Lazer Lloyd Inks With PLA Media

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Singer/songwriter and virtuoso guitarist Lazer Lloyd has signed with PLA Media. Lloyd is gearing up for the release of his upcoming project which is being produced by Eric Paul (Townes Van Zandt, Billy Joe Shaver, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson). The artist has gained a loyal fanbase touring America, Canada and his home land of Israel over the past 20 years.

“Lazer is a unique client for PLA, splitting his time between the states and Israel,” explains Pam Lewis, President of PLA Media. “Everything I heard about Lazer’s talent is true. His insightful lyrics are reminiscent of Jim Croce, Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark mixed with magical guitar playing.”

“To work with a music industry leader of Pam Lewis’s experience and record of success is exciting and an honor,” states Lloyd. “To me Pam’s deep love of music, and her understanding of the power of songs and songwriting to change lives is what makes her team a great fit for me as I am focused on using my music to heal hearts and build bridges. I know Pam really gets that.”

Liz Rose Offers Peek Into A Day In The Life Of A Songwriter In New NSAI Workshop

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Liz Rose and the Nashville Songwriters Association International are presenting a unique workshop event, “Inside the Industry with Liz Rose.” The one-of-a-kind event Nov. 30–Dec. 3 will give participants an exclusive “peek behind the curtain” of the day-to-day life of a songwriter and offer them the opportunity to learn the ins and out of how a publishing deal works and how to get one.

Participants will also have the opportunity to gain record label insight from Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy (VP, A&R), participate in a Q&A session with Jody Williams (VP, Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI), and get a first-hand look at the demo development process, from song to studio. Attendees will also receive industry song feedback, participate in peer co-writing sessions, join a performance night at The Country, followed by a performance feedback session with Liz Rose Music, and more. They will also have the opportunity to attend a Bluebird Café Performance featuring Liz Rose and Friends during the four-day experience.

Rose has penned hits for artists including Taylor Swift, Little Big Town, Eli Young Band, Raelynn and more. Her songwriting awards include 2007 SESAC Songwriter of the Year, 2010 Grammy for ‘Best Country Song’ (“White Horse,” Taylor Swift), 2011 ACM ‘Song of the Year’ (“Crazy Girl,” Eli Young Band), 2015 CMA ‘Song of the Year’ award (“Girl Crush,” Little Big Town), and 2016 ACM ‘Song of the Year’ award (“Girl Crush,” Little Big Town).

Interested applicants can apply now through October 1, 2017 for the first application period. Only twenty participants will be accepted, and more details can be found at nashvillesongwriters.com.

Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit Reveal Opening Acts For Ryman Residency

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After an extensive summer tour, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit will return to Nashville for a six-night residency at the Ryman Auditorium this fall in support of their newly released album The Nashville Sound.

Opening acts for the Nashville shows include:

Secret Sisters – Oct. 9
Julien Baker – Oct. 10
Bettye Lavette – Oct. 11
Amanda Shires – Oct. 13
Lydia Loveless – Oct. 14
McCrary Sisters – Oct. 15

The Nashville Sound was recorded at Nashville’s RCA Studio A and produced by Grammy Award-winner Dave Cobb, who produced Something More Than Free and Isbell’s celebrated 2013 breakthrough album Southeastern. The Nashville Sound is the first official Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit album since 2011’s Here We Rest.

Music Row Community Gives Back: Texas Relief

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G7 Entertainment Marketing and Sunrise Creative are spearheading a campaign to help those in Texas affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Those in the larger Music Row community who wish to donate items can drop off donations at G7 Entertainment Marketing, located at 801 18th Ave. S. in Nashville. Donations must be dropped off no later than 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1.

Among the suggested donations items are: tooth brushes, toothpaste, batteries, flashlights, towels, blankets, bottled water, first aid kits, toiletries, diapers, baby wipes, formula, pet food, and non-perishable food items. Also suggested are clean up supplies including air circulators, extension cords, dehumidifiers, portable blowers, etc.

Triple Play: Chris Young Celebrates No. 1 Song, Platinum Album, And Grand Ole Opry Membership

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Vince Gill invites Chris Young to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, August 29, 2017. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

Chris Young checked more milestones off his bucket list Tuesday night (Aug. 29) at the Grand Ole Opry, with a triple celebration.

The highlight of the evening came when Young was surprised onstage by his “Sober Saturday Night” collaborator Vince Gill, who asked Young to become the next member of the Grand Ole Opry. Young made his Opry debut in 2006. His formal induction will take place Oct. 17, just days before the release of his seventh album, Losing Sleep.

