Burns and Poe

/by

“How Long Is Long Enough”

Blue Steel Records

Already spinning at: KAIR, KBCN, KBCR, KCJC, KCNY, KFAV, KGRT, KKAJ, KKOW, KLMJ, KLQL, KMGO, KNAF, KNCQ, KREK, KRRV, KRVN, KSMA, KTJJ, KTKS, KTNT, KVVP, KWCK, KWOX, KWWR, KXIA, KXOX, KZZY, WATZ, WBRF, WBYZ, WCJW, WCOW, WDNB, WGGC, WGLR, WHMA, WIFE, WJMQ, WJNR, WKKW, WKSR, WMEV, WOWF, WPPL, WQNZ, WQSI, WTHO, WUCZ, WUPY, WYBL, WYVY. A big THANK YOU country radio for the great debut! Thank you to our promoters Regina, Christina, Tom, and Steve!

In a word, “Wow.” LOVE the track: It pulses like a heartbeat. Michelle aches exquisitely in her lead vocal. The chorus has monstrous hooks. This thing has the wings of a mighty angel.”
—Robert K. Oermann, MusicRow

Just in time for the sizzlin’ dog-days of summer Blue Steel Records duo Burns & Poe is back with a soulful mid-tempo about a heart-on-the-mend, served with breezy harmonies. “How Long Is Long Enough” was co-penned by Keith Burns and Frankie Golden, produced by Mark Oliverius and will appear on the duo’s upcoming self-titled album. It has already made a huge first week debut at No. 58 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart.

“For every song I’ve written I think the lyrics need to speak for themselves,” says Burns. “When Michelle and I were in the studio, we agreed the music had to be stripped down to bare bones, plain and simple, to showcase how vulnerable and numb the character is. It’s our version of Eric Carmen’s ‘All By Myself’.”

Poe agrees, saying, “She’s at a place where we’ve all been at one point or another. After ending a relationship you want to be able to move on with your life, but sometimes it takes more time than you’d hope. The heart takes time to feel; the heart takes time to heal. The lyric, ‘Tell me when does a heart give up?’ sums up the song perfectly. When can I give in, let go and get on with my life? Who hasn’t felt that way?”

http://www.burnsandpoe.com/
http://twitter.com/burnsandpoe
Burns & Poe on Facebook

[wpaudio url=”https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/10200439/bnp-hlile.mp3″ text=”Burns & Poe – How Long Is Long Enough” dl=”0″ autoplay=”1″]

Jesse Lee

/by

“Like My Mother Does”

Atlantic/WMN

“Like My Mother Does” is the debut single for new artist Jesse Lee, and her upcoming album will be released by Atlantic Records. The song is a tribute to a mother-daughter relationship that represents Jesse’s own relationship with her mom. “My mom’s my best friend, so when I’m singing that song, I’m coming from a very real place,” says Jesse. “When I played it the first time for her, she cried.”

The yet-to-be-titled album is a mix of traditional and contemporary country, aided by Grammy Award winning producers Mark Bright (Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts), Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift), and Paul Worley (Dixie Chicks, Martina McBride). Jesse’s songwriting collaborators include American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, as well as Hillary Lindsey (Carrie Underwood) and Liz Rose (Taylor Swift), who co-wrote “Like My Mother Does” with Chapman.

Born in California and raised in Florida, Jesse grew up with a deep appreciation for country music. By her early teenage years, Jesse was opening shows for artists such as Ronnie Milsap, Willie Nelson, Keith Urban, and Clay Walker and spending extended periods of time recording and performing in Music City. After high school, she enrolled in Belmont University’s music business program and was able to perform at famed Nashville venues like the Bluebird Café and the Ryman Auditorium.

http://www.jesseleemusic.com/
http://www.facebook.com/jesselee

[wpaudio url=”https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/10200706/jlee-lmmd.mp3″ text=”Jesse Lee – Like My Mother Does” dl=”0″ autoplay=”1″]

Blackberry Smoke

/by

“Good One Comin’ On”

BamaJam/Nine North

With influences that run the gamut from country to bluegrass to metal to gospel and southern rock, Blackberry Smoke is more than the sum of its diverse parts. The band’s current single “Good One Comin’ On” is already making an impact at country radio.

