“T for Texas, T for Tennessee.”
That’s what the great Jimmie Rodgers wrote and sang. And it’s as true today as it was back in 1928. Just look at the match-ups in today’s column.
Representing the Lone Star State, we have Brad Cunningham, Mark McKinney and Sarabeth. On the other hand, we have Volunteer State recording artists Dierks Bentley, Old Dominion and Josh Goodlett.
Toss in California’s Corinne Cook and Lasers Lasers Birmingham, Georgia boy Tyler Hammond and South Florida’s Sammy Arriaga and you’ve got quite a geographic mix.
Dierks Bentley earns Disc of the Day. Sammy Arriaga is our DisCovery Award winner.
SAMMY ARRIAGA/Banjos N’ Bongos
Writers: Sammy Arriaga/James Slater/Bobby Hamrick; Producer: Lalo Guzman; Publishers: Sony/ATV, Disney, BMG; Latium (track)
– Very summer-y. The percolating bongo beats and light banjo plucks give it loads of burbling, bopping energy. His rapid-fire vocal delivery has lots of heart as he describes romance between a Kentucky girl and a Cuban-American boy. Endearing.
BRAD CUNNINGHAM BAND/Goin’ To Texas
Writers: Brad Cunningham; Producer: Wes Sharon; Publishers: none listed; Brad/Sony RED (track)
– It’s a cool little “road” song, with a jaunty beat, sawing fiddle, twangin’ guitar and a countryboy vocal that’s winning. Makes you want to go for a ride.
OLD DOMINION/Song For Another Time
Writers: Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Shane McAnally; Publishers: Smack/Big Deal Music/Combustion Music, ASCAP; RCA (track)
– As before, enormously tuneful. The lyric paints a picture of optimism in the face of uncertainty. The spare, percussive arrangement underscores how well written this is.
LASERS LASERS BIRMINGHAM/Royal Blue
Writer: Alex Owen; Producer: Jake Gideon; Publishers: Lasers Lasers Birmingham, BMI; LLB (track)
– Airy, California country with a way, way mellow vibe. Fluid organ and steel notes drift through the arrangement while a piano plinky-plunks in between the sleepy baritone’s vocal phrases. This is the title tune of the unusually named act’s second EP.
DIERKS BENTLEY/ELLE KING
Writers: Shane McAnally/J.T. Harding; Producer: Ross Copperman; Publishers: Smack Hits/Smack Songs/Kobalt/Songs Music/Mighty Seven/Heavy Metal Disco/Songs of SMP, GMR/ASCAP; Capitol Nashville
– Very atmospheric. An echoey track backs Dierks and pop chirper Elle as they duet on a lyric that explains how heartbreak affects different sexes. He can have meaningless sex, drown his blues in booze and switch his emotions off. She can’t. Love that thumping rhythm undertow.
TYLER HAMMOND/Drunk Over A Girl
Writers: none listed; Producer: Ira Dean; Publishers: none listed; TH
– Dean shows real ability as a producer. The crunchy beats and perfectly placed electric guitar phrases both work extremely well here. Hammond has a forceful country delivery with plenty of personality. Play this.
JOSH GOODLETT/I Don’t Usually Do This
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Good Entertainment (track)
– His tenor could use a little echo assistance to sound fuller. But everything else works perfectly. The song is extremely well written and the instrumental arrangement supports his expressive delivery at every turn. Very promising. Credits, please.
MARK McKINNEY & BRI BAGWELL/Why Haven’t You Left Yet?
Writers: Mark McKinney/Cassie Turano; Producers: Eric McKinney/Mark McKinney; Publisher: none listed; MMBB
-Very hillbilly cute. They’re thoroughly sick of each other. He offers her the used car that isn’t paid for, if she’ll just split. She says he can have all their unpaid debts. He says she always has her face planted in Facebook. She says he always has a belly full of beer and is planted in front of the TV or down at the bar. She’s taken over their bed; he’s sleeping in the LazyBoy.