“I love playing on that record and it was fun, but I heard about all that money you raised for Texas,” Gill said, referring to the GoFundMe account that Young recently set up to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey. “Good hearted boy, but I never got paid for that session,” Gill said jokingly, “and I’m still five years away from social security. I tell you what. I’ll make you a deal. I’ll forgive the session fees if you’ll become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

Young gave Gill a bear hug as the audience offered a standing ovation.

“You are getting triple scale at this point,” Young replied. “I was standing backstage wondering why you were making me [perform] last?”

“Now you know,” Gill quipped. “So will you?”

“Yes, 100 percent,” said Young.

YouTube video

Before his Grand Ole Opry set, Young checked off another bucket list item, earning his first platinum album with the news that his 2011 album Neon has been certified platinum by the RIAA. He also received plaques honoring the success of his radio singles “Think Of You” (RIAA certified Platinum) and “Sober Saturday Night” (RIAA certified Gold), which brings Young to a total of 16 gold and platinum certifications.

The Warren Brothers, Chris Young and Vince Gill celebrate the chart-topper “Sober Saturday Night” during a No. 1 party at the Grand Ole Opry

Earlier in the evening, Young celebrated his most recent chart-topper, “Sober Saturday Night,” with a No. 1 party backstage at the Opry with his  co-writers Brad and Brett Warren, as well as with Gill, who provided harmonies and guitar work on the track.

BMI’s Bradley Collins, Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson, Young’s “Sober Saturday Night” producer Corey Crowder, Young’s manager Larry Fitzgerald, RCA Nashville’s Sr. VP/Promotion Dennis Reese, and more gathered to celebrate the chart-topping single.

“I set out all these years ago to be a supporter,” said Gill, “I wanted to be one of those guys you read about on the back of a record jacket, or played a guitar part or harmony part. Over the past 42 years now, I’m at about 1,000 artists’ records that I’ve had the privilege of getting to contribute. These are some great guys and I’m glad to be included. I got to strap on a loud guitar and play a solo and sing the high parts that were too high for Chris.”

“That’s true,” Young quipped.

“Getting to work with Corey has been such a cool thing for both of us, but especially for me because we see eye to eye in the studio. We both have the same vision and someone who is as talented as he is is very special to get to work with.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Bradley Collins, Corey Crowder, Chris Young, Brad and Brett Warren and Vince Gill. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

“Brad and Brett, thank you for even getting in a room with me. It was an honor to write that song together. I remember when I got Vince on the song, I called both of you guys and you were like, ‘We’re on the Row,’ and you came over and we sat in the truck and I played you the first early cut of it.”

Young also gave props to Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson, whose response to first hearing “Sober Saturday Night” proved prophetic.

“Troy Tomlinson, when I sat in the room with you and played you some music off the new record. When I played this song, he said, ‘Hang on a second.’ He took stationary out of his desk, wrote a note, put it in and envelope, seals it and says, ‘Don’t open this until it’s a single.’ I put it in my truck. My truck had to go int he shop and I left it there because I had been gone touring. The song went No. 1 so I got my truck an I opened it and it’s him going, ‘This is undoubtedly a No. 1 song. There is no doubt in my mind, so I hope when you open this we get to celebrate together.'”

And celebrate they did last night, with Young as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Pictured (L-R): Bradley Collins – BMI, Larry Fitzgerald – Fitzgerald Hartley, Dennis Reese – Sony Music Nashville, Corey Crowder – Producer, Chris Young, Brad Warren, Vince Gill, Brett Warren, Troy Tomlinson – Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

Justin Moore’s 40-City Hell On A Highway Tour To Kick Off In October

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Justin Moore is launching his new coast to coast Hell on a Highway Tour in October. The new outing, Moore’s fourth headlining tour, will hit over 40 cities across the US through next April, including New Orleans, Richmond, Tulsa, San Jose, Salt Lake, and L.A. Dylan Scott will open for Moore on the dates.

Moore wrapped his American Made Tour with Lee Brice in April and recently landed his seventh No. 1 single, “Somebody Else Will,” which is the second chart-topper from his fourth studio album Kinda Don’t Care (The Valory Music Co.).

