In Pictures: BMI, CMA Foundation

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BMI Kicks Off 2018 Eastside Sounds

Pictured: BMI’s Nina Carter poses backstage at the Basement East with The Minks and TWEN. Photo: Nathan Zucker

BMI and Alt 97.5 returned to the Basement East for the first of six Eastside Sounds shows this year. Bluesy, psychedelic rockers The Minks kicked off the night of alternative music discovery followed by dreamy acid pop band, TWEN. Silver Cord Cinema enhanced the atmosphere with a special liquid light show emanating a psychedelic vibe throughout the show.

Each night offers free admission, a “happy half-hour” open bar sponsored by Bulleit Bourbon before the show, and two up-and-coming acts from Nashville’s emerging alternative scene. The series is set to continue April 23 with additional dates on June 25, Aug. 20, Sep. 26, and Oct. 30.

 

BMI Welcomes Budding Songwriters in Next Big Wave Series

Pictured (L-R): Pinnacle Bank’s David Smith, BMI’s Leslie Roberts and Next Big Wave alum Mikey Reaves.

BMI welcomed Nashville’s newest hitmakers for an evening of networking last week in BMI’s Nashville office. The first of three sessions in the Next Big Wave series, attendees of this installation were some of Music Row’s newest songwriters looking to secure their first publishing deal. The evening provided a unique opportunity for the budding creatives to connect with other writers at similar points in their careers. Additionally, participants were able to hear from BMI’s Leslie Roberts and Next Big Wave alum Mikey Reaves on how to take their careers to the next level.

 

BMI’s Tristan Jackson Launches New Release

Tristan Jackson and team visit BMI to launch new release. Pictured (L-R): Kenneth Duncan, co-writer on “Wake Up Call”; Stephen Barker Liles, member of Love & Theft and co-writer on Kerry Degman’s “You’re My Person,” “When The Radios Gone,” & Meghan Linsey’s “Ride Or Die”; Tristan Jackson, singer/songwriter, producer, director, actor; Jody Williams, VP, Writer-Publisher Relations, BMI; Leslie Roberts, Executive Director, Creative,BMI; Karl Braun, entertainment attorney, Hall Booth Smith; Jarrod Cooper, VP, OneRPM.

BMI Nashville’s Tristan Jackson released his first single “Wake Up Call” from his album titled Build Your Own Empire on Saturday, March 3. No stranger to the stage, Jackson is an award-winning director, producer, actor, musician and singer/songwriter.

As a songwriter, Jackson has had major cuts with Meghan Linsey, Newsboys and CMT Music City‘s Kerry Degman. He has also written with hit songwriters such as Desmond Child, Love & Theft, Michael Tait/Newsboys, Big Smo, Rich Redman, The Henningsens, Kenneth Duncan, Taylor Phillips, Nick Alligood and Nolan Neal.

Jackson is managed by Cofield Mundi at Edge Entertainment.

 

CMA Foundation Awards Son Rhea Foundation With Music Education Grant

The CMA Foundation presents a check to the Son Rhea Foundation.

The Capital Arts Theater in Bowling Green, Kentucky and the CMA Foundation awarded a grant of $10,000 to the Son Rhea Foundation, a non-profit organization with the mission to ensure that the arts flourish in Bowling Green public schools and the surrounding communities. Tiffany Kerns, Director of the CMA Foundation, presented the check to Tony Lindsay, President of the Son Rhea Foundation, and other Son Rhea staff members.

Prior to the check ceremony, members from the CMA Foundation and Son Rhea Foundation visited a music education classroom at Bowling Green High School. The music department, taught by Patrick O’Rourke is a beneficiary of the Son Rhea Foundation and many of the instruments used in the classroom had been purchased or acquired through the Son Rhea Foundation. Kerns and the CMA Foundation staff were able to sit in on a student performance and witness the mission and purpose of Son Rhea Foundation first hand.

Members from the CMA Foundation and Son Rhea Foundation sit in on a student performance at Bowling Green High School.

 

Weekly Register: Kane Brown Continues Chart Reign

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Kane Brown continues to reign on the Top Country Albums chart according to Nielsen Soundscan, with his self-titled album bringing in 17K in total consumption this week (up from 15K last week). Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller project also remains at No. 2 this week with 15K (up from 13K last week).

Luke Bryan‘s What Makes You Country moves into the Top 5 this week, landing at No. 3 with 14K.

Thomas Rhett‘s Life Changes moves down one spot this week to No. 4 with 13K. Meanwhile, Stapleton’s From A Room: Vol. 1 moves from No. 4 to No. 5 this week, with 13K.