“None of us have ever said, ‘Let’s be a southern rock band or a bluegrass band or a country band’,” explains frontman Charlie Starr. “We all love the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Stones and the Faces and Hank Williams and Bill Monroe. It’s not about what kind of music it is, as long as it’s good and it’s honest.”

The group, comprised of Starr, sibling rhythm section Richard and Brit Turner (bass and drums, respectively) and guitarist Paul Jackson, formed in 2000 and quickly established itself as a hard-working touring outfit on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line. The band has shared the stage with artists such as ZZ Top, Montgomery Gentry, The Outlaws, Marshall Tucker Band and Cross Canadian Ragweed.

Acclaimed producer Dann Huff (Bon Jovi, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts) and Justin Niebank were tapped to produce the band’s second album Little Piece of Dixie, which is available now. The album contains songs written by the band as well as some of Nashville’s finest, including Lee Roy Parnell, David Lee Murphy, Gary Nicholson, Craig Wiseman, Randy Houser and Rob Hatch.

At the end of the day, Blackberry Smoke just wants to do what it has done for the last decade. “There ain’t nothing more fulfilling than making music people like,” says Paul. “The only way for us to promote our records was to tour year-round, 150 dates a year.”

“Performing is never a waste of time, even if there’s 20 people and the bartender there,” agrees Charlie.

http://www.blackberrysmoke.com/
http://www.facebook.com/BlackberrySmoke

[wpaudio url=”https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/10201027/bs-gocu.mp3″ text=”Blackberry Smoke – Good One Comin’ On” dl=”0″ autoplay=”1″]

Josh Gracin

/by

“Cover Girl”

Average Joes Entertainment

“I want to sing. I want to write. I want to produce. I want to put myself on the chopping block,” admits Josh Gracin, newly signed to hot independent label Average Joes Entertainment. Signing with an indie has allowed the singer to grow and challenge himself while still providing an outlet for his product. Gracin’s first single for Average Joes is “Cover Girl,” and it’s going for adds August 2.

Gracin has been hard at work on his new album, which he co-produced with his drummer Kevin Murphy and recorded with his road band. “We aimed to paint that picture and give it a feel that everything is in the room with you,” he says. “I love those guys and I love having them on the record. The band was able to live with the songs and given the artistic freedom to bring in their interpretation to the music.”

The Michigan native won the hearts and ears of America after he auditioned for season two of American Idol while serving in the Marine Corps. Following his fourth place finish on Idol and the completion of his military service, Gracin signed with Lyric Street Records and released his self-titled debut album in June 2004. The album was RIAA-certified gold and spawned three top five singles—“I Want to Live,” “Stay With Me (Brass Bed),” and the No. 1 hit “Nothin’ to Lose.”

http://www.joshgracin.com/
http://www.myspace.com/joshgracin

[wpaudio url=”https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/10201056/jshgrcn-cvrgrl.mp3″ text=”Josh Gracin – Cover Girl” dl=”0″ autoplay=”1″]

Photo Friday: LBT, TBP, Craig Morgan

/by

Capitol Nashville Recording artist Little Big Town raised over $55,000 for the T.J. Martell Foundation at their 4th annual Ride For A Cure event held last Sunday (7/11). The event, which included a motorcycle ride from the Tin Roof in Nashville to the Harley-Davidson Superstore in Columbia, TN, featured pre-ride performances by Brett Eldridge, Randy Montana and Cali Rodi and post-ride performances by Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Randy Houser, Josh Thompson and The Band Perry. (L-R): Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet and Karen Fairchild; label-mate Luke Bryan; and Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman and Jimi Westbrook. Photo: Becky Fluke

