Crosshair Music, GrassRoots Promotion Partner For Country Streaming Initiative

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Crosshair Music and GrassRoots Promotion are joining forces in an initiative to bring country radio programmers into the Crosshair streaming and social media influencer network.

Crosshair Music has developed a delivery and review web app that allows artists to have their music heard and reviewed by leading streaming and social media influencers. This program leads to increased streams and exposure for new music, and GrassRoots will assist in identifying and developing streaming playlists from country radio programmers nationally.

“We are excited to add radio stations to our ever-expanding influencer network,” said Crosshair founder Garrison Snell said.”This network will continue to provide new promotional opportunities to independent artists and to encourage the creative usage of a song.”

”Radio programmers are the original influencers, and utilizing station and programmer playlists to maximize streaming follows naturally and complements traditional radio airplay,” said GrassRoots Promotion Managing Partner Nancy Tunick.

Crosshair is a subsidiary of the Nashville digital marketing agency Gryrosity Projects, which launched in 2014 and already employs 16. GrassRoots Promotion is a 21-year music marketing company specializing in radio promotion, social media and project management.

The Peach Pickers’ 5th Annual Georgia On My Mind Concert Set For June

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The Peach Pickers, Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip, are hosting their annual benefit concert, “Gretsch Presents the 5th Annual Georgia On My Mind” benefit concert at the Ryman Auditorium on June 26. Tickets for the event go on sale Feb. 23.

“For Ben, Rhett and I, it’s almost like organizing a bonfire party in South Georgia every year. We call our friends, they call their friends and we all get together, play the songs we love and tell stories,” said Davidson, who chairs the Georgia Music Foundation. “The fact that the last four concerts have allowed us to donate nearly $300,000 to the Georgia Music Foundation and support music education programs all over our home state just blows our minds.”

The lineup for this year’s event will be announced in the coming months, and The Peach Pickers hand-pick a star-studded group of friends to celebrate the music of the Peach State at each show, with proceeds benefiting the Georgia Music Foundation. Tickets are $54.50 and $44.50 and will be available via Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, ryman.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famers Pat Alger and Tony Arata will be on hand to perform and receive the Georgia Music Foundation Flamekeeper Award at the event, an award given since 2014 to individuals whose tireless work preserves and promotes Georgia’s musical roots and traditions. Past recipients include Jason Aldean, Deanna Brown-Thomas, daughter of James Brown, Karla Redding-Andrews, Dexter Redding and Otis Redding III, and Georgia Governor Nathan Deal.

Fundraising Campaign Launched For Family Of Daryle Singletary

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Daryle Singletary

Franklin Synergy Bank has organized an official fundraising account to benefit the family of late country singer Daryle Singletary, who died on Feb. 12, 2018. Singletary left behind his wife Holly and their four young children, Mercer, Jonah, Charlotte and Norah.

According to the YouCaring site, funds will be used for all family and funeral expenses. The fundraiser aims to raise $100,000.

To donate, visit youcaring.com. Checks can be sent to The Daryle Singletary Foundation: Keepin’ It Country at the following address:

Franklin Synergy Bank
c/o The Daryle Singletary Foundation: Keepin’ It Country
Attn: Ellen May
33 Music Square West, Unit 110B
Nashville, TN 37203

Patrick Droney Signs With Kobalt

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Pictured (L-R): Jesse Willoughby, Kobalt; Darrell Franklin, Three Ring Music; Patrick Droney; Kevin Lane, Kobalt; Stephanie Cox, Kobalt | Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kobalt Music. [Click to enlarge photo]

Kobalt has signed singer/songwriter and guitar virtuoso Patrick Droney. The worldwide agreement includes publishing administration for Droney’s future works.

“Patrick is an incredible talent and everyone on the team is beyond excited to be working with him,” said Kobalt General Manager, Nashville, Jesse Willoughby. “We’re grateful he’s chosen us to join his already great team of G Major Management. Welcome to the family Patrick, can’t wait to see what’s in store for you and look forward to growing your career.”

Named “Best Young Blues Guitarist” by the Robert Johnson Foundation at age 13, Droney spent his formative years touring with the likes of BB King, James Brown and Elvis Costello. After attending Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU, Droney placed songs in a number of network TV shows and attracted the attention of musical instrument manufacturer Fender (FMIC) as one of their go-to artist ambassadors. In 2017 the now-25-year-old signed with G Major Management and is currently working on his debut project, slated for release in 2018.

“I am so thrilled to be partnering with Kobalt,” said Droney. “Kobalt’s forward-thinking approach along with their passion and commitment to creators is hugely inspiring to me as an artist and songwriter. Being a part of their global roster allows me to work without boundaries, both geographically and creatively. I am so looking forward to what’s to come with this incredible team.”