HELL ON A HIGHWAY TOUR:
Oct. 13 Monroe, La. — Monroe Civic Center
Oct. 15 New Orleans, La. — UNO Lakefront Arena
Oct. 19 Baltimore, Md. — The Modell Lyric
Oct. 20 Richmond, Va. — Altria Theater
Oct. 27 Birmingham, Ala. — BJCC Concert Hall
Nov. 4 Moline, Ill. — iWireless Center
Nov. 9 Muncie, Ind. — Emens Auditorium, Ball State University
Nov. 10 Muskegon, Mich. — L.C. Walker Arena
Nov. 11 Merrillville, Ind. — Star Plaza Theatre
Nov. 16 Salem, Va. — Salem Civic Center
Nov. 17 Athens, Ga. — Akins Arena at The Classic Center
Jan. 18 Rio Rancho, N.M. — Santa Ana Star Center
Jan. 19 Prescott Valley, Ariz. — Prescott Valley Event Center
Jan. 20 Salt Lake City, UT — Maverik Center
Jan. 21 Nampa, Idaho — Ford Idaho Center
Jan. 23 Tucson, Ariz. — Tucson Arena
Jan 25 San Jose, Calif. — City National Civic
Jan. 26 Los Angeles, Calif. — Microsoft Theater
Jan. 27 Ontario, Calif. — Citizens Business Bank Arena
Feb. 1 Washington, D.C. — The Anthem
Feb. 2 Salisbury, Md. — Wicomico Civic Center
Feb. 3 Newark, Del. — Bob Carpenter Center, University of Delaware
Feb. 9 Norfolk, Va. — Ted Constant Convocation Center
Feb. 10 Spartanburg, S.C. — Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
Feb. 15 Rockford, Ill. — BMO Harris Bank Center
Feb.16 Ft. Wayne, Ind. — Allen County Memorial Coliseum
Feb. 17 Ypsilanti, Mich. — EMU Convocation Center
Feb. 23 Trenton, N.J. — Sun National Bank Center
Feb. 24 Rochester, N.Y. — Blue Cross Arena
Mar. 1 Estero, Fla. — Germaine Arena
Mar. 3 St. Augustine, Fla. — St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Mar. 8 Broomfield, Colo. — 1st Bank Arena
Mar. 9 Kearney, Neb. — Viaero Event Center
Mar. 10 Bismarck, N.D. — Bismarck Event Center
Mar. 15 Park City, Kan. — Hartman Arena
Mar. 16 Tulsa, Okla. — Brady Theatre
Mar. 23 Shreveport, La. — Shreveport Municipal Auditorium
Mar. 24 Pensacola, Fla. — Pensacola Bay Center
Mar. 29 Kingston, R.I. — The Ryan Center
Mar. 30 Portland, ME — Cross Insurance Arena
Mar. 31 Bangor, ME — Cross Insurance Center
April 19 St. Joseph, Mo. — St. Joseph Civic Center
April 20 Cedar Falls, Iowa — McLeod Center
April 21 Green Bay, Wisc — Resch Center
April 26 Troy, OH — Hobart Arena
April 27 Youngstown, OH — Covelli Centre
April 28 Knoxville, Tenn. — Knoxville Civic Coliseum

Industry Pics: Florida Georgia Line, Backstreet Boys, Jerrod Niemann, ASCAP, Thiel Audio, The Sisterhood

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Florida Georgia Line, Backstreet Boys Unite For CMT Crossroads This Wednesday

Pictured (back row L-R): Margaret Comeaux, EP/VP, Music & Event Production, CMT; Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter and Howie Dorough; Frank Tanki, GM, CMT & TV Land; Backstreet Boys’ Kevin Richardson; John Hamlin, EP, Switched On Entertainment; and Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley; (front row L-R): Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard; and Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean and Brian Littrell. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images

Florida Georgia Line and Backstreet Boys recently joined forces to perform never-before-heard renditions of each group’s biggest hits for an upcoming CMT Crossroads special. The all-new, one-hour show premieres this Wednesday, Aug. 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Jerrod Niemann Hosts Celebrity Family Feud Viewing Party At Fort Campbell

Photo: Courtesy of Jerrod Niemann

Jerrod Niemann hosted a live viewing party for his episode of Celebrity Family Feud for soldiers and their families stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky on Sunday night (Aug. 27).

Niemann competed against good friend and labelmate Lee Brice to win $25,000 for the USO. Although Brice ultimately won the game with proceeds benefiting Folds of Honor, Niemann received $5,000 for his selected charity.

After a life-changing USO tour in 2016, the singer-songwriter is committed to bringing awareness to the brave men and women that fight daily for our nation’s freedoms.

 

ASCAP At CD Baby DIY Musician Conference

Pictured (L-R): CD Baby VP of Music Publishing and Rights Management Jonathan Bahr, ASCAP Creative Manager Beth Brinker, Prescription Songs’ Katie Fagan, and ASCAP songwriter Jon Nite.