CORINNE COOK/Little Miss Understanding
Writers: Lee Young/Julie Burton/Denny Martin; Producer: Denny Martin; Publishers: Boots in Nashville/Pileadough/Purple Daisy, SESAC/BMI; CCM (CDX)
– It’s a kiss-off song. A little more vocal firepower would make it more effective. As it is, she delivers it with a whine instead of a snarl.
SARABETH/You Rock My Rodeo
Writers: Sarabeth Swagertky/Glen Mitchell/Sandy Ramos; Producer: Glen Mitchell; Publishers: AmeriBrit/Delta Pearl/Lawyer’s Wife, ASCAP/BMI; Circle S (CDX)
– A feisty cowgirl ditty that, despite its title, never really rocks.
In Pictures: APA’s Nashville Office Relocates To One Nashville Place
/by Jessica NicholsonIn order to house its expanding staff, talent agency APA recently relocated to a spacious 14,900-square-feet office on the top floor of One Nashville Place, located at 150 4th Ave. N. in downtown Nashville. They will celebrate the move next week with an open house to showcase its upscale new location.
The new facility provides APA more than double the space of its previous 7,000-square-feet location at 3010 Poston Avenue. Panoramic views overlook downtown Nashville, as well as Nissan Stadium and the Cumberland River. Other amenities include sleek interiors, an abundance of natural lighting, and the convenience of being in close proximity to the hustle and bustle of downtown.
“If we have clients performing at the Ryman Auditorium or the Schermerhorn Symphony Center or the amphitheater, any of the downtown venues, we can walk there,” says APA Sr. VP Steve Lassiter. “It will be extremely convenient for CMA Music Fest coming up.”
The company’s new location offers some much-needed breathing room from APA’s former property. “We had 7,000 square feet in the old building,” says Lassiter. “We were completely out of space. We had assistants in the hallways, people sharing offices. We felt it was time to move downtown.”
Since the relocation, APA has hired three additional agents, as well as a staffer to handle tour sponsorships and branding. They have also relocated a television agent from their Beverly Hills office.
After looking at five available properties, APA signed the lease at One Nashville Place in November 2015. They plan to sell APA’s former property at Poston Avenue.
“The timing was perfect,” says Lassiter. “When we looked at the space in September, there was a law firm that had just vacated the space, and it was clearly the perfect one that suited our needs.”
APA represents clients including BlackHawk, Charlie Daniels Band, Clint Black, Crystal Gayle, David Lee Murphy, Don Williams, Doug Seegers, Dolly Parton, Hailey Whitters, Jesse James Decker, Keith Anderson, Leon Russell, Little Texas, Phil Vassar, Sawyer Brown, Tanya Tucker, Tonic, Travis Tritt, and more.
HGTV Lodge To Feature 5+ Performances A Day During CMA Fest
/by Eric T. ParkerHGTV Lodge at the 2015 CMA Music Festival. Photo: Courtesy HGTV
HGTV returns to Nashville’s CMA Music Festival with its 3,500 sq. ft. HGTV Lodge with live musical performances by popular artists Keith Urban, Martina McBride, Jake Owen, Cole Swindell, and many more.
From Thursday, June 9 to Sunday, June 12 festival-goers also can attend performances and autograph signings with Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and the Scott Family, Kip Moore, Thompson Square, Frankie Ballard, Old Dominion, Maddie & Tae, Cassadee Pope, Eric Paslay, Jack Ingram, Brandy Clark, Chris Carmack, Aubrie Sellers, Aaron Lewis, Margo Price, and a special ASCAP songwriter’s round. Great American Country’s Suzanne Alexander will serve as the HGTV Lodge emcee during the four-day event. HGTV stars Drew and Jonathan Scott will also be present.
“We’re giving our fans a one-of-a-kind experience in a venue that is unlike any other at the Festival,” said Shannon Jamieson Driver, Senior Vice President, Network Marketing and Creative Services, Scripps Networks Interactive. “We’re back in a big way to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the HGTV Lodge.”
