Industry Ink: Sony Music Nashville, Agency33, Ray Stevens’ CabaRay Nashville

/by

Hostess Brands Teams With Brad Paisley

Hostess Brands has teamed with the Country Music Association, Sony Music Nashville, and Brad Paisley for a sweet summertime offering. Select Hostess® Twinkies® and Donettes® items will include a code providing access to a 42-song Spotify playlist curated by Paisley, and featuring tracks from his album Love And War. Hostess fans also have the chance to enter a Sweepstakes to win a grand prize trip to the 51st Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 8 in Nashville.

 

Joey Amato Launches LGBT-focused PR Firm Agency33

Joey Amato

Joey Amato recently launched Nashville-based, LGBT-focused firm Agency33.

Agency33 will also work with other public relations agencies and record companies to bring expertise and knowledge to their artists when needing to target this specific demographic. Agency33 will not focus solely on country music artists, having recently signed dance/pop artist Joey Suarez, who just released his latest single “Love Me Back.” Suarez recently performed in front of a massive crowd of admirers at NYC Pride in June and San Antonio Pride on July 1. A separate Agency33 division will be dedicated to Tour Press.

Most recently, Amato served as Publicity Manager for Webster Public Relations with previous stints at Sony Music New York, Relevant Communications, and iHeart Radio.  In addition, Amato served as publisher of Unite Magazine, Nashville’s premiere LGBT publication.

“Whether artists are aware of it, or not, LGBT individuals love country music and spend a fortune buying music, merchandise and concert tickets. I would love to see more artists make a conscious effort to reach this market as the LGBT consumer has more disposable income than almost any diversity group,” says Amato. “There are a few public relations firms in the U.S. that offer such a service but none in Nashville. As country music artists and brands have become more accepting and vocal about their support of the LGBT community, I felt it was important to make this one of the services we offer.”

 

Ray Stevens Announces 2017 Artist Lineup For ‘CabaRay Nashville’ Third Season

Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville has announced its summer 2017 lineup of musical guests. The third season of the national television show, starring country and comedy music legend Ray Stevens, will include appearances from Restless Heart, Shenandoah, John Michael Montgomery, Michael W. Smith, Mark Wills, Rhonda Vincent, and more. Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville airs weekly on Public Television affiliate stations across the nation.

Summer 2017 Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville Guest Lineup:

Weekend of July 7 – Harold Bradley w/ Mandy Barnett
Weekend of July 14 – Shenandoah
Weekend of July 21 – Michael W. Smith
Weekend of July 28 – BJ Thomas
Weekend of Aug 4 – Rhonda Vincent
Weekend of Aug 11 – Restless Heart
Weekend of Aug 18 – John Michael Montgomery
Weekend of Aug 25 – Baillie & the Boys
Weekend of Sept 1 – Tommy Roe
Weekend of Sept 8 – Mark Wills
Weekend of Sept 15 – Duane Eddy

Oh Boy Records Hosts John Prine Tribute Night To Benefit Jessi Zazu

/by

Oh Boy Records is hosting a special benefit evening, “The Songs of John Prine,” July 27 at Basement East to support Jessi Zazu of the band Those Darlins in her battle with cancer. To celebrate the re-release of the 2010 John Prine tribute record Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows, Oh Boy Records will host the night of music featuring Nashville musicians covering classic John Prine songs, and will also be re-pressing the album (which includes Those Darlins’ rendition of “Let’s Talk Dirty in Hawaiian”) on vinyl.

The lineup for the show features artists inspired by the man himself with performances by Alex Caress, Amanda Shires, Andrew Leahey, Brothers Osborne, Caitlin Rose, Caroline Rose, Colter Wall, Cory Branan, Darrin Bradbury, Elise Davis, Elizabeth Cook, Holly Williams, Jason Isbell, Jon Latham, Kelsey Waldon, Larissa Murphy, Lilly Hiatt, Muddy Magnolias, The Nicholson Brothers, Paul Cauthen, and The Whiskey Gentry with more to be announced.

