Dillon Carmichael Signs Publishing And Artist Deal With Riser House, Preps Debut With Dave Cobb

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Pictured seated: Dillon Carmichael. Back (L-R): Kristen Ashley, Riser House; Lauren Spahn, Shackelford Law; Matt Swanson, Riser House; John Dorris, Hallmark Direction Company; Jennifer Johnson, Riser House.

Riser House Entertainment has announced the label and publishing signing of country performer Dillon Carmichael. Carmichael is currently in the studio cutting his debut record with highly sought after producer, Dave Cobb.

Carmichael—from Burgin, Kentucky—is the nephew of Eddie Montgomery and John Michael Montgomery. At the age of seventeen, Carmichael was signed by Jennifer Johnson, then with Song Factory Music.

“I knew from the first moment I heard him sing that I had to work with him. I’ve been his champion since the beginning, and here we are seven years later and I believe in him more than ever,” says Jennifer Johnson, now President of Riser House Entertainment. “Kristen Ashley, VP of Creative, has also been rooting for Carmichael from the early Song Factory days and has been an instrumental part in his signing to Riser House.”

Over the past seven years, Carmichael has toured the Southeast, opening for the likes of his musician uncles, Big & Rich, Aaron Lewis and Chris Young. Carmichael is managed by Hallmark Direction Company’s John Dorris.

Riser House Entertainment is also home to recording artist Mitchell Tenpenny in addition to a publishing roster including Michael Whitworth, Dallas Wilson, and Rob Crosby.

Riser House’s Chairman Of The Board Matt Swanson said, “Authentic country fans better hang on to their cowboy hats!”

Pictured seated: Dillon Carmichael. Back (L-R): Kristen Ashley, Riser House; Lilly-June, Dog/Riser House Mascot; Jennifer Johnson, Riser House.

 

Pictured seated: Dillon Carmichael. Pictured back (L-R): Kristen Ashley, Riser House; Matt Swanson, Riser House; Jason VanAuken, Riser House; Jennifer Johnson, Riser House.

In Pictures: RCA Studio B, Lynn Anderson CMHoF Exhibit

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RCA Studio B Hosts Bobby Bare, Dave Cobb, Lloyd Green And Connie Smith Discussion

Pictured (L-R): CMHoF Editor Peter Cooper, CMHoF Member Bobby Bare, CMHoF Member Connie Smith, Lloyd Green, Dave Cobb, and Abi Tapia, Senior Manager of Programming, CMHoF. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images

Bobby Bare, Dave Cobb, Lloyd Green and Connie Smith gathered last week at the Historic RCA Studio B to share their perspectives on working at the “Home of 1,000 Hits” in a sold-out program. The studio celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

Other hit makers in Studio B included Eddy Arnold, Floyd Cramer, the Everly Brothers, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley and Jim Reeves, among others.

 

CMHoF’s Lynn Anderson: Keep Me in Mind Exhibit Reception

Pictured (L-R:) CMHoF CEO, Kyle Young; Lynn Anderson’s daughter, Lisa Sutton; Senior Vice President of Museum Services, Carolyn Tate; Museum Editor, Michael McCall. Photo: Carissa Riccardi for the CMHoF

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum held a reception last night for the new “Lynn Anderson: Keep Me in Mind” exhibition. The exhibit explores the life and career of Anderson, whose Grammy-winning recording of “Rose Garden” was a major crossover hit in 1970. “Lynn Anderson: Keep Me in Mind” is currently open and runs through June 24, 2018.

Lady Antebellum Donates To Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief With Video Premiere

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Lady Antebellum filmed a video for their new single, “Heart Break,” amidst the colorful backdrops of the Spanish colonial buildings and vibrant culture of San Juan, Puerto Rico, so after watching the awful destruction the Hurricane wrought on Puerto Rico they knew they had to do something to help. 

Feeling the urgency to continue raising awareness and support for those affected after Hurricane Maria struck the area, Lady A is premiering the new video across all video platforms today and is making a donation of $200,000 from LadyAID to hurricane relief efforts via MusiCares and United for Puerto Rico. Fans can also take part in the ongoing relief efforts by contributing at LadyAID.org.

“We got to meet so many locals and enjoy everything that Puerto Rico has to offer. We are just completely heart broken to see the devastation,” said Hillary Scott. “We want to do everything we can to support this incredible place and these incredible people. We just hope and pray for their safety and that rebuilding happens quickly. We encourage everyone to give whatever they can to help.”