Ashley Gorley Makes CMA Triple Play Awards History, 14 Other Writers Honored

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Pictured (L-R): Sony/ATV Music Publishing President and CEO and CMA Board member Troy Tomlinson, Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley, Brad Warren, Josh Osborne, Jesse Frasure, Brett Warren, Trevor Rosen, Ben Hayslip, Matthew Ramsey, Brad Tursi, Ross Copperman, and CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern. Photos by Donn Jones Photography [Click photo to enlarge]

Ashley Gorley made history Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 20) during the CMA’s ninth annual Triple Play Awards, when he received three trophies for his whopping nine No. 1 songs, which brings his all-time total to 11 Triple Play Awards. The honors make Gorley the most-awarded Triple Play recipient of all time.

Shane McAnally was also recognized during the luncheon for his six chart-toppers, while Thomas Rhett and his father Rhett Akins both received honors as well, marking the first time a father and son received Triple Play Awards in a single year.

The private industry luncheon held at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works recognizes writers who have penned three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period based on the Country Aircheck, Billboard Country Airplay and Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. This year honored Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman, Zach Crowell, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Ben Hayslip, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Matthew Ramsey, Thomas Rhett, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi, Brad Warren, and Brett Warren.

Throughout the ceremony, videos recorded by each songwriter played before each award was presented, ranging from heartfelt congratulations to hilarious skits.

YouTube video

A special CMA Songwriters Series show featuring Copperman, McAnally and The Warren Brother took place Tuesday evening following the Triple Play Awards luncheon. McAnally hosted the event, and the four songwriters performed several of their hits for the crowd.

Rhett Akins
“Star Of The Show,” recorded by Thomas Rhett
“Dirt On My Boots,” recorded by Jon Pardi
“Small Town Boy,” recorded Dustin Lynch

Ross Copperman
“Wanna Be That Song,” recorded by Brett Eldredge
“Black,” recorded by Dierks Bentley
“If I Told You,” recorded by Darius Rucker

Zach Crowell
“Dirty Laundry,” recorded by Carrie Underwood
“Body Like A Back Road,” recorded by Sam Hunt
“Do I Make You Wanna,” recorded by Billy Currington

Jesse Frasure
“Dirt On My Boots,” recorded by Jon Pardi
“Road Less Traveled,” recorded by Lauren Alaina
“No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” recorded by Old Dominion

Ashley Gorley
“American Country Love Song,” recorded by Jake Owen
“Middle of a Memory,” recorded by Cole Swindell
“Dirty Laundry,” recorded by Carrie Underwood
“A Guy With a Girl,” recorded by Blake Shelton
“Today,” recorded by Brad Paisley
“Dirt On My Boots,” recorded by Jon Pardi
“Black,” recorded by Dierks Bentley
“Do I Make You Wanna,” recorded by Billy Currington
“Unforgettable,” recorded by Thomas Rhett

Ben Hayslip
“Mind Reader,” recorded by Dustin Lynch
“Huntin’, Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day,” recorded by Luke Bryan
“Star Of The Show,” recorded by Thomas Rhett

Sam Hunt
“Make You Miss Me”
“I Met a Girl,” recorded by William Michael Morgan
“Body Like A Back Road”

Shane McAnally
“Different For Girls,” recorded by Dierks Bentley featuring Elle King
“I Met a Girl,” recorded by William Michael Morgan
“Body Like A Back Road,” recorded by Sam Hunt
“If I Told You,” recorded by Darius Rucker
“Drinkin’ Problem,” recorded by Midland
“Unforgettable,” recorded by Thomas Rhett

Josh Osborne
“Make You Miss Me,” recorded by Sam Hunt
“Setting the World On Fire,” recorded by Kenny Chesney featuring P!nk
“Body Like A Back Road,” recorded by Sam Hunt

Matthew Ramsey
“Make You Miss Me,” recorded by Sam Hunt
“Song for Another Time,” recorded by Old Dominion
“No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” recorded by Old Dominion

Thomas Rhett
“Die A Happy Man”
“Star Of The Show”
“Think A Little Less,” recorded by Michael Ray

Trevor Rosen
“I Met a Girl,” recorded by William Michael Morgan
“Song for Another Time,” recorded by Old Dominion
“No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” recorded by Old Dominion

Brad Tursi
“Song for Another Time,” recorded by Old Dominion
“No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” recorded by Old Dominion
“Light It Up,” recorded by Luke Bryan

Brad Warren & Brett Warren
“Lights Come On,” recorded by Jason Aldean
“Sober Saturday Night,” recorded by Chris Young featuring Vince Gill
“Every Time I Hear That Song,” recorded by Blake Shelton

YouTube video

 

YouTube video

Big Machine Label Group Named To ‘Fast Company’ Most Innovative Companies Rankings

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Fast Company has announced its annual ranking of the Most Innovative Companies for 2018, honoring leading enterprises and rising newcomers that exemplify the best in business and innovation. Nashville-based Big Machine Label Group has made the prestigious list for a second time in the Music Sector and is heralded alongside companies on the overall list such as Apple, Netflix, Square, Washington Post Company, Amazon and Spotify.