The event is being sponsored by Hattie B’s, Flavor Catering, The Press House, and more, and all ticket proceeds will benefit Jessi Zazu.

The Grascals Return In September With ‘Before Breakfast’

/by

The Grascals‘ newest album, Before Breakfast, is set for release Sept. 1, and fans who pre-order the new collection will receive “Sleepin’ With The Reaper” as an instant grat track.

The 12-song album includes tunes like “Delia,” which features Grascals’ guitarist John Bryan on clawhammer banjo, the melancholy ballad “Lonesome” which was penned by Terry Smith and his brother Billy, the gospel jewel “I’ve Been Redeemed,” and the Flatt and Scruggs-penned “He Took Your Place.”

This is the second project this configuration of The Grascals has recorded together.  The current group features founders Terry Eldredge (lead vocals, guitar), Terry Smith (lead vocals, bass) and Danny Roberts (mandolin), plus longtime banjo ace Kristin Scott Benson, fiddler Adam Haynes and John Bryan (lead vocals/guitar).

The group continues to evolve organically, as evidenced by their latest endeavor.  “We’re even breathing together vocally,” Terry Smith explains. “The Osborne Brothers always said that when you get to that point, it was right – and they were on to something.”

Before Breakfast Track Listing:
Sleepin’ With The Reaper (B. Buller/G. Williams)
Demons (B. Anderson/J. Randall)
Delia (J. Weisberger/C. Chamberlain/C. Humphrey III)
I’ve Been Redeemed (M. Dylan/R. Edwards)
Lonesome (B. Smith/T. Smith)
Beer Tree (H. Allen/R. E. Orrall)
Pathway Of Teardrops (W. P. Walker/W. Pierce/J. Hazlewood)
Lynchburg Chicken Run (D. Roberts/A. Haynes)
He Took Your Place (L. Flatt/E. Scruggs)
Lost And Lonesome (P. Overstreet/ B. Smith)
There Is You (K. Harrigill)
Clear Corn Liquor (T. Stafford/B.Starnes)

 

Weekly Chart Report 7/7/17

/by

Click here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

Industry Pics: Jillian Jacqueline, Parker Willingham, Jackie Lee

/by

Bid Loud Records’ Jillian Jacqueline Visits Academy Of Country Music

Pictured (L-R): Jensen Sussman, Sweet Talk Publicity; Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, Big Loud Mountain; Seth England, Big Loud Mountain; Clay Hunnicutt, Big Loud Records; Jillian Jacqueline; Pete Fisher, ACM CEO; Scott McGhee, McGhee Entertainment. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music welcomed Big Loud Records recording artist Jillian Jacqueline to the office while she was in Los Angeles recently. While at the Academy, Jacqueline performed new songs, “Hate Me” and “Reasons,” that she co-wrote and will be featured on her forthcoming debut project produced by Tofer Brown.

YouTube video

 

Parker Willingham Celebrates Album Release In Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Robin Majors, Robin Majors Management; Kat Atwood/Music City Media; Parker Willingham; Shelly Mullins/ProMO Image; Neal Spielberg/Spielberg Entertainment. Photo: Karen Will Rogers Photography

Apple Row Music Group artist Parker Willingham hosted a listening party for his new album, You Get Me Every Time, atop The Westin in Nashville. Willingham highlighted tracks from the album, including “Raining Down,” “Flipside,” and “All Over You,” with an acoustic performance in front of friends, family and industry executives. The album releases Friday, July 7.

 

Jackie Lee Celebrates 40th Grand Ole Opry Performance

Singer-songwriter Jackie Lee celebrated his 40th Grand Ole Opry performance on Friday, June 30.