Schedule of Events* at 2016 CMA Fest’s HGTV Lodge:
Thursday, June 9:
10:00 a.m.: Brandy Clark performance
12:00 p.m.: Jake Owen performance
1:30 p.m.: Keith Urban performance
3:30 p.m.: Kip Moore performance
5:00 p.m.: Aubrie Sellers performance
Friday, June 10:
10:00 a.m.: Chris Carmack, Star of ABC’s Nashville performance
11:30 a.m.: Thompson Square performance
12:30 p.m.: Frankie Ballard performance
1:30 p.m.: Cole Swindell performance
4:00 p.m.: Charles Kelley performance
5:00 p.m.: Eric Paslay performance
Saturday, June 11:
10:00 a.m.: Aaron Lewis performance
11:00 a.m.: Margo Price performance
12:30 p.m.: ASCAP Songwriters performance
2:00 p.m.: Drew and Jonathan Scott presentation
5:00 p.m.: Martina McBride performance
Sunday, June 12:
10:00 a.m.: Hillary Scott and the Scott Family performance
12:30 p.m.: Old Dominion performance
2:00 p.m.: Cassadee Pope performance
3:00 p.m.: Jack Ingram performance
4 :00 p.m.: Maddie & Tae performance
*All performances and times subject to change without notice.
Weekly Chart Report (6/3/16)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Kelsea Ballerini Announces ‘Neverland VIP Experience’ Upgrade for Tour Dates
/by Troy_StephensonBlack River Entertainment’s Kelsea Ballerini announces the addition of the Neverland VIP Experience to her upcoming dates with Rascal Flatts on their Rhythm & Roots tour. The upgrade package spans shows from June 17 – Sept. 17, 2016.
Fans who purchase the upgrade ($75 for the general public) will enjoy a private pre-show performance from Ballerini as well as an intimate Q&A session, meet & greet with individual photo, crowd-free merchandise shopping, a unique gift package created exclusively for VIPs, and a special commemorative laminate.
The Neverland VIP Experience spins off the theme of Ballerini’s current single, “Peter Pan.”
In Pictures: Maren Morris, BMI and YEP, William Michael Morgan
/by Molly_HannulaSony Music Nashville Radio Promotion Execs Celebrate Maren Morris’ Debut Album
Pictured (L-R): Columbia Records Nashville’s Lauren Thomas, Shane Allen, Steve Hodges, Bo Martinovich, Christy Garbinski, Samantha Borenstein, Lyndsay Church, and Arista Nashville’s Josh Easler.
Sony Music Nashville radio promotion super heroes celebrate Maren Morris’ debut album, HERO, available everywhere tomorrow (June 3).
BMI and YEP Host Rocking Country Writers
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Bradley Collins, songwriter Channing Wilson, YEP’s MaryAnne Keen, Quaker City Night Hawk’s Aaron Haynes and Patrick Adams, YEP’s Andrew Cohen, Quaker City Night Hawk’s Sam Anderson, songwriter Morgan Wallen, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, Quaker City Night Hawk’s David Mastler and BMI’s Perry Howard.
BMI and YEP joined forces recently for their quarterly showcase, highlighting up-and-coming country talent at the iconic Exit/In venue. The May 31 edition of the concert featured country-rocker Morgan Wallen, crooner Channing Wilson and band Quaker City Night Hawks.
William Michael Morgan Performs With US Army And Navy Veterans In Special Opry Moment
Pictured (L-R): Bob Regan (Operation Song), Jimmy Sells (US Navy veteran), William Michael Morgan, Ian Wagner (US Army veteran), Jimmy Ritchey
In a very special appearance this weekend on the Grand Ole Opry, William Michael Morgan was joined onstage by Vietnam veteran Jimmy Sells (US Navy) and Purple Heart recipient Ian Wagner (US Army) to sing “The Last Monday in May.”
