MCA Nashville recording artist David Nail released a surprise five-song EP Friday (May 20) on Spotify and YouTube, titled Uncovered. The release is in advance of his newly-announced fourth studio album, Fighter, expected July 15.
The EP features four cover songs that influenced Nail personally and musically, from Elvis Presley, The Weeknd, Phil Collins and Adele (full track list below). Additionally, the surprise release includes an acoustic remake of “Looking For a Good Time,” originally from Nail’s debut album.
The radio single from the forthcoming full-length project, “Night’s on Fire,” was penned by Jonathan Singleton and Deric Ruttan. The single continues to climb the Billboard country airplay chart. Track listing, pre-order information and album artwork from that full-length project are still forthcoming.
“As I looked ahead to begin the process of recording my fourth studio album for MCA Nashville, I looked back at everything I have been through as an artist, as a man, as a husband and now as a new Dad,” said Nail.
“I realized that music is one thing I lean on consistently to get me through or remind me how lucky I am to be doing what I love,” he added. “I am really blessed to be at this place in life with my wife and now our two children and the one consistent thread through it ALL has been music. Music has been so important in my walk to ‘here.’ I am really excited to be able to share some of the music, outside of my own, that has meant something to me.”
He continued, ‘Some of these songs have been with me for years and some obviously are brand new discoveries that have had an impact on me for various reasons. This is just a small taste of some of the music that has challenged me, music that I enjoy performing, listening to, or that I have related to in some capacity along the way in my journey to Fighter.”
Nail has dates booked on the road through October on his official website.
Uncovered Track Listing:
1) Elvis Presley, “In the Ghetto” – “’In The Ghetto’ is the song that kind of began the conversation of starting this project. It was the first cover song that I really tried to make my own. I have never liked listening to myself sing, but I’ve enjoyed this one. It gives me chills.”
2) The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face” – “We had to do something off the wall for this project, thus our attempt at this huge pop hit. It was the most fun we had recording, and certainly the most laid-back of any of the Uncovered songs.”
3) Phil Collins, “In The Air Tonight” – “I’ve heard rumors over the years at the story behind ‘In the Air Tonight,’ and it’s a song that has stood the test of time for sure. It was probably the most difficult song from a performance standpoint. We really wanted the lyric to stand out, and for the story to be our number one priority. It’s a very haunting track.”
4) Adele, “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” – “I believe Adele is the finest vocalist I’ve ever heard, which makes any cover extremely difficult. The first listen to this song when the album was released blew me away, and when it came time to begin this Uncovered series, it was my definite first choice.”
5) “Looking For A Good Time” (acoustic remake)– “A member of my team found this song for the first record, and it’s been one of my favorites I’ve ever recorded. When we opened for Lady Antebellum on their first headlining tour, we started a show with a version very similar to this one. It’s a fantastic lyric, and I believe the broken down/slower version really puts you inside the story.”
David Nail Releases Surprise EP, Sets Full-Length Project For July
/by Eric T. ParkerMCA Nashville recording artist David Nail released a surprise five-song EP Friday (May 20) on Spotify and YouTube, titled Uncovered. The release is in advance of his newly-announced fourth studio album, Fighter, expected July 15.
The EP features four cover songs that influenced Nail personally and musically, from Elvis Presley, The Weeknd, Phil Collins and Adele (full track list below). Additionally, the surprise release includes an acoustic remake of “Looking For a Good Time,” originally from Nail’s debut album.
The radio single from the forthcoming full-length project, “Night’s on Fire,” was penned by Jonathan Singleton and Deric Ruttan. The single continues to climb the Billboard country airplay chart. Track listing, pre-order information and album artwork from that full-length project are still forthcoming.
“As I looked ahead to begin the process of recording my fourth studio album for MCA Nashville, I looked back at everything I have been through as an artist, as a man, as a husband and now as a new Dad,” said Nail.
“I realized that music is one thing I lean on consistently to get me through or remind me how lucky I am to be doing what I love,” he added. “I am really blessed to be at this place in life with my wife and now our two children and the one consistent thread through it ALL has been music. Music has been so important in my walk to ‘here.’ I am really excited to be able to share some of the music, outside of my own, that has meant something to me.”
He continued, ‘Some of these songs have been with me for years and some obviously are brand new discoveries that have had an impact on me for various reasons. This is just a small taste of some of the music that has challenged me, music that I enjoy performing, listening to, or that I have related to in some capacity along the way in my journey to Fighter.”