On the country song sales chart, Bebe Rexha (ft. FGL) continues to top the chart with 34K this week (682K total to date). Jason Aldean‘s “You Make It Easy” is at No. 2 with 28K. Cole Swindell’s latest, “Break Up in the End,” debuts at No. 3 country in sales, with 22K.

Brown’s “Heaven” is at No. 4 with 18K, followed by Thomas Rhett’s “Marry Me” at No. 5 with 16K.

 

Kelly Archer, Brothers Osborne, Mac Davis, Natalie Hemby Celebrate “The First And The Worst”

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Pictured (L-R): K.S. Rhoads, Natalie Hemby and Brothers Osborne’s John and TJ

Brothers Osborne, Kelly Archer, Mac Davis and Natalie Hemby took the stage to a sold-out crowd at City Winery Nashville last week to perform the very first and worst songs they have ever written as they divulged the stories and the songs that led to their biggest hits, all to benefit Music Health Alliance. The fourth annual “The First And The Worst” event raised more than $127,000 for the non-profit, which provides access to invaluable healthcare support and services, at no cost to members of the music industry. Since 2013, Music Health Alliance has saved over $30 million dollars in lifesaving healthcare and insurance premiums and served over 8,000 people in the music community.

Songwriter Sandy Knox (“Does He Love You?,” “Why Haven’t I Heard From You?”) was the first to take the stage, sharing the inspiration behind “The First And the Worst” before humbly performing her not-so-memorable song “Mr. Flirt.”

Highlights from the evening of first and worst songs from Nashville’s most esteemed talents included Kelly Archer’s “Da-dang,” Brothers Osborne’s “Tampon Song,” Mac Davis’s ode to Putin and gluten, and the Crappy award-winning song of the night, Natalie Hemby’s “In-Breeding.” And the night wouldn’t be complete without a performance of the writer’s biggest hit songs.

Pictured (L-R): Peter Cooper, John Schneider, TJ Osborne (Brothers Osborne), Mac Davis, Tatum Hauck Allsep, John Osborne (Brothers Osborne), Shelia Shipley Biddy, Natalie Hemby, K.S. Rhoads and Kelly Archer

“Music Health Alliance can continue to provide life-saving services at no cost because so many people bought tickets, bid on auction items and made donations at our event last week,” shared Music Health Alliance Founder and CEO, Tatum Hauck Allsep. “There is nowhere else to see legendary songwriters fighting over who penned the absolute worst song. It’s hysterical and a great reminder that we all have to start somewhere.”

“The First And The Worst” – an evening of really bad songs by really good writers – showcased songwriters Archer, Brothers Osborne, Davis, Hemby, and Archer as they divulged the stories and the songs that led to their biggest hits. Hosted by music historian and musician Peter Cooper, this unique event allowed the audience to peek inside the minds of hit songwriters long before they had ever written a chart-topper or had songs recorded by superstar artists, all for a worthy cause. Proceeds from “The First And The Worst” benefit Music Health Alliance, the music industry’s non-profit healthcare advocate. Funds raised help Music Health Alliance Protect, Direct & Connect music industry professionals with medical and financial solutions.

Brothers Osborne perform.

Kelly Archer performs.

Mac Davis performs.

Concord Music Signs Blair Daly

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Blair Daly. Photo: Spidey Smith

Concord Music has signed songwriter and producer Blair Daly. Daly’s hits include “Smile” (recorded by Uncle Kracker), “People Like Us” (Kelly Clarkson), and “Stand” (Rascal Flatts). Daly has also had songs recorded by Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, and more.

Publishing company Razor & Tie was fully acquired by Concord Music, and has rebranded. Concord Music VP of Creative, Brad Kennard, said of signing Daly, “Blair is the consummate pro in any room, writing for any genre. He has the fiercest passion for writing hits across the musical spectrum and a focus that is unparalleled. On top of that, he’s one of the most genuine, kind people I’ve known. We couldn’t be more proud to get to work with him.”

“I try to find a unique idea and pull something out of the artist that really means something to them, versus just writing a song that sounds like a hit,” said Daly. “The most important thing to me is that they want to come back and they have a good time doing it.”

Native Scene Records To Launch In Mid-March

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A new Nashville-based record label, Native Scene Records, aims to bring live performances to the forefront of the industry. The label, which launches March 17, schedules shows and festivals in unique spaces that complement the artist’s personality, then records and releases the show as a live album. Native Scene Records’ first show and album release is planned for the summer of 2018. At this event ticketed fans will be a part of the recording experience and will leave with a digital download of the album.