The song was written as part of Operation Song, an organization whose mission is to empower veterans and active duty military to tell their stories through songwriting. Morgan’s performance garnered a standing ovation and was declared an “Opry moment” by country legend Vince Gill.
Bill Anderson Renews Publishing Deal With Sony/ATV Music Publishing
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Terry Wakefield, Sr. VP Creative, Sony/ATV; Bill Anderson; Troy Tomlinson, President/CEO, Sony/ATV
Songwriter and country music icon “Whisperin’” Bill Anderson has been churning out hit songs for seven consecutive decades, and this month, Anderson re-signs once again with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. The six-time Songwriter of the Year award-winner first signed with Tree International, now owned by Sony, in 1958.
Troy Tomlinson, president/CEO of Sony/ATV said, “Few music publishers have the honor of ever getting to work with a writer of the stature of Bill Anderson. Even fewer, are able to maintain a relationship that spans decades. We consider it a privilege to represent a legendary songwriter like Bill Anderson and the body of work that he has created over the years.”
Anderson has penned hits for artists including “Whiskey Lullaby,” (Brad Paisley/Alison Krauss), “A Lot Of Things Different,” (Kenny Chesney), “Give It Away,” (George Strait), and “Country,” (Mo Pitney). Other well-known songs include “Still,” “City Lights,” “The Tips Of My Fingers,” “Po’ Folks,” “Mama Sang A Song,” “8X10,” and many more.
“I’m honored that they still want me and my songs at Sony/ATV,” said Anderson. “Those guys are the best music publishers and song guardians in the world.”
With 40 studio albums and seven No. 1 singles to his credit, the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame member is set to release an autobiography Whisperin’ Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life In Country Music on Sept. 1.
2016 Road Closures, Bus And Parking Changes For CMA Fest
/by Eric T. ParkerThursday, June 2
MTA begins running detour routes.
Friday, June 3:
7:00 a.m. – The northbound lane cutout of First Avenue will be closed from Demonbreun to Church Streets (reopens Monday, June 13 at 3:00 a.m.).
Saturday, June 4:
6:00 a.m. – Broadway will be closed from First to Second Avenues (reopens Monday, June 13 at 3:00 a.m.).
Sunday, June 5:
7:00 a.m. – Fifth Avenue will be closed from Demonbreun Street to Broadway (reopens Monday, June 13 by 7:00 PM).
Monday, June 6:
6:00 a.m. – Meters bagged from Second Avenue from Korean Veterans Boulevard to Union Street (available Monday, June 13 by 1:00 a.m.).
7:00 a.m. – First Avenue will be closed from Demonbreun to Church Streets (reopens Monday, June 13 by 3:00 p.m.).
8:00 a.m. – Titans Way will be closed (reopens Monday, June 13 by 8:00 p.m.).
8:00 p.m. – Meters bagged from Fourth Avenue from Korean Veterans Boulevard to Commerce Street (available Monday, June 13 by 1:00 a.m.).
Tuesday, June 7:
6:00 a.m. – First Avenue will be closed from Korean Veterans Boulevard to Church Street (reopens Monday, June 13 by 3:00 a.m.).
6:00 a.m. – Molloy Street will be closed from First to Second Avenues (reopens Monday, June 13 by 3:00 a.m.).
6:00 a.m. – Meters bagged from Broadway from First to Sixth Avenues (reopens Monday, June 13 by 1:00 a.m.).
6:00 a.m. – Demonbreun Street will be closed from First to Second Avenues (reopens Monday, June 13 by 3:00 a.m.).
Wednesday, June 8:
6:00 a.m. – Broadway will be closed from Second to Fourth Avenues (reopens Monday, June 13 by 2:00 a.m.).
6:00 a.m. – Demonbreun will be closed from Fourth to Fifth Avenues (reopens Monday, June 13 by 2:00 a.m.).
