Kristian Bush wins Disc of the Day.
The sounds of summer are upon us.
Logan Brill, Hunter Hayes, Jericho Woods, Emily Minor and Simon Andersson all have new tunes with sunshine built into their grooves. The Hayes and Brill songs were strong enough to compete for Disc of the Day, but were narrowly edged out by “Light Me Up” by Kristian Bush.
The DISCovery Award goes to someone who is already familiar to many of you, thanks to his accomplishments as a producer and songwriter. But now Nathan Chapman is stepping out as an artist with a CD that has audio delights around every corner.
WARD DAVIS/Last Monday in May
Writer: Bob Regan/Don Goodman/six war veterans; Producer: Bob Regan; Publisher: none listed; Operation Song (track) (www.operationsong.org)
—Operation Song is a collection of compositions that Bob Regan and Don Goodman created with war veterans as therapy. Its touching single is a Memorial Day tribute to the fallen from battles throughout history. Essential.
SIMON ANDERSSON/How Did I Get Here
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; SA Music AB (www.simonandersson.net)
—Andersson is Swedish, but he displays a thorough understanding of country music on this compelling single. The throbbing rhythm and hooky tune are just right, and so is his performance of the lost-in-love lyric.
RAY SCOTT/Ain’t Always Thirsty
Writer: Ray Scott/Mark Stephen Jones; Producer: Dave Brainard; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Rayality/Harlan Howard, BMI; DeciBel (track) (www.rayscott.com)
—I remain a fan of this baritone neo-traditionalist. The first single from his new album stares at a dissipated life with raw honesty and unflinching emotion. A steel-soaked ballad to chill the bones.
JERICHO WOODS/She Don’t Need Me Anymore
Writer: J. Mitcham/K. Daniel/P. Priest/D. Spencer; Producer: Dustin Spencer; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Yellowberri (track) (www.jerichowoodsband.com)
—Clear, liquid country-rock from Kentucky, smoothly played and sung. The dobro lines are particularly ear catching.
Nathan Chapman earns the DISCovery Award.
NATHAN CHAPMAN/Revival
Writer: Nathan Chapman/Tyler Hilton; Producer: Nathan & Stephanie Chapman; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Art in the Pain/Ty Britt, BMI; Pain in the Art (track)
—Best known as the producer of million-selling Taylor Swift records and/or as the co-writer of Darius Rucker’s No. 1 hit “Homegrown Honey” Chapman steps out as an artist with a stunning collection of self-penned gems. Its title tune is a gospel-flavored ode to redemption that’s blessed with an instantly memorable melody as well as a vocal full of heart. This stuff is so strong it could appeal to listeners well beyond country’s borders.
EMILY MINOR/Funky Feel Good
Writer: Minor/Williams; Producer: Scott Trayer; Publisher: none listed; EMM (track) (www.emilyminor.net)
—”Funky” is not a word we ordinarily find in country music. This sunny, smiley, highly polished, white-girl ditty is anything but.
HUNTER HAYES/21
Writer: Dallas Davidson/Kelley Lovelace/Ashley Gorley/Hunter Hayes; Producer: Dann Huff & Hunter Hayes; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Two Chord Georgia/EMI April/Don’t Have to Be Music/External Combustion/Songs of Southside Independent/WB/Atlas/Ogden Avenue/Songs of Universal, BMI/ASCAP; Atlantic
—When was the last time you heard a great birthday-party song? Well, Hunter has one, and it’s full of bopping energy and upbeat intentions. Dance along.
RISSI PALMER/Sweet, Sweet Lovin’
Writer: Rissi Palmer/Andrew Ramsey/Shannon Sanders; Producer: Andrew Ramsey & Shannon Sanders; Publisher: none listed; Baldilocks (track) (615-782-0078)
—The child’s voice is her daughter Grace. The song has a bluesy tinge that is appealing. There’s something somehow “Southern” sounding about it. The new five-song EP is titled The Back Porch Sessions. Recommended.
KRISTIAN BUSH/Light Me Up
Writer: Kristian Bush/Jesse Rice; Producer: Kristian Bush & Tom Tapley; Publisher: Songs of the Architect/Songs of Artist Revolution/ole, BMI/SESAC; Streamsound (track)
—This fellow continues to delight my ears. The sunny, romantic song is irresistible, and the warmth of his voice is completely enveloping. The icing on the cake is a brilliant production loaded with tiny, perfectly placed touches that shine like little jewels.
