New Music Now: Lady A, Josh Turner, More

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lady-aCMA’s reigning “New Artist of the Year” Lady Antebellum just debuted the lead single from its forthcoming Capitol Nashville sophomore album. “Need You Now” goes for radio adds on Aug. 24 and was written by group members Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott, along with co-writer Josh Kear. Haywood says this of the new project, “The songs are more personal, the production is bigger, and I think we are in a stronger place vocally than we’ve ever been…just from all the touring we’ve done this year.  We’re really anxious to get home and get it finished.” In the meantime, Lady Antebellum has returned to the recording studio to put the finishing touches on the yet-to-be-titled album. For a sneak peak of “Need You Now,” click here.
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josh-turner“Why Don’t We Just Dance” is the debut single from Josh Turner’s forthcoming album entitled Haywire, to be released on Nov. 10. The song, written by Jim Beavers, Jonathan Singleton and Darrell Brown, will be sent to radio stations across the country tomorrow (8/12) at Noon CT via Play MPE. On Aug. 19, “Why Don’t We Just Dance” will be available for streaming at www.joshturner.com and it will be for sale Aug. 25 at iTunes and all other digital partners.

The UMG Nashville artist also recently awarded his first namesake scholarship to a 2009 graduate of his alma mater high school in Hannah, SC. The scholarship is for students who want to pursue an education within music or the arts.
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Stroudavarious Records has released Anthony Smith’s “Bringin’ Back The Sunshine,” his debut single for the label. This country rocker is taken from Smith’s Sunshine album (coming this winter) and was written by Smith and Jess Leary. Production duties were handled by Smith and acclaimed producer and Stroudavarious CEO James Stroud. “Bringin’ Back The Sunshine” will be available for download via digital music retailers in early September as part of the specially-priced Sunshine EP.

A video for the track directed by Taillight TV’s Traci Goudie is nearing completion. The video stars Derek Phillips (of NBC’s Friday Night Lights) and Danielle Rene, who is set to appear in the upcoming film, Tree Of Life, with Sean Penn and Brad Pitt.

As a songwriter, Smith has contributed hits to projects by George Strait, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry and countless others.

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Cupit Records’ Ben Gregg is set to release his debut single, “Radio Waves,” on Aug. 17 via Play MPE and CDX. It is from his forthcoming self-titled CD slated for an early 2010 release. “Radio Waves” was written by Jerry Cupit. Gregg can also be seen on an upcoming episode of RFD-TV’s Music & Motors television series, performing, participating in a NASCAR pit crew challenge, and in interview segments.

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Travis Rush is letting fans pick his new single from ten tunes posted at www.TravisRush.com/NewMusic. The single will be announced Oct. 27 and will be released to radio in early 2010 with GrassRoots Promotion’s Nancy Tunick leading the charge. In conjunction with the single release date, Rush has moved back his debut album release to March 16, 2010. The project is on Mason Records and will be distributed digitally by IODA and in retail stores by Burnside Distribution.

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The New Relics will release their debut single “Beautiful” to country radio on Sept. 7. Based out of Morgantown, WV, their new CD is named Monongalia and the single is being worked by Debbie Gibson
Palmer of Spinville Records. The New Relics have spent the last few years touring mostly the east coast and building a solid fan base.
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A new album by Montana native Ben Bullington features Rodney Crowell on guitar and vocals on the song “Toe The Line.” The CD, White Sulphur Springs, is out via King Easy Records, home to Darrell Scott, Jon Pousette-Dart and more.
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The Civil Wars, a duo comprised of local songwriters Joy Williams and John Paul White, have  released a 10-song live digital album.

Industry Items: Otto, Fletcher, More

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ottoJames Otto’s Warner Bros. Records debut single, “Just Got Started Lovin’ You,” has achieved sales of 500,000 units and has been certified Digital Gold by the RIAA.

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An interview with Universal Records South’s Fletcher Foster is posted at This week In The Hot Seat with Larry LeBlanc.