Thursday, June 9 — Sunday, June 12:
7:00 AM–7:00 p.m. Fifth Avenue will be closed from Korean Veterans Boulevard to Demonbreun Street each day
7:00 AM–7:00 p.m. Demonbreun Street will be closed from Fifth to Sixth Avenues each day
Artist Updates: Eric Church, Joe Nichols, Colt Ford, Spencer’s Own
/by Jessica NicholsonEric Church Pop-Up Store Returning To Nashville During CMA Music Festival
Eric Church will bring music product and more to his fans at CMA Music Fest week for a second year in a row with his Eric Church Pop Up Store in East Nashville (address: 218 South 11th Street) beginning Thursday, June 9 and running through Sunday, June 12 with operating hours from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The concession, which will mark Church’s fourth pop up store in Nashville over the last year, will offer rare items for purchase, including his custom These Boots by Lucchese boot line and signature Gibson guitar, the Hummingbird Dark. Also available are select pieces from The Highway to Home furniture collection, an original furniture line created by Church.
Joe Nichols Joins Clay Walker’s 7th Annual Chords of Hope Benefit
Joe Nichols
Clay Walker will be bringing along four-time Grammy nominee Joe Nichols for the seventh annual Chords of Hope benefit concert. ACM Lifting Lives will be joining Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and Pinnacle Financial Partners as a presenting sponsor. Hosting the event will be The Big 98 WSIX on-air duo, Tige and Daniel for the second consecutive year.
Taking place at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley on Wednesday, June 8 during CMA Fest, the concert will help raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS) research with proceeds going to the MS Center at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Clay’s charity, Band Against MS (BAMS). Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and tickets are still available here.
Colt Ford To Tour With Brantley Gilbert, Announces Clothing Collaboration
Colt Ford
Colt Ford joins Brantley Gilbert’s 33-date “Take It Outside” summer amphitheater tour along with country’s Justin Moore. The tour runs through October 15. Ford will be a celebrity brand ambassador for Affliction Clothing which has designed custom stage branding for Ford’s live show, signature apparel and artwork for his upcoming album.
“We are very pleased Colt Ford has embraced our brand and joined us as an ambassador,” said Affliction Clothing owner, Eric Foss. “We like his unique style which makes a great addition to our roster of celebrity ambassadors who embrace the brand’s Live Fast lifestyle.”
Vocal Group Spencer’s Own Teams With Rooms To Go
Spencer’s Own
ElectricHouse sibling quintet, Spencer’s Own, will be showing up in over one hundred Rooms To Go furniture stores this summer. The third largest furniture retailer in the country will feature the band’s “Livin’ in the Moment” music video as part of its seasonal promotion starting in June.
“Livin’ in the Moment” recently reached No. 29 on the MusicRow
MusicRowLife: Rachele Lynae, Dylan Scott
/by Jessica NicholsonRachele Lynae Weds
Country singer Rachele Lynae married producer/lighting director Tim Creedon on Sunday, May 22, in a private ceremony outside of Nashville. The two exchanged vows at the Cactus Creek Barn in Dickson, Tennessee, surrounded by friends and family.
Rachele Lynae and Tim Creedon. Photo: Nashville Wedding Collection
Dylan Scott Weds
Curb Records artist Dylan Scott wed Blair Anderson on Saturday, May 28 in Bastrop, Louisiana.
Photo: Courtesy Curb Records
DISClaimer: Dierks Bentley, Sammy Arriaga Bring Rhythm, Energy On New Singles
/by Robert K OermannThat’s what the great Jimmie Rodgers wrote and sang. And it’s as true today as it was back in 1928. Just look at the match-ups in today’s column.
Representing the Lone Star State, we have Brad Cunningham, Mark McKinney and Sarabeth. On the other hand, we have Volunteer State recording artists Dierks Bentley, Old Dominion and Josh Goodlett.
Toss in California’s Corinne Cook and Lasers Lasers Birmingham, Georgia boy Tyler Hammond and South Florida’s Sammy Arriaga and you’ve got quite a geographic mix.
Dierks Bentley earns Disc of the Day. Sammy Arriaga is our DisCovery Award winner.
