Nielsen 2016 Year-End Report: Country Garners 10 Percent Of Total Audio Consumption

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The country music format garnered 10 percent of total audio consumption in 2016, according to Nielsen’s 2016 year-end report. Rock was the top total audio consumption genre, with 29 percent, followed by R&B/Hip-Hop at No. 2 (22 percent), pop at No. 3 (13 percent), and country at No. 4.

Overall albums sales in the U.S. rose 3.1 percent from the previous year, from 543,800,000 to 560,700,000 units, although CD album sales dropped 16.3 percent and digital albums were down 20.1 percent. Vinyl sales increased 10 percent.

Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller was the only country project to make Nielsen’s 2016 Overall Top Albums list at No. 7 with 1,421,000. The list is based on U.S. album sales, track equivalent albums, and stream equivalent albums. Drake‘s Views landed at No. 1 on the overall list, followed by Adele‘s 25 at No. 2, and Beyonce‘s Lemonade at No. 3.

Meanwhile, Stapleton’s Traveller was the only country entry (at No. 4) on the 2016 Top Albums list, which is based solely on U.S. album sales for all genres. Traveller was also the only country entry (again at No. 4) on the Top Digital Albums list, with 447,000 sold.

For Top CD album sales, Traveller ranked at No. 3. Other country albums making the Top CD list include Garth Brooks‘ Ultimate Collection Exclusive at No. 4, Joey+Rory‘s Hymns at No. 6, and Blake Shelton‘s If I’m Honest at No. 9.

The country radio format landed at No. 4 on the tally of the Top 10 radio formats of 2016, behind News Talk Information, pop and AC. From January-November 2016, 7.4 percent of U.S. radio listeners in PPM markets aged 6+ were turned to a country or new country station during any 15-minutes period during the day.

Live music continues to be the dominant category for music spending by consumers, at 36 percent. Physical music ranked next with 11 percent of spending, followed by a 10 percent tie for satellite radio subscriptions and digital music spending.

Artist Updates: Willie Nelson, Aubrie Sellers, Wynonna

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Willie Nelson Announces Fifth Annual Luck Reunion Music Festival

The Luck Reunion music festival will be held March 16 on Willie Nelson‘s “Luck, TX” property in the heart of the hill country. The festival celebrates musicians, artisans and chefs, offering specialty pop-up shops and the best of Austin cuisine. Willie Nelson, Conor Oberst and special guests, Margo Price, Brent Cobb, Parker Millsap, and more will perform during the fifth anniversary of the event, which is presented by Southwest Airlines. Tickets will be released on a rolling basis, with the first on-sale date on January 21. Ticket sale dates and special codes will be announced through Luck Reunion social media pages, e-mail, and at luckreunion.com.

 

Aubrie Sellers Releases ‘Little Van Sessions’

Aubrie Sellers is releasing a series of video covers in the “Little Van Sessions.” The first two videos from this new series kicked off this week, showcasing intimate performances of some of Sellers’ biggest influences across all genres. On Thursday, American Songwriter premiered her steel-guitar laden version of Coldplay’s “Green Eyes” and this morning, Paste Magazine shared her rendition of Vern Gosdin’s “Till The End.”

“We have spent the last couple of years touring around the country together and spending a lot of time in some pretty cramped quarters,” Sellers explains. “I thought it would be cool to extend a little piece of that, and play some of those songs that I listen to when I’m on the road.”

 

Wynonna Announces Roots & Revival Tour

Wynonna and her band The Big Noise will embark on the 2017 Roots & Revival Tour, set to launch in March and run through late October.

“My roots are firmly planted in Country music,” says the entertainer, “But I was given wings, and I’m grateful that my fans have allowed me the freedom to sing the music that I love.”

For more visit wynonna.com/tour

Dierks Bentley Adds Summer Dates to What The Hell Tour

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Dierks Bentley is extending the dates on his 2017 What The Hell Tour after a sold-out opening night in Dayton, Ohio. Bentley has added dates through the summer on the headlining tour, which will take him through Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix, and dozens of other markets.