Nail has dates booked on the road through October on his official website.
Uncovered Track Listing:
1) Elvis Presley, “In the Ghetto” – “’In The Ghetto’ is the song that kind of began the conversation of starting this project. It was the first cover song that I really tried to make my own. I have never liked listening to myself sing, but I’ve enjoyed this one. It gives me chills.”
2) The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face” – “We had to do something off the wall for this project, thus our attempt at this huge pop hit. It was the most fun we had recording, and certainly the most laid-back of any of the Uncovered songs.”
3) Phil Collins, “In The Air Tonight” – “I’ve heard rumors over the years at the story behind ‘In the Air Tonight,’ and it’s a song that has stood the test of time for sure. It was probably the most difficult song from a performance standpoint. We really wanted the lyric to stand out, and for the story to be our number one priority. It’s a very haunting track.”
4) Adele, “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” – “I believe Adele is the finest vocalist I’ve ever heard, which makes any cover extremely difficult. The first listen to this song when the album was released blew me away, and when it came time to begin this Uncovered series, it was my definite first choice.”
5) “Looking For A Good Time” (acoustic remake)– “A member of my team found this song for the first record, and it’s been one of my favorites I’ve ever recorded. When we opened for Lady Antebellum on their first headlining tour, we started a show with a version very similar to this one. It’s a fantastic lyric, and I believe the broken down/slower version really puts you inside the story.”
CMHoF, Gary Allan, Students Team For Words & Music Event
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): John Lytle, President of Lytle Management Group Inc.; Ali Tonn, Director of Education and Public Programming at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Gary Allan. Photo by Moser Photography
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted its annual year-end celebration in honor of Words & Music, the museum’s flagship education program, on Wednesday (May 18).
Middle Tennessee participants and their families gathered in the museum’s Ford Theater for Words & Music Night along with host and EMI Nashville recording artist Gary Allan. Students performed songs composed in the program alongside a professional songwriting partner.
For 37 years, Words & Music has connected students with professional songwriters for a one-of-a-kind lesson in musical composition and language skills, offering educators a unique approach to teaching core curriculum.
Students and songwriters gather with EMI Nashville recording artist Gary Allan at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Words & Music Night, Photo by Moser Photography
SOURCE Hall Of Fame Announces Six Inductees
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured: Front Row (L-R): Diane Cash, Tammy Brown. Back Row (L-R): Callie Khouri, Nancy Jones, Alison Booth. Photo: Denise Fussell
SOURCE has revealed the six female executives who will enter the organization’s Hall of Fame this year.
The 2016 SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees are: Alison Booth, MTM Music Group, RCA Records, Sony Music Nashville; Tammy Brown, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Sony Music, olé Songs; Diane Cash, WLAC Radio, MCA Records, John Conlee Enterprises; Nancy Jones, George Jones Management, George Jones Museum; Callie Khouri, Creator/Executive Producer ABC’s Nashville; and Gail Pollock (posthumously), Monument Studios, We Make Tapes.
The 2016 SOURCE Awards will be held at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum at the Historic Municipal Auditorium on August 23. The event will be sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms.
Founded in 1991, SOURCE is a nonprofit organization supporting women executives and professionals who work in all facets of the Nashville music industry. In 2003, the annual SOURCE Awards were established to pay respect to and honor the women who helped develop and build upon the foundation of the music industry in Nashville. SOURCE also pays tribute to women who presently make major contributions with their work in the industry.
Little Big Town Accepts No. 1 Challenge Coins From ‘MusicRow’
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Sherod Robertson, Owner/Publisher, Music Row; Little Big Town; Craig Shelburne, General Manager, MusicRow. Photo: Courtesy of Music Biz
Little Big Town accepted their MusicRow Challenge Coins for “Girl Crush” and “Day Drinkin’” on Wednesday afternoon (May 18). Since 2014, MusicRow Challenge Coins have been earned by the artist and songwriters for every No. 1 song on the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart.
MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson presented the coins to the group just prior to their recognition of Artist of the Year at the Music Biz conference in downtown Nashville.
Coinciding with the coin presentation, they were also given a plaque for “Girl Crush,” which was named MusicRow’s Song of the Year in 2015.
“Girl Crush” went on to win CMA Awards in 2015 for Song of the Year and Single of the Year. Earlier this year, it was won Grammys for Best Country Duo/Group Performance and Country Song of the Year.