“We save a portion of every ticket on the road to go toward LadyAID,” added Dave Haywood. “After spending time in San Juan, we fell in love with the area, the culture, the people, and that country—it was just a beautiful place. Our hearts have been completely broken watching the devastation from all of the hurricanes. We feel personally connected to helping support those affected.”

In other Lady A news, the trio’s Live From The Artists Den public television episode, filmed live from the United Palace Theater in Washington Heights, NY, premieres on TV nationwide this week. The show will air on select dates on public TV throughout October 17, including on WNPT in Nashville on October 17 at 7 p.m. CT.

Jerrod Niemann Toasts New Album ‘This Ride’

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Pictured (L-R): songwriters Lance Miller, AJ Babcock, Brandon Hood, Rob Hatch, Pete Good, Jerrod Niemann, Corey Crowder, Jimmy Robbins, Luke Dick, Cole Taylor, Joel Shewmake, Jessie Jo Dillon, CJ Solar and Jeff Hyde. Photo: Katie Kauss

Jerrod Niemann celebrated the upcoming release of his album This Ride with an intimate event at Hemingway’s Bar & Hideaway in Nashville on Wednesday night (Sept. 26), where his favorite lyrics from all 13 tracks were on display around the room.

Surrounded by family, friends and the songwriters featured on the project, Niemann said, “It’s an honor to be a part of this community. It was important for me at this event to celebrate the talent and friendship of everyone that poured their heart and soul into this album.”

In anticipation of This Ride, which is due out Oct. 6 via Curb, Niemann recently released videos for the sexy “But I Do,” feel-good anthem “I Got This,” and the heart-wrenching “Comeback.” The album is currently available for pre-order, and fans that purchase will receive four instant grat tracks, including the single “God Made A Woman.”

Pictured (L-R): Ryan Dokke (VP of Promotion, Curb Records), Jim Ed Norman (CEO, Curb Records), Jerrod Niemann, Taylor Childress (VP/GM, Curb Records) and Mike Rogers (National Director of Promotion, Curb Records). Photo: Katie Kauss

Shania Twain’s New Album ‘Now’ Drops Tomorrow

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Shania Twain‘s anticipated brand new album NOW, her first in nearly 15 years, is set for release tomorrow (Sept. 29).

Twain singlehandedly penned every song on the new collection, and worked with four producers across the 16 tracks including Matthew Koma, Ron Aniello (Bruce Springsteen, Gavin DeGraw), Jake Gosling (Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes) and Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Norah Jones).

She has released four tracks in advance, including the latest “We Got Something They Don’t,” “Swingin’ With My Eyes Closed,” “Poor Me,” and the leadoff single “Life’s About To Get Good.”

The superstar has a busy release week planned for the new record, with appearances set for The Ellen Show (Sept. 29), NPR’s Dinner Party Download (Sept. 29), NPR’s Sunday Weekend Edition and The Late Late Show with James Corden(Oct. 3).

Shania Twain – NOW Deluxe Track Listing:
1. Swingin’ With My Eyes Closed
2. Home Now
3. Light Of My Life
4. Poor Me
5. Who’s Gonna Be Your Girl
6. More Fun
7. I’m Alright
8. Let’s Kiss And Make Up
9. Where Do You Think You’re Going
10. Roll Me On The River
11. We Got Something They Don’t
12. Because Of You
13. You Can’t Buy Love
14. Life’s About to Get Good
15. Soldier
16. All In All

DISClaimer: Montgomery Gentry Wins Disc of the Day

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Click to read Eddie’s note about the song.

The pattern today seems to be downloads from established stars and physical product from newcomers. Of those downloads, the outstanding submission comes from Montgomery Gentry. “Better Me” wins the Disc of the Day prize. R.I.P. Troy.

Newcomer Russell Dickerson seems to have it all going on. His “Yours” is not only a winning love song, he sings it with enormous power and passion. Give that man a DisCovery Award.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY/Better Me
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Average Joes (download) 
—Very, very stirring. He’s trying to turn a page on his wilder days and live right. The track cooks with gas, and Troy sings his butt off. How sad and aching that one of the finest recorded performances of the duo’s career comes as a swansong. Play this, and then play it some more.