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The NashvillePost reports: Gospel legend BeBe Winans last week won a three-year old copyright case in which he had been named the defendant. The case centered on Winans’ albums My Christmas Prayer, which was recorded in 2003, and Dream, recorded a year later. Read it here.

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Effective Sept. 30, Citadel Media will discontinue syndication of GAC Nights: Live From Nashville. The radio show co-hosted by Buzz Brainard and Suzanne Alexander debuted in January 2008.

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Carrie Smith is the new host of Nashville At Nite. Recently, she has been seen hosting a variety of Internet and television programming including the popular HGTV Solutions. Her resume also includes voiceover work, such as the series voice host of CMT’s Dedicated. The second season of Nashville At Nite begins in September and is available exclusively online at www.NashvilleAtNite.com.nash-at-nite

Americana Festival Announces Showcase Artists

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Will Hoge is among the showcase artists set for the Americana Festival in September

Will Hoge is among the showcase artists set for the Americana Festival in September.

The Americana Music Association has confirmed a diverse line-up of artists to perform at the upcoming 2009 Americana Music Festival, such as Cross Canadian Ragweed, Will Hoge, J.D. Souther, Marty Stuart, Those Darlins and W.P.A. Showcases will be held Sept. 16-19 at five downtown Nashville venues including: The Mercy Lounge, The Cannery Ballroom, 3rd & Lindsley, The Station Inn and The Basement.

The 2009 Americana Music Festival is part of the 10th annual Americana Music Festival & Conference, which offers daily seminars, panels and networking opportunities at the Nashville Convention Center, as well as evening showcases.
 The Americana Honors & Awards Show, a highlight of the event, is set for Sept. 17 at the Ryman Auditorium.

Registration for the Festival & Conference is open now. Non-conference attendees may buy showcase wristbands granting admission to all venues on all four evenings of live music. They’re available for $45 via americanamusic.org and Grimey’s New and Preloved Music.

Skip Bishop Named VP Promotion

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Skip Bishop

Skip Bishop

NASHVILLE, TN – Sony Music Nashville Executive Vice President Butch Waugh has named Skip Bishop to the newly created position of Vice President, Promotion, Sony Music Nashville. Most recently Vice President, National Promotion, for the label group’s Arista Nashville imprint, Bishop will retain those duties while adding promotion oversight of Sony Music Nashville’s three other country recording labels: BNA Records, Columbia Nashville, and RCA Nashville.  Headquartered in Nashville, Bishop continues to report directly to Waugh.

On his new responsibilities, Bishop offered, “Stepping into this role at Sony Music Nashville is both exhilarating and humbling.  In a time when both radio and the music industry face trials, we are surrounded by artists and gifted teammates who see opportunities everywhere.  Working with [Sony Music Nashville Chairman] Joe Galante and my dear friend Butch Waugh has made it clear that music’s future has no walls and no ceilings … only new beginnings.  This is the greatest honor of my career, and I accept the responsibility with full velocity and rockets’ red glare!”

Bishop’s extensive and illustrious career includes Bishop Bait and Tackle, which he founded in 1997 and developed into one of the largest and most successful marketing and promotion companies in the music industry.  He’s held the title of Senior Vice President, Promotion, for MCA Records in Los Angeles, and during his decade tenure with RCA Records/BMG Music in New York, he rose through the ranks from a promotion regional to Vice President to Interim Senior Vice President.  He also served as Vice President Mainstream Marketing and Promotion for the Provident Music Group prior to taking the reins as Vice President, National Promotion, for Arista Nashville in October of 2005.

Reba Plots Album Promotion

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Reba working radio: WKSJ/Mobile PD Bill Black and his wife Andrea prior to her performance last weekend in Alabama.

As Reba prepares for the Aug. 18 release of Keep On Loving You, her first solo studio album in six years, she is lining up the promotional opportunities.

