In Pictures: Kelsea Ballerini, Bailey Bryan, ‘Waiting For Wishes’

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Kelsea Ballerini Shines During Nashville Symphony

Black River Entertainment’s Kelsea Ballerini was the featured entertainer during the 2017 Symphony Fashion Show this week on Tuesday, April 18 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville. She joined designer Zac Posen for the 12th annual event.

 

Bailey Bryan Celebrates Album Release

Pictured (L-R): Tom Lord (Red Light Management), Coran Capshaw (Red Light Management), Peter Strickland (Warner), Dennis Matkosky (Producer), Bailey Bryan, Ronli Tzour (300 Entertainment), Bill Burrs (300 Entertainment), Tom Martens (Warner), Callie Cunningham (Red Light Management) Bottom L to R: Lisa Ray (Warner Music Nashville), Becki DeVries (Kompass), Chelsea Dankner (300 Entertainment), Cris Lacy (Warner), Leslie Roberts (BMI)

Bailey Bryan celebrated the release of her debut album So Far on Tuesday, April 18 at Saint Anejo in Nashville. Bryan’s team and friends gathered for an acoustic set as she performed all five songs from her debut EP, which was released last Friday, April 14.

 

16th Annual “Waiting For Wishes” Event Raises $125,000

Pictured (L-R): Jay DeMarcus, Kevin Carter, Beth Torres and Ben Hanback from Make-A-Wish.

NFL veteran, Super Bowl Champion and now College Game Day Analyst on ESPNU, Kevin Carter and co-host Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts held the 16th Annual Kevin Carter’s “Waiting for Wishes” Celebrity Waiters Dinner at The Palm Restaurant on Tuesday (April 18).

The event raised $125,000 for The Kevin Carter Foundation and Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee. Funds raised help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

 

Dierks Bentley Nominated To Join Nashville Airport Authority Board

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Dierks Bentley is known for his love of flying, whether he is piloting his own plane between concerts, or incorporating the concept of flying into hits such as “Drunk On A Plane.”

Now, the 13-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter has been nominated by Nashville Mayor Megan Barry to serve as part of the 10-member Metro Nashville Airport Authority board, which oversees the Nashville International Airport. Bentley would fill the volunteer role vacated by CAA’s Rod Essig. Bentley’s confirmation is subject to the approval of Nashville’s Metro Council, during their next meeting on May 2.

“I am grateful for Dierks Bentley’s willingness to serve the Nashville community on the Airport Authority,” Mayor Megan Barry said in a statement. “As a leader in the Nashville music industry and as a pilot himself, Dierks brings a unique perspective to the board of the MNAA having flown into hundreds of airports worldwide. He will lend an important voice to the Airport Authority which will be managing the $1.2 billion capital investment in the MNAA facilities, while working to make our airport a true international hub for commerce and tourism.”

 

Industry Ink: Apple Music, Clive Davis, Music Biz, Ty Herndon

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Clive Davis

The Clive Davis documentary Clive Davis: The Soundtrack Of Our Lives from IM Global and Scott Free Productions, is coming exclusively to Apple Music. The film chronicles the historic influence of Davis, whose career spans a remarkable five decades, and provides an incredible tour of the music of the cultural revolution, from the ’60s to the rise of hip-hop. The film had its world premiere as the Opening Night film at the Tribeca Film Festival at Radio City Music Hall last night (April 19).

 
Music Biz will bring back its popular Industry Jam live concert event May 15 as part of the Music Biz 2017 Convention at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. The show will include a reunion of the original Alice Cooper band and tributes to Emerson Lake & Palmer, the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love, featuring Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals), Chuck Negron (Three Dog Night), Cathy Richardson (Jefferson Starship), and Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge); the 50th anniversary of The Doors’ self-titled debut album, and more. The Jam will close with a live performance from house band The R.A.T.S. (Rock Against Terrorism), featuring a lineup of top musicians and industry executives including John Esposito (Warner Music Nashville), Steve Herrman and more.

Jam admission is not included with Music Biz 2017 registration, and tickets are $20. To purchase tickets in advance, visit http://musicbiz2017.eventbrite.com.

