Corey Wagar – Take Ya Back

Country music’s latest rockin’ phenomenon, Corey Wagar, is ready to “Take Ya Back” with her brand new single.

Corey, who is known for her ‘sweet and sassy’ sound is here to give radio folks a song that will bring back memories of listening to their favorite artists on the radio. “Take Ya Back” was penned by Corey with Beau Fuller and Cece DuBois and produced by Kent Wells (Dolly Parton), who also produced her debut album.

Corey’s last single was the girl-power anthem “I Hate My Boyfriend,” which reached No. 32 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart. Additionally, the Country Music Association named her the “Who New To Watch 2012” artist in CMA Close Up.

This country music spitfire has found a knack for “Jersey meets Nashville” music. Corey has recently opened for the Charlie Daniels Band, LeAnn Rimes and Lee Brice, and her fan base continues to grow. She will also be in Nashville for the CMA Music Festival June 7-10.

www.coreywagar.com
www.facebook.com/CoreyWagarOfficial
www.twitter.com/CoreyWagar

Little Big Town To Host 2012 Ride For a Cure

Country foursome Little Big Town is back to host the 2012 Ride For a Cure on Sunday, June 10, marking the group’s sixth consecutive year hosting. All proceeds will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation.

The event will stay true to form with the exception of a new starting location for registration and the pre-ride Jam Session that will be Mickey Roo’s (509 Hillsboro Road, Franklin, TN 37069) in the Kroger Independence Square parking lot on Hillsboro Pike. Registration begins at 8 am. Pre-ride entertainment will include Cali Rodi and riders will depart at 10:30 am for the Harley-Davidson Columbia Superstore.

Post-ride festivities will begin at 12 pm and include a lunch hosted by Applebee’s, an All-Star Jam Session with performances by Lauren Alaina, Dean Alexander, Love and Theft and Little Big Town as well as a live auction for all attendees.

Marty McIntosh – Looking For Reasons

Marty McIntosh is proud to present country radio with his new single “Looking For Reasons,” which is going for immediate adds.

With the help of producer and friend David Frizzell, Indiana native McIntosh recorded his first album The American Night for Nashville America Records. The title cut, written by Dennis Knutson and Roger Allan Wade, was released to radio with a party-filled music video filmed on the beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, where McIntosh currently resides. A star-studded CD release party was held in Alabama to the delight his hometown fans.

McIntosh’s fan base continues to grow as he performs regionally and through appearances like the world famous Midnight Jamboree, America’s second oldest continuous radio show. Additionally, he has shared the stage with Ronnie McDowell, T.G. Sheppard, Razzy Bailey, Little Texas, Collin Raye and a host of other great artists.

www.martymcintoshmusic.com

Tracy Lawrence Hosts 2nd Annual Golf & Concert For A Cure

Tracy Lawrence

For the second year, Tracy Lawrence will host his Golf & Concert For A Cure benefiting Lace Up 4 Pink and Susan G. Komen of Greater Nashville on April 29-30.

The multi-day charity event will begin at 6 pm Sun., April 29 with a concert at The Mill in Lebanon, TN featuring Lawrence, Ira Dean, The Roys, Lorrie Morgan, Joanna Smith, Rick Huckaby, and special guests. WSIX radio afternoon DJ Anthony Allen joins as special guest host for the concert and live auction.

The golf tournament will be held on Mon., April 30 at the Five Oaks Golf & Country Club in Lebanon with the LPGA tour’s Angela Stanford, Kristy McPerson, Gerina Piller, and the NFL’s Glenn Streno. Additional music and media celebrities include Cathy Martindale, Rick Marino, Lisa Manning, Dave Innis and Paul Gregg of Restless Heart, Cory Hildreth, Ty Brown, Kim Tribble, Don Ellis Gatlin, and Scotty Alexander.

“This is a special event for me and for a great cause,” said Lawrence. “Over 200,000 women are affected by breast cancer each year. The Golf & Concert For A Cure will help provide local communities with the vital resources needed to combat the disease and one day find a cure.”

Tickets for the concert and tournament can be purchased online here.