On her TV schedule are Reba: Invitation Only (premiering 8/1 on DISH Network and 8/21 on CMT) and Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series on 8/21. She will perform the album’s lead single “Strange” on ABC’s CMA Music Fest: Country’s Night To Rock special airing 8/31.

This Friday, July 31 at 7PM ET Reba will be on QVC to preview new music from the album, and give viewers the chance to pre-order it and receive a free copy of her autobiography, Reba: My Story.

Radio groups including CBS, Citadel and Clear Channel will be featuring exclusive interview content on their websites during release week.

She will be the August Artist of the Month on GAC and CMT, with enhanced exposure on TV, online and more. She will be spotlighted on numerous programs on the channels, as well as host CMT Music City Madness.

Other publicity coming in September includes Sirius-XM Artist Confidential (cross-promoted on United Airlines) and an AOL Sessions performance (cross-promoted on social network Bebo).

Roy Clark, Billy Currington, More

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Country Music Hall of Fame member Roy Clark donated several items to the Country Music Hall on Fame® and Museum on Saturday (7/18). The artifacts, which will be on display beginning August 1 in the Museum’s permanent exhibit, include a magenta three-piece Manuel suit with an embroidered silver lame` Manuel shirt, patent leather Tony Lama boots, and a Heritage H-535 Roy Clark Signature model electric guitar. Pictured—Clark and Vice President of Museum Services Carolyn Tate Photo by Richard Suter

Pictured—Clark and Vice President of Museum Services Carolyn Tate; Photo: Richard Suter

Country Music Hall of Fame member Roy Clark donated several items to the Country Music Hall on Fame® and Museum on Saturday (7/18). The artifacts, which will be on display beginning August 1 in the Museum’s permanent exhibit, include a magenta three-piece Manuel suit with an embroidered silver lame´Manuel shirt, patent leather Tony Lama boots, and a Heritage H-535 Roy Clark Signature model electric guitar.

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Mercury Nashville recording artist Billy Currington will perform on CBS’ the Late Show with David Letterman Wed., Aug. 19. His single “People Are Crazy” tops the monitored charts this week, marking his fourth No. 1 and fastest-rising single of his career. It is the second No. 1 from Currington’s album Little Bit Of Everything, which is at No. 10 on Billboard’s Current Country Albums Chart.
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The Lost Trailers are featured on cmt.com’s Unplugged At Studio 330. The acoustic performance includes “Holler Back,” and newest single, “Country Folks (Livin’ Loud).” Viewers can also see exclusive interviews.

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The Producer’s Chair presents an interview with Chuck Howard (LeAnn Rimes, Kid Rock, Hank Jr., Johnny Cash and more) 
Thurs., July 23, 6 PM at Douglas Corner.

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A new radio show bringing together college football and country music is looking for guest artist hosts. College Football Country will hit the airwaves this fall, hosted by a different artist each week, highlighting their favorite college or alma mater’s game. For hosting opportunities, contact Kara Bullock at Atlanta based AIM Marketing Solutions 404-581-7114 or [email protected]

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The legendary Flatlanders— Joe Ely, Butch Hancock and Jimmie Dale Gilmore —  appeared on The Late Show With David Letterman last night (7/21) before heading overseas for a three week tour of Europe. Upon their return, the New West Records band will be on NPR’s Mountain Stage on Aug. 16, and debut at the Grand Ole Opry on Sept. 18.

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August 7-9 will be a tax free weekend in Tennessee. Exemptions include clothing $100 or less per article, computers $1500 or less, and school supplies $100 or less.

Josh Turner Kicks Off NSAI Benefit Series

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josh-turnerJosh Turner is set for the debut installment of NSAI’s “It All Begins With A Song” Performance Series. The event, kicking off Wed., July 22 at the Wildhorse Saloon, will benefit the Nashville Songwriters Association International’s legislative efforts.

