Letter From Sugarland

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Sugarland has just released this statement regarding the tragedy that occurred Saturday before the duo took the stage at the Indiana State Fair.

Dear Fans, Family and Friends,
We have taken a couple of days to try and even begin to emotionally process the magnitude and gravity of the tragedy in Indiana on Saturday. While the path to healing from this type of trauma and loss is long and winding, we wanted to reach out and update you on where we are and how we are.
We are in the process of planning a private memorial in Indiana, to honor those fans who died. We would first like to hold space so that their families can have time to go through their own services and memorials. Until that time we are holding vigil for them. We join them on their mourning benches. And we stand in the gap asking God to offer them peace and healing. For those suffering from injury we hold you up with prayers for complete healing of your own.
We are also addressing our own specific healing. Our road family experienced its traumas together. While we all scattered to our given families for their comfort, the trauma we experienced together binds us in a unique way that we share only with each other and those who were there. There is healing in our being together. There is healing in our working together. For this reason we are planning to get back on the road this weekend, beginning with our scheduled show in Albuquerque this Thursday, August 18th.  The emotions have us yearning to be close to each other immediately. The logistics have us needing to replace all of our instruments and equipment. (The set is a loss that is insignificant in light of the tragedy).
This Incredible Machine is more than a tour and more than a set. We have always celebrated music as a Healer. While music cannot change the events and losses at the Indiana State Fair, it can hopefully serve as a ritual and a balm to provide comfort and facilitate healing in this time of great sorrow. We hope to see you all soon.
Love,
Sugarland

The statement is also available on the band’s official website, www.sugarlandmusic.com.

Chesney Reigns As King of the Road

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Chesney fans pack the New Meadowlands Stadium Saturday night.








Kenny Chesney is the country king of the road. For several years he’s been one of the biggest touring forces in all genres, and he continues to set records, such as Saturday night’s (8/13) concert which was the biggest ticketed country show in New York/New Jersey history. The monstrous event at New Jersey’s New Meadowlands Stadium featuring Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Billy Currington and Uncle Kracker sold over 55,000 tickets.
It was one of a dozen stadium dates on the 2011 Corona Presents Kenny Chesney’s Goin’ Coastal Tour. And he’s not the only country act filling stadiums this summer.
Chesney’s huge catalog of hits has contributed to his major draw. Combine that with top-name special guests and a party atmosphere, and its the reason his outing ranked as Pollstar’s highest-grossing country tour of 2011 so far.
While in the New York area, Chesney discussed his business enterprise with the New York Times in an article called “Country Singer, Songwriter and C.E.O.” In the interview he talks about the intricacies of being a boss and friend, keeping his team motivated with merch lotteries to win the night’s proceeds (sometimes up to $300,000), and the life lessons learned from his high school football coach.
Always the sports fan, Chesney brought New York Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher and New York Jets coach Rex Ryan onstage for Saturday night’s final moments. He had practiced with the Jets earlier in the week.

Chesney at the New York Jets training camp.

Atkins Sets Fall Release Date

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A new project from Rodney Atkins is the latest release set to debut in time for holiday shoppers. Take A Back Road will be available Tues., Oct. 4. The lead single and title track is the fastest rising single of his career, currently sitting at No. 11 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart.
Digital downloads of the single already total 350,000 units, moving almost 40,000 per week.
This will be Atkins’ fourth album for Curb Records.
The star is spending most of the summer and fall on tour. Beyond the road, Atkins is busy with an upcoming GAC shoot for the popular Origin series and will be shooting the video for “Take A Back Road” in several locations in the coming weeks.
Take A Back Road Track Listing:
Take A Back Road
He’s Mine
Family
The Corner
She’s A Girl
She’d Rather Fight
Feet
Cabin In The Woods
Just Wanna Rock N’ Roll
Growing Up Like That
Tips
Lifetime
Farmer’s Daughter

Valory and Sony/Sea Gayle Launching New Acts

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Sea Gayle/Sony BNA artist Wade Bowen is in the studio finishing his sixth album—his first on a major label. Recently Bowen was joined by one of his biggest musical influences, legendary singer/songwriter Guy Clark for a duet that is slated to appear on the upcoming project.
Bowen has made a living playing 200-plus nights a year on the road and grassroots fan development. With seven No. 1’s on the Texas Music Chart, multiple awards including 2009 Texas Music Awards’ Male Vocalist of the Year and the 2010 LoneStarMusic Awards’ Live Act of the Year, three studio albums and a Live At Billy Bob’s CD/DVD combo under his belt, the Texas native’s new music isn’t a debut, more like a fresh start on a bigger stage.