The Band Perry performed this morning (7/16) on Fox & Friends, the Fox News Channel’s morning show. The Band Perry—siblings Kimberly, Neil and Reid Perry—played with their band in the plaza outside the news channel’s offices on 6th Avenue in midtown Manhattan, as part of the program’s “All American Summer” concert series. The band’s self-titled album will be released on October 5. (L-R): Neil Perry, show host Brian Kilmeade, Kimberly Perry, show host Alisyn Camerota, Reid Perry, and show host Steve Doocy.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is gearing up for the latest release in its exclusive music program: Craig Morgan’s That’s Why–Collector’s Edition. The CD features 13 songs, including the top radio hits “Bonfire” and “This Ain’t Nothin,” as well as two previously unreleased songs. (L-R): Faith Quesenberry, Vector Mgmt.; Morgan; Peter Keiser, Cracker Barrel, VP Mktg.; and Julie Craig, Cracker Barrel, Mktg. Mgr.

Save The Dates: ACM Honors, End Of The Row Party

/by

The date for the 4th Annual ACM Honors has been changed to Monday, September 20 at the Ryman Auditorium. The invitation-only evening of musical tribute performances and special presentations celebrates the off-camera winners of the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

SPECIAL AWARDS
Jim Reeves International Award—Keith Urban
Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award— Marty Robbins and Mel Tillis
Poet’s Award—Don Schlitz and Cindy Walker
Tex Ritter Award—Crazy Heart
Mae Boren Axton Award—Rod Essig

MBI (MUSICIANS, BAND, INSTRUMENTAL) AWARDS:
Top Guitarist Of The Year – Brent Mason
Top Piano/Keyboard Player Of The Year – Michael Rojas
Top Bass Player Of The Year – Michael Rhodes
Top Percussionist/Drummer Of The Year – Shannon Forrest
Top Steel Guitar Player Of The Year – Paul Franklin
Top Fiddle Player Of The Year – Stuart Duncan
Top Specialty Instrument(s) Player – Randy Scruggs
Audio Engineer Of The Year – Justin Niebank
Producer Of The Year – Dann Huff

INDUSTRY AWARDS
Nightclub Of The Year – Billy Bob’s Texas – Ft. Worth, TX
Casino Of The Year – Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa And Casino – Las Vegas, NV
Don Romeo Talent Buyer Of The Year – Todd Boltin – Variety Attractions, Inc.
Promoter Of The Year – Brian O’Connell – Live Nation
Venue Of The Year – Sommet Center – Nashville, TN (Effective March 2, 2010, this venue was renamed The Bridgestone Arena)
•••••••••••••••••••

Derek Crownover

T.J. Martell Foundation Nashville Chapter president Derek Crownover says, “If you are a fan of suds, songwriters, and the support of a good cause, you will want to circle Sept. 16 on your calendar.”

That is the date of law firm Crownover Tisinger’s 5th annual End Of The Row party to benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation. The popular event will be held at their offices at 1701 18th Avenue South. Crownover, together with law partner Joel Tisinger who serves as pro-bono legal counsel for the Foundation, held the inaugural party in 2006. “It has become a well-attended event over the years,” said Crownover. “I think that’s because it’s just a good end of the summer hang that is low-cost for the Foundation and fun for everyone.”

Partygoers will enjoy hot food, cold beverages and cool music courtesy of some of Music Row’s finest tunesmiths. Every dollar raised from ticket sales ($20 advance, $25 at the door) goes directly to the T.J. Martell Foundation. Details on tickets coming soon.

David Adam Byrnes

/by

“Sweet Distraction”

Better Angels Music

“Sweet Distraction” is the country radio debut for David Adam Byrnes, and it goes for adds Monday, July 19. The song was written by Andi Zack and Better Angels writer Josh Thompson (Columbia Nashville) and produced by industry veteran Rob Rappaport and Tom Drenon for Better Angels Music.

Born and raised in Sherwood, Arkansas, Byrnes has had the dream of being a country singer since his parents took him to his first George Strait concert. By the time he reached high school, he had the opportunity to be one of the opening acts for Hank Williams Jr., among others. After selling out local clubs in Arkansas such as the Hollywood Country Club, Bad Bob’s, and The Rock City Lounge, his name has become known across the state.