ASCAP sponsored a panel on songwriting and publishing at the DIY Musician Conference Presented by CD Baby, held Aug. 25-27 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. The panel, entitled Publishing 101, covered various topics of songwriting and publishing, including publishing revenue streams, the creative side of the songwriting world, and how to establish yourself as a songwriter.

Panelists included CD Baby VP of Music Publishing and Rights Management Jonathan Bahr, ASCAP Creative Manager Beth Brinker, Prescription Songs’ Katie Fagan, and hit ASCAP songwriter Jon Nite.

 

Thiel Audio Leadership Celebrates New Launch

Pictured (L-R): Ali McCowan, Jerome Pillow, Katherine Aroca, Elyse McKenna, Dennis Crosson, Bryant Boyd, Devin Hauersperger, MacKinnon Morrissey, James Swanson, and Eric Johanson.

Nashville-based audio technology and entertainment company, Thiel Audio, recently launched its first wireless streaming products, the AURORA Home and the battery-powered AURORA Tour, both of which feature a connectivity suite leveraging DTS Play-Fi®, Apple Airplay®, and Bluetooth technologies.

Thiel Audio’s leadership team and new CEO, Elyse McKenna, recently celebrated the launch at their Nashville showroom and event space, Thiel Studios.

 

The Sisterhood Reflects On Bucket List Week

Pictured (L-R): John Zarling, EVP Marketing/New Business, Sony Music Nashville; Taylor Lindsey, VP, A&R, Sony Music Nashville; Steve Buchanan, President, Opry Entertainment; The Sisterhood’s Alyssa Bonagura and Ruby Stewart; Sally Williams, SVP, Opry Entertainment Programming/Artist Relations and Opry GM; Randy Goodman, Chairman/CEO, Sony Music Nashville; and Jim Catino, SVP, A&R, Sony Music Nashville. Photo: Chris Hollo

The Sisterhood experienced a bucket list week recently. The new country duo made their Grand Ole Opry debut on Sunday, Aug. 20, before performing at a solar eclipse viewing party the next day.

“It was an absolute honor to make our debut on a rare Sunday night show–one which has never been done in the history of the Grand Ole Opry,” enthused The Sisterhood’s Ruby Stewart. “To share the bill with some of our biggest inspirations in country music was surreal for us.”

Duo member Alyssa Bonagura responded, “There’s nothing more magical than being at the Opry, but to play on the eve of the new moon solar eclipse added an unforgettable energy.”

She added, “To be introduced by country radio legend Bill Cody who has always supported our music, and to have our Sony Nashville team and families side stage made the evening so special for us.”

On Monday (Aug. 21) The Sisterhood provided the soundtrack for the momentous Total Solar Eclipse as they performed at a private event in downtown Nashville. The duo did a set prior to the celestial moment, followed by an eclipse encore performance of the Bonagura/Stewart co-penned song, “Tethered.”

The Sisterhood summed it up best, “Playing on the rooftop of the Sony/WME building with the Nashville skyline as our backdrop was the perfect setting to welcome the new moon solar eclipse. It marked new beginnings and a full circle moment for us!”

Pictured (L-R): Ken Robold, EVP/COO, Sony Music Nashville; Taylor Lindsey, VP, A&R, Sony Music Nashville; Steve Hodges, EVP Promotion/Artist Development, Sony Music Nashville; Jim Catino, SVP, A&R, Sony Music Nashville; The Sisterhood’s Alyssa Bonagura and Ruby Stewart; Randy Goodman, Chairman/CEO, Sony Music Nashville; Liz
Cost, Manager, Marketing, Sony Music Nashville; Margaret Tomlin, Manager, A&R, Sony Music Nashville; and Risha Rodgers, WME. Photo: Matt Berinato

 

Clint Black, John Rich To Perform For American Public Television’s ‘Front And Center’

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Clint Black will be joined by Big & Rich’s John Rich to film an exclusive performance for CMA Songwriters Series presented by U.S. Bank as part of an ongoing partnership between the Country Music Association and American Public Television’s Front and Center.

The taping will take place Tuesday, Sept. 5 at the Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee. Doors are at 6 p.m. CT with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase via the Franklin Theatre website.

Throughout his career, Black has amassed 57 charted singles, 31 Top 10 hits, 22 No. 1 smashes, and has sold more than 22 million albums worldwide. With multitudes of awards under his belt, including trophies from CMA and The Recording Academy, the mega-star most recently released On Purpose, his first full-length album of new songs in a decade.