“We want to help artists who have been overlooked” says managing partner Anna Clark. “Many artists are struggling to figure out where they fit in today’s music industry. We’re taking that pressure off of them by creating a world in which they can all belong. At Native Scene Records, artists, songs, venues, wardrobes, and all elements of performance come together to make an album a complete experience.”

Each album will be released digitally through Native Scene Record’s website by embedding a download code into a physical product. These products may include jewelry, clothing, artwork, or other items related to the artist and performance.

Leslie Satcher Delivers Perfect Saturday Afternoon Album On Friday With ‘Two Days In Muscle Shoals’

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Even without her bold Texas hair Leslie Satcher is unmistakable.

The ever-delivering entertainer will release her latest full-length effort, Two Days In Muscle Shoals, on Friday, March 9, marking three firsts for a woman whose music is normally known for tearing out your heart or tearing the roof off a honkytonk with her songwriting and records.

“The one thing I wanted is for this to be a joyful, fun album,” says Satcher. “There are times when you want to put on a Sheryl Crow album and have fun. I’m a huge fan of Sheryl’s and I want people to put my record on when they want something for a Saturday afternoon.”

Her first release with a band, Leslie Satcher & The Electric Honey Badgers, led her to find that balance. Fine art classes led her to paint her first album cover during a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, after the project was complete. Another first is for the 10-track project to be released as the singer-songwriter’s publishing company, Notting Hill Music, begins delivering country records from its Los Angeles and London outposts.

“I’m gambling on them just like they’re gambling on me,” says Satcher, who was signed to Warner Bros. Records nearly two decades ago. “Andy McQueen, the head of our [Notting Hill] label has always been a music innovator. They do a lot of worldwide digital releases and sync, encompassing rock, pop, hip-hop. Myself and Brown & Gray are their first forays into what might or might not be considered country—I’m probably gonna be Americana country or blues country, I’m not sure. We did get on the first round Grammy ballot under Best Country Duo or Band. It’s sort of confusing because at the end of the record there’s a gospel song which I think could get nominated for a Dove Award.”

Two Days In Muscle Shoals’ concept came when Notting Hill co-writer and producer Brad Crisler sat down to write the blues in the winter of 2017. Out of that session came “Deep Water Woman.”

“We only had half the album, and decided we wanted to record the songs, perhaps as demos,” says Satcher of the first session at the NuttHouse. “Brad said, ‘Let’s get out of our headspace and go to Muscle Shoals,’ cuz these [songs] are the blues—Texas blues. After we cut four sides we loved, we made a call back to Nashville for a specific configuration [of musicians]. It wound up being two days of recording.

“I didn’t re-sing anything. We brought in the Shoals Sisters (Marie Tomlinson Lewey & Cindy Walker) who have done backgrounds on all those great records. And I started calling friends Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow, who sang on the single, ‘This Won’t Take Long,’ Trisha Yearwood came in and sang on two songs, and my sister sang on one with me.”

The Honeybadger band brings star power too. In addition to being Bob Seger’s bandleader, Jim Moose Brown contributed writing credits on two sides and plays keys. Tommy Harden, who is out with Reba McEntire, contributes drums for Satcher. Americana artist James LeBlanc, who has a new album out of his own, plays lead guitar. Ex-Warner Bros./Curb artist Heidi Newfield plays harmonica, and not just harmonica but cross harp, self-taught from old blues records like Muddy Waters.

“Heidi got me listening to [those] older African American acts,” says Satcher of her inspiration. “I have a huge influence from Texas blues. These songs are sort of like if Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Ray Vaughan had a baby. One of my huge influences is Bekka Bramlett. At an estate sale I found a Bonnie & Delaney album, her parents, looking all hippie cool and bad to the bone in a foldout. I pinned it up in the studio for the second session and told the band, ‘We wanna do THAT!’”

In this new music, Satcher hopes fans will gain some healing, kick back and let it ride.

“There is a spiritual thread to this album,” says Satcher. “When people listen—let the songs get in their bones—they’ll find some healing. That’s my prayer.”

With Notting Hill, Satcher hopes her music will have the best chance to reach a global audience. She’s already booked in March for the Country2Country (C2C) CMA Songwriter’s Series in London and multiple shows surrounding that date.

“I think if we only write for ourselves in this little corner of the world, how can we relate to what’s happening in the world? And how can they relate to us if we don’t reach out with our music or go over there and meet/understand them in their world? That’s what I am most excited about with Notting Hill, to have the best shot at having my music exposed.