SARAH ANNE/Tammy Wynette
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; SA 
—It has the tempo of a dying mammoth, but her languid, heartsick performance is on the money. She seeks comfort and solace from a singer who has cried as hard as she does. Who better than the Heroine of Heartbreak, herself?

CHRIS YOUNG/Losing Sleep
Writers: Chris Young, Josh Hoge, Chris DeStefano; Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young; Publishers: EMI Blackwood Music Inc., Goodbye Pants Music, EMI Foray Music, Write 2 Be Free Music, EMI April Music Inc., CDS Words and Music, BMI, SESAC, ASCAP, Adm by Sony/ATV; RCA (download) 
—Golly, this guy can sing. This power ballad exudes sensuous desire, whispered secrets and midnight intimacies. I remain an enormous fan.

CALICO THE BAND/The 405
Writer: K. Proffit; Producer: Steve Burns & Kristen Proffit; Publisher: none listed; California Country (track) (CALICOTHEBAND.com)
—The group is led by a female duo, Manda Mosher and Kristen Proffit. This breezy outing from its Under Blue Skies CD boasts wafting harmonies, sunny steel licks and a gently shuffling tempo. Who knew that traveling on an L.A. freeway could sound so pleasant?

BLAKE SHELTON/I’ll Name the Dogs
Writer: Matt Dragstrem, Ben Hayslip, Josh Thompson; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: Round Hill Songs/Big Loud Proud Songs/WB Music/Thankful For This Music/Big Music Machine, BMI, ASCAP; Warner Bros. (download) 
—Totally cute and totally country. A hillbilly proposal that comes with a wink and a smile. Love it. He remains one of the finest honky-tonk singers on today’s scene.

SMITH & WESLEY/Superman for a Day
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Dream Walkin’ (CDX) 
—The vocals lack oomph. The song is kinda sappy.

COLE SWINDELL/Stay Downtown
Writer: Cole Taylor, Matt Dragstrem; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros. (CDX) 
—Extremely well written, slice-of-life lyrics. Minimal melodic qualities.

HOME FREE/In the Blood
Writer: John Mayer; Producer: Darren Rust; Publisher: John Maye/Milky Boy, GMR; Columbia (track) 
—The quintet has always been billed as country’s a cappella ensemble, yet the lead single from its new Timeless collection is a John Mayer tune. But stripping it down to its lyric reveals just how poetic and “country” the song really is. And there’s no getting around the fact that these guys are mighty, mighty singers. Well done.

KELSEA BALLERINI/High School
Writer: Kelsea Ballerini; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Black River (download) 
—He refuses to grow up beyond a teen mentality. Her superb performance of this wooshy ballad is extraordinarily expressive, subtle and shaded. The sonic background effects are well placed and the soft, shimmering overall audio pallet is just lovely.

RUSSELL DICKERSON/Yours
Writer: Russell Dickerson/Casey Brown/Parker Welling; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Triple Tigers (track) ()
—The album with this title tune isn’t due until next month, but the song is already a streamed and video hit. It soars on the winds of new love and promise. The ballad is evidently becoming a wedding favorite, and I can hear why.

DISCovery winner Russell Dickerson.

Grand Ole Opry Plans Tribute To John D. Loudermilk

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Pictured in March at the tribute to Loudermilk at the Franklin Theatre. (L-R): Peter Cooper, John D. Loudermilk, Dixie Graves

The songs of the late John. D. Loudermilk will be honored with a special segment dedicated to his music at the Grand Ole Opry on October 3. Artists scheduled to appear during the tribute include John Jorgenson, Herb Pedersen, Deborah Allen and J2B2 with special guests Jon Randall and Beth Hooker, all of whom were part of A Tribute To John D. Loudermilk, a live album released September 15 on Vector Recordings. 

The album project was recorded March 24, 2016 during a concert at the Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee, and a film of the concert will be released this fall as a PBS special. Loudermilk was on hand to see the tribute when it was recorded, before passing away in September at the age of 82.

Loudermilk was the composer of such American classics as “Tobacco Road,” “Abilene,” “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye,” “Waterloo,” and “Indian Reservation,” and his songs have been recorded by the Allman Brothers, Edgar Winter, Jefferson Airplane, the Animals, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Casinos, the Everly Brothers, Petula Clark, Perry Como, Brenda Lee, Roy Orbison, Sammy Davis Jr., the Box Tops, Rick Nelson, Eddy Arnold, Barbara Mandrell, George Jones, Bobbie Gentry, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Waylon Jennings, Doc Watson, Anne Murray, Conway Twitty, Willie Nelson, James Brown, Solomon Burke, Nina Simone, Norah Jones, Jay Z, Kanye West, and more. 