Known for his talent as both a performer and songwriter, Rich has written more than 1,300 songs in his lifetime, penning hits including Jason Aldean’s “Hicktown,” Taylor Swift’s “The Way I Loved You,” and many more. He’s a three-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, 16-time CMA Award nominee, five-time Grammy nominee, and has penned 13 Top 10 hits. In addition to his music career, Rich has achieved success as a TV personality and entrepreneur.

Through the CMA Songwriters Series and “Front and Center” collaboration, an array of special episodes have been produced featuring the likes of Dierks Bentley, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Jennifer Nettles, and dozens of top songwriters. Each episode features insider stories and explores the passion and motivation that have helped to create some of Country Music’s biggest hits.

 

Craig Wayne Boyd To Release ‘Top Shelf’ In October

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Craig Wayne Boyd

Craig Wayne Boyd will release his upcoming album, Top Shelf, on Oct. 27 via Copperline Music Group. The album marks Boyd’s first full-length album since his The Voice Season 7 victory in 2014. During his time on NBC, his single “Baby’s Got A Smile On Her Face” debuted at No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart.

“I’ve felt so much love from people who supported me from day one! I am so excited to finally get to share some new music with those loyal fans and maybe win over a few new ones in the meantime,” Boyd said.

Growing up in the Dallas, Texas suburb of Mesquite, Boyd’s childhood was highly influenced by gospel and country music and he later became the choir director at his hometown church. After a trip to Nashville, Boyd signed a publishing deal with EMI. He began touring, logging more than 1,000 shows in four years. In addition, Boyd also played with Rascal Flatts during their Vegas Riot! nine-show residency at the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas.

Top Shelf Track List:
1. Stuck In My Head
2. Somewhere In There
3. She’s Killing Me
4. Wild Ways
5. We Sweat
6. Everywhere You Go
7. Sweet Temptation
8. Better Together
9. Hold Me Up
10. Only In My Mind
11. Interlude
12. Presence of the Lord
13. Sweet Temptation Mini Jam

Americana Music Association, Country Music Hall Of Fame Partner During Americana Week

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The Americana Music Association and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum are partnering once again to offer one-of-a-kind programs during the 18th Annual Americana Music Festival & Conference Americanafest Sept. 12-17.

“This year’s slate of Americanafest programming at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum represents some of the best curation on the planet,” said Americana Music Association Executive Director, Jed Hilly. “It’s a thrill to be working with Kyle Young and his team for the 11th straight year to bring amazing, educational, historical and of course musical experiences that you will not find elsewhere. We are honored to partner to bring these wonderful programs to the community.”

Activities at the museum begin Wednesday, Sept. 13 in the Ford Theater with Southern Streams, featuring special performances and conversation from Don Bryant, Yola Carter, Raul Malo and Joan Osborne presented by Ann Powers of NPR Music. The songwriters round brings together four artists whose music reflects very different family legacies and life experiences, from Southern soul to Latin-tinged country to African-diaspora folk.

On Thursday, September 14, Mike Judge Presents: Tales from the Tour Bus, an animated half-hour show chronicling the stories of some of country music’s most eccentric characters, will premiere. The event will feature a screening of two episodes and a conversation with co-creator/executive producer Mike Judge, followed by a live performance musical tribute to the acts featured in the series featuring Brandy Clark, Brent Cobb, Elizabeth Cook, Dori Freeman, Jack Ingram, Jim Lauderdale, Sam Outlaw, Teddy Thompson and more to be announced.

On Friday afternoon, sisters Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer will perform songs from their new album and talk with NPR Music’s Ann Powers about the recording, the creative process, and sharing music as siblings. Later that day, Devon Allman, Pony Bradshaw, Michael Lehman, Buddy Miller, Joan Osborne, and John Paul White will join Grammy Museum Executive Director Scott Goldman as they pay homage, through stories and music, in celebration of Gregg Allman’s final recording.

Saturday will round-out the activities with Bruce Robison in a Songwriter Session, and an interview and performance by Lee Ann Womack.

“The mission of the Americana Music Association is to advocate for the authentic voice of American roots music around the world,” said museum CEO Kyle Young. “Part of our own mission is to interpret this ever-changing art form. One of the ways we do that is through our educational programs. We are happy to partner once again with the association to further both our missions and offer what is sure to be an unforgettable week of music and conversation.”

Each program is included with museum admission and free to museum members and AMERICANAFEST badge holders. There is limited seating, and a program pass is required. Additional programming information can be found at countrymusichalloffame.org/.