“We’ll start doing more shows with different configurations of the band from the album,” continues Satcher, who is in the process of signing with her first agent in years. “Some of the [bandmates] are out with other people. I really would like to play a lot more theaters.”

Most of all, Satcher hopes to take her strong determination and drive to the next level by staying true to her Texas roots.

“You know I have a bluesy style,” sums Satcher. “I’ve always had that. Even labels push their artists who have a bluesy stile towards me to write. But these songs were written solely for myself. This kind of music has always been imbedded in my songs/albums. It’s just this time I didn’t say, ‘I’m gonna write this and pitch it to Trisha Yearwood.’ I wrote it and asked her to come sing on it.”

Two Days In Muscle Shoals Track Listing

Side One
1.) “Run It Down South” featuring Trisha Yearwood   (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler)
2.) “Listenin’ To The Blues” (written by Leslie Satcher/Jim “Moose” Brown
3.) “All God’s Creatures” (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler)
4.) “This Won’t Take Long” featuring Vince Gill & Sheryl Crow (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler/James LeBlanc)
5.) “Who I Belong To” featuring Trisha Yearwood (written by Leslie Satcher/Jim “Moose” Brown)

Side Two
6.) “Chrome Halo” (written by Leslie Satcher)
7.) “Waitin’ On The Sun To Shine” (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler)
8.) “Deep Water Woman” (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler)
9.) “Nowhere To Be But Gone” (written by Leslie Satcher/Larry Shell/Larry Cordle)
10.) “Crown” featuring Jeannie Winn & Brad Crisler (written by Leslie Satcher)

The Electric Honeybadgers
James LeBlanc – guitars & vocals
Jim “Moose” Brown – Hammond B3 & Wurlitzer piano
David Hood – Bass guitar
Tommy Harden & Jon Davis – Drums
Heidi Newfield – Harmonica

Abby Anderson Brings Wit And Wisdom To New Tunes

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Abby Anderson performs. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Black River Entertainment artist and songwriter Abby Anderson displayed a wry wit and transparent songs during a recent visit to the MusicRow Magazine offices to preview songs from her upcoming Black River project.

“I grew up listening to country music,” says Dallas native Anderson, who is the second-oldest of seven siblings, all of whom were homeschooled. “Both my parents are very musical. My parents always knew I was moving to Nashville, and they just were crazy supportive.”

In 2014, she performed a unique arrangement of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” which was renamed “Let Freedom Ring.” Her performance caught the attention of radio journalist/host Glenn Beck, who welcomed her to perform the song on his show. She moved to Nashville in 2015 to continue crafting her sound and co-writing skills.

It hasn’t taken long for Nashville to take notice.

Just over a year ago, Black River signed Anderson to recording and publishing deals, celebrating her signing onstage at the Ryman Auditorium stage.

“I got spoiled right from the start, man,” she says of the signing.

Anderson previewed three songs, blending relatable lyrics with country grooves and elements of neo-soul and jazz.

Abby Anderson and MusicRow Magazine owner/publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

The plucky “I’m Good” takes on an ex-lover who hopes to reclaim her heart. “It’s about a guy who broke my heart and wanted me back for some reason, but I was like, ‘I’m good, honey! I’m doing my thing. I don’t need ya.’”

She offered up twangy, fiery vocals on “The Naked Truth,” and a quietly confident, wise take on “Make Him Wait.”

“My family has six girls, and one boy, and my dad is super man,” Anderson said. “He’s the kind of guy that taught his daughters what they are worth. That is something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, so I wrote this for him.”

Anderson’s talent and passion for music comes naturally as the daughter of two musically-inclined parents.

“We were all required to start classical piano lessons at age 5 and the rule is you can’t quit until you’re 18 or until you graduate,” she says. “I was homeschooled, and I graduated early so I could stop that and start doing real music. And being the second oldest, I think that’s why I got to get out of the house early. My mom’s like, ‘I got five others, go!’”

Abby Anderson with MusicRow Magazine staffers.

 

Justin Weaver Joins peermusic Nashville Roster

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(L-R:) Justin Weaver, Matt Michiels (Senior Creative Director, peermusic Nashville), Kendall Lettow (Creative Manager, peermusic Nashville), and Michael Knox (Vice President, peermusic Nashville)

peermusic Nashville has signed multi-platinum songwriter/producer Justin Weaver to a worldwide publishing deal.