“The show last night – and even just being with Cole and Pardi hanging off stage the last few days – has me so pumped for the rest of this year,” said Bentley. “There’s not a cooler feeling in the world than the love that country music fans pour out every night when you’re laying it all out on the stage. They are having the time of their lives, and we’re all just getting lost in it together. I can’t wait to bring that back to Nashville tomorrow night and celebrate with all our friends and family at home. The guys and I are never going to forget this tour and these fans and all the people helping us live out our dreams every night.”

Tickets for select dates will become available as part of Live Nation’s Country Megaticket going on sale Jan. 27 at megaticket.com. Additional dates and ticket information can be found at dierks.com.

New 2017 WHAT THE HELL TOUR Cities:
Birmingham, AL 
Cincinnati, OH
Columbia, MD
Hartford, CT
Boston, MA
Holmdel, NJ
Washington DC
Tampa, FL
West Palm Beach, FL
Jones Beach, NY
Allentown, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Charlotte, NC
Jacksonville, FL
Raleigh, NC
Virginia Beach, VA
Indianapolis, IN
Cleveland, OH
Chicago, IL
St. Louis, MO
Darien Center, NY
Philadelphia,PA
Orange Beach, AL
Atlanta, GA
Mountain View, CA
Sacramento, CA
Anaheim, CA
San Diego, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Albuquerque, NM
Denver, CO
 

Garth Brooks Featured on ‘Tennessee Vacation Guide’ Cover

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Tennessee Ambassador of Goodwill Garth Brooks is featured on the cover of 2017’s Official Tennessee Vacation Guide, which is available to travelers and guests, offering them ideas and ways to experience the Volunteer State. On the cover, Brooks is shown on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium on the guide in celebration of the Ryman’s 125th Anniversary this year.

Brooks was named an official Tennessee Ambassador of Goodwill by Governor Bill Haslam in October 2016, in honor of his becoming the first artist in music history to earn seven Diamond Awards, recognizing seven albums selling 10 million or more copies each from the Recording Industry Association of America. October was also the first time in Brooks’ career that he had ever performed at the Ryman. 

“Two icons. That is what we have here,” said Commissioner Kevin Triplett, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “On one hand, Garth Brooks, a seven-Diamond artist and without question one of the greatest ambassadors the state of Tennessee could have. On the other, The Ryman, one of the world’s most famous music destinations. It is an honor to have both grace the cover of this year’s Tennessee Vacation Guide. It is a banner year for Tennessee in 2017 in which we celebrate no fewer than a dozen notable music anniversaries. That includes the 60th anniversaries of STAX Records in Memphis and RCA’s famed Studio B in Nashville, the 75th anniversary of the song ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo,’ and the 50th anniversary of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. All further evidence the soundtrack of America is made in Tennessee.”

More than 550,000 guides are available to inspire potential guests to book a trip to Tennessee. The guide is available free of charge at any of Tennessee’s 14 Welcome Centers or by calling 1-800-GO2-TENN (462-8366), and can also be ordered or downloaded online at www.tnvacation.com/guide.

 

 

 

Colin Elmore Signs Co-Pub Deal With Wrensong, Pat Finch Publishing

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(From top): Abbe Nameche, Pat Finch, Ree Guyer and Colin Elmore Photo Courtesy of Wrensong/Reynsong Entertainment

Colin Elmore, lead singer of Colin Elmore and the Danville Train, has signed a co-publishing deal with Wrensong/Reynsong Entertainment and Pat Finch Music Publishing.

The Willow Springs, Missouri, native has a production deal with Sony Music Nashville and is currently in the studio recording his debut EP with producer Eric Masse (Miranda Lambert, Rayland Baxter and Robert Ellis.)

“When I first heard Colin’s songs and voice, I loved him immediately…seeing him live put me over the top. He is a true artist,” said Ree Guyer, president of Wrensong/Reynsong Entertainment.

“Colin is one of the most uniquely gifted writer/artists I’ve ever had the honor of working with,” said Pat Finch. “To get to travel this journey with two dear friends, Ree and Abbe, is just icing on the cake.”

