BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 550
Back Row: P.K. Subban, Mike Smardak, Rod Essig. Front Row: Doc McGhee, Randy Travis and Scott Hamilton attend the 2016 NATD Honors Gala at the Hermitage Hotel on November 9, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
The warmth of the NATD Honors gala is surpassed only by the elegant hospitality of its setting.
The sixth annual Nashville Association of Talent Directors banquet took place on Wednesday evening (Nov. 9) at the 1910-era beaux arts masterpiece The Hermitage Hotel. The honorees were new Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Randy Travis, Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame member Leon Russell, Olympic Gold Medal figure skater and philanthropist Scott Hamilton, Nashville Predators hockey hotshot P.K. Subban, CAA’s Rod Essig, manager Doc McGhee and Outback Concert impresario Michael Smardak.
Roughly 150 party goers gathered in the historic hotel’s stunning lobby beneath its stained-glass ceiling to sip cocktails and sample beef-wellington bites. Then they reconvened in the ballroom, surrounded by wood-paneled walls and historic portraits, lit by its breathtaking, turn-of-the-century chandeliers.
“Everybody really seems to love the vibe, so we haven’t moved,” said NATD president Steve Tolman of the gala’s spectacular venue. As always, the presentations were illustrated with video vignettes. This year, the event added musical presentations.
Pictured (L-R): John McBride, Honoree Rod Essig, Martina McBride and Charlie Brusco attend The 2016 NATD Honor at the Hermitage Hotel on November 9, 2016. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
These began with John Cowan offering a spine-tingling rendition of Russell’s “A Song for You.” He recalled that when he was in New Grass Revival, the group spent three years on the road opening for Russell.
“He treated us with so much deference and respect,” said Cowan. “He’s had a gigantic career as a composer, as a pianist, as an entertainer.”
Russell’s daughters Honey and Coco accepted. “If he could be here tonight, he would be honored,” said Honey. “Without you, his family and friends, he wouldn’t be recovering from surgery as well as he is.”
Banquet music was provided by harpist Deanna Loveland. She is also the reigning Mrs. Tennessee. The NATD presented a check for $1,000 to her foundation that aids young women and girls.
Honoree Scott Hamilton and Chaz Corzine attend the 2016 NATD Honors Gala. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
John Huie gave Smardak his NATD honor. Outback is regarded as one of the top-five concert companies in the world, and Smardak was the man behind the wildly successful Blue Collar Comedy tour.
“He’s got the biggest heart of anyone you’ll ever know,” said Huie of the honoree. “I want to thank all the hard-working people who work every day at Outback,” responded the modest Smardak.
Charlie Brusco saluted Essig. “I work with agents a lot,” said Brusco. “The relationship that Rod and I have is unbelievable.” Martina McBride presented the NATD accolade.
“I am thrilled to be the one to be presenting Rod with this award,” she said, “to add another memory to our list.”
Honoree Scott Hamilton, Mallory Corzine and Chaz Corzine attend the 2016 NATD Honors Gala. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
“It’s so incredible to get up every day and do what you want to do,” said Essig. “As my father always said, ‘Put a song in your heart and a smile on your face, treat people like you want to be treated, and you’re going to have a good life.’”
The next musical presentation came from new Warner hit maker Michael Ray. He said he was nervous singing in front of Travis, but it didn’t show in his masterful delivery of “Three Wooden Crosses,” “Deeper Than the Holler” and “Forever and Ever, Amen.”
“Randy Travis, you’re one of the best country singers this planet has ever seen,” said Ray, who was clearly in awe of his idol.
“Randy Travis, I love you – and that’s the way it is,” said Marty Stuart in making the NATD presentation. “I’m talking about the guy who stole the show at the CMA’s with one word, ‘Amen.’”
“Through it all, Randy has remained quietly dignified,” said the star’s wife Mary Davis Travis. “He doesn’t get discouraged. He doesn’t give up.” The star is slowly recovering his speech lost in a massive 2013 stroke.
Singer/Songwriter Michael Ray, Honoree NHL Nashville Predators P.K. Subban, Honoree Singer/Songwriter Randy Travis and Olympian Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
Mallory Corzine is a Lipscomb University student who is a brain-tumor survivor. She aims to have a career helping children at St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis. Tolman and Tony Conway presented her with a $5,000 scholarship check.
