Teenage vocalist and songwriter EmiSunshine will release her fourth studio recording, Ragged Dreams, on Aug. 25. On the album, 13-year-old EmiSunshine tackles a range of topics from autism (“Ninety Miles”), to incarceration, deceit, and murder.
“I’m pretty sure that most folks expect me to write and sing about rainbows, butterflies and unicorns, but that’s just not me,” says EmiSunshine. “I like to write about things that are real and life just isn’t pretty sometimes…that’s just the way it is. I also get my song ideas from scary movies (I love scary movies!); I love the ‘shock factor;’ it’s just plain fun to see the ‘surprise’ on people’s faces!”
Produced by Sunshine and backed by her family-band, The Rain (father, Randall Hamilton-bass; brother, John Hamilton-mandolin; uncle, Bobby Hill-drums), the album spotlights cameo performances by notables Randy Kohrs (resonator guitar), Tim Crouch (mandolin/fiddle/guitar), Justin Moses (fiddle/guitar/dobro/banjo), Hitoshi Yamaguchi (cello), Ben Probus (fiddle) and others.
Digital Delivery Services will spearhead the global digital retail campaign.
EmiSunshine got her first taste of fame four years ago, when a homemade video of her performance went viral. She was the featured performer during MusicRow‘s 2015 Rising Women on the Row event in Nashville.
Ragged Dreams Track Listing
1. Ragged Dreams
2. Sinner’s Serenade
3. Strong Armed Robbery
4. Porter Wagoner Blues
5. Resting Place
6. Johnny, June & Jesus
7. Carry Me Home
8. Ninety Miles
9. Tennessee Killin’ Song
10. Little Blackbird
11. As the Waters Rise
12. Katie Belle
13. Shame, Shame, Shame
14. Stepping Stone
15. Danny Ray
Chris Tomlin Welcomes All-Star Lineup For Second Red Rocks Show
/by Jessica NicholsonThe show will precede the already scheduled “Chris Tomlin: Worship at Red Rocks” event that will take place on Sept. 6.
“Two nights at Red Rocks. Can you believe this? This is the best!” exclaimed Tomlin. “Being able to play back to back nights at one of the most beautiful venues in the world will be unforgettable. So wherever you’re from, join us. Get your tickets and come to Denver because it’s going to be a special night.”
Tickets for “Chris Tomlin & Friends” will go on sale July 28 at 10 a.m. MT.
LeAnn Rimes Plots Fifth Annual Today Is Christmas Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonEach set will include a mix of songs from her three holiday albums, plus performances of hits such as “How Do I Live,” and songs from her latest album, Remnants (Sony Music/Thirty Tigers/RED).
“Hard to believe we are talking about Christmas in July, but I am excited to start preparing for the holiday season,” shares Rimes. “It is one of my favorite times of the year; there is something magical about it, and being able to share it with my fans makes it all the more special.”
Rimes has teamed with CID Entertainment to offer three levels of enhanced experiences as part of the Today Is Christmas 2017 Tour, including a premium ticket, access to a pre-show performance and Q&A with Rimes, as well as exclusive merchandise and the opportunity for a meet & greet. Enhanced experiences will be available for purchase starting July 26 at 10 a.m. local time at CID Entertainment’s official site.
Today Is Christmas 2017 Tour Dates
Dec. 2: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Parker Playhouse
Dec. 3: Sarasota, Fla.; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Dec. 4: Naples, Fla.; Artis-Naples
Dec. 8: The Villages, Fla.; Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center
Dec. 9: Oxford, Ala.; Oxford Performing Arts Center
Dec. 10: Nashville, Tenn.; Ryman Auditorium
Dec. 12: Fayetteville, Ark.; Walton Arts Center
Dec. 14: Lake Jackson, Texas; The Clarion at Brazosport College
Dec. 15: Tulsa, Okla.; Paradise Cove at River Spirit Casino Resort
Dec. 16: Emporia, Kan.; Emporia Granada Theatre
Dec. 18: Denver; Paramount Theatre – Denver
Dec. 19: Salt Lake City, Utah; Abravanel Hall
Dec. 20: Aspen, Colo; Belly Up Aspen
EmiSunshine To Release ‘Ragged Dreams’ In August
/by Jessica Nicholson“I’m pretty sure that most folks expect me to write and sing about rainbows, butterflies and unicorns, but that’s just not me,” says EmiSunshine. “I like to write about things that are real and life just isn’t pretty sometimes…that’s just the way it is. I also get my song ideas from scary movies (I love scary movies!); I love the ‘shock factor;’ it’s just plain fun to see the ‘surprise’ on people’s faces!”
Produced by Sunshine and backed by her family-band, The Rain (father, Randall Hamilton-bass; brother, John Hamilton-mandolin; uncle, Bobby Hill-drums), the album spotlights cameo performances by notables Randy Kohrs (resonator guitar), Tim Crouch (mandolin/fiddle/guitar), Justin Moses (fiddle/guitar/dobro/banjo), Hitoshi Yamaguchi (cello), Ben Probus (fiddle) and others.
