Christian Lopez To Release ‘Red Arrow’ In September

/by

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Christian Lopez is set to release his sophomore album Red Arrow on Blaster Records on Sept. 22.

The album, produced by Marshall Altman, finds Lopez expressing his views via his own songwriting efforts, and collaborating with writers including Dylan Altman, Gabe Dixon, Dave Berg, Tofer Brown, Mindy Smith, and more. The Milk Carton Kids’ Kenneth Pattengale appears on “Caramel,” which Lopez penned solo.

“So much of the previous record was written at home in West Virginia, long before I had a record deal,” Lopez says. “I had developed into a solo writer just out of circumstance. But touring and sharing a lot of time and miles with so many other inspiring musicians just lends itself to the spirit of collaboration.”

Red Arrow Track Listing:

1. Swim The River (Christian Lopez & Jordan Lawhead)
2. 1972 (Christian Lopez, Marshall Altman & Dylan Altman)
3. Don’t Wanna Say Goodnight (Christian Lopez, Gabe Dixon & Marshall Cunningham)
4. Silver Line (Christian Lopez, Jordan Lawhead & Dave Berg)
5. Someday (Christian Lopez & Marshall Altman)
6. Say Goodbye (Christian Lopez, Marshall Altman, Liz Longley & Jabe Beyer)
7. All The Time (Christian Lopez & Billy Montana)
8. Mexico (Christian Lopez & Tofer Brown)
9. Steel On The Water (Christian Lopez)
10. Caramel (feat. Kenneth Pattengale of Milk Carton Kids) (Christian Lopez)
11. Still On Its Feet (Christian Lopez, Josh Williams & Mindy Smith)

In Pictures: Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Florida Georgia Line, Lewis Brice

/by

Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild And Kimberly Schlapman Co-Host The Talk

Pictured (back row, L-R): Sheryl Underwood and Julie Chen; (Front row, L-R): Sara Gilbert, Kimberly Schlapman and Karen Fairchild.

Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman joined CBS’s award-winning daytime series, The Talk, as guest co-hosts on Monday (July 10) along with hosts Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert and Sheryl Underwood. Award-winning actress Edie Falco and Access Hollywood’s Natalie Morales served as the show’s guest.

 

Florida Georgia Line Rocks Sold-Out Fenway Park

Florida Georgia Line performs at Fenway Park as part of The Smooth Tour 2017. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Florida Georgia Line

Florida Georgia Line and Backstreet Boys celebrate their No. 1 hit “God, Your Mama, And Me.” Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Florida Georgia Line [click photo to enlarge]

Florida Georgia Line rocked Boston’s Fenway Park on Friday night (July 7), marking their first headlining stadium show in front of a sold-out crowd.

Backstreet Boys joined FGL onstage for their heartfelt ballad, “God, Your Mama, And Me,” which ended in a surprise plaque presentation to celebrate the song’s No. 1 on country radio airplay charts.

Two more stadium concerts are on tap for this summer, with Backstreet Boys returning for massive shows at Minneapolis’ Target Field (July 29) and Chicago’s Wrigley Field (August 12).

 

Lewis Brice Visits WSIX

Pictured (L-R): Social Pulse Media’s EJ Bernas, iHeart’s Gator Harrison, Lewis Brice, iHeart’s Ryan Mckiddy, Jessica Tigue and Zack Massey.

Lewis Brice visited WSIX in Nashville, the first stop on his “street week” radio and media tour. His debut self-titled EP is set to release on Friday, July 14.

Lee Roy Parnell To Release First New Album In Over Decade

/by

Lee Roy Parnell fans will be thrilled to know that he is releasing his first collection of new songs in 11 years this August with Vector Recordings’ Midnight Believer. The new project, due out Aug. 11, includes 10 tracks Parnell penned with Greg Barnhill, who he attributes with helping get him out of a musical slump of sorts.