To quote one of Byrnes’ songs, “he loves a bar room band, has worn a cowboy hat, cranks his music up loud, loves his family, respects his country, has known heartache, has been called a backwoods redneck…” That should give listeners a little clue as to who he is musically and personally.

http://www.myspace.com/davidbyrnes
http://twitter.com/davidadambyrnes

[wpaudio url=”https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/10201328/dab-swtdtrct.mp3″ text=”David Adam Byrnes – Sweet Distraction” dl=”0″ autoplay=”1″]

MR Awards Issue (July 2010)

/by

Pictured at Grimey’s New & Pre-Loved Music counter-clockwise from front-center: Jody Williams, Clay Bradley, Beth Mason, Mark Mason, Leslie Roberts, Thomas Cain, Bradley Collins, Perry Howard and David Preston. Cover photo by Eric England.

~ON THE COVER~
Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)
BMI’s Jody Williams & his writer relations team

Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) is one of the pillars of Nashville’s songwriting business. Since opening its doors in 1939, an ambitious standard of service has guided the company. The establishment of BMI’s Nashville office was an active embodiment of that standard—a commitment to an entire region. When BMI opened its Music City outpost in 1958, it was the first performing rights organization to do so. A young woman named Frances Preston launched the new office of the burgeoning not-for-profit company. Suddenly, formerly marginalized and tragically overlooked blues, hillbilly, jazz and folk songwriters had a home where all were welcome.

For BMI, breaking new ground became the norm. Preston led the Nashville office
and ultimately, the entire company. Dubbed the “Songwriters’ Guardian Angel” by Kris Kristofferson, she was determined to pay the region’s songwriters more than lip service. Preston reshaped the performance royalty-payment paradigm. This groundbreaking method of directly paying songwriters for performances of their work was adopted by all PROs.

In the 1950s, the South spawned a cultural earthquake: rock ‘n’ roll. BMI’s Nashville office was ready. From Chuck Berry and James Brown to Jerry Lee Lewis and Fats Domino, the new breed chose the new PRO. BMI also embraced Grand Ole Opry stars like Minnie Pearl and Hank Williams. The Nashville office became what it is today: a hub of activity in the middle of a region whose artistic wealth is almost too deep—too rich—to fully grasp.

Fast forward to 1996, when the bulk of BMI operations relocated to Nashville. With more than 400 employees, BMI is the largest music industry employer on Music Row.
Del Bryant’s path to assuming the role of BMI President & CEO also ran straight through Nashville. The versatile and innovative Bryant fondly refers to Nashville as his “home base,” and when he asked Jody Williams to lead BMI’s Nashville writer/publisher staff in 2006, the anticipation throughout Music Row was palpable. A veteran song man with respected ears and infectious passion for songwriters, Williams returned to BMI with a mandate to lead and serve the creative community.
Williams welcomed the challenge, developing and recruiting a devoted, effective staff, a group whose personal ties to Nashville music history—the Country Music Hall of Fame, no less—magnify BMI’s inclusive emphasis on family. In addition to tapping Clay Bradley as Assistant Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Williams assembled a team that includes longtime BMI executives Thomas Cain, Mark Mason, David Preston, Perry Howard, and Bradley Collins, as well as more recent additions Beth Mason and Leslie Roberts.

Nashville has become the epicenter of American music, and BMI’s Nashville office, in turn, is a crossroads of activity. In addition to Music Row favorites including BMI No. 1 parties and the annual BMI Country and Christian Awards, BMI’s layered approach to songwriter development comprises educational, creative and promotional opportunities: the BMI Songwriters Workshop with Jason Blume; local showcases including 8 off 8th, East Side Sounds, BMI Buzz at the Basement, and BMI Presents at 12th & Porter; the Road to Bonnaroo competition; and slots and stages at premier festivals including SXSW, the Key West Songwriters Festival, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Lollapalooza, the French Quarter Festival, Folk Alliance, the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival and more.