Ty Herndon’s 2017 Concert for Love & Acceptance, hosted by Cody Alan, has announced its initial artist lineup, which will include Billy Gilman, Kree Harrison, Ryan Kinder, Runaway June, Lorrie Morgan, Michael Ray, Street Corner Symphony, and Thompson Square. Created to support at-risk youth, the event will be held on June 8 at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville.

DISClaimer: Miranda Lambert, Nora Collins Make Top Contenders

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Miranda Lambert. Photo: Becky Fluke

It’s Ladies’ Day here at DisClaimer.

All of DisCovery Award contenders are members of the fairer sex — Chandler Stephens, Kayla Calabrese and our winner, singer-songwriter Nora Collins.

The Disc of the Day prize also goes to a female artist, the peerless and justly much awarded Miranda Lambert.

CHANDLER STEPHENS/Patchwork Heart
Writers: none listed; Producer: Keith Thomas; Publisher: none listed; Patchwork Heart
– Newcomer Stephens has assembled quite a team, ranging from ace producer Keith Thomas to attorney Jim Zumwalt and marketer Paul Williams. This video/single from her This Is My Life EP soars with sincerity. Her phrasing has loads of finesse, her sense of vocal dynamics is spot-on, and her range is admirable. Extremely promising.

JIMMY FORTUNE & RICKY SKAGGS/Wake Up Little Susie
Writers: Felice & Boudleaux Bryant; Producer: Ben Isaacs; Publishers: House of Bryant/Sony-ATV Acuff-Rose, BMI; Gaither (track)
– Statler Brothers alumnus Fortune has a new collection titled Sings the Classics that finds this able tenor tackling everything from Nashville Sound ballads to country-rock chestnuts, from pop oldies to Louisiana odes. He and guest Ricky Skaggs sound like they’re having a ball with this rollicking 1957 Everly Brothers rockabilly gem. A guaranteed smile.

JULIA CAPOGROSSI/What I’m Thinkin’
Writers: Julia Capogrossi; Producer: Denny Martin; Publisher: none listed; JC
– Perky and pert, this gal has a saucy lilt in her delivery. The song is about falling for a charming, Southern-fried beau.

MIRANDA LAMBERT/Tin Man
Writers: Lambert/Jack Ingram/Jon Randall; Producers: Frank Liddell/Glenn Worf/Eric Masse; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog/Beat Up Ford/BMG Platinum/SWMBGMBMI/Lonesome Vinyl/BMG Rights, BMI; RCA (track)
– Have I mentioned that I think Miranda’s double CD The Weight of These Wings is a stone masterpiece? Its third single is an airy, aching ballad with lots of open space in its simple, spare arrangement. Oh, and it is breathtakingly gorgeous. A performance to get lost in.

YouTube video

 
JOEY FEEK/Red
Writers: Rory Feek/Keith Hunley; Producers: Rory Feek/Bill McDermott; Publisher: ole Black in the Saddle/ole Giantslayer/Hunley, ASCAP; Gaither (track)
– She recorded the new If Not For You CD when she was still billed as “Joey Martin” in 2005. Following her tragic passing last year, widower Rory Feek dusted off these tracks and has now issued them as a memorial to her. This track even has a vintage video that keeps this stellar singer’s memory and image alive. I always thought she had one of the coolest country voices, and it shines on this feisty, lickety-split, hillbilly rocker about being a redneck.

KAYLA CALABRESE/Me Time
Writers: Steve Dorff/Frank Myers; Producer: Jimmy Nichols; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Monarch
-It’s a stomper with attitude, and she delivers it with plenty of moxie. The production is big, but her vocal is even bigger. Go, girl.

COLT FORD & TAYLOR RAY HOLBROOK/Reload
Writers: Jared Sciullo/Charlie Farley/Austin Jenckes; Producer: Noah Gordon/Shannon Houchins; Publisher: Riley Payton/Farley/Nettwerk One A Music US/Songs of Revelry/Lake Gloria,SESAC/BMI/ASCAP; Average Joes
– Thanks to Holbrook’s strong singing, this has more musicality than most of Ford’s hick-hop tracks. I can’t say that I’m crazy about the lyric’s mucho macho threat of violence.