Brian Grilli – Damn Good Day

For rising star Brian Grilli, recording and producing an album of songs to showcase his songwriting and musicianship is a dream come true. Brian’s song “Letters from An Outlaw” is to be featured on Season 7 of “Sons of Anarchy” and is on Brian’s solo debut album, “Damn Good Day.” Brian, who was formerly in the Regional Act, “The Trailerhood,” is venturing out into virgin territory as a solo act.

“I think of all my influences first trying to make it as new artists and how they were willing to take risks and try anything, and I admire that.” The risks that Brian is willing to take are reflected in the album’s eclectic offering. Taking country music even further into the rock arena, his tracks have busted genres. The album was recorded at Clay Garden Studio in Norfolk, VA, with Brad Rosenberg at the helm of the console, and it was mastered by Richard Dodd. It features 11 tracks that have Brian playing all guitars, mandolin, banjo and lap steel. In Brian’s words, these are “some of the best songs I’ve ever written.”

Brian describes his own music as fun and youthful while at the same time signifying deep meaning.  “Music is about stories. Some of those stories can be meaningful and still be fun. I never write a song that I think I or other folks can’t relate to in some way, shape, or form. My music will always reflect who I am.”

A former Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician and an Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom Veteran, Brian hopes that his music will provide a new means for him to give back to his community.  “I would like to give back to Wounded Warriors and Veterans for protecting this country and our freedoms.”

Brian has had the opportunity to perform across the US, from his hometown in Virginia Beach, VA to The Viper Room in Los Angeles.  Brian has shared bigger stages with Cheap Trick, Sarah Darling, Smithereens, Lucero and Iggy Pop among others.

Following his upcoming hometown performances to perform songs from his new album, Brian will be promoting “Damn Good Day” nationwide with his band The Southern Prophets. Brian also knows that, with the support of family and friends on his side, anything is possible for him to achieve his goals. “Everyone has dreams…” he states. “I am just going for mine now and giving it my best shot!”

www.briangrillimusic.com

 

David Frizzell — “Say Hello To Heaven”

“I gave David Frizzell’s new song ‘Say Hello To Heaven’ a spin during my morning show and the phone started ringing immediately. Not one call was negative and one call in particular almost moved me to tears. I had a father call in who had lost his daughter to a drunk driver. He was sobbing and wanted me to tell David thank you. He said hearing the song almost makes him want to forgive the drunk driver who took his daughter from him. Tell David thank you for such a great song…this is what country radio is all about. I challenge my fellow programmers to put this song on the air and just let their listeners decide if this song should be heard. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised…I was.”
—Mike Thomas, KFAV, Warrenton, MO

“We tested ‘Say Hello To Heaven’ on our ‘Smash or Trash’ program. I issued a 3 tissue alert. Both women and men voted, and for the first time in a long time, we received 100% Smash! They could hear the pain in David’s voice as he delivers this story like the pro he is.”
—Bill Booth, WKDZ, Cadiz, KY 

David Frizzell is raising awareness for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) with his new single, “Say Hello To Heaven.” Written by Nashville producer Buddy Hyatt, the song tells the story of a wife and mother who dies in a car accident.

April is the annual observance of Alcohol Awareness Month, and this year Frizzell’s promotion will benefit MADD thanks to the support of Liberty Tax Service. The cause is a personal one for Frizzell. His niece lost her life on her 32nd birthday in a 1998 accident involving a drunk driver.

“Madd was there even before I or others in the family could get there,” Frizzell said. “They provided so much care and support; services that I had no idea they offered.”

The single made its national television debut in a very special installment of the “Frizzell & Friends” franchise on RFD-TV. Taped at The Texas Troubadour Theater, home of the famed Midnight Jamboree radio show, the special featured appearances by Buddy Hyatt, Jett Williams, Jimmy Fortune, and Moe Bandy. 