Guy Clark and Wade Bowen


• • • • •
The Valory Music Co. hosted a gathering of radio staffers at Brantley Gilbert’s sold-out performance in Foxboro, MA recently. They also used to opportunity to introduce the label’s newest artist, Thomas Rhett, known to many in Nashville as an EMI songwriter and son of hit songwriter Rhett Akins.

Back Row: George Briner, Mike Brophey (WKLB), Dave Hovel (WXCY), John "JT" Thomas (KYGO), Kris Wilson (Citadel) Mike Ferris (WMAD), Mike Tyler (WPKX), JoJamie Hahr (Valory), Miranda Williams-McDonald (Valory) Front: Bob Walker (WCTK), Don Gosselin (WNOE), Thomas Rhett, Brantley Gilbert, Brooke Yancey (Valory)

GMA Names Executive Director

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Jackie Patillo


Music industry veteran Jackie Patillo has been appointed Executive Director of the Gospel Music Association. The newly created position will report to the GMA Board of Directors, facilitating the day to day operations of the GMA, as well as working closely with its board to ensure that the organization’s mission and strategies continue to grow. The GMA currently represents those in the Gospel and Christian music markets anchored by the annual GMA Dove Awards.
The GMA has been without a leader since the September 2009 exit of John Styll, who spent six years as President and CEO.
Patillo has been an instrumental executive over the past few decades as she has lead the A&R departments for Star Song and Benson Music Group labels, as well as most recently serving as Verity Music’s (Sony Music Entertainment) VP of A&R and Artist Development. Her leadership roles have also included the general manager post at Integrity Gospel (Integrity Media) and running her own consulting firm on several occasions.
Patillo is affiliated with NARAS, GMA (Gospel Music Association) Board Secretary, GMTF (Gospel Music Trust Fund Trustee,) Mercy Children’s Clinic Board of Directors, SAGMA (Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy), AMTC (Actors, Models and Talent for Christ) and, ARTS (Applause Rising Talent Showcase).
GMA Board of Directors Chairman Mitchell Solarek states, “We are so excited to have Jackie servings as GMA’s Executive Director. She brings a wealth of experience in both Contemporary Christian and Gospel music to the position. She brings years of knowledge and relationships that she has built within the music community to the post. This will be a huge asset as we grow and continue to build our membership, The Dove Awards and our Immerse event.”
“I am both thrilled and humbled to be assigned to this post by people that I truly respect and have shared vision. Christian and Gospel music and the people they represent is more of a calling than a job for me. I look forward to serving our artists, leaders and valued members as we strategically move forward in all aspects of the GMA mission,” says Patillo.
Email Patillo at jackie@gospelmusic.org or call her at (615) 277-1331.
 

Lady Antebellum To “Own The Night” With New Tour

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Lady Antebellum has revealed plans for the first leg of its Own The Night 2011 Tour, which gets underway Nov. 11 in Knoxville, Tenn. The tour name and the group’s highly anticipated third album Own The Night were inspired by the album’s second single “We Owned The Night,” which was released to radio today (8/15).

“We named our new album Own The Night after one of our favorite songs ‘We Owned The Night’ off the new album, and felt it was a great description of how we wanted our fans to spend each night of tour with us,” explains Lady A’s Dave Haywood. “When people come out to our live show or hear the song on the radio it’s a call to action. Be confident, live in the moment and enjoy the experiences you’re going through—own them.”

The 21-city arena tour will feature guests Josh Kelley (on all dates) as well as Edens Edge or Randy Montana opening select shows. Tickets for opening night go on sale Aug. 26. Full dates and guest details:

Own The Night 2011 Tour:
11/11 — Knoxville, Tenn. — Knoxville Coliseum*
11/12 — Macon, Ga. — Macon Centreplex*
11/13 — Pikeville, Ky. — East Kentucky Expo Center*
11/16 — El Paso, Texas — El Paso County Coliseum*
11/17 — Phoenix, Ariz. — Grand Canyon University*
11/18 — Las Vegas, Nev. — The Joint @ The Hard Rock*
11/25 — Huntsville, Ala. — Von Braun Civic Center**
11/26 — Florence, S.C. — Florence Civic Center**
11/27 — Savannah, Ga. — Savannah Civic Center**
12/1 — Colorado Springs, Colo. — Colorado Springs World Arena**
12/2 — Lubbock, Texas — City Bank Coliseum**
12/3 — Wichita Falls, Texas — Kay Yeager Coliseum**
12/4 — Belton, Texas — Bell County Expo Center**
12/8 — La Crosse, Wis. — La Crosse Center Arena**
12/9 — Sioux City, Iowa — Tyson Center**
12/10 — Springfield, Mo. — JQH Arena**
12/11 — Murray, Ky. — CFSB Center**
12/15 — Amherst, Mass. — The Mullins Center**
12/16 — Wilkes-Barre, Pa. — Mohegan Sun Arena**
12/17 — Roanoke, Va. — Roanoke Civic Center**
12/18 — Morgantown, W.Va. — WVU Coliseum**