“When Greg came to me with the idea of us getting together to write, I was experiencing something of a dry spell,” explains Parnell about the new music. “I hadn’t written anything in months and hoped the fog would lift but when you’re in a dry spell you always wonder, ‘What if the words don’t come…where is my ability to come up with fresh musical ideas?’ Greg saw through all that, lit a new fuse and just like that, we were off to the races. The songs were literally coming faster than we could write them down. Sometimes you just need a little help from a friend, and I certainly got lucky with Mr. Barnhill’s enthusiasm and encouragement.”

The new project includes some help from artists like Parnell’s dear friend Etta Britt and The Fairfield Four, who sang the “Keep On Walking” line repeated in the bridge of the song “Sunny Days.” It marks the second time Parnell has collaborated with the gospel legends.

“Some of you might remember our version of ‘John The Revelator’ for which we got a CMA Vocal Event of the Year nomination back in 1999,” says Parnell. “You can’t hear these four men sing together without feeling the Spirit move you.  ‘Sunny Days’ would not be the same without them.”

Of course the album is infused with plenty of the blue-eyed soul that Parnell is known for as well.

“One of the best things about gaining some maturity is you finally find out ‘Who You Is and Who You Ain’t,’ admits Parnell. “That said, I’d have to say that the song ‘Too Far Gone’ on the new album best describes me as an artist, now. It’s clearly a Blue-Eyed Soul ‘Beat Ballad’ as Barry Beckett (of The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and my first producer) would call it. Barry really taught me how to make records. He taught me about groove, soul, vocal delivery and how to make every note count! The message here is in life and love we ebb and flow. We have good days and tough days. What counts is going the distance (or at least as far as you can).”

Pre-order for the new album begins today here. Parnell will debut the new music during a series of dates this Summer and Fall, including several “guitar army” dates with John Jorgensen and Joe Robinson. He’s clearly happy to be back making fresh new music for the fans and is eager to keep the momentum going. “Only now do I feel like I’m truly hitting my stride. Lifers don’t quit, you know.  I’d like to keep making a record every 18 months of so…record with some friends of mine again. I want to keep making music that comes straight from the heart.”

Midnight Believer Track Listing: 
1. Hours In Between
2. Midnight Believer
3. Pontchartrain
4. Too Far Gone
5. Sunny Days (Feat. The Fairfield Four)
6. Want Whatcha’ Have
7. Hair Of The Dog
8. Going Uptown
9. Tied Up And Tangled
10. Some Time Ago

CCM News: Kari Jobe Extends Tour, Finding Favour To Release ‘Farewell Fear’

/by

Kari Jobe Extends Garden Tour Into Fall

Kari Jobe is extending her Garden Tour into the Fall, playing 21 dates with special guest Cody Carnes.

Tickets for the Fall dates will be available for pre sale from July 14-16 using the pre sale code LOVE. The official on sale date for tour tickets is July 17th.

“This Fall tour is extra special for me because my husband Cody Carnes will be opening the evening playing new songs from his album that will be released very soon,” states Jobe. “There are lots of exciting things in store for this tour! We have heard numerous stories of God doing miracles in people’s emotions and hearts. It’s been such a sweet journey writing, recording and now leading these songs live on tour! I can’t wait to be in more cities this Fall to continue to see all that God wants to do in people’s lives that come!”

The Garden Tour:
*All dates subject to change
Oct. 6 – Winston-Salem, NC | Winston-Salem First
Oct. 7 – Greenville, SC | McAlister Auditorium
Oct. 8 – Knoxville, TN | Tennessee Theatre
Oct. 12 – New Orleans, LA | Church of the King
Oct. 13 – Dallas, TX | Gateway Church
10/14 – Houston, TX | Grace Church
Oct. 15 – Austin, TX | Great Hills Baptist Church
Oct. 19 – Virginia Beach, VA | Wave Church
Oct. 20 – Pittsburgh, PA | Victory Family Church
Oct. 21 – Reading, PA | GT Church
Oct. 22 – New Haven, CT | College Street Music Hall
Oct. 24 – New York, NY | PlayStation Theater
Oct. 26 – Milwaukee, WI | Riverside Theatre
Oct. 27 – St. Louis, MO | Grace Church
Oct. 29 – Fort Wayne, IN | Embassy Theatre
Nov. 3 – Wichita, KS | Central Community Church
Nov. 4 – Springfield, MO | Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
Nov. 5 – Oklahoma City, OK | The Criterion
Nov. 9 – Detroit, MI | NorthRidge Church
Nov. 10 – Cincinnati, OH | Taft Theatre
Nov. 11 – Lexington, KY | Quest Community Church