LOGAN BRILL/Shuteye
Writer: Ryan Tindell/Bryan Simpson; Producer: Oran Thornton & Matthew Miller; Publisher: none listed; Carnival (track)
—The loose-limbed rhythm track is the real scene stealer here. It rumbles through the song like a drunken pachyderm. Brill’s sexy, sultry vocal performance is dandy, too. By far her most accomplished record to date. Check out the rest of the Shuteye CD’s 10 tunes: I think you’ll be as impressed as I am.
DISClaimer: Audio Delights From Nathan Chapman, Kristian Bush
/by Robert K OermannKristian Bush wins Disc of the Day.
The sounds of summer are upon us.
Logan Brill, Hunter Hayes, Jericho Woods, Emily Minor and Simon Andersson all have new tunes with sunshine built into their grooves. The Hayes and Brill songs were strong enough to compete for Disc of the Day, but were narrowly edged out by “Light Me Up” by Kristian Bush.
The DISCovery Award goes to someone who is already familiar to many of you, thanks to his accomplishments as a producer and songwriter. But now Nathan Chapman is stepping out as an artist with a CD that has audio delights around every corner.
WARD DAVIS/Last Monday in May
Writer: Bob Regan/Don Goodman/six war veterans; Producer: Bob Regan; Publisher: none listed; Operation Song (track) (www.operationsong.org)
—Operation Song is a collection of compositions that Bob Regan and Don Goodman created with war veterans as therapy. Its touching single is a Memorial Day tribute to the fallen from battles throughout history. Essential.
SIMON ANDERSSON/How Did I Get Here
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; SA Music AB (www.simonandersson.net)
—Andersson is Swedish, but he displays a thorough understanding of country music on this compelling single. The throbbing rhythm and hooky tune are just right, and so is his performance of the lost-in-love lyric.
RAY SCOTT/Ain’t Always Thirsty
Writer: Ray Scott/Mark Stephen Jones; Producer: Dave Brainard; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Rayality/Harlan Howard, BMI; DeciBel (track) (www.rayscott.com)
—I remain a fan of this baritone neo-traditionalist. The first single from his new album stares at a dissipated life with raw honesty and unflinching emotion. A steel-soaked ballad to chill the bones.
JERICHO WOODS/She Don’t Need Me Anymore
Writer: J. Mitcham/K. Daniel/P. Priest/D. Spencer; Producer: Dustin Spencer; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Yellowberri (track) (www.jerichowoodsband.com)
—Clear, liquid country-rock from Kentucky, smoothly played and sung. The dobro lines are particularly ear catching.
Nathan Chapman earns the DISCovery Award.
NATHAN CHAPMAN/Revival
Writer: Nathan Chapman/Tyler Hilton; Producer: Nathan & Stephanie Chapman; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Art in the Pain/Ty Britt, BMI; Pain in the Art (track)
—Best known as the producer of million-selling Taylor Swift records and/or as the co-writer of Darius Rucker’s No. 1 hit “Homegrown Honey” Chapman steps out as an artist with a stunning collection of self-penned gems. Its title tune is a gospel-flavored ode to redemption that’s blessed with an instantly memorable melody as well as a vocal full of heart. This stuff is so strong it could appeal to listeners well beyond country’s borders.
EMILY MINOR/Funky Feel Good
Writer: Minor/Williams; Producer: Scott Trayer; Publisher: none listed; EMM (track) (www.emilyminor.net)
—”Funky” is not a word we ordinarily find in country music. This sunny, smiley, highly polished, white-girl ditty is anything but.
HUNTER HAYES/21
Writer: Dallas Davidson/Kelley Lovelace/Ashley Gorley/Hunter Hayes; Producer: Dann Huff & Hunter Hayes; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Two Chord Georgia/EMI April/Don’t Have to Be Music/External Combustion/Songs of Southside Independent/WB/Atlas/Ogden Avenue/Songs of Universal, BMI/ASCAP; Atlantic
—When was the last time you heard a great birthday-party song? Well, Hunter has one, and it’s full of bopping energy and upbeat intentions. Dance along.