Bobby Young Elevated To VP Promotion, Capitol Records Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonBobby Young
Universal Music Group Nashville has named Bobby Young as Vice President, Promotion for Capitol Records Nashville. As the label’s director of Southeast regional promotion for the last five years, Young has worked with Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Mickey Guyton, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Jon Pardi, Darius Rucker and Keith Urban.
Prior to joining Capitol Records Nashville in 2011, Young’s promotion career included time at Republic Nashville, Big Machine Records, Jeff McClusky & Associates and Mercury Records Nashville, as well as his own indie promotion company Young-Olsen and Associates.
Royce Risser, Sr. Vice President of Promotion for UMG Nashville, said, “I cannot express how excited I am to have Bobby Young take the helm of Capitol Nashville promotion. Bobby has an amazing history and track record of success and is hands down the best person to lead the Capitol Nashville team to even greater heights. He has shown over and over again, with great instinct and great relationships that leadership runs through his veins. His attention to detail, work ethic, and decisiveness are only matched by his desire to win. And win he does.”
Young said, “Being a member of the Capitol Nashville No. 1 team for the last five years has been a highlight of my career! It’s been a blessing to work with the most creative, talented and hardest working roster of artists in the business! I’m honored by the faith and trust that Mike Dungan and Royce Risser are placing in me and fully accept the future challenge of maintaining Capitol Nashville’s unequal fair share in the marketplace. I’m ready to embrace the opportunity and continue working with this amazing promotion staff in my new role.”
Universal Music Group Nashville consists of Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville and Mercury Nashville. The combined rosters include Alan Jackson, Billy Currington, Brandon Lay, Brothers Osborne, Canaan Smith, Chris Stapleton, Clare Dunn, Darius Rucker, David Nail, Dierks Bentley, Easton Corbin, Eric Church, Eric Paslay, Gary Allan, George Strait, Haley Georgia, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Turner, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Kelleigh Bannen, Kip Moore, Lady Antebellum, Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Mickey Guyton, Sam Hunt, Scotty McCreery, Shania Twain, Sugarland, The Band Perry and Vince Gill.
Artist Pics: Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, Mo Pitney
/by Jessica NicholsonKenny Chesney Launches No Shoes Radio On SiriusXM With Club Show
Kenny Chesney performs a private concert to celebrate the launch of No Shoes Radio on SiriusXM at The Stone Pony on May 12 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for SiriusXM
Kenny Chesney launched his No Shoes Radio on SiriusXM this week with a performance at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The Blue Chair Records/Columbia Nashville artist’s eclectic set list included covers of Willie Nelson’s “Whiskey River” to Harmoni Kelley’s rendition of AC/DC’s “Whole Lotta Rosie,” as well as Chesney’s own songs including “Save It For a Rainy Day” and “When I See This Bar.”
Garth Brooks Visits With Cumulus Media During Yankee Stadium Press Conference
Pictured (L-R): Mike McVay and Garth Brooks
Pearl/RCA Nashville artist Garth Brooks met with Cumulus Media’s Sr. VP, Content and Programming Mike McVay during Brooks’ press conference at Yankee Stadium on May 17. There, Garth announced his return to New York City with the first country concert at Yankee Stadium. The show marks Brooks’ first concert in New York City since his 1997 concert in Central Park.
Brad Paisley Promotes New Radio Single On Big D & Bubba Show
Pictured (L-R): Producer Patrick Thomas, Big D, Brad Paisley and Bubba.
Arista Nashville artist Brad Paisley visited the Big D & Bubba Show to promote his new single, “Without a Fight,” which features pop singer Demi Lovato.
Mo Pitney Visits Academy Of Country Music
Mo Pitney. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
The Academy of Country Music welcomed Curb Records artist Mo Pitney to the office while he was in Los Angeles. While at the Academy, Pitney performed a variety of some of his favorite songs and also previewed songs from his upcoming album.
See video of his performance below.
2016 MusicRow Awards: Song Of The Year
/by Craig_ShelburneMusicRow’s Song of the Year honors Nashville writers and publishers on the craft of songwriting, not necessarily chart performance.
Finalists for the 2016 MusicRow Awards, Nashville’s longest-running music industry trade publication honors, were revealed earlier this week.
SONG OF THE YEAR NOMINEES:
Publishing information included inside nominee announcement.
“Burning House”
Cam shared a devastating dream with her co-writers Tyler Johnson and Jeff Bhasker, leading them to write “Burning House.” The ballad established Cam’s career at country radio, earned a Grammy nomination and achieved platinum status.