Weaver has penned hits including the 4X Platinum No. 1 single from Meghan Trainor featuring John Legend, “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” the triple Platinum No. 1 single “Bottoms Up” by Brantley Gilbert, Gary Allan’s “Get Off On The Pain,” Kip Moore’s “I’m To Blame,” and has had cuts by Dustin Lynch, Joe Nichols, Meat Loaf, Montgomery Gentry, Randy Houser, Josh Turner, and the Eli Young Band, along with numerous co-writes with long-time friend Jason Aldean. Growing up in Forsyth, Georgia, Weaver played in bands throughout high school and toured most of the Southeast playing with Aldean. He stopped touring for a few years to attend college, graduating from Gordon College with an AS in Business and then graduating Cum Laude from Georgia College & State University with a BA in Business Administration. After graduating he moved to Nashville, signed a publishing deal, and has been writing songs ever since.

“I’m a big fan of Justin and what he does,” said Vice President, peermusic Nashville Michael Knox. “I’m more excited that I get to watch him go to the next level as a songwriter and producer.  He’s come a long way since I first met him back in the day as Jason Aldean’s band leader.”

“Michael Knox has been an inspiration and mentor to me since before I moved to Nashville,” said Weaver. “In addition to working with Michael, peermusic’s proven and energetic staff and roster full of talented co-writers already feel like family. My songwriting and production careers have come full circle by joining the peermusic family and I’m exited about this next phase.”

Nile Rodgers To Receive Music Biz Chairman’s Award During Conference Luncheon

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The Music Business Association will present its Chairman’s Award for Sustained Creative Achievement to Grammy award-winning composer, producer, arranger, and guitarist Nile Rodgers during the 60th anniversary Music Biz 2018 conference’s Awards Luncheon on May 17 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Over the last four decades, Rodgers has sold over 300 million albums and 50 million singles worldwide as both a member of CHIC and the producer of iconic albums from David Bowie, Madonna, Diana Ross, Sister Sledge, Duran Duran, and more. He also collaborated with Daft Punk on their multi-Platinum smash single “Get Lucky” and album Random Access Memories, which won three Grammy Awards in 2014 for Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Rodgers has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Dance Music Hall of Fame; received the EBONY Icon Award at the 2017 EBONY Power 100 Gala; was awarded the “Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” by the French Embassy in New York; was elected to the Recording Academy’s Board of Governors and received the organization’s President’s Merit Award during the 8th Annual GRAMMY Week Celebration for the Producers & Engineers Wing; and had CHIC’s Platinum-selling single “Le Freak” inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame.

Rodgers is currently recording It’s About Time, the first new CHIC album in over 25 years. “I’ll Be There,” the album’s first single, went to No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Charts, and the accompanying video generated nearly 3 million views in less than a week.

“Nile’s music truly stands the test of time. He not only helped define the sound of Pop, Disco, and Hip-Hop in the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s but also continues his prolific work on hits with modern artists such as Daft Punk, Avicii, Disclosure, and Sam Smith, not to mention his own upcoming album with CHIC,” said Music Biz Chairman Fred Beteille of Facebook. “His longevity and repeated successes make him the ideal candidate for our Chairman’s Award. I’m honored and excited to recognize him for his important contributions to music over the past four decades.”

Registration for Music Biz 2018 is open now at musicbiz2018.eventbrite.com.

Ashley Monroe Reveals Cover Art, Track Listing For New Album

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Ashley Monroe has unveiled the cover art and track list for her upcoming album Sparrow on Warner Music Nashville. Set for release April 20, Monroe’s fourth project was recorded with producer Dave Cobb in Nashville’s RCA Studio A.

Monroe worked with some of her closest collaborators on the new album, including Brendan Benson, Waylon Payne, Anderson East and Angaleena Presley. She wrote all of the songs on Sparrow, and recorded the album while pregnant with her first child.

Sparrow Track List:
1. “Orphan” (Ashley Monroe, Gordie Sampson, Paul Moak)
2. “Hard On A Heart” (Ashley Monroe, Blu Sanders, Paul Moak)
3. “Hands On You” (Ashley Monroe, Jon Randall)
4. “Mother’s Daughter” (Ashley Monroe, Brendan Benson, Ryan Beaver)
5. “Rita” (Ashley Monroe, Nicole Galyon, Paul Moak)
6. “Wild Love” (Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne, Brendan Benson)
7. “This Heaven” (Anderson East, Ashley Monroe, Aaron Raitiere)
8. “I’m Trying To” (Ashley Monroe, Kassi Ashton, Jon Randall)
9. “She Wakes Me Up (Rescue Me)” (Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne, Paul Moak)
10. “Paying Attention” (Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne, Brendan Benson)
11. “Daddy I Told You” (Ashley Monroe, Angaleena Presley, Josh O’Keefe)
12. “Keys To The Kingdom” (Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne)