DISClaimer: TobyMac, Hannah Kerr Release Top Christmas Offerings

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Nashville has always taken the lead when it comes to holiday music.

The city’s artists have given us such standards as “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Mary Did You Know,” “Blue Christmas,” “Reindeer Boogie,” “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “Tennessee Christmas,” “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy,” “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Pretty Paper,” “Kentucky Homemade Christmas,” “Santa Claus Is Watching You” and “Christmas Time’s A-Comin.’”

Today’s stack of platters includes Yule offerings from some of Nashville’s biggest country stars. But it is the city’s CCM community that comes away with top honors.

TobyMac wins the Disc of the Day. Hannah Kerr earns the DisCovery Award.

JENNIFER HANSON/Under The Tree
Writers: J. Hanson; Producers: Jennifer Hanson/Nick Brophy; Publishers: none listed; JH (track)
– The track sounds like crystalline falling snow. Her winsome vocal exudes warmth and sincerity. The super melodic song is a jewel. This lady’s holiday four-song EP is essential.

TWIN KENNEDY/Cold Weather
Writers: Carli Kennedy/Julie Kennedy; Producers: Dustin Olyan/Twin Kennedy; Publishers: Twin Kennedy; Factor (Canada)
– These sisters from British Columbia accompany themselves on fiddle and guitar, which forms the basis of their gentle acoustic sound. They also harmonize beautifully on this ultra-romantic song. Very pretty. The album is called A Twin Kennedy Christmas.

TOBYMAC/Bring On The Holidays
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Capitol/Forefront
– Naturally, Nashville’s CCM world embraces this season enthusiastically. This veteran of the genre kicks off his Light of Christmas CD with this jaunty pop rocker. The pulsing production is as irresistible as his tenor vocal. Highly recommended.

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NORA COLLINS/Christmas Kiss
Writers: Collins/Arthur; Producer: Tony Harrell; Publishers: none listed; MV2 (track)
– This pert soprano’s six-song holiday offering is titled It Must Be Christmas. Its single is a slow, sweetly romantic ballad about waking up to a special smooch on Christmas morning. Languid and lulling.

REBA McENTIRE, KELLY CLARKSON & TRISHA YEARWOOD/Silent Night
Writers: Franz Xaber Gruber/Joseph Mohr/John Freeman Young; Producer: Greg Kurstin, Publisher: PD; Rockin R/Nash Icon
– Leave it to these three stellar vocalists to turn this most familiar of Christmas standards into an enchanting new audio experience. Kelly leads off, followed by Trisha with Reba taking the third verse. Throughout, the three voices echo softly in harmony in the background. Hang on for the trio-harmonized a cappella finale. It will stop you in your tracks. You’ll find it on Reba’s CD My Kind of Christmas, which also contains collaborations with Darius Rucker, Lauren Daigle and Vince & Amy.

BALSAM RANGE/Christmas Lullaby
Writers: Doc Watson; Producer: Balsam Range; Publishers: Hillgreen/Budde, BMI; Mountain Home
-The bluegrass genre’s holiday entry, It’s Christmas Time, comes from this 10-time IBMA awarded band. The group’s trademark, flawless, hearty harmonies and deft picking are paired with The Nashville Recording Orchestra. The mixture of banjo and fiddle with lush, soaring strings is an unexpected delight. Well worth your spins.

BLAKE SHELTON/Christmas Eve
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros.
-His heartbroken lead vocal on this downbeat waltz is dandy. He remains such a superb country singer. The track is marred by the presence of a kiddie chorus.

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SHANE OWENS/Christmas in Dixie
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; AmeriMonte (CDX)
– This honky tonker’s revival of Alabama’s 1983 holiday classic is a welcome reminder of what a cool song it is. Winning and warm.

LUKE BRYAN/O Holy Night
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Capitol (CDX)
– His accent just feels out of place on this loveliest of Christmas melodies. To his credit, he does take the octave-leap finale in stride.

HANNAH KERR/Emmanuel
Writers: Hannah Kerr/Andy Gullahorn/Jill Phillips; Producer: Mark Miller; Publishers: Songs of Black River/The Gullahorns, ASCAP; Black River Christian
– This is the title tune of a six-song EP that introduces Black River’s first entry into the CCM field. Her soft, airy delivery gives the lilting ballad extraordinary intimacy and presence, particularly when her co-writers add their lovely, lacy harmony voices. I was hanging on every phrase, mesmerized.