Digital Delivery Services will spearhead the global digital retail campaign.
EmiSunshine got her first taste of fame four years ago, when a homemade video of her performance went viral. She was the featured performer during MusicRow‘s 2015 Rising Women on the Row event in Nashville.
Ragged Dreams Track Listing
1. Ragged Dreams
2. Sinner’s Serenade
3. Strong Armed Robbery
4. Porter Wagoner Blues
5. Resting Place
6. Johnny, June & Jesus
7. Carry Me Home
8. Ninety Miles
9. Tennessee Killin’ Song
10. Little Blackbird
11. As the Waters Rise
12. Katie Belle
13. Shame, Shame, Shame
14. Stepping Stone
15. Danny Ray
Ashley McBryde, Jillian Jacqueline, Bailey Bryan Release New Videos
/by Lorie HollabaughAshley McBryde Debuts “A Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega” Video
McBryde co-wrote “A Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega” with Nicolette Hayford and Jesse Rice. “We had all had a really bad day. Not ‘one of the worst days of my life,’ but I had one of those days where nothing was going right,” McBryde said via a release. “I got a crack in my windshield on my way to work, I got sick, and had broken a guitar string all within an hour and a half. On top of that my co-writer, Jesse, was late, but bless his heart, when he walked in we could tell he had had a night and a morning that was just as rough as ours. That’s how we got on the subject of having the worst day ever, and that’s when Jesse started talking about his car breaking down in Dahlonega, GA.”
McBryde recently made her Grand Ole Opry debut, performing “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” which she released last month due to demand. She has previously opened shows for Church, Chris Stapleton, and Willie Nelson.
Jillian Jacqueline Debuts”God Bless This Mess”
Big Loud Records newcomer Jillian Jacqueline has released a lyric video for her soul-baring new single, “God Bless This Mess.” The tune was co-written by Jacqueline with producer Tofer Brown and Lori McKenna, on the same piano Jacqueline took lessons on as a child.
“‘God Bless This Mess’ is a really special song to me, and in terms of my perspective as an artist and my record, it played a huge role in me realizing that sometimes the song trumps ego,” shares Jacqueline. “It touches on that universal truth of ‘this too shall pass’ that I’ve never found a way to say quite so profoundly as I feel we have in this song.”
Bailey Bryan Teams With Entertainment Tonight For New Video
Photo Credit: Blythe Thomas
Bailey Bryan debuted the new video for “Scars” with Entertainment Tonight followed by the release of an exclusive interview today launching their new YouTube series Certified Country. The new autobiographical tune is one of five tracks on her debut EP SO FAR.
“I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 12, and then when I was 16, I had a corrective surgery,” Bailey told Entertainment Tonight. “I have a huge scar on my back, from my neck to mid back, but to me a scar represents more than just something physical. It’s something that’s impacted us, and I think that can be a positive thing.”
Florida Georgia Line To Flaunt Their New Backstreet Moves In ‘CMT Crossroads’ Special
/by Lorie HollabaughFlorida Georgia Line and the Backstreet Boys are the latest pairing to trade songs in an upcoming new CMT Crossroads special. The iconic pop group is currently joining the duo for select stadium dates on their The Smooth Tour 2017, and their single together, “God, Your Mama, And Me,” instantly became a smash hit, already reaching platinum status.
“Being such fans of each other, this is a really fun way for us to put our mark on our songs,” said BSB’s Brian Littrell. “It’s going to be a fun night with seven guys who really admire one another. I’m looking forward to what comes of it!”
“It’s been really cool to collaborate with BSB in so many different ways this year,” shares FGL’s Brian Kelley. “And to be able to take our friendship – and smooth new dance moves – up a notch with this full-blown concert together is going to be epic!”
“Getting us all under one roof in Nashville will be fire,” adds FGL’s Tyler Hubbard adds. “We can’t wait to jump in on each other’s songs and add our flavor to ones we grew up listening to!”
The special is set to premiere Aug. 30 on CMT.
Kelsea Ballerini Sets November Release Date For Sophomore Project
/by Lorie HollabaughKelsea Ballerini performs “Legends” live on GMA. Photo: ABC/Paula Lobo
Kelsea Ballerini has announced the release date of her sophomore project, Unapologetically, which will drop right before CMA week on Nov. 3. The leadoff track from the project, “Legends” is already skyrocketing up the charts, reaching the Top 15 on the iTunes all-genre charts within the first 12 hours of its release. The tune was co-written by Ballerini along with Hillary Lindsey and Forest Glen Whitehead, who also serves as producer alongside Jason Massey.