Pictured (L-R): John Marks, Spotify; Jackie Lee; Gina Keltner, Grand Ole Opry; Dan Rogers, Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo

Country Music Hall Of Fame To Offer Free Admission To Local Students

/by

Pictured (L-R): Nashville Public Library’s Kent Oliver, Donna Nicely, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CEO Kyle Young, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Chairman of the Board of Officers and Trustees Steve Turner (Photo by Carissa Riccardi)

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has launched Community Counts, a new initiative program that will increase museum access for youth and families in Davidson County and bordering counties, including Cheatham, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson.

Through Community Counts, children ages 18 and under who live in those counties will receive free walk-up admission outside of school hours, and up to two accompanying adults will receive a 25 percent discount on admission. The program also enables Davidson County residents of any age to visit the museum for free by checking out a Community Counts Passport from any Nashville Public Library. In addition, local families enrolled in public assistance programs may purchase an annual family membership for $5. 

“At its core, the museum is, and has always been, committed to education surrounding the historical importance of country music. Learning about the rich history of the genre and about those who helped shape it allows us not only to cultivate a sense of pride in our state, but also to understand the significance of Tennessee’s cultural contributions to American history,” said museum CEO Kyle Young. “In 2016, nearly 100,000 guests participated in over 1,000 programs led by our museum educators. Community Counts is an extension of our long-standing commitment to serve our locals and provide them with unforgettable experiences.”

A nonprofit that serves a global audience, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum last year served nearly 9,000 Davidson County students or roughly 10 percent of Metro Nashville Public School students. Through the Taylor Swift Education Center, the museum offers unique, hands-on experiences that include curriculum-connected activities for school groups, tailored programs for toddlers, weekend workshops for teens, and interactive experiences for all ages in the Dinah & Fred Gretsch Family Gallery. 

Cage The Elephant, Jason Isbell To Lead New Memphis Music Festival

/by

The inaugural “MEMPHO” music festival, slated for Oct. 6-7 in Memphis, Tennessee, will include a performance lineup led by Cage The Elephant and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, as well as Cold War Kids, Bishop Briggs, Robert Randolph and The Family Band, Hard Working Americans, Southern Avenue among other featured performers. A special tribute to the music of Memphis will feature Steve Cropper & Friends and Booker T Presents: A Stax Revue and a Journey thru Soul, Blues, and R&B.

MEMPHO will be held at Memphis, Tennessee’s 4,500-acre Shelby Farms Park, and will feature two stages of music, as well as culinary options including Memphis’ legendary barbecue, in addition to an array of beer, wine, and cocktails.

“The roots of American music can be clearly traced directly to Memphis. The first annual MEMPHO Music Festival is being launched with a distinct purpose to pay homage to our community’s unique role in shaping and influencing global music culture,” said Memphis native Diego Winegardner, Founder and CEO of Big River Presents, the promoter behind MEMPHO.

Limited “Early bird” pre-sale tickets will be available beginning July 13 at 10 a.m. CT, with VIP Packages also available. General admission tickets go on sale July 14 at 10 a.m. CT.

 
For more information and tickets for MEMPHO Fest, visit memphofest.com.

 

 

DISClaimer: Superb Vocalists Chris Stapleton, Rhonda Vincent, Daryle Singletary Offer New Tracks

/by

Chris Stapleton

Good things come in pairs.

That is why we have two Disc of the Day winners and two DisCovery Award winners today. It’s a no-brainer that the new single by Chris Stapleton is a Disc of the Day. But lend an ear to the duet by veterans Rhonda Vincent & Daryle Singletary. It, too, deserves a Disc of the Day prize.

In the newcomers column we have the female trio The Calamity Janes as well as singer-songwriter Matt Rogers. Both earn DisCovery Award honors.

THE CALAMITY JANES/Pullin’ Weeds
Writers: C. Mock/A. Childs-Benson; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed, BMI; CJ
-Cool, minor-key melody. Moody, rumbling rhythm track. Silvery electric-guitar accents. Smooth female trio harmonies. What’s not to love? Send more.