NORA COLLINS/Guess I Woulda Known By Now
Writers: Collins/Kennedy; Producer: Tony Harrell; Publisher: none listed; MV2 (track)
– Love her country drawl, as well as the fact that she applies it to such a contemporary song and production. Her personality pulls you into this power ballad like a magnet. An unmistakable winner. Also check out her dynamite previous single/video “Recover.” Sign me up for the fan club.

YouTube video

 

TONY McKEE & ERIC LEE BEDDINGFIELD/Problem With Me
Writers: Tony McKee/Rob Crosby; Producer: Eric Lee Beddingfield; Publisher: none listed; BarFrog
– He’s sick and tired of, well, just about everything. It has some muddled jive about values, economic injustice, political correctness, religion expression, wounded warriors, wasting money overseas and “being true to what I am and what I ain’t.” Whatever that is.

ROYAL WADE KIMES/Cowboy On The Loose
Writer: Royal Wade Kimes; Producers: George Bradfute, Mike Noble, Royal Wade Kimes: Publishers: Blue Whistler, ASCAP; Wonderment
– This former Asylum Records artist is now billed as “The Gentleman Outlaw.” His new CD Love of a Cowboy kicks off with this toe-tapping country rocker. The band cooks, and his vocal rolls along with confidence. Very listenable.

Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini To Host CMA Music Festival Special On ABC

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Tourmates Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini have been on the road as part of Thomas Rhett’s Home Team Tour this year, but this summer, he and Ballerini will team up again, this time to host the CMA Fest 2017, a three-hour music special to be aired on ABC, and executive-produced by Robert Deaton.

The announcement was made on Good Morning America this morning (April 20).

This marks Thomas Rhett’s second year co-hosting the television special, following last year’s co-hosting duties with Brett Eldredge.

The CMA Music Festival will run from June 8-11 in Nashville.

“I’ve grown up going to CMA Fest as a fan and last year getting to perform on the big stage is one of the most epic memories I’ll ever have. And now, being able to host with my current tour mate, Thomas Rhett, is going to be another crazy thing off the bucket list,” said Ballerini. “I can’t wait to test out my hosting skills and perform again this year!”

“I always look forward to CMA Music Fest,” added Thomas Rhett. “Ever since I was there as a fan sitting in the nosebleeds to hosting this year with Kelsea, it’s always been one of the biggest weeks in Country Music that is all about the fans. I’m pumped.”

The pair will bring the Home Team Tour to Nashville tonight (April 20) for a show at Ascend Amphitheater.

CMA Hosts Media Guests At Quarterly Meeting In New York

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Pictured (L-R): Howard Appelbaum, Nielsen Entertainment President; Joe Galante, CMA Foundation Board Chairman and Galante Entertainment Organization Chairman; and Vivien Lewit, CMA Board member and YouTube Content Partnerships Director and Global Head of Artist Relations. Photo: Fadi Kheir / CMA

The CMA held its quarterly Board meeting in the Big Apple this week on Wednesday (April 19) at the Le Parker Meridien Hotel, and two media leaders were on hand to address the Board.

Nielsen Entertainment President Howard Appelbaum, who leads Nielsen Entertainment’s portfolio of entertainment information, data, and insight products, and ABC’s Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts each addressed the Board during the meeting. Roberts has hosted the annual CMA Awards preview special “All Access Nashville,” which airs on ABC, since 2009.

CMA Board member and CEO of McDermott Media Group Deb McDermott (l) and Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts during the CMA Board of Directors meeting Wednesday in New York City. Photo: Fadi Kheir / CMA

AIMP Nashville Awards Nominees Announced

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Nominees have been announced for the second annual AIMP Nashville Awards, which will be presented for the first time by the Academy of Country Music. The awards will take place at the Ryman Auditorium May 8 and will feature performances from Nashville’s hottest independent writers and artists. Nominees were selected by 300 AIMP voters through anonymous ballots.

Last year’s inaugural show included performances of AIMP-nominated songs by artist-writer nominees Kelsea Ballerini, Brandy Clark, Tyler Farr, Sam Hunt, Old Dominion and a collaboration by rising writer nominees, Brothers Osborne and Maren Morris.