Weekly Chart Report (1/20/17)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

Industry Pics: Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Russell Dickerson, Lauren Alaina, Lady A

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Jason Aldean and Michael Tyler performed at “Rhythm and Boots,” a benefit for Musicians On Call at Nashville’s 3rd and Lindsley Jan. 17. Hosted by Ty Bentli, Kelly Ford and Chuck Wicks, Cumulus Media-Nashville’s NASH FM 103.3 and 95.5 NASH ICON personalities and co-hosts of the nationally syndicated “Mornings With Ty, Kelly & Chuck,” the show raised over $16,000 for Musicians On Call. The event also included a live autographed Aldean guitar auction and a Q&A during his set with questions submitted from the audience.

(L-R): Ty Bentli, Kelly Ford, Jason Aldean and Chuck Wicks

 
 
Kane Brown recently celebrated a sold-out show at Nashville venue Exit/In on Jan. 17.

Pictured (L-R): iHeart Media’s John Sykes, Mark Chase, Tom Poleman, artist Kane Brown, iHeartMedia’s Rod Phillips

 
 

IHeart SVPP Rod Phillips and Triple Tigers Records/Sony Music Entertainment’s Russell Dickerson at the recent iHeartCountry session.

Pictured (L-R): Rod Phillips, Russell Dickerson

 
 
Lauren Alaina and Lady Antebellum both stopped by NASH Nights Live yesterday to chat with co-hosts Shawn Parr and Elaina Smith. Alaina discussed her upcoming Road Less Traveled album during the visit, while Lady A talked about their new single “You Look Good” and their new Heart Break CD and tour.

(L-R): Elaina Smith, Lauren Alaina and Shawn Parr

(L-R): Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Elaina Smith, Dave Haywood, Shawn Parr

ole Signs Blake Bollinger

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Pictured (L-R): Shellien Rogers (ole, Creative Administration Manager), Ben Strain (ole, Creative Director), Mike Whelan (ole, Sr. Creative Director), Songwriter Blake Bollinger, John Ozier (ole, VP Creative), Emily Mueller-Olson (ole, Creative Manager), Scott Safford (Attorney, Safford Motley PLC)

ole has signed an exclusive worldwide co-publishing deal for future music copyrights with country songwriter Blake Bollinger.

“Blake is the ideal songwriter/producer for the team at ole,” said John Ozier, Vice President of Creative at ole. “His talent, his work ethic, and his personality fit right into what we’re trying to accomplish. Together, we are going to achieve amazing things in the years to come.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the ole team,” said Bollinger. “Their creative staff is amazing and they already feel like family. I’m grateful for this awesome opportunity and can’t wait to see where this next chapter leads.”

A Texas native, Bollinger is a multi-genre producer and songwriter who co-wrote the 2016 hit Parmalee country single, “Roots.” Blake has recent cuts with Jason Aldean, Justin Moore, Darius Rucker, Rodney Atkins, Casting Crowns, Danny Gokey, and others. Blake is also currently producing artists Rodney Atkins, Ryan Griffin, and Jessica Mitchell.

Jason Aldean, Little Big Town And More To Headline iHeartCountry Festival

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The iHeartCountry Festival will return for a fourth consecutive year on Saturday, May 6 at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas.

Spearheading the performance lineup this year are Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Dierks Bentley, Brantley Gilbert, Rascal Flatts, Old Dominion, Jake Owen, Darius Rucker, Lady Antebellum, Kelsea Ballerini and The Raging Idiots with more to be announced.

“The iHeartCountry Festival has become an annual family reunion for the biggest stars in country music,” said John Sykes, President of Entertainment Enterprises, iHeartMedia. “These artists grew up together and you can truly feel their deep friendships when they join each other on stage.”

iHeartCountry has more than 145 Country broadcast radio stations across the U.S. reaching more than 98 million Country music listeners per month, making it the largest Country broadcast radio group in America. The iHeartCountry Festival is part of iHeartMedia’s roster of concert events, including the iHeartRadio Music Festival, the iHeartRadio Summer Pool Party, the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Concert Tour, the iHeartRadio Music Awards, the iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina and the iHeart80s Party.