Frizzell’s book on the life of his brother Lefty Frizzell, I Love You a Thousand Ways, was named one of the top music books of 2011 by CMT. The foreword was written by family friend, Merle Haggard.

http://www.davidfrizzell.com/

Steve Richard — “Toothbrush”

Force MP Entertainment artist Steve Richard is offering “Toothbrush” as his latest single to Country radio. Here’s a sampling of what the tastemakers are saying:

“Definitely Steve’s best release to date and quite possibly the catchiest song so far this year!”
—Kelly Green 100.9 The Farm/WEIO, Huntingdon, TN

“This may be just what a playlist needs..great song with a cool message and not the same old sound.”
—Ken Dillon, PD, KDKD FM/AM, Clinton MO

“THIS is the song you’ve been waiting for from Steve, it’s such a fun song (and so true when you think about it). It’ll melt your listeners’ hearts! Plus it’s short and uptempo, PERFECT for that Spring/Summer book!”
 —Jim Quinton, Chief Operator/PD/MD, Mountain Country 103.9 & 94.3 FM, WPPL-FM, Blue Ridge, GA

“This song will show the world your teeth as you smile and sing along. Steve Richard hits it out of the park…5 out of 5 dentists will agree this song shines!”
—Ted Cramer, WIFE-FM

Steve Richard’s musical journey has never been about labels. A dynamic performer, he has toured with rockers like Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, and Dickey Betts, as well as country greats Dierks Bentley, Montgomery Gentry and Craig Morgan.

“The positive response we’re getting is exciting and gratifying,” said Richard. “I realized a long time ago that the most important thing a songwriter or singer can do is reach people. I’m very grateful to be connecting with so many people. I thank Country radio for playing my two highest charting singles to date, ‘Eighty Acre Church,’ and ‘Love’s Gotta Go Somewhere,’ and I thank all of you, in advance, for your support of ‘Toothbrush.'”

http://www.steverichardmusic.com

CMA Songwriters Series Returns to New York

Craig Wiseman

The CMA Songwriters Series returns once again to New York City’s Joe’s Pub on May 9 with shows scheduled at 6:30 and 9:00 PM.

Fans will once again receive insight into the stories behind some of their favorite songs during each show. Featured songwriters at the May 9 event include Phil Vassar (“Bye, Bye,” “My Next Thirty Years,” and “Right On the Money”), Al Anderson (“The Cowboy In Me,” “All You Ever Do is Bring Me Down”), and Craig Wiseman (“Hillbilly Bone,” “Live Like You Were You Dying,” “She’s Got It All”), who will join host Bob DiPiero (“Southern Voice,” “Blue Clear Sky,” and “You Can’t Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl”) in performing their hits.

Tickets for the series go on sale today online or by phone (212) 967-7555.

ASCAP, BMI and GAC are the official partners of the CMA Songwriters Series.

Belmont University To Honor Mike Curb

Mike Curb

Belmont University’s College of Entertainment and Music Business will salute its benefactor and namesake Mike Curb during the annual Best of the Best showcase on April 14.

The event will honor Curb with the 2012 Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence, for his nearly five decades of success as a songwriter, producer and record company owner. In addition to his musical accomplishments, he serves as the chair of his Mike Curb Family Foundation which has made contributions to the greater Nashville community including The Curb Pediatric Center at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, The Curb Theater at the downtown library, the Nashville Alliance for Public Education, and the Nashville Symphony. It was through the foundation Curb backed the construction of the Curb Event Center and contributed to Belmont’s studio facilities, including Historic RCA Studio B and the newly renovated Quonset Hut.

Belmont’s free Best of the Best showcase features compilations of student winners from the yearly Showcase Series, including Urban/Pop (Tre Houston), Christian (Haley Hamilton), Country (Tristen Smith), and Rock (Christopher Wild). Winners from the ASCAP Writers Night series will also perform.

Rachele Lynae to Debut With Momentum

Twenty-four-year-old Rachele Lynae is the first artist to release music from Jamie O’Neal’s newly launched Momentum Label Group. O’Neal has been producing the young singer-songwriter, whose debut “Party ‘Til the Cows Come Home,” is set to impact country radio on April 16.

Lynae co-wrote the single with O’Neal, Jimmy Murphy and Stephanie Bentley. The accompanying music video, filmed in Nashville by Trey Fanjoy, will debut online in the coming weeks.

Lynae built a following from touring the West Coast, and came to Nashville to attend Belmont University. O’Neal came across Lynae’s five-song EP, and signed her as the flagship artist for Momentum. Lynae’s debut album is slated for release later in 2012.

More info on Lynae here.