Hostess Brands Teams With Brad Paisley
Hostess Brands has teamed with the Country Music Association, Sony Music Nashville, and Brad Paisley for a sweet summertime offering. Select Hostess® Twinkies® and Donettes® items will include a code providing access to a 42-song Spotify playlist curated by Paisley, and featuring tracks from his album Love And War. Hostess fans also have the chance to enter a Sweepstakes to win a grand prize trip to the 51st Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 8 in Nashville.
Joey Amato Launches LGBT-focused PR Firm Agency33
Joey Amato
Joey Amato recently launched Nashville-based, LGBT-focused firm Agency33.
Agency33 will also work with other public relations agencies and record companies to bring expertise and knowledge to their artists when needing to target this specific demographic. Agency33 will not focus solely on country music artists, having recently signed dance/pop artist Joey Suarez, who just released his latest single “Love Me Back.” Suarez recently performed in front of a massive crowd of admirers at NYC Pride in June and San Antonio Pride on July 1. A separate Agency33 division will be dedicated to Tour Press.
Most recently, Amato served as Publicity Manager for Webster Public Relations with previous stints at Sony Music New York, Relevant Communications, and iHeart Radio. In addition, Amato served as publisher of Unite Magazine, Nashville’s premiere LGBT publication.
“Whether artists are aware of it, or not, LGBT individuals love country music and spend a fortune buying music, merchandise and concert tickets. I would love to see more artists make a conscious effort to reach this market as the LGBT consumer has more disposable income than almost any diversity group,” says Amato. “There are a few public relations firms in the U.S. that offer such a service but none in Nashville. As country music artists and brands have become more accepting and vocal about their support of the LGBT community, I felt it was important to make this one of the services we offer.”
Ray Stevens Announces 2017 Artist Lineup For ‘CabaRay Nashville’ Third Season
Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville has announced its summer 2017 lineup of musical guests. The third season of the national television show, starring country and comedy music legend Ray Stevens, will include appearances from Restless Heart, Shenandoah, John Michael Montgomery, Michael W. Smith, Mark Wills, Rhonda Vincent, and more. Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville airs weekly on Public Television affiliate stations across the nation.
Summer 2017 Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville Guest Lineup:
Weekend of July 7 – Harold Bradley w/ Mandy Barnett
Weekend of July 14 – Shenandoah
Weekend of July 21 – Michael W. Smith
Weekend of July 28 – BJ Thomas
Weekend of Aug 4 – Rhonda Vincent
Weekend of Aug 11 – Restless Heart
Weekend of Aug 18 – John Michael Montgomery
Weekend of Aug 25 – Baillie & the Boys
Weekend of Sept 1 – Tommy Roe
Weekend of Sept 8 – Mark Wills
Weekend of Sept 15 – Duane Eddy
Black River Publishing Adds Eric Hurt As Sr. Director Of Creative
/by Eric T. ParkerEric Hurt. Photo: Black River Entertainment
Black River Entertainment’s VP of Publishing Dave Pacula has announced the hiring of publishing veteran Eric Hurt as Sr. Director of Creative.
“We are excited to welcome Eric Hurt to the Black River family!” says Pacula. “He is a perfect fit with our creative team and his extensive and diverse experience in multiple genres will be a great asset to our songwriters.”
Nearing 20 years in the music industry, Hurt has witnessed the ever-changing Nashville music scene first hand.
“It’s becoming a very versatile town where multiple genres of music are working together and pushing each other creatively, which is making it important for publishers to have a roster that reflects that evolution so that they are ahead of the curve.”
Hurt continued, “Black River’s roster achieves just that. I am thrilled to now be a part of Black River where all of our artists, writers and producers work hard to push musical boundaries and strive for something unique and authentic. I’m very much looking forward to helping our roster grow and finding new opportunities both within and outside of Nashville.”
Prior to joining Black River, Hurt spent time at Zavitson Music Group, Universal Music Publishing / Brentwood-Benson, Still Working Music and ForeFront Records. Most recently, Hurt served as Sr. Director of Creative at Spirit Music Group.
Hurt can be reached at ehurt@blackriverent.com or by phone at 615-780-3070 x 6205.
Shania Twain Gives Back With New Album
/by Alex ParryWith the Sep. 29 launch of her brand new album, NOW, Shania Twain is offering exclusive album packages to benefit Shania Kids Can. Shania promised herself that if she were ever in a position to give back, she would find a way to help children reach their full potential.