 

Finding Favour Says ‘Farewell Fear’ This Summer

Gotee Records’ Finding Favour tackles the common challenge of dealing with those nagging fears we all have on their upcoming new album, Farewell Fear, due out on Aug. 25. The debut single from the project, “It Is Well,” is already a Top 40 song on Billboard‘s Christian Airplay/Audience chart.

“We’re all in our thirties—most of us have wives and kids—and there’s fear involved that,” Finding Favour’s Blake NeeSmith said. “We wanted to discuss honest stuff in these songs, and there’s fear involved with that. Early on in this album’s writing process, the statement we wanted to make became clear to us: ‘Lord, we trust You and know You have plans for us; so we don’t need to live in fear.’”

This project is the follow-up to their 2015 album Reborn, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Christian Albums’ chart. The band has been a Top 5 Air1 artist of the year for the last two years and was nominated for a 2016 KLOVE Fan Awards “Breakout Single.”

Lorrie Morgan Joins Agency33

/by

Pictured (L-R): Ontourage Management’s Drew Blakeley, Lorrie Morgan, Ontourage Management’s Tony Conway, Agency33’s Joey Amato – © 2017 Grand Ole Opry / Photo by Chris Hollo

Lorrie Morgan has signed on as the flagship artist of the newly-formed Agency33 Tour Press division. Morgan has sold more than 12 million albums worldwide, earned 14 top ten hits, released more than a dozen full length albums (including three consecutive Platinum albums) and earned four Female Vocalist of the Year awards. Morgan was previously with Webster PR.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with Joey again,” states Morgan. “I’m at a point in my career where I have the freedom to be as artistic as I want and step out of the box a bit. Nowadays, the only people I’m trying to please are my fans. It’s rare to find people that understand and nurture that; Joey fits right in with me and my team and I look forward to seeing what we come up with next!”

“I am so honored to welcome Lorrie to Agency33. We have been working together for the past year and for her and her team to put their trust in me, means so much. I look forward to being a part of the next stage in her illustrious career,” states Joey Amato, President of Agency33.

Morgan continues to record and tour extensively. Her latest solo project, “Letting Go…Slow” was released in early 2016 to critical acclaim. The collection includes brand new material along with Morgan’s take on classics such as “Ode to Billie Jo,” and the Larry Gatlin-penned “I’ve Done Enough Dying Today.” She recently finished recording a second duets album with longtime friend, collaborator and touring partner, Pam Tillis. The project is set for release this fall. Lorrie’s 2017 tour has her visiting every corner of the United States, multiple trips to Canada, as well as stops in Finland and Norway.

Sony Music Nashville Promotes Mary Catherine Kinney

/by

Mary Catherine Kinney

Sony Music Nashville VP of Media Fount Lynch has announced the promotion of Mary Catherine Kinney to Associate Director, Media, Sony Music Nashville.

“It’s a great pleasure for me to announce Mary Catherine Kinney’s much deserved promotion to Associate Director of Media,” Lynch says. “Her excitement, vision and tireless effort have proven invaluable to our Sony Music Nashville artist roster and media/marketing team.” He continues, “Mary Catherine’s expertise in the media campaigns and roll out of artists such as Maren Morris and Luke Combs among others are just a few examples of her many important contributions to our label group.”