“We are very excited to once again celebrate the achievements of Nashville’s independent music publishing community at the second annual AIMP Nashville Awards,” said AIMP Nashville Treasurer and awards co-chair, Ree Guyer. “The show serves as a platform to honor the unique and talented artists and writers who call Nashville home, while also serving as a reminder of the support shown from writers, artist and publishers within our AIMP community.”

“The Academy is delighted to support AIMP in this most important endeavor: honoring the independent spirits who keep country music relevant with their craft,” said Tiffany Moon, Executive Vice President/Managing Director of the Academy of Country Music. “The contribution these artist and writers make to the industry – and to fans – is a tremendous gift.”

AIMP Rising Independent Songwriter of the Year
Kelly Archer
Luke Dick
Justin Ebach
Adam Hambrick
Jesse Lee
Jordan Schmidt

AIMP Rising Independent Artist-Writer of the Year
Ryan Beaver
Devin Dawson
Walker Hayes
Natalie Hemby
Carly Pearce
Caitlyn Smith

AIMP Artist – Writer of the Year
Brothers Osborne
Brandy Clark
Eric Church
Maren Morris
Old Dominion
Brett Young

AIMP Song Champion of the Year
Jeff Carlton
Courtney Crist
Celia Froehlig
Shannan Hatch
Bart Herbison
Jeff Skaggs

AIMP Publisher’s Pick
“Leaving Nashville” written by Abe Stoklasa, Donovan Woods
Big Yellow Dog Music, Shakala Publishing

“Love Can Go To Hell” written by Brandy Clark, Scott Stepakoff
Kobalt Music, Sea Gayle Music, Ten Ten Music Group

“Love Triangle” written by Nicolle Galyon, RaeLynn, Jimmy Robbins
Big Machine Music, Prescription, Round Hill Music

“Rich” written by Jessie Jo Dillion,  Maren Morris, Laura Veltz
Big Machine Music, Big Yellow Dog, Kobalt Music, Revelry Music

“Tacoma” written by Bob DiPiero, Caitlyn Smith
BMG, Cornman Music, Round Hill Music

“Wheels” written by Steve Moakler, Gordie Sampson, Caitlyn Smith
BMG, Cornman Music, Creative Nation Music, Pulse Songs

AIMP Song of the Year
“Blue Ain’t Your Color” written by Clint Lagerberg, Hillary Lindsey, Steven Lee Olsen
Cornman Music, Hillarodyrathbone Music, Sea Gayle Music

“Head Over Boots” written by Luke Laird, John Pardi
Creative Nation Music, Song Factory Music

“Vice” written by Miranda Lambert, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
SMACKSongs

“Kill A Word” written by Eric Church, Luke Dick, Jeff Hyde
Little Louder Music

“Sleep Without You” written by Kelly Archer, Justin Ebach, Brett Young
Big Machine Music, Downtown Music, Red Creative, Word Country

“80s Mercedes” written by busbee, Maren Morris
BMG, Big Deal Music, Big Yellow Dog Music

AIMP Independent Writer of the Year
busbee
Ross Copperman
Zach Crowell
Ashley Gorley
Luke Laird
Shane McAnally

AIMP Independent Publisher of the Year
BMG
Big Loud Shirt / Round Hill Music
Big Yellow Dog Music
Combustion Music
Creative Nation Music
SMACKSongs

In Pictures: BMI, Grammy Pro, Grand Ole Opry

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BMI, ALT 975 Present Eastside Sounds Show

BMI and the newly revamped ALT 975 presented the first Eastside Sounds showcase of 2017 to a packed house at the Basement East in Nashville. Featuring pop/soul artist J. Human and rocking soul singers The New Respects, the enthusiastic audience was treated to a night of incredible Nashville musicianship.

