocal on this solidly country outing.

JOE DIFFIE/I Got This
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Silverado
– Diffie’s first country single in five years squanders his spectacular country singing voice on a tuneless, quasi-spoken ditty with a jumbled production heavy on electronic effects. He’s a dirt-authentic honky-tonk singer who seems to be trying way too hard to sound “contemporary.”

SAM HUNT/Downtown’s Dead
Writers: Sam Hunt/Zach Crowell/Josh Osborne/Shane McAnally/Charlie Handsome; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MCA Nashville
– He again deploys his hushed-voice phrasing on the verses, then turns more shouting and explosive on the heartache choruses. With his click-tracked, looped productions and sampled sounds Hunt remains in a sonic country category all his own.

KALIE SHORR/Candy
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; KS (download)
– Pert pop with an endearingly chirpy tone. As you might guess from the title, this is tasty sweet, if lacking in nutritional value.

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LUKE BRYAN/Sunrise Sunburn Sunset
Writers: Zach Crowell/Ryan Hurd/Chase McGill; Producers: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Publishers: Highly Coumbustible/Songs of Southside Independent/Atlas/Who Wants to Buy My Publishing/I Love Pizza/Universal/Lake Allegan/Plum Nelly, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol (track)
– Bryan is coming off one of the finest singles of his career (”Most People Are Good”). He has another winning effort with this nicely written, nostalgic reminiscence of a summer romance that faded when the temperature cooled.

HARPER GRAE/Bloodline
Writers: Harper Grae/Jennifer Hanson/Nick Brophy/ Fred Wilhelm; Producers: Jennifer Hanson/Nick Brophy; Publishers: Oliver Ann Music (BMI), peermusic III/Miss Marvelle Music (BMI)/Songs of Sanchez (BMI)/Farm Thang Music (BMI); Grae Area
– Her best yet. She delivers this song of existential regret in a penetrating soprano wail. Despite the toe-tapping tempo and upbeat mood, the underlying message is a desperate quest to know the mother she never had. Very involving.

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DAN+SHAY/Speechless
Writers: Dan Smyers/Shay Mooney/Jordan Reynolds/Laura Veltz; Producers: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– Ultra romantic. The video features footage of both men’s weddings. As usual, the sonic production values are as flawless as the team’s vocals on this melodic ballad. Their star continues to rise.

ABI/A Day Without
Writers: Andrew Dorff/Jimmy Robbins/Lucie Silvas; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; One Country/Nine North
– The busy, echoey track crashes and clicks around her. But her clear, pristine vocal commands center stage regardless. Next time, simplify the production.

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MICHAEL RAY/One That Got Away
Writers: Josh Osborne/Matthew Ramsey/Josh Rosen/Jesse Frasure; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Atlantic (download)
– He seems to piling one release on top of another, which seems to be a mini trend these days. This is a nicely bouncy, mid-tempo outing with loads of hooks. She might only be his for one night, but that’s okay because she’s going to make a helluva memory.

Jeannie Seely Joins Willie’s Roadhouse Family On SiriusXM

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Fifty-year Grand Ole Opry veteran, Jeannie Seely, will be joining the Willie’s Roadhouse family as an on-air personality on Willie Nelson‘s exclusive classic country channel, SiriusXM has announced. 

Seely will make her Willie’s Roadhouse debut this weekend, and the show will air weekly beginning on Sunday May, 27 from noon to 4 pm ET. The Grammy winner and award-winning songwriter adds her charm and her quick wit along with her memories and personal stories about the music to the channel, and will join Willie’s current on-air family that includes “The Mayor of Music Row” Charlie Monk, Paula Nelson, Dallas Wayne, Ranger Doug Green and Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel.

“The only thing better than being able to play classic country music is to be able to do it at Willie’s Roadhouse,” said Seely. “I’m so excited to be a part of the SiriusXM family and play the music of my peers!”

“I’m so glad Jeannie Seely is on the Roadhouse,” said Willie Nelson. “She is a good friend and will do a great job.”

 

Kenny Chesney, John Marks, Joe Galante Among 2018 Innovation In Music Honorees

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The Innovation in Music Awards honorees have been announced, with Joe Galante, Sally Williams, Monica Escobedo, Nate Deaton, Kenny Chesney, John Marks, and Ed Warm set to receive awards.  The winners will be recognized at the Second Annual Innovation in Music Awards gala Sunday, June 3 at Nashville’s Westin Hotel.

Hosted by respected media executive Bill Werde, Director of the Bandier Music Industry Program in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University, the awards were created to recognize achievements in the advancement of music through inspiration and ingenuity.

“This year’s recipients represent a broad spectrum of the industry, but what they have in common is a proven track record of adapting to change and developing channels to reach meaningful results (connections with fans and creators),” said Pete O’Heeron, Chairman of the Innovation in Music Awards. “All of these individuals are deserving of this recognition for their commitment to advancing the future of music through innovative thinking.”