Pete Weber, the voice of the Nashville Predators, praised the team’s new star defenseman, Subban, for his many philanthropic endeavors. “I get to come to a city with amazing people,” said Subban, who arrived in June as the result of one of the NHL’s biggest deals in history. “It’s inspiring to be here. I want to win a Stanley Cup and bring it down Broadway.”
Hamilton’s award was presented by Chaz Corzine. The skater, author, speaker, TV personality and humanitarian recently announced the recurrence of his brain tumor. He has long been a champion of cancer charities and is co-hosting a benefit at Bridgestone on Nov. 20 starring Sheryl Crow, Rodney Crowell, Jewel, Ben Rector and Sara Evans, plus a bevy of skating stars.
“I hope you’ll all join me in my dream to change cancer forever,” said Hamilton to the NATD crowd. “Thank you, Nashville, for embracing me so dearly. This is an amazing recognition.”
“It’s universal: The world loves Scott Hamilton,” said Chaz Corzine. “You’ve done more good for more people than anyone I know.”
Honoree Randy Travis and Singer/Songwriter Michael Ray. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
Legendary, colorful manager McGhee was saluted by John Esposito. “He tells it like it is, no matter who is in the room,” said Espo of his longtime friend. “Doc is a force of nature to be reckoned with.”
“This is a real honor for me, because it comes from Nashville,” said McGhee. “They thought I would never make it here. I love this city.”
The NATD Honors gala was ably co-hosted by radio great Shawn Parr and WKRN Channel 2 news anchor Stephanie Langston. They entertained such attendees as Bebe Evans, Robert Frye, Robert Williams, Randi Perkins, Ray Shelide, Jerry Helper, Terry Crisp, David Corlew, Moore & Moore, Bonnie Sugarman, Scott Brown, Steve Lassiter, Jeff Davis, Rick Diamond, Zach Farnum, Judy Seale, Kirt Webster, Tinti Moffatt and Andrew Harwell.
The Hermitage Hotel hospitality extended to an excellent menu. Beet, carrot and radish salad was followed by medium-rare beef medallions, asparagus spears and whipped potatoes with a finale dessert of coconut cake with a generous dollop of whipped cream topped by coconut sprinkles.
Faith Hill To Release Final Warner Bros. Records Album
/by Jessica NicholsonFaith Hill will release her final album for Warner Bros. Records on Nov. 18. Titled Deep Tracks, the album includes non-single tracks from Hill’s previous albums, including Faith, Breathe, Cry, and Fireflies. The project also includes three previously unreleased tracks.
“Deep Tracks contains songs from previous albums that were not singles but remain some of my favorites,” Hill says. “There have been some amazing songs that I’ve been fortunate enough to record, some that didn’t make it onto albums, and I thought it would be nice to include a few of those on this album as well.”
During a surprise performance at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in October, Hill and her husband Tim McGraw announced the launch of Soul2Soul The World Tour 2017, which kicks off in New Orleans on April 7, 2017. The 65-city tour celebrates the 10th anniversary of the record-breaking Soul2Soul II tour, and marks the first time Hill has toured since 2007.
Deep Tracks Song Listing:
Better Days (Faith)
Somebody Stand By Me (Faith)
If I Should Fall Behind (Breathe)
Free (Cry)
If This Is The End (Cry)
Back To You (Cry)
Unsaveable (Cry)
If You Ask (Fireflies)
You Stay With Me (Fireflies)
Wish For You (Fireflies)
Boy (previously unreleased)
Why (previously unreleased)
Come To Jesus (unreleased)
Artist Updates: Garth Brooks, Kellie Pickler, Sara Evans, Crowder
/by Jessica NicholsonGarth Brooks/Yankee Stadium/Live To Air Tonight
CMA Entertainer of the Year Garth Brooks sold out two nights at Yankee Stadium in New York City earlier this year, and his appearance will air as Garth Brooks/Yankee Stadium/Live is presented by AT&T’s Audience Network tonight (Nov. 10) beginning at 8 p.m. ET. The event can be streamed online.
Brooks’ shows mark his return to New York City since his historic Central Park performance nearly 20 years ago.
Watch a preview of the event here:
Kellie Pickler To Headline Rare Country Event
Kellie Pickler
Kellie Pickler will headline the Rare Country VIP Pre-Jam concert on Wednesday, Nov. 30 inside Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Rehearsal Hall, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. The Pre-Jam acoustic concert will honor invited veterans and feature performances by Pickler and other special guests. A limited number of passes will be available on Rare Country’s Facebook and Twitter pages and are not available for purchase.