After overcoming the hardships, loss and poverty of her youth, Twain is now one of the most iconic country stars in the world and is helping to provide the best possible opportunities for youth today facing similar challenges through the Shania Kids Can Foundation. Established in 2010, the organization was created to help underprivileged children with academic, nutritional, therapeutic and extra-curricular support providing a safe, secure environment where a child can thrive and reach their personal best.
Package options for NOW range from the new Shania deluxe album, Shania Kids Can merchandise and autographed memorabilia to tickets to an intimate pre-release listening party, one-of-a-kind performance outfits worn by Shania, the custom motorcycle used in Shania’s Still the One Live from Las Vegas stage show, dinner in Nashville with Shania and much more. For additional details and package descriptions, PledgeMusic.com/projects/shania-kids-can.
Big & Rich Ready To Rock Again On ‘Did It For The Party’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe album features 13 new songs produced by Big Kenny and John Rich, including their new single “California,” and fans who pre-order the album now will receive the track as an instant grat track along with the title tune. The album will also be promoted at Walmart stores nationwide through a newly announced partnership with TWIX.
“This new record is gonna rock America’s boots off,” said John Rich. “Can’t wait for y’all to hear it!” Big Kenny adds, “It’s been a blast working on this album and we can’t wait for everyone to hear our new songs!”
Did It For The Party Track Listing:
1. California
2. Did It For The Party
3. Congratulations (You’re A Rockstar)
4. Turns Me On
5. Wake Up Wanting You
6. Smoke In Her Eyes
7. No Sleep
8. We Came To Rawk
9. Funk In The Country
10. The Long Way Home
11. Freedom Road
12. My Son
13. Lie Cheat Or Steal
Industry Ink: Sony Music Nashville, Agency33, Ray Stevens’ CabaRay Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonHostess Brands Teams With Brad Paisley
Joey Amato Launches LGBT-focused PR Firm Agency33
Joey Amato
Joey Amato recently launched Nashville-based, LGBT-focused firm Agency33.
Agency33 will also work with other public relations agencies and record companies to bring expertise and knowledge to their artists when needing to target this specific demographic. Agency33 will not focus solely on country music artists, having recently signed dance/pop artist Joey Suarez, who just released his latest single “Love Me Back.” Suarez recently performed in front of a massive crowd of admirers at NYC Pride in June and San Antonio Pride on July 1. A separate Agency33 division will be dedicated to Tour Press.
Most recently, Amato served as Publicity Manager for Webster Public Relations with previous stints at Sony Music New York, Relevant Communications, and iHeart Radio. In addition, Amato served as publisher of Unite Magazine, Nashville’s premiere LGBT publication.
“Whether artists are aware of it, or not, LGBT individuals love country music and spend a fortune buying music, merchandise and concert tickets. I would love to see more artists make a conscious effort to reach this market as the LGBT consumer has more disposable income than almost any diversity group,” says Amato. “There are a few public relations firms in the U.S. that offer such a service but none in Nashville. As country music artists and brands have become more accepting and vocal about their support of the LGBT community, I felt it was important to make this one of the services we offer.”
Ray Stevens Announces 2017 Artist Lineup For ‘CabaRay Nashville’ Third Season
Summer 2017 Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville Guest Lineup:
Oh Boy Records Hosts John Prine Tribute Night To Benefit Jessi Zazu
/by Lorie HollabaughThe lineup for the show features artists inspired by the man himself with performances by Alex Caress, Amanda Shires, Andrew Leahey, Brothers Osborne, Caitlin Rose, Caroline Rose, Colter Wall, Cory Branan, Darrin Bradbury, Elise Davis, Elizabeth Cook, Holly Williams, Jason Isbell, Jon Latham, Kelsey Waldon, Larissa Murphy, Lilly Hiatt, Muddy Magnolias, The Nicholson Brothers, Paul Cauthen, and The Whiskey Gentry with more to be announced.
The event is being sponsored by Hattie B’s, Flavor Catering, The Press House, and more, and all ticket proceeds will benefit Jessi Zazu.
The Grascals Return In September With ‘Before Breakfast’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Grascals‘ newest album, Before Breakfast, is set for release Sept. 1, and fans who pre-order the new collection will receive “Sleepin’ With The Reaper” as an instant grat track.
The 12-song album includes tunes like “Delia,” which features Grascals’ guitarist John Bryan on clawhammer banjo, the melancholy ballad “Lonesome” which was penned by Terry Smith and his brother Billy, the gospel jewel “I’ve Been Redeemed,” and the Flatt and Scruggs-penned “He Took Your Place.”
This is the second project this configuration of The Grascals has recorded together. The current group features founders Terry Eldredge (lead vocals, guitar), Terry Smith (lead vocals, bass) and Danny Roberts (mandolin), plus longtime banjo ace Kristin Scott Benson, fiddler Adam Haynes and John Bryan (lead vocals/guitar).