Jorgenson, Pedersen and Allen will sign copies of the album in the Opry Shop immediately following their performances.

Miranda Lambert To Kick Off 2018 With 23-City Livin’ Like Hippies Tour

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Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert is launching her Livin’ Like Hippies Tour beginning in 2018. The 23-city tour will kick off January 18 in Greenville, SC and will hit Atlanta, L.A, Phoenix, San Diego, Kansas City, and more through March 24.

Named from the lyrics of Lambert’s song “Highway Vagabond” which appears on her 24-song, double album, The Weight Of These Wings, the tour also features special guest Jon Pardi. In addition to Pardi, Lambert has also tapped Brent Cobb, Turnpike Troubadours, Lucie Silvas, The Steel Woods, Sunny Sweeney, Ashley McBryde and Charlie Worsham to perform on select dates.

Tickets for eight of the shows go on sale October 6 (bold below) and can be purchased at LiveNation.com or Ticketmaster.com. Citi is the official pre-sale credit card of the Livin’ Like Hippies Tour, and Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesday prior to the general public on sale through Citi’s Private Pass program.

Livin’ Like Hippies Tour Dates:
1/18/2018 – Greenville, SC Bon Secours Arena (Jon Pardi and Brent Cobb)
1/19/2018 – Orlando, FL Amway Center (Jon Pardi and Brent Cobb)
1/20/2018 – Atlanta, GA Infinite Energy Center (Jon Pardi and Brent Cobb)
2/1/2018 – Tacoma, WA (Jon Pardi and Turnpike Troubadours)
2/2/2018 – Spokane, WA (Jon Pardi and Turnpike Troubadours)
2/3/2018 – Eugene, OR (Matthew Knight Arena Jon Pardi and Turnpike Troubadours)
2/8/2018 – Sacramento, CA Golden 1 Center (Jon Pardi and Lucie Silvas)
2/9/2018 – Fresno, CA Save Mart Center (Jon Pardi and Lucie Silvas)
2/10/2018 – Los Angeles, CA The Forum (Jon Pardi and Lucie Silvas)
2/15/2018 – San Diego, CA Viejas Arena (Jon Pardi and Lucie Silvas)
2/17/2018 – Phoenix, AZ Talking Stick Resort Arena (Jon Pardi and Lucie Silvas)
3/1/2018 – Knoxville, TN Thompson-Boling Arena (Jon Pardi and The Steel Woods)
3/2/2018 – Lexington, KY Rupp Arena (Jon Pardi and The Steel Woods)
3/3/2018 – Cleveland, OH Wolstein Center (Jon Pardi and The Steel Woods)
3/8/2018 – Omaha, NE CenturyLink Center (Jon Pardi and Sunny Sweeney)
3/9/2018 – Oklahoma City, OK Chesapeake Energy Arena (Jon Pardi and Sunny Sweeney)
3/10/2018 – Little Rock, AR Verizon Arena (Jon Pardi and Sunny Sweeney)
3/15/2018 – Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena (Jon Pardi and Ashley McBryde)
3/16/2018 – St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center (Jon Pardi and Ashley McBryde)
3/17/2018 – Kansas City, MO Sprint Center (Jon Pardi and Ashley McBryde)
3/22/2018 – Newark, NJ Prudential Center (Jon Pardi and Charlie Worsham)
3/23/2018 – State College, PA Bryce Jordan Center (Jon Pardi and Charlie Worsham)
3/24/2018 – Winston Salem, NC Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum (Jon Pardi and Charlie Worsham)

*Bold indicates ticket on sale date of October 6.

Kelsea Ballerini To Receive Vanguard Award At 55th ASCAP Country Music Awards

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ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, will present Kelsea Ballerini with the ASCAP Vanguard Award at the 55th annual ASCAP Country Music Awards. The awards celebration, which honors the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed country songs of 2016, will take place at the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville on Nov. 6.