The Rare Country VIP Pre-Jam serves as a warm-up to “Charlie Daniels 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam,” which features Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Kid Rock, Larry The Cable Guy, Travis Tritt, 3 Doors Down and Charlie Daniels. A separate ticket from the Rare Country event is required for the Volunteer Jam, which can be purchased here.
Sara Evans Plans Christmas Tour
Sara Evans will embark on a 11-city Christmas tour kicking off Dec. 1 in Englewood, Florida. The holiday tour will make stops in cities including Jacksonville, Florida; Birmingham, Alabama; Montgomery, Alabama; St. Louis, Missouri; Huntsville, Alabama; and Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Evans will perform songs from her catalog of hits as well as music from her 2014 album At Christmas.
Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased at: saraevans.com/tour
Crowder Returns To Grand Ole Opry
Crowder. Photo: Hollo Photographics Inc. © 2016 Grand Ole Opry
Crowder recently wrapped his headlining American Prodigal Tour and returned to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. The two-time Grammy nominee performed songs including “Run Devil Run” and “All We Sinners,” both from his latest project, American Prodigal. The performance took place at the Ryman Auditorium.
Industry Ink: Jamie Lynn Spears, Touring Career Workshop, BMLG, AGM
/by Jessica NicholsonJamie Lynn Spears Gets New Management
Jamie Lynn Spears. Photo: Katie Weaver
Louisiana-based singer-songwriter Jamie Lynn Spears is known for penning songs including “I Got The Boy,” recorded by Jana Kramer. Spears has now inked a management deal with Ontourage Management, led by Tony Conway.
“Our team at Ontourage is extremely proud to represent Jamie Lynn Spears for management,” Conway says. “Her devotion to songwriting and country music is as real as it gets. We, as well as her team are already at work on her soon to be announced projects, that are exciting and fresh.”
Katie Weaver of Ontourage Management added, “Jamie Lynn Spears is a force to be reckoned with and she is well on her way to making a major footprint in Country Music. We are thrilled about this partnership and the success her future holds as she continues to accomplish her goals.”
Sixth Annual Touring Career Workshop Welcomes Hunter Hayes
Pictured (L-R): TCW Executive Director Chris Lisle, Hunter Hayes, TCW Associate Director Erik Parker
The sixth annual Touring Career Workshop welcomed more than 300 touring professionals to Soundcheck Nashville last night (Nov. 9). Artist Hunter Hayes shared his experiences in the touring world with attendees.
“Really take everything in,” says Hayes. “The places you go, the people you meet. You’re gonna experience something special because the road is a great place!”
The yearly Sam “Old Skool” Harden award was presented to Clair Bros audio’s Roger Gibbons.
Keynote speaker Randy “Baja” Fletcher, production manager for Keith Urban, highlighted his colorful career path and emphasized the important of choices.
“I’m so proud of this event,” says Executive Director Chris Lisle. “It’s such a unique opportunity to mentor up and coming touring professionals as well as the ones that have been in the industry for years. I am beyond ecstatic about the success of the event and the impact it’s had on our industry.”
Big Machine Label Group Celebrates Ronnie Dunn’s Tattooed Heart
Photo: BMLG
The Administrators of Gospel Music Elects Board Officers
The Administrators of Gospel Music has elected its first Board of Directors, announced at its first board meeting on Nov. 2, 2016.
The AGM first formed in 1982 in Nashville. In March 2016, a “reboot” committee was appointed to develop a set of by-laws for the newly re-focused organization. And the AGM’s first Board of Directors were elected at the conclusion of the 2016 AGM Conference that was held on Oct. 13 at Grace Community Church in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Chairman of the Board: Christopher Stedman of Right Angle Music
President: Andie Rankins of Essential Music Publishing
Vice-President: Christy Robinson of Curb Publishing/CurbRecords
Secretary/Treasurer: Erin Ruth Schleiff of Capitol CMG Publishing
Director at Large: Lisa Stutts of Capitol CMG Publishing
Director at Large: Jonathan Bryce of Christian Copyright Solutions
International Director at Large: Steve Harmeling of Hillsong Music Publishing from Australia
Olivia Lane Deluxe CD Edition Set For Release
/by Lorie HollabaughLane will appear on “TODAY in Nashville” this Friday (Nov. 11) to perform her bold track “My Heartache,” also featured on the deluxe EP.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: 2016 NATD Honors Gala
/by Bobby KarlBOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 550
Back Row: P.K. Subban, Mike Smardak, Rod Essig. Front Row: Doc McGhee, Randy Travis and Scott Hamilton attend the 2016 NATD Honors Gala at the Hermitage Hotel on November 9, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
The warmth of the NATD Honors gala is surpassed only by the elegant hospitality of its setting.