The album is the followup to the singer-songwriter’s debut CD The First Time, which yielded three consecutive platinum and gold No. 1 singles “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs” and “Peter Pan.” The project’s fourth single, “Yeah Boy,” rose to No. 3 on the charts and was certified gold.
She’ll perform on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon tonight at 10:35 p.m. CT on NBC.
Pictured (L-R): GMA Co-hosts Michael Strahan and Lara Spencer; Kelsea Ballerini; GMA Guests: Josh Avsec and Michelle Arendas; GMA Co-hosts Amy Robach and George Stephanopoulos. Photo: Paula Lobo/ABC
In Pictures: Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, Brice Long
/by Lorie HollabaughMiranda’s NASH Nights Chat
(L-R) NASH Director of Programming, John Shomby; NASH Nights Live’s Elaina Smith; Miranda Lambert; and NASH Nights Live’s Shawn Parr
Miranda Lambert stopped by NASH Nights Live recently and chatted about everything from her song “Tin Man” to her favorite summer activity with her friends and family, “boobs and tubes.”
Dierks Rides Back Into Faster Horses For Its Fifth
Photo by Marc Nader
Faster Horses Festival headliner Dierks Bentley returned to the festival last Friday night (July 21) with an unforgettable set to celebrate its fifth year anniversary, having played its inaugural year. The Brooklyn, Michigan, festival also featured performances by Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, and more.
Brice Long Hosts 12th Annual Back 2 Back Benefit
Warner Bros. Records President Dan McCarroll Steps Down
/by Lorie HollabaughThe exec, whose contract was reportedly up with the company, joined Warner as President at the end of 2013 following a similar role at Capitol working with artists like Katy Perry, Capital Cities, and others. In his early career years McCarroll worked as EVP and in A&R at EMI Publishing and was also a session and touring drummer for years.
Under Warner Bros. chairman Cameron Strang and McCarroll the label developed new acts including Lukas Graham, Andra Day, Dua Lipa and The Head & the Heart, among others. As McCarroll departs, the company is gearing up for the start of Max Lousada, its new CEO of Recorded Music, in October.
Weekly Register: Zac Brown Band, Sam Hunt Top Country Charts
/by Jessica NicholsonZac Brown Band
Zac Brown Band‘s Welcome Home returns to the top of Nielsen Soundscan’s top country albums rankings this week, with 13K and a total of 242K to date.
Chris Stapleton‘s From A Room: Vol. 1 and Traveller take the No. 2 and No. 3 slots, respectively, with Room moving 12K and Traveller 7.9K. Lady Antebellum‘s Heart Break is at No. 4 this week, with 7.5K, while the compilation Now That’s Country Vol. 10 rounds out the Top 5 with 7.2K.
Mitchell Tenpenny‘s Linden Ave. is this week’s top debut at No. 12, with 2.1K.
Sam Hunt continues his domination on the country digital songs rankings, with “Body Like A Back Road” selling 46K and rising to 1.388 million to date.
Dylan Scott‘s recent radio airplay chart-topper, “My Girl,” is at No. 2 this week, with 17K. Dustin Lynch‘s “Small Town Boy” is at No. 3, with 16K, while Brett Young‘s “In Case You Didn’t Know” is at No. 4, with 16K. BMLG trio Midland‘s “Drinkin’ Problem” rounds out the Top 5 with 15K.
Information courtesy Nielsen Soundscan.
Industry Ink: APA Nashville, Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Darius Rucker, SiriusXM
/by Jessica NicholsonAPA Nashville Signs Southern Rock Band
Enrico Lopez-Yañez Named Assistant Conductor With Nashville Symphony
Enrico Lopez-Yanez
The Nashville Symphony has named Enrico Lopez-Yañez as assistant conductor. Lopez-Yañez will begin a one-year term with the orchestra in September.
Most recently Assistant Conductor of the Omaha Symphony, Lopez-Yañez is familiar with the Nashville Symphony and local audiences, having conducted a pair of the organization’s free Community Concerts this summer and having led the orchestra during Nashville’s “Let Freedom Sing” Fourth of July celebration. He succeeds Vinay Parameswaran, who earlier this summer left Music City for a position with The Cleveland Orchestra.
Darius Rucker Announces Radio Show With SiriusXM
Darius Rucker
In addition to being a three-time Grammy winner, and a chart-topping singer-songwriter, Darius Rucker is an avid golfer (with a single-digit handicap) and passionate fan of the game. Rucker will host a new monthly show on SiriusXM’s 24/7 golf channel, SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio. On Par with Darius Rucker will debut July 26 (3 p.m.-4 p.m. ET) and will feature Rucker’s perspective on the game as a devoted player and fan.
Rucker is friendly with many active players on both the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions, and he is a partner at MGC Sports, a sports agency that currently represents golfers and other athletes. He will invite the game’s stars as well as other celebrities with a passion for golf on the show for conversations that will span the worlds of golf and entertainment.