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Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum Offers Free Community Day Dec. 17

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is partnering with the Ford Motor Company Fund for the museum’s ninth Ford Community Day on December 17. Museum admission on that day will be free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as a way to say thank you to the Middle Tennessee community and reward lucky out-of-town visitors.

Tours of Hatch Show Print and Historic RCA Studio B will also be free that day and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors can also choose from a variety of programs and events throughout the day including Songwriter Sessions with Paul Overstreet and Jesse Lee, a Musician Spotlight with Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, beginnner banjo lessons, and a performance from Kane Brown. 

Although the brief performance by Kane Brown will be free, a program pass will be required for admittance. Guests can make reservations beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14.  A limited number of program passes will also be available at the museum on Sunday. For additional programming information or to make a reservation for this performance, visit countrymusichalloffame.org/ford.

“As a non-profit organization and one of the leading arts institutions in the United States, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum makes it a priority to give back to the local community,” said Steve Turner, chairman of the museum’s board of officers and trustees. “Each year, the Ford Motor Company Fund generously allows the museum to open its doors for free to the public. We are grateful for their support and excited to make the museum available to our community for what is sure to be a memorable day.”

Ford Community Day visitors who show their Ford key will receive 10 percent off purchases in the Museum Store, Circa and Hatch Show Print, and on food and beverage purchases at Red Onion and Bajo Sexto (excludes alcohol and gift certificates). Visitors who wish to purchase a museum membership on this day will receive a 20 percent discount on any Individual or Family Level membership. The discount will be honored on December 17 at the membership desk and online.

Lee Roy Parnell Signs With New Frontier Touring

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Lee Roy Parnell has signed exclusively with New Frontier Touring for worldwide booking representation. Parnell’s latest project, Midnight Believer, was released earlier this year by Vector Recordings/BFD and is available on all digital platforms.

“I am very pleased and excited to be working with Paul Lohr, Trip Brown and New Frontier!” states Lee Roy Parnell. “We share the vision moving forward in my career and 2018 could very well be my best year ever!”

“New Frontier is thrilled to be working with Lee Roy,” reflects New Frontier Owner/President Paul Lohr. “We have been fans of his singing, guitar playing and songwriting for years, and look forward to a great future together!”

Paul Williams Named Reviver Entertainment Group VP, Marketing/Artist Development

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Paul Williams

Paul Williams has been named VP, Marketing/Artist Development of the Reviver Entertainment Group. Williams, who will report to Reviver Executive VP/GM Gator Michaels, will immediately take the reigns supporting Reviver single releases including the Reviver Entertainment Group/Blue Chair release “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” from David Lee Murphy and Kenny Chesney, Reviver Records’ Michael Tyler cut “Hey Mama” and LOCASH’s upcoming single “Don’t Get Better Than That.”

Williams will start in his new role on Jan. 2, 2018. He will continue in his current role as Radio Editor for Country Aircheck through the end of the year. Williams previously handled Northeast Radio Promotion for Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Artists.

“Paul’s diverse background, gives Reviver and its artists an out of the box thinker who has a deep understanding of the marketplace,” said Founder and President/CEO David Ross. “He’s a brilliant creative mind whose expertise and leadership will ultimately benefit not only our staff, but most importantly the artists with whom we work.”

Williams moved to Nashville 13 years ago to work with the RCA Label Group as Sr. Director Strategic Marketing after serving as Program Director for KPLX in Dallas. He spent six years at Universal Studios in the Strategic Alliance Marketing Department. Before that he was Promotions Director for Top 40 radio stations in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Orlando and Charleston.

Beginning Jan. 2, he can be reached at paul@revivermusic.com or by phone at 615-715-7884. For now, he can be contacted at paulwilliams615@comcast.net.