Willie Nelson and Toby Keith, Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift, Booker T. & the MGs and Cage the Elephant, Patsy Cline and Carrie Underwood, Allen Toussaint and Ben Folds, Bill Monroe and Alison Krauss, Chet Atkins and Vince Gill, the Carter Family and Lady Antebellum, Muddy Waters and Jack White, Eddy Arnold and Keith Urban, Loretta Lynn and Miranda Lambert, Allman Brothers and Zac Brown Band, Jerry Jeff Walker and Robert Earl Keen, Tammy Wynette & George Jones and Faith Hill & Tim McGraw, Wanda Jackson and Caitlin Rose, Harlan Howard and Jeffrey Steele: BMI’s Nashville family is part legacy, part present, and part future.

Today, BMI’s center of gravity remains in Nashville. And the company’s doors are still wide open.

BMI is an American performing right organization that represents more than 400,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in all genres of music and more than 6.5 million works. The U.S. corporation collects license fees from businesses that use music, which it then distributes as royalties to the musical creators and copyright owners it represents.

Stealing Angels

/by

“He Better Be Dead”

Skyville/Nine North

Country trio Caroline Cutbirth, Jennifer Wayne, and Tayla Lynn—collectively known as Stealing Angels—is releasing its debut single “He Better Be Dead” to country radio. Impact date is Monday, July 12. The ladies have been recording songs for their debut album with renowned producer Paul Worley (Lady Antebellum, Dixie Chicks, Martina McBride, Big & Rich) and are the first signing to Worley’s new Skyville Records imprint which was launched with business partners Wally Wilson and Glen Morgan.

Stealing Angels found each other when Texas native Cutbirth moved to Nashville in 2006. There she met Wayne, granddaughter of the actor John Wayne, who had also come to town to chase her dream. In 2007 the two girls were approached to do a music based reality TV show, and the show’s producer introduced them to Tayla Lynn–Loretta’s granddaughter–and the three began working together. Ultimately they decided reality TV wasn’t for them, but luckily their music and collaborative spirit kept going after the cameras stopped.

Stealing Angels’ debut album is scheduled for release later in 2010. They will be performing in fairs and festivals all over the country this summer, as well as doing an extensive radio tour promoting their debut single.

http://www.stealingangels.com
http://www.facebook.com/StealingAngels
http://www.myspace.com/stealingangels

[wpaudio url=”https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/10201351/stngls-hbbd.mp3″ text=”Stealing Angels – He Better Be Dead” dl=”0″ autoplay=”1″]

Veronica Ballestrini

/by

Veronica Ballestrini is returning to country radio with her latest single “Don’t Say,” which the young artist co-penned with producer Cliff Downs. The net savvy singer recently parlayed her Myspace popularity into an appearance on the Simon Fuller-created internet program If I Can Dream after a video of her performing “Bless The Broken Road” became one a favorite on the show’s social media page. The episode aired June 4 and is available on hulu.com.

A media darling, Ballestrini’s first single “Amazing” climbed up the charts in the fall of 2009. Since her initial introduction, she has made a big impression with music industry executives and peers who have applauded and supported her universally. She was the featured artist in the 2009 Digital Rodeo CMA Fest Contest, has one of the most visited artist pages on CMT.com and has endorsements with InTune Guitar Picks (InTuneGP) and Sennheiser.

With a dream and an Internet connection, the teenager from Waterford, Connecticut has raised eyebrows with her self-made success story. The staggering numbers on her social network sites are proof that Veronica has that special ability to connect with people.

“It’s important that people know that I’m not trying to be anyone else,” adds Veronica. “I’m just trying to be who I am. I’m writing from the heart about issues and things I’m experiencing, and hopefully people can identify with that.”

http://www.veronicaballestrini.net/
http://www.myspace.com/veronicaballestrini
http://twitter.com/veronicabal

[wpaudio url=”https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/10201410/vrbl-dtsy.mp3″ text=”Veronica Ballestrini – Don’t Say” dl=”0″ autoplay=”1″]