RISSI PALMER/Sweet, Sweet Lovin’
Writer: Rissi Palmer/Andrew Ramsey/Shannon Sanders; Producer: Andrew Ramsey & Shannon Sanders; Publisher: none listed; Baldilocks (track) (615-782-0078)
—The child’s voice is her daughter Grace. The song has a bluesy tinge that is appealing. There’s something somehow “Southern” sounding about it. The new five-song EP is titled The Back Porch Sessions. Recommended.
KRISTIAN BUSH/Light Me Up
Writer: Kristian Bush/Jesse Rice; Producer: Kristian Bush & Tom Tapley; Publisher: Songs of the Architect/Songs of Artist Revolution/ole, BMI/SESAC; Streamsound (track)
—This fellow continues to delight my ears. The sunny, romantic song is irresistible, and the warmth of his voice is completely enveloping. The icing on the cake is a brilliant production loaded with tiny, perfectly placed touches that shine like little jewels.
LOGAN BRILL/Shuteye
Writer: Ryan Tindell/Bryan Simpson; Producer: Oran Thornton & Matthew Miller; Publisher: none listed; Carnival (track)
—The loose-limbed rhythm track is the real scene stealer here. It rumbles through the song like a drunken pachyderm. Brill’s sexy, sultry vocal performance is dandy, too. By far her most accomplished record to date. Check out the rest of the Shuteye CD’s 10 tunes: I think you’ll be as impressed as I am.
Celeb Softball Teams To Strike Out Cancer At CMA Music Fest Game
/by Eric T. ParkerMore than 25 music and sports stars will step up to the plate for the 25th anniversary event, emceed by CMT After Midnite’s Cody Alan and The Crook and Chase Countdown’s Lorianne Crook.
TEAM OPRY: Aaron Watson, Bucky Covington, Charles Esten, Chuck Wicks, Deana Carter, Eric Gunderson (Love And Theft), JT Hodges, Jimi Westbrook (Little Big Town), Kimberly Schlapman (Little Big Town), Phil Vassar, SaraBeth, Stu Grimson and Vince Gill.
TEAM iHEART: Angie Johnson, Bret Michaels, Doug McCormick, Karen Fairchild (Little Big Town), Lauren Alaina, Lindsay Ell, Perrish Cox, Phillip Sweet (Little Big Town), Seth Jones, Stephen Barker Liles (Love And Theft) plus The Bobby Bones Show’s Bobby Bones, Eddie and Lunchbox.
Also joining the lineup is Music City-native Stephen Bess, who received lifesaving treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia more than two years ago at City of Hope. He and his genetically matched stem cell donor, who reside nine time zones apart, will meet for the very first time at the game.
A pioneer in the treatment of bone and blood marrow diseases, City of Hope has performed more than 12,000 lifesaving bone marrow transplants. It also is a leading biomedical research institute for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. The City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game, presented by Staples and sponsored by People Country, raises funds for that research.
Tickets for the game can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Get more information on the game and the line-up of celebrities here. A variety of unique merchandise and experiences, including meet-and-greets with the hottest artists, will be available for bid at charitybuzz.com.
Country Stars Perform At Boots On The Beach In Jamaica
/by Kelsey_GradyHosted by Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, the Boots on the Beach Vacation event brought country music to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, for a Memorial Day weekend celebration benefiting the Boot Campaign. Emceed by CMT’s Katie Cook, the event featured Chris Young, Jerrod Niemann, Tyler Farr, Casey James, Cam, Josh Dorr, and Logan Mize, along with appearances by Boot Campaign COO, Staff Sgt (Ret) Joey Jones, and Taya Kyle, Boot Campaign Ambassador and widow of American Sniper Chris Kyle. The Boot Campaign raises awareness of the unique challenges service members face during and post-service and provides assistance to military personnel and their families.
Pictured (L-R): Jerrod Niemann; Heidi Clarke, Director of Programs for the Sandals Foundation; Logan Mize; Liz Kaiser, Director of Partnership Marketing for Unique Vacations Inc; Chris Young; Sony Music Nashville Sr. VP Marketing Paul Barnabee; Cam; Casey James; Jerron Britton, Jamaica Tourist Board Sales Representative; Karen Zacca, Projects Coordinator for the Sandals Foundation; Josh Dorr; and Debbie-Ann White, Sr. VP of Public Relations for Unique Vacations Inc. Photo: Courtesy Sony Music Nashville
Pictured (L-R): Jerrod Niemann, Logan Mize, Chris Young, Joey Jones, Cam, Casey James, and Josh Dorr. Photo: Courtesy Sony Music Nashville
In celebration of Johnny Cash’s sales of 14 million albums on Sony, a plaque was presented to Rose Hall (Developments) Ltd and the Cinnamon Hill Great House in Jamaica, Johnny and June’s longtime part-time home.