CHRIS STAPLETON/Broken Halos
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Mike Henderson; Producer: Dave Cobb/Chris Stapleton; Publishers: none listed; Mercury (track)
– In a word, thrilling. His hair-raising, soul-drenched vocal delivery is powerful enough to raise the dead. The bluesy, fall-from-grace lyric is dynamite. Can I get a witness?

JOSH MARTIN/Just My Luck
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Sony/ATV
-The publishing company is taking the unusual step of marketing a single by this young writer-artist. He is quite ear catching, with his rapid-fire delivery in the verses contrasting with the slowed-down, echoey choruses. Blazing electric-guitar work supports him. Recommended.

SHANE OWENS/19
Writers: Jeffrey Steele/Gary Nicholson/Tom Hambridge; Producers: none listed; Publishers: Gottahaveable/Songs of Windswept Pacific/Gary Nicholson/Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Tom Hambridge, BMI/ASCAP; Amerimonte
-This hard-country stylist just doesn’t know how to turn in a sub-par performance. In this slice-of-American-life track, he sings of a football star who becomes a posthumously decorated war hero. The accompaniment is a simply strummed acoustic guitar.

THE PAT WATTERS BAND/Loaded On A Saturday Night
Writers: Pat Watters; Producer: Evan Middlesworth; Publishers: none listed, BMI; PWB (track)
– This country rocker sounds like a live performance, which gives is a great deal of presence and edge. Special kudos to the splendid steel-guitar work by group member Rick Kreuziger.

DEBBIE COCHRAN & DOLLY PARTON/Born Again Wildflower
Writers: Debbie Cochran; Producer: Kent Wells; Publishers: DMC Anniston, BMI; GTR (track)
– Cochran’s rich alto meshes beautifully with Parton’s shining soprano on this inspirational ballad. This is true-blue, old-school country music.

FOSTER MCGINTY/Radio Dreams
Writers: none listed; Producer: Keith Gattis; Publishers: none listed; FM (track)
– It’s a male-female duo with a bopping, bouncing, bongo-driven (!) rhythm track on its new single. Plus organ and electric-guitar accents. He sings lead with urgency and passion. She adds bright harmony vocals here and there.

RHONDA VINCENT & DARYLE SINGLETARY/One
Writers: Ed Bruce/Judith Bruce/Ron Peterson; Producers: Rhonda Vincent/Daryle Singletary; Publishers: Home At Last/Advantage Pride/Polumbo Entertainment/Just a Secretary. BMI/ASCAP; Upper Management (track)
– The new duets album by these two superb country vocalists is called American Grandstand. It mixes classics like “After the Fire Is Gone,” “We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds,” “Golden Ring” and “Louisiana Woman Mississippi Man” with lesser known oldies and new tunes. Throughout, their voices are awesome in harmony. Here, she plays Tammy Wynette to his George Jones on a revival of that team’s unjustly overlooked 1995 reunion ballad. Somebody shout “Amen!”

KENT BLAZY/Difficult Kind
Writers: Kent Blazy/Will Hoge; Producer: Kent Blazy; Publishers: Jam Writers Group/Will Hoge/BMG Platinum, BMI; KB (track)
– Singer-songwriter Blazy has named his new collection ‘66 after the year he first took up the guitar. He’s perhaps best known for his work with Garth Brooks. But this collection finds him flying solo and collaborating with hot tunesmiths such as Cory Barren, Leslie Satcher and, here, Will Hoge. The rollicking uptempo track is perfect for Blazy’s barked vocal performance.

MATT ROGERS/Richest Place On Earth
Writers: M. Rogers: Producer: Matt McClure; Publishers: none listed; MR (track)
– It turns out that the richest place is the graveyard. So live and love with all your heart while you’re still here. Extremely well written and sung with fire and conviction. Play this.