A committee of music professionals determined the honorees. They considered a diverse group of individuals who think outside the box, keeping music first, but who also recognizing how the music finds its audience is a constantly changing reality. Coran Capshaw, founder and CEO of Red Light Management, was previously announced as 2018’s Innovator of the Year. The honorees in the other seven award categories include:

IMPACT in INNOVATION AWARD – Joe Galante, Mayor’s Music City Council, CMA Foundation Chair and Former Chairman Sony Nashville

INNOVATION in MUSIC, EXECUTIVE – Sally Williams, Opry Entertainment Senior Vice President Programming & Artist Relations/General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry

INNOVATION in MUSIC, BROADCAST – Monica Escobedo, Entertainment Producer, ABC News, Good Morning America

INNOVATION in MUSIC, RADIO PROGRAMMING – Nate Deaton, General Manager, KRTY San Jose

INNOVATION in MUSIC, CREATIVE/ARTIST – Kenny Chesney, Songwriter/Producer/Artist

INNOVATION in MUSIC, DIGITAL MEDIA/MARKETING – John Marks, Spotify Global Editor for Country Music

INNOVATION in MUSIC, LIVE PERFORMANCE – Ed Warm, Owner, Joe’s on Weed Street & Smokeout Fest, Chicago

Big Yellow Dog Music Teams With Atlantic Records

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Pictured (L-R): Nina Webb (SVP, Marketing for Atlantic Records), Julie Greenwald (Chairman & COO, Atlantic Records), Pete Ganbarg (President of A&R, Atlantic Records), Carla Wallace (Co-Owner & COO, Big Yellow Dog), Brynn Elliott, Bruce Flohr (Red Light Management), Nathan Chapman (Producer), Katie Hoaldridge (Red Light Management) [Click photo to enlarge]

Nashville-based indie publishing and artist development company Big Yellow Dog Music, known for its work with Maren Morris and Meghan Trainor, has teamed with Atlantic Records for an exclusive partnership. The deal marks the first label venture for Big Yellow Dog Music, with the first release under the new partnership being a track from pop artist Brynn Elliott. “Time Of Our Lives” releases today (May 24), the same day Elliott graduates with a degree in philosophy from Harvard University.

Elliott’s forthcoming Time Of Our Lives EP, slated to release later this year, draws from her philosophy studies and features songs Elliott co-wrote with producer-writer Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift, Kylie Minogue), including the single “Might Not Like Me,” which has earned more than one million streams.

Big Yellow Dog was founded by co-owner/CEO Carla Wallace and co-owner Kerry O’Neil. Over the past two decades, the company’s roster has been recognized with numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards; 34 No. 1 songs; four Song of the Year awards from ACM, BMI, and ASCAP; five ASCAP/BMI Pop awards; and many more.

“I’ve been friendly with Carla and Kerry for a while and have always been impressed by their taste, sincerity, and successful early bets on creative talent who have gone on to incredible long-term careers,” said Atlantic President of A&R Pete Ganbarg. “The more we spoke about it, the more it seemed like a no-brainer to partner up. And the fact that literally one day after our deal closed, Carla heard Brynn’s music for the first time is such incredible synchronicity that we couldn’t have made it up if we tried. Brynn is a world-class talent who is just beginning to scratch the surface of what’s to come. All of us at Atlantic are thrilled to be working with both Brynn and Big Yellow Dog.”

“We couldn’t be happier to join with such a legendary label, and most importantly, to be able to work with Atlantic’s powerful team of highly innovative music lovers,” adds Wallace. “I’m delighted to be collaborating with Pete after all these years of friendship, and thank you to Craig, Julie, and Espo for believing in this exciting partnership. I couldn’t imagine starting this deal any other way than coming out of the gate with such an inspiring artist as Brynn Elliott.”

 

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2018 MusicRow Awards: Song Of The Year Nominees

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CATEGORY 4: SONG OF THE YEAR

Voted by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor writers and publishers on the craft of songwriting, not necessarily chart performance.

The MusicRow Awards will be presented at a private ceremony.

See the full list of nominees.

Winners are determined solely by MusicRow subscribers. Voting closes on May 25 at 5 p.m. If you do not have a subscription, you may subscribe to receive a ballot.

“Cry Pretty”
When Carrie Underwood was ready to release her first new music since 2015, following an injury and a change in record companies, a comeback song was in order. And when a superstar needs a heart-wrenching power ballad, they turn to The Love Junkies. Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose co-wrote “Cry Pretty” with Underwood. She is the perfect vocalist for the soaring chorus and emotional delivery. The Love Junkies previously won MusicRow Song of the Year in 2015 for “Girl Crush.” Additionally, Lindsey is a reigning Song of the Year co-writer of “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” and McKenna won for “Humble and Kind” (2016) and “Stealing Kisses” (2007).