“On behalf of all American songwriters NSAI is extremely grateful to Josh for helping launch what will be a permanent series supporting the work we do. NSAI was founded as an advocacy organization for songwriters. In recent years the organization’s work has increased the value of and the respect for songwriters’ copyrights and helped secure the growth of future royalties,” said NSAI President and Grammy-nominated songwriter Steve Bogard.

Turner—a songwriter himself—has had back-to-back platinum albums and his current project, Everything Is Fine, was certified Gold in just four weeks.

Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.com and the Wildhorse. General Admission tickets are $20, Reserved Seating tickets are $35, and there are a limited number of $75 tickets available that include a Meet & Greet with Turner. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.

Stroudavarious Debuts Imprint, Beefs Up Promo Staff

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blackberry-smoke

Blackberry Smoke is comprised of brothers, Richard (bass/vocals) and Brit Turner (drums), with Paul Jackson and Charlie Starr on guitar and vocals.

Stroudavarious Records has launched a new imprint called BamaJam Records, with Atlanta band Blackberry Smoke as the flagship artist. The first release will be the sophomore album from the southern rockers called Little Piece of Dixie. The project was produced by Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts) and engineer Justin Niebank.

“This is best live band in the South,” says James Stroud, CEO of Stroudavarious Records. “Their show is beyond belief; just awesome.” The band has shared the stage with ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Shooter Jennings, Cross Canadian Ragweed and others.

As the label expands, so does the staff at Stroudavarious, which also includes the  Country Crossing imprint. President Bill Catino and VP of Promotion Bill Macky recently added Eric Beggs (Dir./Southeast-Midwest), Jon Conlon (Dir./West Coast) and R.J. Jordan (Dir./Northeast). The label group is home to Darryl Worley, Anthony Smith, LoCash Cowboys, Richie McDonald, Shea Fisher and others.

Promo News: A Tale of Two Thomases, And A Wagner

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LT Thomas

LT Thomas

Lauren “L.T.” Thomas has been hired as Associate Director of Promotion for Golden Music Nashville, the new label launching flagship act Williams Riley. She comes from KMLE-FM in Phoenix where she began as a Promotions Assistant in 2002 before being bumped up to Promotions Manager in 2007. L.T. works at the Golden Music Nashville offices at 54 Music Square East, and can be reached at [email protected] or (615) 891-4283.

Jay Thomas, a Sirius XM host, has also taken on the role of Southeast promotion rep for Treehouse Records. After three years at the satcaster, he plans to remain on-air. At Treehouse, he reports to VP Tony Benken. Contact him [email protected]

Larry Pareigis has added former Montage Southeast rep Ted Wagner to his Nine North team, handling the Southeast and Southwest regions. Wagner, who worked with Pareigis at Sony, replaces Eric Beggs (who moved to Stroudavarious) and can be reached at (615) 613-3292 or [email protected].

Aldean Wrangles Hits, Jean Deal, Conan

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aldean1Jason Aldean‘s “Big Green Tractor,” is plowing its way toward the Top 10 of MusicRow‘s Country Breakout chart; currently No. 16 and the fastest rising single of the Georgia-native’s career. The song has fueled over 40,000 digital downloads a week, helping his already Gold certified third album Wide Open move an average of 22,000 units per week. Aldean is in the Top Five of SoundScan’s Country Albums Chart.

Aldean has also been tapped by iconic American denim maker Wrangler Western Wear to back its contemporary new jean line, The Wrangler Retro Line, which will hit stores in August. As the exclusive spokesperson for the new Wrangler Retro collection and the face of the robust marketing campaign—including national television, print, radio and online advertising along with integrated in-store marketing support—Aldean joins the King of Country Music George Strait in the Wrangler family.

Fans can catch Aldean headlining his Wide Open arena tour and opening dates for Keith Urban in the coming weeks. He will also perform on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien on Thurs., July 23 and tape an episode of E!’s highly rated late night talk show Chelsea Lately on Tues., July 28.