The sixth annual Nashville Association of Talent Directors banquet took place on Wednesday evening (Nov. 9) at the 1910-era beaux arts masterpiece The Hermitage Hotel. The honorees were new Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Randy Travis, Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame member Leon Russell, Olympic Gold Medal figure skater and philanthropist Scott Hamilton, Nashville Predators hockey hotshot P.K. Subban, CAA’s Rod Essig, manager Doc McGhee and Outback Concert impresario Michael Smardak.
Roughly 150 party goers gathered in the historic hotel’s stunning lobby beneath its stained-glass ceiling to sip cocktails and sample beef-wellington bites. Then they reconvened in the ballroom, surrounded by wood-paneled walls and historic portraits, lit by its breathtaking, turn-of-the-century chandeliers.
“Everybody really seems to love the vibe, so we haven’t moved,” said NATD president Steve Tolman of the gala’s spectacular venue. As always, the presentations were illustrated with video vignettes. This year, the event added musical presentations.
Pictured (L-R): John McBride, Honoree Rod Essig, Martina McBride and Charlie Brusco attend The 2016 NATD Honor at the Hermitage Hotel on November 9, 2016. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
These began with John Cowan offering a spine-tingling rendition of Russell’s “A Song for You.” He recalled that when he was in New Grass Revival, the group spent three years on the road opening for Russell.
“He treated us with so much deference and respect,” said Cowan. “He’s had a gigantic career as a composer, as a pianist, as an entertainer.”
Russell’s daughters Honey and Coco accepted. “If he could be here tonight, he would be honored,” said Honey. “Without you, his family and friends, he wouldn’t be recovering from surgery as well as he is.”
Banquet music was provided by harpist Deanna Loveland. She is also the reigning Mrs. Tennessee. The NATD presented a check for $1,000 to her foundation that aids young women and girls.
Honoree Scott Hamilton and Chaz Corzine attend the 2016 NATD Honors Gala. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
John Huie gave Smardak his NATD honor. Outback is regarded as one of the top-five concert companies in the world, and Smardak was the man behind the wildly successful Blue Collar Comedy tour.
“He’s got the biggest heart of anyone you’ll ever know,” said Huie of the honoree. “I want to thank all the hard-working people who work every day at Outback,” responded the modest Smardak.
Charlie Brusco saluted Essig. “I work with agents a lot,” said Brusco. “The relationship that Rod and I have is unbelievable.” Martina McBride presented the NATD accolade.
“I am thrilled to be the one to be presenting Rod with this award,” she said, “to add another memory to our list.”
Honoree Scott Hamilton, Mallory Corzine and Chaz Corzine attend the 2016 NATD Honors Gala. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
“It’s so incredible to get up every day and do what you want to do,” said Essig. “As my father always said, ‘Put a song in your heart and a smile on your face, treat people like you want to be treated, and you’re going to have a good life.’”
The next musical presentation came from new Warner hit maker Michael Ray. He said he was nervous singing in front of Travis, but it didn’t show in his masterful delivery of “Three Wooden Crosses,” “Deeper Than the Holler” and “Forever and Ever, Amen.”
“Randy Travis, you’re one of the best country singers this planet has ever seen,” said Ray, who was clearly in awe of his idol.
“Randy Travis, I love you – and that’s the way it is,” said Marty Stuart in making the NATD presentation. “I’m talking about the guy who stole the show at the CMA’s with one word, ‘Amen.’”
“Through it all, Randy has remained quietly dignified,” said the star’s wife Mary Davis Travis. “He doesn’t get discouraged. He doesn’t give up.” The star is slowly recovering his speech lost in a massive 2013 stroke.
Singer/Songwriter Michael Ray, Honoree NHL Nashville Predators P.K. Subban, Honoree Singer/Songwriter Randy Travis and Olympian Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
Mallory Corzine is a Lipscomb University student who is a brain-tumor survivor. She aims to have a career helping children at St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis. Tolman and Tony Conway presented her with a $5,000 scholarship check.