*With Randy Montana
**With Eden’s Edge

Lady Antebellum To "Own The Night" With New Tour

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Lady Antebellum has revealed plans for the first leg of its Own The Night 2011 Tour, which gets underway Nov. 11 in Knoxville, Tenn. The tour name and the group’s highly anticipated third album Own The Night were inspired by the album’s second single “We Owned The Night,” which was released to radio today (8/15).
“We named our new album Own The Night after one of our favorite songs ‘We Owned The Night’ off the new album, and felt it was a great description of how we wanted our fans to spend each night of tour with us,” explains Lady A’s Dave Haywood. “When people come out to our live show or hear the song on the radio it’s a call to action. Be confident, live in the moment and enjoy the experiences you’re going through—own them.”
The 21-city arena tour will feature guests Josh Kelley (on all dates) as well as Edens Edge or Randy Montana opening select shows. Tickets for opening night go on sale Aug. 26. Full dates and guest details:
Own The Night 2011 Tour:
11/11 — Knoxville, Tenn. — Knoxville Coliseum*
11/12 — Macon, Ga. — Macon Centreplex*
11/13 — Pikeville, Ky. — East Kentucky Expo Center*
11/16 — El Paso, Texas — El Paso County Coliseum*
11/17 — Phoenix, Ariz. — Grand Canyon University*
11/18 — Las Vegas, Nev. — The Joint @ The Hard Rock*
11/25 — Huntsville, Ala. — Von Braun Civic Center**
11/26 — Florence, S.C. — Florence Civic Center**
11/27 — Savannah, Ga. — Savannah Civic Center**
12/1 — Colorado Springs, Colo. — Colorado Springs World Arena**
12/2 — Lubbock, Texas — City Bank Coliseum**
12/3 — Wichita Falls, Texas — Kay Yeager Coliseum**
12/4 — Belton, Texas — Bell County Expo Center**
12/8 — La Crosse, Wis. — La Crosse Center Arena**
12/9 — Sioux City, Iowa — Tyson Center**
12/10 — Springfield, Mo. — JQH Arena**
12/11 — Murray, Ky. — CFSB Center**
12/15 — Amherst, Mass. — The Mullins Center**
12/16 — Wilkes-Barre, Pa. — Mohegan Sun Arena**
12/17 — Roanoke, Va. — Roanoke Civic Center**
12/18 — Morgantown, W.Va. — WVU Coliseum**
*With Randy Montana
**With Eden’s Edge

2011 Artist Roster—On The Cover: Hunter Hayes

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CLICK to Order the Artist Roster


Born in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, Hunter Hayes has been making music since about the time he learned to walk. As he recounts, “By the time I was almost two, I was picking up everything and making an instrument out of it. My grandmother gave me a toy accordion for my second birthday and I immediately began picking up Cajun songs by ear from the radio.”
Despite being in the early stage of his career, Hayes already has a long list of accomplishments: Singing “Jambalaya” with Hank Williams Jr. in front of 200,000 people (15 million YouTube views) at the age of four; appearing with Robert Duvall (who gave Hayes his first guitar) in The Apostle at the age of six; playing with Johnny and June Cash, and Charlie Daniels at a BBQ; performing for President Clinton, co-writing songs for Rascal Flatts and Montgomery Gentry and more. You might say that he’s lived a charmed life.
Now Hayes, in the producer’s chair with Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Trace Adkins) is in the studio preparing to record what he calls his debut album in 2011. “I’ve released independent records before, but this feels like the first real record I’m making—with the high stakes,” he says excitedly. For Hunter, even with those high stakes, he’s committed to doing it his way. With plans on “playing everything on the album, having fun and experimenting.”
Among the many extraordinary things about Hunter Hayes, the multi-talented musician, writer, producer and performer, perhaps what is most astonishing is that in truth, he’s just getting started.