“The iHeartCountry Festival has become one of Country Music’s biggest nights, and this year’s show promises to be yet another amazing event,” said Tom Poleman, President of National Programming Group, iHeartMedia. “Country continues to be one of the top genres in music and we are excited to showcase another amazing lineup of artists for our listeners.”

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. CT via TexasBoxOffice.com.

 

Aaron Lewis Continues Sinner Tour In 2017

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Aaron Lewis started 2017 with a string of concerts as part of his ongoing Sinner Tour 2017, promoting his debut Dot Records project, Sinner.

The entertainer performed a string of sold out performances this past weekend in Greensboro, Raleigh and Charlotte. Upcoming shows will hit both the east and west coasts heavily through April. Dates extend through June.

The 12-track project was released on Sept. 16 after being recorded in 16 hours at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios with producer Buddy Cannon (George Strait, Merle Haggard, George Jones). Lewis single-handedly penned eight of the songs, in addition to covering Chris Stapleton’s “Whiskey and You” and The Dixie Chicks’ “Travelin’ Soldier.” Lewis collaborated with Willie Nelson on the album’s title track while Alison Krauss, Dan Tyminski and Vince Gill are also featured.

SINNER Tour Dates
Jan. 20 – Buckhead Theatre – Atlanta, GA
Jan. 21 – Blind Horse Saloon – Greenville, SC
Jan. 22 – Montgomery Performing Arts Centre -Montgomery, AL
Jan. 25 – The Joy Theater – New Orleans, LA
Jan. 26 – Banita Creek Hall – Nacogdoches, TX
Jan. 27 – Cowboys Dance Hall – San Antonio, TX
Jan. 28 – Billy Bob’s – Fort Worth, TX
Jan. 29 – 2017 Karbach Cook Off @ Lucky’s Pub – Houston, TX
Feb. 01 – The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD
Feb. 02 – Trocadero Theatre – Philadelphia, PA
Feb. 03 – House of Blues Boston – Boston, MA
Feb. 04 – Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY
Feb. 09 – House of Blues – Orlando, FL
Feb. 10 – The Dallas Bull – Tampa, FL
Feb. 11 – The Ranch – Fort Myers, FL
Feb. 12 – Seminole Hard Rock – Hollywood, FL
Feb. 16 – Louisville Palace – Louisville, KY
Feb. 17 – The Fillmore – Detroit, MI
Feb. 18 – Rusty Spur – Fort Wayne, IN
Feb. 24 – The Blue Note – Columbia, MO
Feb. 25 – Orpheum Theater – Madison, WI
Feb. 26 – First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
Feb. 27 – Green Bay Distillery – Green Bay, WI
March 02 – Iron City – Birmingham, AL
March 03 – Riverdome At Horseshoe Casino – Bossier City, LA
March 04 – Hard Rock Live – Biloxi, MS
March 10 – Limelight Eventplex – Peoria, IL
March 11 – Joe’s Live – Rosemont, IL
March 12 – VooDoo Lounge At Harrah’s Casino – Kansas City, MO
March 18 – Riverwind Casino Showplace Theatre – Norman, OK
March 19 – Horseshoe Casino – Tunica – Robinsonville, MS
March 31 – Firekeepers Casino – Battle Creek, MI
April 01 – Cotton Eyed Joe – Knoxville, Tenn.
April 07 – Turning Stone Resort & Casino – Verona, NY
April 19 – House of Blues – San Diego, Calif.
April 21 – Silver Legacy Casino – Reno, NV
April 22 – Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort – Jackson, CA
April 23 – Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort – Jackson, CA
April 28 – Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ
April 29 – Mountaineer Casino – Chester, W.Va.
May 28 – Foxwoods Resort Casino – Mashantucket, Conn.
June 24 – Choctaw Casino Resort – Durant, OK