Pictured (back row, L-R): BMI songwriters and The New Respects band members Darius Fitzgerald and Jasmine Mullen, BMI’s Nina Carter, BMI songwriter J. Human and BMI’s Josh Tomlinson. (Front row): BMI songwriters and The New Respects band members Alexis and Alexandria Fitzgerald. Photo: Rhea Foote

Pictured (L-R): Iconic Entertainment Group’s Brian O’Neil, BMI’s Branden Bosler, BMI songwriter J. Human, BMI’s Nina Carter and iHeart Media’s Wells Adams hang backstage at the BMI and ALT 975 Eastside Sounds showcase at the Basement East. Photo: Rhea Foote

 

Jermaine Dupri, Anthony Hamilton Discuss Careers During Grammy Pro Event

Songwriter Jermaine Dupri and R&B/soul artist Anthony Hamilton spoke during a Grammy Pro “Art of the Craft” session on April 13 at Nashville’s The Listening Room. The event, moderated by engineer/mixer Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, included a conversation, listening session and live performance.

Dupri is known for his work with Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Usher and more. In 2006, he earned a Grammy for Best R&B Song for “We Belong Together.” Hamilton earned multiple Grammy nominations for tracks including “Comin’ From Where I’m From,” “Charlene,” and won a Best R&B Song Grammy in 2009 with “You’ve Got The Love I Need” (w/Al Green).

Pictured (L-R): The Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Executive Director, Alicia Warwick; moderator and GRAMMY winner Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, GRAMMY winner Jermaine Dupri, GRAMMY-winning Soul/R&B artist Anthony Hamilton, and The Recording Academy Nashville Chapter President and two-time GRAMMY winner Shannon Sanders. Photo: courtesy of The Recording Academy®/photo by Jason Davis, WireImage.com

 

Brad Paisley Makes Surprise Grand Ole Opry Appearance

Grand Ole Opry member Brad Paisley stopped by unannounced to celebrate the release of his new album Love and War with his Opry family. Introduced by his co-writer friend and Opry legend Bill Anderson, Paisley explained to the audience that he and Anderson had penned a new song called “Dying To See Her” for Paisley’s new album which will be released April 21. The two performed the tune together, and Paisley added a sampling of his hits including his recent No. 1 from the album, “Today.”

Paisley is set to return to the Opry for two shows May 6. Tickets and ticket/album combo packages are available at opry.com. Paisley graces the cover of the Opry’s seasonal Inside the Circle magazine, part of the Opry’s new subscription box, the Opry Box, also available at opry.com.

Brad Paisley performs on the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

Elle King, Butch Walker, Shooter Jennings, Wynonna And More Set To Play Dylan Fest

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Dylan Fest: A Celebration of Bob Dylan‘s 76th Birthday, has been set for May 23-24 at the Ryman Auditorium. The second annual two-night concert event will feature an array of artists paying tribute to the music of Bob Dylan by performing their favorite Dylan songs.

Set to appear at the festival are Wynonna & The Big Noise, Elle King, Shakey Graves, Duane Eddy, Boz Scaggs, Valerie June, Hamilton Leithauser, Moon Taxi, Richard Hawley, Shooter Jennings, Anderson East, Erika Wennerstrom of Heartless Bastards, Butch Walker, Karen Elson, Langhorne Slim, John Paul White, The Weeks, Rayland Baxter, Bones Owens, Danny Masterson, The Whigs, The Watson Twins, Jonathan Tyler, Paul Cauthen, Gill Landry, Lauren Shera, The Texas Gentlemen, Eric Pulido of Midlake, Shelly Colvin, Odessa and many more.

In addition to commemorating Dylan’s 76th birthday, the concerts will also celebrate Dylan’s recent Nobel Prize win and marks the 50th anniversary of his 1967 album, John Wesley Harding, recorded at Columbia’s Studio A in Nashville.

Tickets go on sale April 21 at ticketmaster.com. The shows will benefit Refuge Foundation for the Arts, a non-profit providing sanctuary for the pursuit of creative expression through music and art that was founded in response to the lack of resources available to artists today.

 

John Butler To Exit Curb, Join Spotify As Head Of Christian Music

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After 15 years at Curb Records, VP of Promotion John Butler is exiting the company. He will join Spotify as Head of Christian Music, beginning April 24.

In his new role, Butler will continue to be based in Nashville, overseeing Christian music globally through playlist curation, programming and editorial.

Prior to his work at Curb Records, Butler served at Squint Entertainment (Sixpence None The Richer) and Arista Austin. During his career he also spent time at Jive Records and Silvertone Records (Jars of Clay).