Industry Ink: Scotty McCreery, Whiskey Wolves Of The West, Spin Doctors, CMA Foundation, Devin Dawson

/by

Scotty McCreery Visits With Ty, Kelly And Chuck

Pictured (L-R): Ty Bentli, Kelly Ford, Scotty McCreery and Chuck Wicks in the NASH studios in Nashville.

Scotty McCreery joined Ty, Kelly and Chuck at NASH studios in Nashville Thursday morning (July 6) and revealed the story behind his emotional new single “Five More Minutes.” He also discussed American Idol, his hero Randy Travis, his favorite Kid Again Summer memory, and more.

View videos of McCreery’s visit here.

 

Whiskey Wolves Of The West Set For Nashville Shows

Nashville-based Americana group Whiskey Wolves of the West are set to bring their raw, authentic music to Nashville for three shows this summer. The band will take the stage at The Family Wash on July 25 and Aug. 1, and at The Basement East on Sept. 5.

The brainchild of singer-songwriters Leroy Powell and Tim Jones, Whiskey Wolves of the West has had an ongoing residency at The Sutler in Nashville almost every Saturday night since April 2016. Currently on break for several weeks, the residency resumes on July 29.

Powell can be heard on many records with Sturgill Simpson, Shooter Jennings, Waylon Jennings, Whiskey Myers, and tracks with producer Dave Cobb. Jones has shone on his notable collaborations with Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes), Carl Broemel (My Morning Jacket), and Truth & Salvage.

 

Spin Doctors Hire Dr. Dave Young As Sr. Director Of Promotion

KDKD/Clinton, Missouri’s Dr. Dave Young joins Spin Doctors Music Group as Sr.Director of Promotion, effective Monday, July 17.

Young replaces JessiLynn Kidd who resigned to focus full time on her music career.

Spin Doctors Nashville President/CEO Al Brock says, “Dr. Dave will bring a new vision to our company, with his radio career and his intense passion for new music, not to mention he has Doctor in front of his name, so he can help us write more prescriptions for success for our clients. We’re excited to be working with him and look forward to the future.”

 

CMA Foundation Receives Stand For Music Award

Pictured (L-R): CMA Director of Community Outreach Tiffany Kerns and NAfME Board President Denese Odegaard. Photo: Ashlee Wilcox Photography

The CMA Foundation received the 2017 Stand for Music Award from the National Association for Music Education last Thursday (June 29) during the Association’s annual Hill Day in Washington, D.C.

CMA Director of Community Outreach Tiffany Kerns accepted the Award on behalf of the CMA Foundation.

 

Devin Dawson At CRB Board Dinner

Pictured (L-R): Laurie Kapugi (wife of Jeff), Jeff Kapugi (WMZQ), Devin Dawson, Tom Martens (National Director, WAR Radio & Streaming), and Katie Bright (National Director, WMN Radio & Streaming).

Atlantic/WEA artist Devin Dawson spent time with Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) board members and Warner Music Nashville (WMN) staff at the recent CRB board dinner hosted by WMN.

Bev Moser Named VP, Publicity For Nashville-Based 117 Entertainment Group

/by

Bev Moser

117 Entertainment Group President & CEO Zach Farnum has added Bev Moser as VP, Publicity for the public relations division of the company.

117’s PR roster includes Brennley Brown, Bobby Bare, Chuck Negron, Jenny Tolman, Jerry Lee Lewis, Lewis Brice, Logan Mize, Max T. Barnes and the Scooter Brown Band.

Through her photography company, Moments By Moser Photography, Moser has photographed the Nashville country music scene’s concerts and industry events for nearly two decades. She has also worked the last nine years as a journalist and production manager for online country music social media outlet, Digital Rodeo. Moser has worked with country artists, television actors and celebrities, as well as book authors, creating articles and reviews, conducting interviews and covering numerous festivals and press conferences.

“Bev’s experience and expertise in the field is invaluable. There aren’t many people in Nashville that don’t know her name and I have no doubt that she will serve our clients well in this role,” said Farnum, adding, “to say I am thrilled to have her on board is an understatement.”