“From the moment she released her debut single, Kelsea Ballerini’s fearless songwriting and gifted vocals have made her one of the most exciting new artists in country music,” said John Titta, ASCAP Executive Vice President, Membership. “By combining pop and country sounds with thoughtful, emotionally honest lyrics, she has unapologetically forged her own creative path to success and gained millions of fans along the way. We are thrilled to honor her with the ASCAP Vanguard Award.”

The Vanguard Award recognizes the impact of outstanding ASCAP members on musical genres that are shaping the future of American music. Previous recipients include Chris Stapleton, Walk the Moon, St. Vincent, fun., The Civil Wars, Third Day, Band of Horses, Sara Bareilles and more.

Black River Entertainment artist Ballerini earned three consecutive platinum-certified No. 1 singles from her debut album, For The First Time, including “Love Me Like  You Mean It,” “Peter Pan,” and “Dibs.” She either wrote or co-wrote every track on the debut project.

Ballerini earned two most-performed song awards at the 2016 ASCAP Country Music Awards, for “Dibs” and “Love Me Like You Mean It.”

Ballerini’s sophomore album, Unapologetically, will release Nov. 3.

As previously announced, the 55th annual ASCAP Country Music Awards will also present the ASCAP Founders Award to Rodney Crowell, as well as awards for ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year and Publisher of the Year. The evening will feature live performances of some of the top five most performed songs by the award-winning songwriters and/or the artists who recorded them.

In Pictures: Thomas Rhett, AIMP, Alex Williams, Connie Smith, Bobby Bare, Devin Dawson, Hunter Hayes

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 Thomas Rhett Celebrates No. 1 Album at iHeart Radio Music Festival

Pictured (L-R): The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner, iHeart Media’s Rod Phillips, John Sykes and Tom Poleman, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Thomas Rhett, iHeart Media’s Bob Pittman and Bobby Bones, G Major’s Virginia Davis, Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg. Photo: Courtesy Valory Music Co.

Thomas Rhett celebrates his chart-topping album Life Changes at iHeart Radio Music Festival with members of his label and management teams, and representatives from iHeartMedia.

 

AIMP Celebrates Third Annual Songwriter Series In Nashville

Front row, from left: Class of 2017 songwriters Ross Ellis, Sarah Turner, Hannah Ellis, and Daniel Ross. Back row, from left: Dale Bobo (Big Deal Music), Brad Peterson (Regions Bank), Rusty Gaston (THiS Music), AIMP Nashville Executive Director John Ozier (ole), AIMP Nashville Treasurer Ree Guyer (Wrensong Music), and Class of 2017 songwriter Michael Hardy.

 

BMLG’s Alex Williams Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

Pictured (L-R): Jeff Lysyczyn, Big Show Music Co.; Gina Keltner, Grand Ole Opry (Sr. Talent Manager); Alex Williams, Big Machine Records artist; Julian Raymond, Big Machine Label Group (VP of A&R/Producer); Jim Weatherson, Big Machine Label Group (General Manager); Matt Malcolm, WME Nashville (Agent).

Big Machine Records artist Alex Williams made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, Sept. 23. He performed “Old Tattoo” and “Hellbent Hallelujah” from his album Better Than Myself.

 

Connie Smith, Dave Cobb, Bobby Bare and Lloyd Green Share Stories From Studio B

Pictured (L-R): Museum Editor Peter Cooper, Country Music Hall of Fame Member Bobby Bare, Country Music Hall of Fame Member Connie Smith, Lloyd Green, and Dave Cobb. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images.

Bobby Bare, Dave Cobb, Lloyd Green and Connie Smith recently gathered at Historic RCA Studio B to share their perspectives on working at the Home of 1,000 Hits for a sold-out program. The studio celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

 

Devin Dawson, Hunter Hayes Perform For CAA’s Whiskey Jam Takeover

Pictured (L-R): Shane Tarleton (SVP Artist Development, WMN); Hunter Hayes; Devin Dawson; Cris Lacy (SVP A&R, WMN); Matt Signore (COO, WMN); Tim Foisset (VP Streaming, WMN)

Atlantic Records / Warner Music Nashville recording artists Hunter Hayes and Devin Dawson took the stage Monday night (Sept. 25) at CAA’s annual outdoor Whiskey Jam takeover. Dawson played a dynamic set including his Top 30 and climbing single “All On Me” to a packed crowd outside of Losers bar in Nashville, while Hayes closed the night with one of his signature guitar-shredding performances.