Interesting facts: I’m a total gear geek. I could spend days on studio gear websites and days talking with engineers about Pro Tools and all things studio related. I could literally LIVE in a recording studio!
Outside Interests: I’m a bit of a car nut so I spend what is probably too much time watching a British car show called, Top Gear. Other than that it’s pretty much music, music and in my off time, more music – just in different forms. I cycle from touring to writing to the studio. That cycle is enough to keep it fresh and interesting while breaking from the other aspects.
Musical Influences: Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Bryan White, Brooks & Dunn, John Mayer, Ronnie Milsap, Michael Buble.
Favorite Records: I have several. One is Keith Urban’s Defying Gravity, I can just sing along to every song on that record. Love the musicality of it as well, super hooky and tasteful. Also, Me and My Gang by Rascal Flatts. It was the first record they made with Dann Huff and it’s super cool musically and lyrically, I totally relate to some of those tunes. Continuum by John Mayer, brilliant musical record. Battle Studies was more lyrical for me and I loved it for that reason. And MercyMe’s Coming Up to Breathe was such a brilliantly moving record.

Networks In Bidding War For CMA Awards

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ABC has been the network home of the CMA Awards since 2006, but rumors of a channel change are swirling around Music Row. A report on entertainment industry site Vulture points to major networks circling the CMA for rights to its awards show.
According to Vulture, NBC, CBS, and ABC are all offering big bucks to score the coveted broadcast rights to Country Music’s Biggest Night.
The news has also been picked up by the LA Times.
CBS is home to the ACM Awards show, and Fox hosts the new ACA Awards, so logic points to the Peacock vying hardest for rights to the CMAs.
This year’s CMA Awards show is set for Nov. 9 on ABC.
One look at last year’s ratings show why the trophyfest is such a hot commodity. In 2010 it was the No. 1 entertainment program on television for the whole week of its broadcast, drawing an estimated 33.8 million viewers to become the second largest audience since 2005.

Lady A “Need You…” Climbs 5X Platinum

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Country fans are showing their love in the form of purchases during this hot summer season. The latest RIAA sales report for July 2011 shows Nashville music warmly represented. The magic numbers to qualify for Gold and Platinum awards are 500,000 and one million respectively.

Capitol Nashville lead the Nashville labels with the equivalent of 3 million units of singles and albums certified this month. Close behind with 2 million units each were BNA, Broken Bow and Mercury.

Lady A and Shania were the only Nashville acts to earn multi-platinum awards, for “Need You Now,” and “You’re Still The One,” respectively.

The number of singles represented this month greatly outnumbers albums, as 19 different singles won awards and three albums were certified.

RIAA stats are based upon shipments from manufacturers to retailers and are not necessarily actual sales. For example, it is common to see a Gold song with under 500,000 scans on SoundScan.

 

July 2011 Certifications

Multi-Platinum Single
Lady Antebellum/Need You Now/Capitol Nashville/5X

Platinum Single
Jason Aldean/Dirt Road Anthem/This Is Hit (BBR)
Jason Aldean/My Kinda Party/Broken Bow
Kenny Chesney/Somewhere With You/BNA
Kenny Chesney/Summertime/BNA
Lady Antebellum/Just A Kiss/Capitol Nashville
Blake Shelton/Honey Bee/Warner Bros. Nashville

Gold Single
Gary Allan/Watching Airplanes/MCA Nashville
Eric Church/Homeboy/EMI Records Nashville
Easton Corbin/A Little More Country Than That/Mercury
Billy Currington/Let Me Down Easy/Mercury
Eli Young Band/Crazy Girl/Republic Nashville
Lady Antebellum/Just A Kiss/Capitol Nashville
Little Big Town/Little White Church/Capitol Nashville
Jake Owen/Eight Second Ride/RCA Nashville
Jake Owen/Barefoot Blue Jean Night/RCA Nashville
Blake Shelton/Honey Bee/Warner Bros. Nashville
George Strait/Troubadour/MCA Nashville
Sugarland/Settlin’/Mercury
The Band Perry/You Lie/Republic Nashville
Chris Young/Tomorrow/RCA Nashville

Platinum Album
Zac Brown Band/You Get what You Give/Homegrown/Atlantic
Rascal Flatts/Nothing Like This/Big Machine

Gold Albums
Rascal Flatts/Nothing Like This/Big Machine
Chris Young/The Man I Want To Be/Mercury

Multi-Platinum Single
Shania Twain/You’re Still The One/Mercury (2X; released 1/27/1998)