Pete Weber, the voice of the Nashville Predators, praised the team’s new star defenseman, Subban, for his many philanthropic endeavors. “I get to come to a city with amazing people,” said Subban, who arrived in June as the result of one of the NHL’s biggest deals in history. “It’s inspiring to be here. I want to win a Stanley Cup and bring it down Broadway.”
Hamilton’s award was presented by Chaz Corzine. The skater, author, speaker, TV personality and humanitarian recently announced the recurrence of his brain tumor. He has long been a champion of cancer charities and is co-hosting a benefit at Bridgestone on Nov. 20 starring Sheryl Crow, Rodney Crowell, Jewel, Ben Rector and Sara Evans, plus a bevy of skating stars.
“I hope you’ll all join me in my dream to change cancer forever,” said Hamilton to the NATD crowd. “Thank you, Nashville, for embracing me so dearly. This is an amazing recognition.”
“It’s universal: The world loves Scott Hamilton,” said Chaz Corzine. “You’ve done more good for more people than anyone I know.”
Honoree Randy Travis and Singer/Songwriter Michael Ray. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
Legendary, colorful manager McGhee was saluted by John Esposito. “He tells it like it is, no matter who is in the room,” said Espo of his longtime friend. “Doc is a force of nature to be reckoned with.”
“This is a real honor for me, because it comes from Nashville,” said McGhee. “They thought I would never make it here. I love this city.”
The NATD Honors gala was ably co-hosted by radio great Shawn Parr and WKRN Channel 2 news anchor Stephanie Langston. They entertained such attendees as Bebe Evans, Robert Frye, Robert Williams, Randi Perkins, Ray Shelide, Jerry Helper, Terry Crisp, David Corlew, Moore & Moore, Bonnie Sugarman, Scott Brown, Steve Lassiter, Jeff Davis, Rick Diamond, Zach Farnum, Judy Seale, Kirt Webster, Tinti Moffatt and Andrew Harwell.
The Hermitage Hotel hospitality extended to an excellent menu. Beet, carrot and radish salad was followed by medium-rare beef medallions, asparagus spears and whipped potatoes with a finale dessert of coconut cake with a generous dollop of whipped cream topped by coconut sprinkles.
Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood Mine Precious RIAA Metal in October
/by Lorie HollabaughAmong the Nashville artists earning RIAA Gold, Platinum, and multi-Platinum certifications for the month of October are Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Kelsea Ballerini, and Dwight Yoakam.
Multi-Platinum Singles:
Luke Bryan, “Play It Again,” 3x Platinum
Platinum Singles:
Luke Bryan, “Roller Coaster,” “I See You”
Blake Shelton, “Ol Red,” “Doin’ What She Likes”
Gold Singles:
Blake Shelton, “Footloose,” “Kiss My Country Ass,” “Came Here To Forget”
Luke Bryan, “Huntin’, Fishin’, Lovin’ Every Day,” “I See You,” “Roller Coaster,” “Home Alone Tonight”
Multi-Platinum Albums:
Taylor Swift, 1989 6x Platinum
Blake Shelton, Red River Blue (2x Platinum), Based On A True Story (2x Platinum)
Carrie Underwood, Blown Away (2x Platinum), Play On (3x Platinum), Carnival Ride (4x Platinum), Some Hearts (8x Platinum)
Platinum Albums:
Blake Shelton, Bringing Back The Sunshine, Blake Shelton’s Barn And Grill
Dwight Yoakam, The Very Best Of
Carrie Underwood, Storyteller
Gold Albums:
Kelsea Ballerini, The First Time
LifeNotes: Music Industry Veteran Jerry Wayne Flowers Passes
/by Robert K OermannJerry Wayne Flowers
Jerry Wayne Flowers, who spent 30 years as a Music Row executive, has died at age 68.
Flowers is best known for his stints at RCA Records and the Opryland Music Group. In later years, he became known as a local, right-wing political gadfly.
He majored in journalism at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. In the late 1970s, he became one of the pioneering Nashville record-label publicists when he was hired by Jerry Bradley at RCA Records. As the company’s publicity director, he facilitated Dolly Parton’s landmark cover story in Playboy magazine.
By 1981, he was RCA’s manager of country artist development. At the time, Flowers urged the company to sign The Judds.