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville VP Sales Caryl Healey; Angele Nunez, Manager, Great House Operations and Marketing, Rose Hall (Developments) Ltd; and Sony Music Nashville Sr. VP Marketing Paul Barnabee. Photo: Courtesy Sony Music Nashville
Pictured seated (L-R): Casey James, Logan Mize, Cam, Joey Jones, Josh Dorr, Jerrod Niemann, and Chris Young. Photo: Courtesy Sony Music Nashville
Artist/Songwriter Pics: Kelsea Ballerini, John Anderson, Adam Searan
/by Lorie HollabaughAdam Searan Signs With SESAC
Singer/songwriter Adam Searan recently inked a deal with SESAC and stopped by the PRO to mark the occasion. The artist, who won the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for his song, “Last,” has also signed with Demolition Music for publishing.
Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Adam Searan and Demolition Music Publishing’s Jon D’Agostino
Kelsea Ballerini Appears on NBC’s TODAY
Black River‘s Kelsea Ballerini made her national TV debut May 21 on NBC’s TODAY. During her appearance on the show the budding star performed her Top 10 hit “Love Me Like You Mean It.”
She racked up another first for her career as well when she scored her first-ever award show nomination for the 2015 CMT Music Awards Breakthrough Video of the Year for the single.
Pictured (L-R): Hoda Kotb, Kelsea Ballerini and Kathie Lee Gifford
John Anderson Tapes “Artist Confidential” With Jamey Johnson, Elizabeth Cook
John Anderson recently taped an episode of Sirius XM’s Artist Confidential. The show airs on Sirius XM’s Outlaw Country and is hosted by Elizabeth Cook. Anderson performed music from his new album, Goldmine, which is his first studio album in nine years, as well as some of his greatest hits during the taping. Jamey Johnson also made a special appearance and collaborated with Anderson on his classic hit, “Swingin’.”
Pictured (L-R): John Anderson, Elizabeth Cook, and Jamey Johnson
CMT Names SVP of Communications
/by Sarah SkatesKurt Patat
Kurt Patat has been named Senior Vice President of Communications for CMT it was announced today (May 27) by Brian Philips, President of CMT, to whom he will report. His appointment is effective immediately.
In this role, Patat will oversee all media relations as well as internal communications for CMT, managing publicity teams in both Santa Monica, Calif. and Nashville, Tenn., where he will divide his time. He will also direct the publicity campaigns for CMT’s original series, documentaries and tent-pole events. Additionally, Patat will be responsible for helping shape and implement consumer, business and trade press strategies in support of broader brand and Viacom Kids and Family Group priorities. In the latter capacity he will report to Viacom Kids and Family EVP of Communications Dan Martinsen.
“Kurt’s arrival heralds CMT’s elevated presence in the entertainment capitols,” says Philips. “We will be well-served by his years of hard-earned relationships and savvy music background at MTV. Kurt is the right person for CMT’s busiest era ever! “
Patat joins CMT from MTV, where he served as Vice President of Communications for MTV. In this role, he led publicity efforts for all multiplatform and music initiatives, including for MTV Video Music Awards, MTV Movie Awards, MTV Unplugged, and House of Style, as well as the launches of MTV and VH1’s programing and music apps. Starting in 2014, he added responsibility for Logo, where he managed all communications. He is a native of Chattanooga, Tenn.
Lisa Chader headed CMT’s communications team, before joining NPG PR.
Weekly Register: Big Debuts By Brantley Gilbert, Kelsea Ballerini
/by Sarah SkatesBlack River Records newcomer Kelsea Ballerini’s debut album landed at No. 4 country, selling 13K albums and yielding 17.5K total consumption. Sales of The First Time were driven largely by her hit “Love Me Like You Mean It.”
Luke Bryan is kicking it in the top spot on the country tracks chart. He scored the top country debut and top overall debut. His new track “Kick The Dust Up” sold 127K, coming in at No. 5 overall and No. 1 country.
Gilbert’s BMLG labelmate Taylor Swift also had a good week. Her album jumped 146 percent on the Top 200, selling 91K TW. The single “Bad Blood” (a new version features Kendrick Lamar) rose 972 percent to No. 1 on the tracks chart, selling 321K TW. Her solo version sold 63K, for a combined total of 384K TW.