“Buy Me a Boat”
Chris Janson sailed to stardom after “Buy Me a Boat” caught the attention of country radio, CMT and millions of fans. Co-written with Chris DuBois, the tune has more hooks than a tackle box and became one of the summer’s biggest hits.
“Humble and Kind”
Lori McKenna wrote “Humble and Kind” as a letter to her children, but its wise message reached Tim McGraw too. With his own daughters growing up and leaving home, his perspective and believability resonated with listeners of every age.
“Peter Pan”
Even before it was a single, Kelsea Ballerini says she saw “Peter Pan” connect with girls at her shows. Written with Forest Glen Whitehead and Jesse Lee, the song shows the heartache that comes from loving someone who won’t let a relationship mature.
“Record Year”
When the breakup is final, you turn to vinyl. That’s the theme of Eric Church’s “Record Year,” where he drops the needle on heroes like Willie Nelson and Stevie Wonder. Co-written with Jeff Hyde, the song shows the healing power of music.
The MusicRow Awards are often a key predictor for select CMA Awards categories. For example, Song of the Year honors at both ceremonies went to “Girl Crush” (2015), “I Drive Your Truck” (2013), “If I Die Young” (2011), “The House That Built Me” (2010) and “In Color” (2009).
The MusicRow Awards will be presented at a private ceremony at BMI on Wednesday, June 29. Winners are determined solely by MusicRow subscribers. See the final nominees.
Voting closes on Tuesday, May 24 at 5 p.m. If you do not have a subscription, you may subscribe to receive your ballot.
Black River Entertainment Promotes Emily Hungate To VP
/by Jessica NicholsonEmily Hungate. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment
Black River Entertainment’s Emily Hungate has been promoted to Vice President, Business Operations for the entertainment company. She was previously Senior Director, Finance and Business Affairs.
“Emily’s hard work and commitment to Black River continues to help us become the company we are striving to be,” said BRE’s CEO Gordon Kerr. “I’m proud to highlight her accomplishments and announce this promotion to Vice President of Business Operations.”
A graduate of the University of Miami with a Masters Degree in Music Business and Entertainment Industries, Hungate joined Black River Entertainment in 2010.
“My work with Black River has been the most meaningful of my career,” said Hungate. “I am grateful to Gordon for both his leadership and guidance as my position within the company grows. I look forward to continuing to work with the entire Black River team as we pursue and achieve our collective goals.”
Expanding her role in the music industry as well as within Black River, Hungate is currently serving on the 2016 Service Committee for SOURCE. Continuing to have an active role in financial and business affairs for all of Black River Entertainment’s entities, her duties also include licensing and royalty administration.
Hungate continues to report to Kerr and can be reached at 615-780-3084 or emily@blackriverent.com.
Belmont Student Katie Pruitt Earns BMI Foundation Scholarship
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured: (L-R): BMI Foundation’s Clay Bradley, scholarship winner Katie Pruitt, BMI’s Camellia Petty and Gary Cannizzo. Photo: Steve Lowry
The BMI Foundation awarded a $5,000 scholarship this week to Katie Pruitt, a Belmont student.
“First of all, I want to thank my parents,” Pruitt said from the podium. “When I was a little girl I put on productions in my garage and they even supported me then, even though it was crazy. I want to thank my friends because they’re awesome and honest and cool and always have my back.”
She continued, “I want to thank the professors at Belmont that are always so supportive and just take the time to talk to you, and take the time answer questions, and take the time to listen to your music, and give you honest feedback. It’s just a safe place. I’m happy I ended up there. It’s definitely where I belonged. I also want to thank BMI for supporting new music and giving people a chance to find themselves through a song because it’s so important.”
Before playing the award-winning song, “Ordinary,” she added, “A couple of years ago I was at school in Athens, Georgia, at a little community college down there, and I was just doing the freshman thing, going to bars and drinking and didn’t know who I was and didn’t really know what I wanted to do. So I wrote this song in the midst of all that.”
The BMI Foundation routinely awards scholarships, grants and commission to songwriters around the country, but this award marks the first given to someone in the Nashville songwriting community.
Pruitt was voted the unanimous winner by a panel of top songwriters, including BMI songwriters Kacey Musgraves, Rodney Clawson and Mark Brown. The foundation celebrated with a reception in the BMI Nashville office on Monday (May 15).
Weekly Chart Report (5/20/16)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.