Joe Galante took over the label in 1982. Flowers and the rest of Bradley’s team soon departed the label to be replaced by a Galante-chosen staff.
Next, Flowers was put in charge of the new Nashville office of the Oklahoma-based booking agency The Halsey Company. He was a Halsey vice president in 1984-85.
After Gaylord bought Acuff-Rose Publishing in 1985, Jerry Bradley was put in charge of the newly formed Opryland Music Group. He again hired Flowers, who joined OMG as a vice president in 1987.
While at the publishing company, Jerry Flowers successfully pitched its songwriter, Aaron Tippin, to RCA as a recording artist. He left OMG suddenly in 1997 with neither side commenting on his exodus. Sony-ATV bought the OMG/Acuff-Rose catalog in 2002.
Flowers became a self-employed consultant in intellectual property and marketing by forming The Flowers Group. Around 2002-2003, he became a conservative activist. He founded a Christian group called Nashvillians for a Brighter Future. Flowers particularly focused on being an anti-homosexual rights campaigner.
Despite being a longtime resident of Williamson County, he regularly chastised Nashville’s Metro Human Relations Commission. Flowers was also a frequent opinion-letter contributor to The Tennessean. His most recent targets have included Hillary Clinton’s emails and the Affordable Care Act.
Jerry Wayne Flowers passed away on Nov. 7. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Huff Flowers, son Tyler, daughter Megan Tull, father Pernell Flowers and sisters Donna Barnett and Teresa Burnette.
A celebration of life is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will take place two hours prior to the service.
Royalty Exchange Debuts New Hot Hitmakers Chart
/by Lorie HollabaughFor October 2016, Tyler Joseph tops the chart, having penned three tracks for twenty one pilots, including “Cancer,” “Heathens,” and “Ride.” Shane McAnally lands at No. 13, having penned “Different For Girls” (Dierks Bentley ft. Elle King), “Vice” (Miranda Lambert), and “I Met A Girl” (William Michael Morgan). Josh Osborne lands at No. 14 (Kenny Chesney’s “Setting The World On Fire,” Lambert’s “Vice,” and Sam Hunt’s “Make You Miss Me”) while Ross Copperman also makes the Top 20, at No. 18, with Brett Eldredge’s “Wanna Be That Song,” LOCASH’s “I Know Somebody,” and Chesney’s “Setting The World On Fire.”
Royalty Exchange is compiling the chart because it believes songwriters deserve more recognition. The company helps artists and other rightsholders raise money by connecting them to private investors interested in buying royalties and providing royalty advances. Songwriters working with Royalty Exchange have raised over $3 million through auctions this year.
Mike Fiorentino Signs With Spirit/Fluid
/by Lorie HollabaughMike Fiorentino
Mike Fiorentino has signed a publishing deal with Spirit/Fluid, the Nashville-based joint venture between Spirit Music Group and Frank Rogers’ Fluid Music Revolution.
Since moving to Nashville in 2007, Fiorentino has penned and arranged numerous songs for Hasbro for use in toys, commercials, and network television, founded an independent record label/production team with longtime friend Kyle Cook, guitarist of Matchbox 20, and collaborated with production team Phivestarr writing for artists like Bubba Sparxxx and Colt Ford. He also topped the iTunes chart with “Wasted Love,” performed by The Voice Season 7 runner-up, Matt McAndrew, which also debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“It’s such an honor to be working with the entire team at Fluid/Spirit!” Fiorentino said. “Working along side, and learning from Frank Rogers is something every writer/producer dreams of. AJ has been a great friend and champion of mine for several years, and am thrilled to be able to continue working with him.”
“Mike and I have been working together off and on over the past five years and we could not be happier to officially welcome him into the Fluid Music Revolution and Spirit Music Nashville family. We are excited to be a part of this new chapter with Mike,” said AJ Burton, Vice President, Fluid Music Revolution.
DISClaimer: Brad Paisley’s Heart-Tugging “Today” Rises Above
/by Robert K OermannConsidering how good last week’s award show was, I was hoping the country genre would stage a stronger artistic showing this week.
Instead, there is quite a bit of well-polished mediocrity on tap. About half of these singles are routine and/or ordinary.
There are some bright spots, however. Our Disc of the Day belongs to the always reliable Brad Paisley, who is heart-tugging and thoughtful this time around with “Today.” He premiered it on the telecast, and it still sounds good to me.