Score-Com, Film-Com Conferences In Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughScore-Com, a two-day symposium with composer and musical director Michael Bearden, will be held at Ocean Way studios June 13-14. It is part of the Filmolution events, running June 12-23. Among the artists Bearden works with is Lady Gaga. The Nashville Composers Association and Film-Com are presenting the seminar entitled “Incorporating Everything You Do as a Composer Into a Living.” Details at www.nashvillecomposers.org.
Another part of Filmolution is the sixth annual Film-Com. Nashville’s film, TV, and gaming industry conference, has been set for June 16-19. The one-stop shop presented by Mr Pro enables writers, producers, directors, actors, and other content creators to meet and connect with financiers, distribution reps, agents, and more.
This year’s participants include over fifty national and regional industry executives, including Jason Wald of Radius TWC (The Weinstein Company), Gil Adler (Producer of Valkyrie with Tom Cruise, Tales from the Crypt), Lauren Fisher (CBS Films), Kristin Wendell (Nat Geo), Sierra Cowan (Destination America / Discovery Channel), Tara Strauss (SpectreVision, owned by Elijah Wood), financiers John Hadity, Todd Remis, Chris Kelly, Steve Kaplan, Rachel Raney, Steve Hoban, and numerous others.
More information on Film-Com or tickets available here.
LifeNotes: Angie Crabtree Reynolds
/by Eric T. ParkerAngie Crabtree Reynolds (L) Robert Reynolds. Photo: Facebook
Angie Crabtree Reynolds, who worked as Interactive Marketing Manager for the Grand Ole Opry (2002-2011) and prior to that in creative services for the CMA, passed away at her home in Nashville on May 24. The 44-year-old had been fighting cancer, a battle she had bravely won once, more than 12 years ago.
She was married to Robert Reynolds, formerly of The Mavericks.
Born on April 22, 1971 in Jackson, Miss., she graduated from Mississippi College in Clinton, Miss. before moving to Music City in 1995.
In addition to her widower, Angie is survived by her mom and dad, Sylvia and Charles Crabtree of Tavares, Fla.; sister Lori Crabtree Plegge and brother-in-law Cliffe Plegge of Little Rock, Ark.; nephews Kevin Reed of Thief River Falls, MN and Brett Reed of Little Rock, Ark. and a large circle of friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held this Friday, May 29 from 4-6 p.m. at the Acuff House on the Opry Plaza near the Grand Ole Opry House (2804 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her honor to Nashville’s Monroe Harding or to Turnip Green Creative Reuse.
Mickey Guyton Self-Titled EP Released This Week
/by Lorie HollabaughThe project was produced by Chapman, Luke Laird, and Dan Huff. The EP also includes the tracks “Somebody Else Will,” written by Laird, Ashley Gorley, and Hillary Lindsey, and “Pretty Little Mustang,” penned by Guyton, Lindsey, and Jeremy Spillman.
New Rendering of Demonbruen Hill Shows Current Strip Could Disappear
/by Eric T. ParkerPhoto: Elmington Capital Group
In case you haven’t noticed, the Music Row landscape is changing. Among the notable happenings is the renaming of Demonbreun Hill, a branding initiative by Nashville-based Elmington Capitol Group (ECG) which purchased the Demonbruen strip for $18 million in 2013, in addition to parcels housing Off Broadway, First Citizens Bank and Tin Roof.
Over the next decade, ECG aims to replace the buildings at the corner of McGavock Street and 16th Avenue with the likes of a 22-story structure, which would anchor a larger development. The development would include a grocery and pharmacy, hotel, retail, office and residential space, and parking garage. The project is in the early conceptual phases and goes before the Metro Planning Commission tomorrow (May 28).
The existing Demonbreun retail property is 97-percent leased, according to the Nashville Post, with some leases lasting another 10 years. According to the article, Dan McGuinness An Irish Pub is “not part of the footprint.”
ECG released new renderings of how the development could be arranged, based on designs from Dallas-based Humphreys & Partners Architects and Kimley Horn and Associates Inc.
To see what the Demonbruen strip looked like in 1999, scroll down for a photo by late photographer Alan Mayor.
Photo: ECG
Photo: ECG
Deserted Demonbreun. Photo: Alan Mayor, 1999.