In Pictures: Jason Isbell, Brett Young, Country Music Hall Of Fame and Museum

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Jason Isbell Continues Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Residency

Pictured (L-R): The 400 Unit’s Jimbo Hart and Chad Gamble, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Peter Cooper, the 400 Unit’s Sadler Vaden, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, the 400 Unit’s Derry deBorja, and NS2 CEO Darin Lashinsky. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images

Jason Isbell continued his residency at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum this week, with the second of three intimate and unique performances hosted in the museum’s CMA Theater which featured an acoustic set with Isbell’s band the 400 Unit. Amanda Shires returned Tuesday night as a member of the 400 Unit, joining band members Kerry deBorja on piano, organ, and accordion; Chad Gamble on drums; Jimbo Hart on electric bass; and Sadler Vaden on acoustic guitar. Isbell will conclude his sold-out residency on Dec. 19, at 7 p.m., with an evening of surprise special guests.

 

Brett Young Scores Gold With “Like I Loved You”

BMLG Records President/EVP Big Machine Label Group Jimmy Harnen surprises Brett Young with a plaque to celebrate Young’s GOLD single “Like I Loved You” at House Of Blues in Dallas

Brett Young was recently surprised by BMLG Records President/EVP Big Machine Label Group Jimmy Harnen at his sold-out Caliville Tour show at House of Blues in Dallas. Harnen gave Young the news that his current single, “Like I Loved You,” is certified Gold. The song follows his Platinum-certified “Sleep Without You” and 2x Platinum “In Case You Didn’t Know,” as well as his Gold-certified, self-titled debut album.

 

Heads Up Penny Foundation Raises $2K For CMHoF Songwriting Camp

Pictured (L-R): Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s VP of Development Lisa Purcell, Heads Up Penny Foundation Founder Tad Bryant and his mother Carolyn Bryant.

On Sunday, Dec. 3, the Heads Up Penny Foundation’s cookie decorating party, hosted by Foundation founder, 13-year-old Tad Bryant, generated more than $2,000 in scholarships for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s summer Songwriting Camp. The camp offers a unique experience where budding songwriters (ages 11-18) can hone their craft and learn from professionals. Camp includes one-on-one mentoring sessions, instrument instruction, performance coaching, demo recording experiences, workshops led by special guests, and much more. Registrations for the camp open Jan. 8, 2018, and Songwriting Camp will take place June 11-15, 2018.

Cumulus Media Launches Amazon Alexa Skills For 300 Local Stations

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Cumulus Media has launched Amazon Alexa skills for 300 local radio stations, Westwood One brands, plus the leading dedicated Christmas Radio Skill, Christmas Radio. This is the largest collection of custom skills available with Amazon Alexa in the U.S.

To sample a Cumulus local station skill, users can ask Alexa to enable a specific radio station skill (for example, for rock station KLOS, users can say, “Alexa, enable Ninety-Five Five, KLOS skill”). After the skill is enabled, users can then open the skill in Alexa.

Cumulus has also launched a national consumer marketing campaign designed to educate listeners on how to find and enable skills, fueled by local on-air, video and social promotion. Individual stations will create localized messaging that speaks directly to their unique listenership. The custom skills can be enabled vocally by using unique key phrases for each radio station; top Cumulus markets including New York City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Dallas stations are now available.

“Voice-interactive technology is bringing radio listening back into the home and office, and will enable interactivity with our stations in the connected car,” said Mike McVay, EVP, Programming and Content, Cumulus Media. “Our strategy to create a custom skill for individual radio stations and programs, while educating consumers, is critical as smart speakers have created an entirely new, and rapidly growing platform to consume audio content.”

“At an aggregated network level we will have access to valuable data and insights on this rapidly-evolving audio ecosystem,” said Suzanne Grimes, EVP, Corporate Marketing, Cumulus Media and President, Westwood One. “We are dedicated to educating, testing, and learning to evolve the listening experience for our listeners and brand partners.”

Kassi Ashton Inks Joint Deal With Interscope/UMG Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): Interscope Geffen A&M Records Chairman & CEO John Janick, Kassi Ashton, UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan

Kassi Ashton has signed with UMG Nashville in conjunction with Interscope Records. The California, Missouri native is currently working on new music expected in early 2018, and MCA Nashville will be servicing her single to country radio.

“You don’t have to be around her very long before you are struck by the ‘otherworldly spirit’ that rides alongside what is an otherwise kooky, fun soul,” shares UMG Nashville’s Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan. “And after about 90 seconds of hearing her sing, you know that you are in for a ride.  The music is fresh, unique, and rich in lyrical landscape far beyond her years.  Hallelujah!”