It’s always a good thing when there are lots of newcomers around. So many, in fact, that I am dividing the DisCovery Award into thirds. The female winner is Kris Bradley. The male prize goes to Brian Milson. And today’s finest newcomer group is the daughter-mother duo I Am.
DONOVAN WOODS/They Don’t Make Anything In That Town
Writers: Donovan Woods; Producer: James Buntin; Publisher: none listed, SOCAN; Meant Well (track)
– This downbeat, piano-and-strings ballad echoes rural desolation and hopelessness. Very, very slow and very, very sad.
THOMAS RHETT/Star of the Show
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Rhett Akins/Ben Hayslip; Producers; Joe London, Julian Bunetta, Thomas Rhett; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Cricket on the Line/Brooks County Boy/Sony=ATV/Thankful For This/WB, ASCAP; Valory Music
– Rolling and relaxing. She’s a babe, but doesn’t know it. Fortunately, he’s completely smitten and is all too aware. It’s not exactly what you’d call unforgettable, but it goes down smoothly.
THE BAND STEELE/Tan Lines
Writers: Bo Chandler Steele/Benjamin Burton Rubino; Producer: Bob Burrell/Stacy Stavola; Publishers: FMRG/Kadence Faith/B Rubino, BMI; Fire River (CDX)
– Summer love, bro-country style.
CAM/Half Broke Heart
Writers: Cameron Oches/Luke Laird/Tyler Johnson; Producers: Jeff Bhasker, Luke Laird, Tyler Johnson; Publishers: Marvelous Oak/Songs of Universal/Creative Nation/One Year Yesterday/Creative Pulse/These Are Pulse, BMI; Arista/RCA (track)
– She remains a immense vocal charmer. The crunchy track, stacked harmonies and catchy tune are all just right. Plus, the lyric is a clever as all get out. Bop along, with a wink and a smile.
CRYSTAL DAY/Brave
Writers: Tanya Hancheroff/Catt Gravitt/Jerold O’Brian; Producer: Biff Watson; Publishers: none listed; CD
-She sings well, and the production supports her at every turn. The song seems wordy to me.
HUNTER HAYES/Yesterday’s Song
Writers: Hunter Hayes, Barry Dean, Martin Johnson; Producers: Dann Huff, Hunter Hayes; Publishers: Songs of Universal, Ogden Avenue Publishing, Creative Pulse Muisc, Pulse Nation, Be Barry Quiet; ASCAP/BMI; Warner Music Nashville (ERG)
– Rocking away a broken romance. He spits her out like a sour grape. The chorus voices shout along with, “OOoos and Wooooos and Nah-nah-nahs.”
KRIS BRADLEY/We Don’t Paint The Town
Writers: Kris Bradley/Daniel Schwarz; Producers: Daniel Schwarz, Kris Bradley & Jeff Zacharski; Publishers: none listed; KB (track)
– She has a juicy, pert delivery with a spicy attitude. Waking up the next morning remembering only that she had a heck of a time. The twangy, punchy track matches her saucy vocal. A winner.
BRAD PAISLEY/Today
Writers: Brad Paisley, Ashley Gorley and Chris DuBois; Producers: Brad Paisley, Luke Wooten; Publisher: New Sea Gayle Music/S.A.R.L./Songs of Southside Independent Music Publishing/Music of Windswept; ASCAP; Arista (ERG)
– Lost in love, reflective, poetic and pensive. Living in a moment of perfection. You’ll want to hold onto this feeling.
I AM/Strings
Writers: Anna Pearson; Producer: none listed; Publisher: NayeBird, BMI; IAM (track)
– Anna Pearson is a 16-year-old Nashville singer-songwriter who performs around town with her mom, LeNaye Pearson. Their CD features this solo performance about a street performer who makes it big. It is quite well written. I’d keep an eye (and an ear) on this extremely promising kid.
BRIAN MILSON/Gonna Be A Song Someday
Writers: John Ozier/Josh Dorr/Phil O’Donnell/Wade Kirby; Producer: Anthony Smith; Publisher: Ole Purple Cape/Horipro/Round Hill/Ole Red Cape, BMI/ASCAP; First Short Road
– His baritone is warm, robust and super confident. This is a strong, strong entry with a hooky chorus, a pumping production and an undeniable power. Well worth your spins.