SAMMY ARRIAGA/Banjos N’ Bongos
Writers: Sammy Arriaga/James Slater/Bobby Hamrick; Producer: Lalo Guzman; Publishers: Sony/ATV, Disney, BMG; Latium (track)
– Very summer-y. The percolating bongo beats and light banjo plucks give it loads of burbling, bopping energy. His rapid-fire vocal delivery has lots of heart as he describes romance between a Kentucky girl and a Cuban-American boy. Endearing.
BRAD CUNNINGHAM BAND/Goin’ To Texas
Writers: Brad Cunningham; Producer: Wes Sharon; Publishers: none listed; Brad/Sony RED (track)
– It’s a cool little “road” song, with a jaunty beat, sawing fiddle, twangin’ guitar and a countryboy vocal that’s winning. Makes you want to go for a ride.
OLD DOMINION/Song For Another Time
Writers: Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Shane McAnally; Publishers: Smack/Big Deal Music/Combustion Music, ASCAP; RCA (track)
– As before, enormously tuneful. The lyric paints a picture of optimism in the face of uncertainty. The spare, percussive arrangement underscores how well written this is.
LASERS LASERS BIRMINGHAM/Royal Blue
Writer: Alex Owen; Producer: Jake Gideon; Publishers: Lasers Lasers Birmingham, BMI; LLB (track)
– Airy, California country with a way, way mellow vibe. Fluid organ and steel notes drift through the arrangement while a piano plinky-plunks in between the sleepy baritone’s vocal phrases. This is the title tune of the unusually named act’s second EP.
DIERKS BENTLEY/ELLE KING
Writers: Shane McAnally/J.T. Harding; Producer: Ross Copperman; Publishers: Smack Hits/Smack Songs/Kobalt/Songs Music/Mighty Seven/Heavy Metal Disco/Songs of SMP, GMR/ASCAP; Capitol Nashville
– Very atmospheric. An echoey track backs Dierks and pop chirper Elle as they duet on a lyric that explains how heartbreak affects different sexes. He can have meaningless sex, drown his blues in booze and switch his emotions off. She can’t. Love that thumping rhythm undertow.
TYLER HAMMOND/Drunk Over A Girl
Writers: none listed; Producer: Ira Dean; Publishers: none listed; TH
– Dean shows real ability as a producer. The crunchy beats and perfectly placed electric guitar phrases both work extremely well here. Hammond has a forceful country delivery with plenty of personality. Play this.
JOSH GOODLETT/I Don’t Usually Do This
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Good Entertainment (track)
– His tenor could use a little echo assistance to sound fuller. But everything else works perfectly. The song is extremely well written and the instrumental arrangement supports his expressive delivery at every turn. Very promising. Credits, please.
MARK McKINNEY & BRI BAGWELL/Why Haven’t You Left Yet?
Writers: Mark McKinney/Cassie Turano; Producers: Eric McKinney/Mark McKinney; Publisher: none listed; MMBB
-Very hillbilly cute. They’re thoroughly sick of each other. He offers her the used car that isn’t paid for, if she’ll just split. She says he can have all their unpaid debts. He says she always has her face planted in Facebook. She says he always has a belly full of beer and is planted in front of the TV or down at the bar. She’s taken over their bed; he’s sleeping in the LazyBoy.
CORINNE COOK/Little Miss Understanding
Writers: Lee Young/Julie Burton/Denny Martin; Producer: Denny Martin; Publishers: Boots in Nashville/Pileadough/Purple Daisy, SESAC/BMI; CCM (CDX)
– It’s a kiss-off song. A little more vocal firepower would make it more effective. As it is, she delivers it with a whine instead of a snarl.
SARABETH/You Rock My Rodeo
Writers: Sarabeth Swagertky/Glen Mitchell/Sandy Ramos; Producer: Glen Mitchell; Publishers: AmeriBrit/Delta Pearl/Lawyer’s Wife, ASCAP/BMI; Circle S (CDX)
– A feisty cowgirl ditty that, despite its title, never really rocks.