“Drunk Girl”
Songwriters Chris Janson, Scooter Carusoe and Tom Douglas offer a sincere message about the difference between a boy and a man… take a drunk girl home/ let her sleep all alone. In the wake of last year’s #metoo movement, it is a timely subject matter. The lovely piano-driven ballad is full of imagery, delivered by Janson with just the right amount of sensitivity. Douglas is a previous Song of the Year winner for “The House That Built Me” (2010).

“Life Changes”
The charm of “Life Changes” comes from the real-life details offered by Thomas Rhett, referencing everything from his major hit “Die A Happy Man,” to adopting a daughter from Uganda, and his wife Lauren’s surprise pregnancy. The sunny chorus rings true for everyone: You never know what’s gonna happen, you make your plans and you hear God laughing. Thomas Rhett co-wrote the song with father/hitmaker Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley. It is the title track to his current album.

“Most People Are Good”
Luke Bryan continues his strong track record of offering poignant country songs relatable to the everyman with “Most People Are Good.” Songwriters David Frasier, Ed Hill and Josh Kear offer a spot-on lyric about how the world might look some days: If you just go by the nightly news, your faith in all mankind would be the first thing you lose. But the true message of their song proves the opposite: I believe this world ain’t half as bad as it looks, I believe most people are good. Bryan and Kear are both previous recipients of MusicRow’s Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year award.

“She Ain’t In It”
If you want a stone-cold country song about a broken heart, look no further than traditionalist hitmakers Wynn Varble and Clint Daniels. Their song, “She Ain’t In It,” fits singer Jon Pardi as perfectly as his Wranglers and belt buckle. Playing the role of a lonesome cowboy, Pardi sings, My life won’t be the same, as long as she ain’t in it. Fiddle and steel accent his twangy delivery, to create one of the countriest songs on the radio today.

[Click photo to enlarge]

Rodney Crowell Revisits Hits On New ‘Acoustic Classics’ CD

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Rodney Crowell is set to release his latest album, Acoustic Classics, July 13. The project is the first on his newly-launched imprint, RC1.

Crowell has released six albums in the last ten years, and this new project is a re-distilled, acoustic presentation of 12 masterfully-crafted tunes from his 40-plus-year career in an intimate setting. The collection features songs originally made famous by the likes of Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings, The Oak Ridge Boys, Bob Seger, Tim McGraw and more, including “Leaving Louisiana In the Broad Daylight,” “Ain’t Living Long Like This,” and “Please Remember Me.”

“With the help of some of my favorite musicians, I’ve made all acoustic instrument recordings of ten of my most recognizable songs. Also included is a couple more recently written that I want people to hear. There’s even a revised version of my most commercially successful song, “Shame on the Moon,” said Crowell.  “All in good fun.”

Exclusive pre-order bundles featuring the new cd and vinyl can be found on Crowell’s website, rodneycrowell.com.

Crowell will host his inaugural Adventures In Song songwriting camp on July 16-20 at Asilomar Conference Grounds in Carmel, California. The event, described as “four days and nights of songwriting bliss,” will feature Crowell doling out songwriting expertise alongside a star-studded cast which includes Lisa Loeb, Joe Henry, Allen Shamblin, Brennen Leigh, Don Peake and special guests Bernie Taupin and Benmont Tench.

Acoustic Classics Track Listing:
1. “Earthbound”
2. “Leaving Louisiana In the Broad Daylight”
3. “Anything but Tame”
4. “Making Memories of Us”
5. “Lovin’ All Night”
6. “Shame on the Moon Redux”
7. “I Couldn’t Leave You if I Tried”
8. “She’s Crazy for Leaving”
9. “After All This Time”
10. “Tennessee Wedding”
11. “Ain’t Living Long Like This”
12. “Please Remember Me”

NSAI’s Nashville Songwriter Awards Coming To Ryman Auditorium

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The Nashville Songwriters Association International is set to present a star-studded evening on Sept. 19, 2018, during the Nashville Songwriter Awards, presented by City National Bank at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 25 at 10 a.m. CT at ryman.com.

“We are very proud to present this important and exciting event recognizing Nashville’s finest songwriters and their songs at the hallowed Ryman Auditorium,” said NSAI President, award-winning songwriter Steve Bogard. “It promises to be an amazing night full of memorable performances honoring the best in our business.”

Bill Anderson will receive the organization’s highest honor, the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award.

Additional honorees will include the 2018 “Song of the Year,” “Songwriter of the Year,” “Songwriter-Artist of the Year,” and NSAI’s coveted “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” which are chosen by Nashville’s professional songwriters.

LANCO and Chris Janson have already confirmed to perform during the show and there are many star performers and surprise guest stars who will be announced very soon.

“We have a very long history of supporting songwriters and the creative community,” said Lori Badgett and Diane Pearson, heads of entertainment banking for City National Bank in Nashville. “We are so pleased that many of our friends are being honored at this memorable event. Nashville has always been a special place for creators and City National is so proud to continue to support them.”

This year’s Nashville Songwriter Awards marks the first year that the Nashville Songwriters Association International will present its awards at the Ryman Auditorium in a separate event from the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.