“I knew within seconds of meeting Kassi that she’s the real thing,” comments Interscope Geffen A&M Chairman and CEO John Janick. “A talented, driven singer and songwriter who pours her soul into her music. She’s a badass.”

“Within 5 minutes of meeting the people at Universal Nashville and Interscope, I knew that together they were the perfect team to help me move the needle,” says Kassi. “My happiness and readiness are beyond words.”

Kassi Ashton is represented by Creative Nation for both management and publishing.

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Ben Gallaher Gives Back On Seventh Annual Barbed Tour

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Ben Gallaher launched his 2017 Barbed Tour this week. The Pennsylvania native has spent the past seven years performing for inmates at correctional institutions in his home state. Gallaher will perform tunes from his five-song, self-titled debut Sony Music Nashville EP, which was produced by Julian King and Jim Catino, and released in August.

“I started touring Pennsylvania State Prisons in 2011 when I was 19 after a friend who worked at SCI Camp Hill reached out to see if I’d consider performing there,” said Gallaher. “I jumped at the opportunity, even though I’d never been to a prison before. After that first solo acoustic performance, it just spread from one state prison to another. I titled it the Barbed Tour and each year I love going back to play behind bars. It’s such an unscripted experience. Music is so universal. It doesn’t matter where; whether you are in a bar, in a church, or in a prison, music has a powerful effect.”

Barbed Tour Dates:
Monday, Dec. 11 – Frackville
Tuesday, Dec. 12 – Fayette
Thursday, Dec. 14 – Camp Hill
Friday, Dec. 15 – Graterford
Tuesday, Dec. 19 – Retreat
Wednesday, Dec. 20 – Chester

‘CMA Country Christmas’ Re-Air Date Moved

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Chris Young

The encore broadcast of the CMA Country Christmas TV special has been moved to Thursday, Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. CT on ABC.

The eighth annual holiday special returns with first-time host Reba McEntire and includes two hours of festive performances from the Grand Ole Opry House by Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, CB30, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, Reba, CeCe Winans, Trisha Yearwood and Chris Young.

CMA Country Christmas was executive produced by Robert Deaton, directed by Paul Miller, and written by Jon Macks.

Industry Ink: Starstruck Entertainment, Provident Distribution, Bluebird Cafe

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Starstruck Entertainment Names Digital Strategy Manager

Cooper Anstett

Starstruck Entertainment has named Cooper Anstett as Digital Strategy Manager. Anstett joins the Starstruck team to direct the use of promotional content and audio/visual media to grow the digital market of Starstruck artists.

“Each artist that we develop at Starstruck deserves a unique online presence,” said Starstruck Director of Digital Strategy, Jeremy Gold. “Cooper brings an understanding of content, streaming, and socials that we need to build a strong digital strategy for our roster.”

From Detroit, Anstett interned on the A&R teams at Interscope Los Angeles in 2015 and Warner Nashville in 2016. After graduating from the University of Michigan School of Information, he moved to Nashville to start up Digital Natives Social Agency, helping artists with their digital and social media footprint.

 

Provident Distribution Re-Signs Distribution Deal With Cedarmont Kids

Pictured (Front row,  L –R): Sue Gay, Co-Founder Cedarmont Kids; Mike Gay, Co-Founder Cedarmont Kids; Terry Hemmings, CEO Provident Music Group.  Pictured (Back row, L-R): Scott Knight, VP Business Affairs, Provident Music Group; Darren Elrod, COO, Provident Music Group; Jimmy Wheeler, VP Sales & Distribution, Provident Distribution

Provident Distribution has opted to continue its longstanding distribution agreement with Cedarmont Kids. Selling more than 22 million units, Cedarmont has scanned more units than any other Christian artist and has four titles, Bible Songs, Sunday School Songs, Action Bible Songs, and Toddler Tunes, that have been on the Soundscan charts for over 1,000 consecutive weeks.

As their only distribution partner in their successful 24 years, Provident Distribution is looking forward to the continued relationship with the No. 2 kids audio label behind Disney.

 

Trent Harmon Makes Bluebird Café Debut

Trent Harmon made his Bluebird Café debut on Saturday (Dec. 9) alongside family, friends and industry.

Pictured (L-R): Jimmy Robbins, Trent Harmon, Laura Veltz and Justin Ebach