The group continues to evolve organically, as evidenced by their latest endeavor. “We’re even breathing together vocally,” Terry Smith explains. “The Osborne Brothers always said that when you get to that point, it was right – and they were on to something.”
Weekly Chart Report 7/7/17
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Industry Pics: Jillian Jacqueline, Parker Willingham, Jackie Lee
/by Jessica NicholsonBid Loud Records’ Jillian Jacqueline Visits Academy Of Country Music
Pictured (L-R): Jensen Sussman, Sweet Talk Publicity; Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, Big Loud Mountain; Seth England, Big Loud Mountain; Clay Hunnicutt, Big Loud Records; Jillian Jacqueline; Pete Fisher, ACM CEO; Scott McGhee, McGhee Entertainment. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
The Academy of Country Music welcomed Big Loud Records recording artist Jillian Jacqueline to the office while she was in Los Angeles recently. While at the Academy, Jacqueline performed new songs, “Hate Me” and “Reasons,” that she co-wrote and will be featured on her forthcoming debut project produced by Tofer Brown.
Parker Willingham Celebrates Album Release In Nashville
Pictured (L-R): Robin Majors, Robin Majors Management; Kat Atwood/Music City Media; Parker Willingham; Shelly Mullins/ProMO Image; Neal Spielberg/Spielberg Entertainment. Photo: Karen Will Rogers Photography
Apple Row Music Group artist Parker Willingham hosted a listening party for his new album, You Get Me Every Time, atop The Westin in Nashville. Willingham highlighted tracks from the album, including “Raining Down,” “Flipside,” and “All Over You,” with an acoustic performance in front of friends, family and industry executives. The album releases Friday, July 7.
Jackie Lee Celebrates 40th Grand Ole Opry Performance
Singer-songwriter Jackie Lee celebrated his 40th Grand Ole Opry performance on Friday, June 30.
Pictured (L-R): John Marks, Spotify; Jackie Lee; Gina Keltner, Grand Ole Opry; Dan Rogers, Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo
Country Music Hall Of Fame To Offer Free Admission To Local Students
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Nashville Public Library’s Kent Oliver, Donna Nicely, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CEO Kyle Young, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Chairman of the Board of Officers and Trustees Steve Turner (Photo by Carissa Riccardi)
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has launched Community Counts, a new initiative program that will increase museum access for youth and families in Davidson County and bordering counties, including Cheatham, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson.
Through Community Counts, children ages 18 and under who live in those counties will receive free walk-up admission outside of school hours, and up to two accompanying adults will receive a 25 percent discount on admission. The program also enables Davidson County residents of any age to visit the museum for free by checking out a Community Counts Passport from any Nashville Public Library. In addition, local families enrolled in public assistance programs may purchase an annual family membership for $5.
“At its core, the museum is, and has always been, committed to education surrounding the historical importance of country music. Learning about the rich history of the genre and about those who helped shape it allows us not only to cultivate a sense of pride in our state, but also to understand the significance of Tennessee’s cultural contributions to American history,” said museum CEO Kyle Young. “In 2016, nearly 100,000 guests participated in over 1,000 programs led by our museum educators. Community Counts is an extension of our long-standing commitment to serve our locals and provide them with unforgettable experiences.”
A nonprofit that serves a global audience, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum last year served nearly 9,000 Davidson County students or roughly 10 percent of Metro Nashville Public School students. Through the Taylor Swift Education Center, the museum offers unique, hands-on experiences that include curriculum-connected activities for school groups, tailored programs for toddlers, weekend workshops for teens, and interactive experiences for all ages in the Dinah & Fred Gretsch Family Gallery.
Cage The Elephant, Jason Isbell To Lead New Memphis Music Festival
/by Jessica NicholsonMEMPHO will be held at Memphis, Tennessee’s 4,500-acre Shelby Farms Park, and will feature two stages of music, as well as culinary options including Memphis’ legendary barbecue, in addition to an array of beer, wine, and cocktails.
“The roots of American music can be clearly traced directly to Memphis. The first annual MEMPHO Music Festival is being launched with a distinct purpose to pay homage to our community’s unique role in shaping and influencing global music culture,” said Memphis native Diego Winegardner, Founder and CEO of Big River Presents, the promoter behind MEMPHO.
Limited “Early bird” pre-sale tickets will be available beginning July 13 at 10 a.m. CT, with VIP Packages also available. General admission tickets go on sale July 14 at 10 a.m. CT.