“It’s an honor to be a part of Sony Nashville’s dynamic team where innovation, growth and creativity are foundations,” Kinney says. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to propel our incredible artists’ music and stories forward in this new role.”

First joining the Sony Music Nashville media department as Manager in November of 2015, Mary Catherine Kinney began her public relations career at Georgia-based firm See.Spark.Go representing brands Nike, General Mills and Catalyst. Upon moving to Nashville, Kinney joined Capitol Records in 2011, later merging with Universal Music Group, where she held roles in the marketing department and media department through fall of 2015.

Kinney can be reached at marycatherine.kinney@sonymusic.com.

Brad Paisley To Unveil New Signature Fender At Summer NAMM Show

/by

Fender and Brad Paisley have teamed up to create a new Paisley signature guitar: the Brad Paisley Road Worn Telecaster. The guitar is designed to resemble one of the prized guitars in his personal collection, his silver sparkle Telecaster. The collaboration will be officially revealed during NAMM’s show this summer in Nashville.

“The best thing about having a Fender Signature Telecaster is the unwavering quality associated with the brand’s legacy and confidence that I’m introducing a great guitar at an incredible price point,” says Paisley. “I set out to create a guitar that was accessible for the vast majority of young people out there, who I hope to inspire to change the world with musical dreams.”

The guitar body is custom-made from a resonant paulownia center core with spruce top and back, with a custom wound ’64 Tele Bridge Pickup, an enhanced “V”-neck shape, and medium jumbo frets perfect for quick picking and bluesy over-the-neck bends. The roadworn silver sparkle finish, aged hardware, and paisley pickguard add the perfect rock star touch to the new Telecaster.

“Brad’s influence has reached every corner of modern guitar playing realm and music at large across all genres – not just country,” adds Justin Norvell, Senior Vice President, Fender Products. “Not only is it a beautiful guitar, but it has some amazing, unique features that we developed directly with him, namely the lightweight body and hot pickups. We amalgamated features from several of his favorite guitars, resulting in a truly compelling instrument we hope will empower players everywhere.”

Jonathan Brown Named President For Integrity Music

/by

Jonathan Brown

Integrity Music recently announced leadership transitions with label President Ryan Dunham stepping down to pursue other interests. Jonathan Brown, Vice President and Managing Director of Integrity Music’s European operation based in Eastbourne, U.K., will assume the role of label President effective immediately. Brown and his family have relocated from their home in Hellingly, England, to the Nashville area where he will lead the Integrity Music team from its corporate headquarters in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Dunham has led the label since its 2011 acquisition by parent organization David C Cook, a 142-year-old non-profit dedicated to publishing and distributing leadership and discipleship resources. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Cook. During a successful tenure with the label, Dunham led Integrity through a merger with Cook’s England-based Kingsway Music and executed the relocation of the company’s Colorado-based operations to Nashville. Notably, Dunham oversaw the release of over 180 projects originating from Integrity’s U.S. and U.K. teams and helped restore the organization to financial health under some of the music industry’s most challenging circumstances.

“Ryan came to me over a year ago to discuss a transition in leadership for Integrity and we have been working to put a plan in place since that time,” said Cris Doornbos, CEO of David C Cook. “I have known Ryan for over 25 years and when it came time to find someone to lead Integrity after the acquisition and to turn it around, there was no other person I trusted to make this happen… I, and the Board of Trustees for David C Cook, express our sincerest gratitude for Ryan’s leadership, dedication and service to the ministry of both Integrity and Cook.”

“Serving as President for Integrity Music over the last six years has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” says Dunham. “To be able to serve the needs of the local church with worship music, build relationships with Integrity’s artists and songwriters, is something that I will always cherish… but now is the time to turn the leadership over to someone whom I believe can take it to the next level.”

Brown, known as “JB,” is a 25-year music industry veteran who began his career at Word Records in the U.K. before taking roles with Furious Records and Fierce Distribution where he was part of the teams responsible for building and establishing global platforms for artists like Delirous?.