“This year’s MIC list is an inspiring and insightful window into how many companies have embraced innovation and are working to make meaningful change,” said Fast Company deputy editor David Lidsky, who oversaw the issue with senior editor Amy Farley.

BMLG is led by President, CEO and Founder Scott Borchetta. Fast Company previously deemed Borchetta the “king of music row” as one of the “Most Creative People” for his dynamic business ventures and leadership style.

BMLG’s achievements in 2017 included:

The release of Taylor Swift’s reputation album, making her the only artist to achieve four million-selling first weeks in the history of Nielsen music
Florida Georgia Line earned two pop crossover hits and a blockbuster, sold-out stadium tour
Thomas Rhett earned the Academy of Country Music’s Male Vocalist of the Year trophy and released the Grammy-nominated Life Changes album
Brantley Gilbert became one of only two country artists to appear in an Apple Music TV spot
Brett Young was one of the only debut country artists to have a multi-platinum single with “In Case You Didn’t Know”
Reba McEntire won a Grammy with her first Gospel album, which topped both the country and Christian charts
Carly Pearce’s breakout No.1 ballad “Every Little Thing” enlisted her as the highest charting solo female debut since July 2015, joining an elite group of only three women to accomplish this feat in the past 12 years
The label continued to prove its ability to successfully develop new artists with the No.1 achievements with Pearce and Midland
Aligned with fashion mogul John Varvatos on a new label venture that will sign rock talent

Earlier this year Borchetta debuted his newly-created TV show The Launch in association with Randy Lennox and Bell Media. Filmed in Toronto, the first season of the music competition show saw ratings and music sales success. Serving as Executive Producer and Mentor on the show, Borchetta was joined each week by superstars such as Shania Twain, Jennifer Nettles, Nikki Sixx, Boy George and mega producers such as Ryan Tedder, Dann Huff and busbee.

William Shatner Signs Nashville Recording Deal

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William Shatner

Actor, director, singer and author William Shatner has inked a deal with Heartland Records Nashville.

According to a release, the Star Trek actor, 86, “is currently working on a very special project that will be released later this year.”

In addition to his roles in Star Trek, Boston Legal, and current series Better Late Than Never, Shatner has recorded eight albums, and has appeared in several of Brad Paisley’s music videos, including “Celebrity” and “Online.”

Heartland Records is also affiliated with artists including Jeff Cook and Cash Creek.

Venues Announced For 26th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival

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The Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival turns 26 this year, and 10 of Nashville’s top music venues have been announced to host shows April 3-7, 2018. The limited Fast Access Passes are set to go on sale at 10 a.m. CT on Tuesday, March 6.

Venues confirmed to present nightly shows this year include 3rd & Lindsley, The Bluebird Cafe, Commodore Grille, Douglas Corner Cafe, Hard Rock Cafe, the Listening Room Cafe, The Local (formerly The Country), Station Inn and Whiskey Rhythm Saloon. New venue South has joined the roster of clubs this year. The popular Fast Access Passes will cost $130.00 for NSAI members and $150.00 for non-members at tinpansouth.com.

Produced by Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Tin Pan South reigns as the world’s largest all-songwriter festival. The 2017 festival featured over 400 talented songwriters performing 100 shows during the five-day event. Regions Bank returns for the 11th consecutive year as the presenting sponsor of the Festival.

Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Brantley Gilbert To Headline Watershed Festival

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The Watershed Music And Camping Festival announced its 2018 lineup today, with Brantley Gilbert, Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton leading the festival’s seventh year.

The three-day, two-stage country music experience takes place at the breathtaking venue, The Gorge Amphitheater, on Aug. 3-5. Cole Swindell, Dustin Lynch, Big & Rich, Morgan Evans, Jillian Jacqueline, Chris Lane, LOCASH, Cassadee Pope, Granger Smith and Brett Young will also take the stage during the festival, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Passes for Watershed are known to sell out in just minutes, and will go on sale Friday, March 2 at 10 a.m. PT at WatershedFest.com.

Chris Janson Opry Induction Set For March 20

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photo by Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry

Chris Janson will officially become a member of the Grand Ole Opry on March 20, it was announced last night during his Opry performance. The Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville artist’s Tuesday night appearance was his first since his surprise membership invitation by Opry member Keith Urban at his sold-out Ryman Auditorium show earlier this month.

Janson has become a Grand Ole Opry regular, taking the legendary stage more than 150 times to date.

Artists already scheduled in addition to Janson for the March 20 show include Charlie Daniels Band, Del McCoury Band, Lorrie Morgan, and Carly Pearce. Tickets for the show are on sale now.