“JB is a focused, passionate and highly energized marketing creative with a heart to curate and amplify worship songs and artistry,” adds Doornbos. “His heart’s desire is to facilitate the creation of highways throughout the world on which songs can travel beyond borders and language barriers. I am thrilled to have JB lead Integrity Music into the future and I am looking forward to what God will do through his leadership and the people of Integrity Music in the months and years to come.”

Industry Ink: Triple 8 Management, APA, David Corlew & Associates, Iron Mountain

/by

Triple 8 Management Acquires Good Time Inc.

Triple 8 Management has acquired Nashville-based artist management, marketing agency and independent label, Good Time Inc. Good Time Inc.’s CEO and Founder, Paul Steele, and team of seven will join Triple 8 Management’s 30-plus full-time staff with offices in Nashville, Tennessee and Austin, Texas.

Good Time Inc. clients Judah and the Lion, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Ellie Holcomb, Kris Allen, Penny and Sparrow, and Wilder join Triple 8’s roster that currently includes Eli Young Band, Kaleo, Chase Rice, Joe Nichols, Josh Abbott Band, Ryan Hurd, The Cadillac Three, MISSIO, Scotty McCreery, Wheeler Walker, Jr., among others. The first joint signing under the new partnership is a new project from Universal Nashville recording artist Dan Tyminski.

 

Southern Rock Group Scooter Brown Band Assembles Industry Team

Scooter Brown Band

Southern-rock revivalists, the Scooter Brown Band, have teamed up with APA, BFD, David Corlew & Associates and 117 Entertainment Group for the release of their latest project this fall. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.

“I am excited for what the future holds with this strong team in place,” said Scooter Brown, adding, “we have some of the most passionate and experienced people in place working with us now. The new music is going to make a major impact.”

“We’re very excited about Scooter Brown Band’s new record. The SBB is a great band that translated the essence of their live show into this project. We have very high expectations for there first record for BFD,” said David Corlew of David Corlew & Associates.

 

Iron Mountain Project Manager To Serve As Panelist For Summer NAMM

Personnel from Iron Mountain Incorporated Entertainment Services will participate in a panel at the upcoming Summer NAMM show in Nashville.

Barry Cardinael, Project Manager, Iron Mountain Film & Sound Archives, will serve as panelist. 

The panel will take place Thursday, July 13 at 2 p.m. at the Summer NAAM Show’s TEC Tracks booth at the Nashville Convention Center.

For more on Iron Mountain’s services purchase a copy of MusicRow‘s recently released MusicRow Awards issue, or read more of MusicRow’s Bonus Q&A online.

Weekly Register: Chris Stapleton, Sam Hunt Continue To Dominate Country Sales Charts

/by

Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton commands two spots again this week on the Nielsen country albums sales chart with his From A Room Vol 1 coming in at No. 1 with 13K sold and 2015’s Traveller landing at No. 4 with 7.6 K sold. Top-selling albums rounding out the Top five for the week include the Now Country 10 compilation at No. 2 with 10K, Lady A‘s Heart Break in third with 8.9K,  and Jason Isbell and his 400 Unit‘s The Nashville Sound in fifth place with 7.1K sold.

On the digital side Sam Hunt continues riding that back road into multi-platinum territory with his mega-smash “Body Like A Back Road,” which remains at the top of the chart this week with 50K sold, bringing the song to a total of 1.296 million RTD. Following the July 4th holiday, Lee Greenwood‘s perennial patriotic favorite, “God Bless The U.S.A.,” land at No. 2 with 23K, while Thomas Rhett‘s “Craving You,” (ft. Maren Morris) lands at No. 3 with 19K. Brett Young‘s “In Case You Didn’t Know” is at No. 4 with 18K, and Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood‘s “The Fighter” rounds out the Top 5with  17K.

Curb Records artist Dylan Scott’s “Hooked” is the top country single debut this week, entering at No. 28 country and selling 6.5K.

Information provided by Nielsen Soundscan.