Orville Peck Will Release Six-Track ‘Show Pony’ Project In June

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Artist/songwriter Orville Peck is readying his new album Show Pony for release on June 12. The self-produced six-track EP is an evolution of Peck’s debut album Pony, which was released in March 2019 and features all new songs including a duet with Shania Twain, as well as a cover of Bobbie Gentry’s “Fancy.”

“I loved my experience with Pony,“ said Peck. “However, Show Pony is a more confident perspective and allows me to share even more both lyrically and musically. Like all country albums, Show Pony is a little collection of stories – some sad, some happy – and I am excited for people to hear it. Working with Shania was a dream come true, her music made me feel empowered as a kid and was a huge influence on me.”

To celebrate the news of Show Pony, Peck has released a new track and video for “No Glory in the West.” Directed by Isaiah Seret with narrative and creative direction by Peck and his creative director Carlos Santolalla, the video finds Orville and his horse traversing across a darkened, frozen landscape. Prior to “No Glory in the West” Peck released the Show Pony track “Summertime.”

Show Pony Track List:
1 Summertime
2 No Glory in the West
3 Drive Me, Crazy
4 Kids
5 Legends Never Die (duet with Shania Twain)
6 Fancy

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Brad Paisley, Shania Twain, Lauren Mascitti To Thank HCA Healthcare Workers With Virtual Concert

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Nurse and entertainer Lauren Mascitti with her fellow healthcare workers.

Nashville-based HCA Healthcare is thanking their healthcare heroes in over 186 hospitals with a virtual concert tonight (May 29) put on by some of music’s biggest names, including Brad Paisley, Shania Twain, Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, Lauren Alaina, Blanco Brown, Amy Grant, Lindsay Ell, and more, including one of HCA’s own nurses, Lauren Mascitti.

Mascitti was a contestant on season 18 of American Idol and performed her new single for the show at work, still in her scrubs, while her fellow artists taped their performances at home. She sang her original song “God Made a Woman,” which was inspired by her “Nana” and being raised by her grandparents.

The first-of-its-kind event will take place during shift change this Friday May 29 at 7 p.m. The audience will include over 90,000 nurses, 47,000 doctors, 280,000 HCA employees, as well as any patient who turns on their hospital TV. It will also be run on every hospital TV and elevator at all of the 186 HCA Healthcare medical facilities locations.

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Dolly Parton Aims To Inspire With Latest Track "When Life Is Good Again"

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Throughout her five-decade career, Dolly Parton has been committed to releasing songs that inspire and uplift listeners, from her signature “I Will Always Love You,” to her 1991 hit “Eagle When She Flies.”

Recently, she’s doubled down on that ethos with recent collaborations with CCM artists For King & Country and Zach Williams.

Her latest release “When Life Is Good Again,” aims to bring hope and assurance as the world struggles with the the medical, mental and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The released video for the song combines Parton’s performance with footage of the frontline workers fighting to keep people safe.

“Since our world was forever changed by the COVID virus, I have felt a deep respect and appreciation for all of our frontline responders,” Parton said. “This video is to pay respect to them and to remind all of us that this too shall pass. If we pull together as a community, we can rise above and look forward to more beautiful days on the horizon. I hope you love this song as much as I have loved bringing it to you.”

Parton has certainly done her part to help and inspire, not only with new music, but by donating $1 million to Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center to aid COVID-19 research. She also began a video series for children that finds Parton reading bedtime stories of classic children’s books, inspired by her Imagination Library. She also released six of her albums to streaming services for the first time.

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Recording Academy’s Producers & Engineers Wing Offers Safety Checklist For Studio Reopenings

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The Producers & Engineers Wing of the Recording Academy has compiled a list of safety measures with input from studio owners, engineers, and others in the industry to aid recording studios as they begin to reopen.

Guidelines include:

1. Evaluate rooms in the studio facility and make necessary adjustments to ensure social distancing (a minimum of six feet). In areas such as hallways where six feet of distance is not possible, stagger the use of the spaces to keep distance. Do not congregate in hallways, elevators or other spaces.

2. Until further notice, consider requiring individuals to wear cloth face coverings while inside the entire facility; in some parts of the country, face coverings may be required by law in outdoor areas as well. Ask clients to bring their own face coverings or masks, but consider having additional disposable masks, washable face coverings and disposable gloves on hand.

3. Have vocals or any instruments that cannot be performed with face coverings take place in an isolation room or an otherwise empty studio. No vocals in the control room if there are other people, including engineers and producers, in the control room.

4. Consider limiting studio access to essential personnel or, at minimum, limit the number of visitors. Limit the number of people allowed in the control room and/or performance spaces so that people can be at least six feet apart.

The full list of guidelines can be found here. Directives for opening are on a state-by-state and city-by-city basis and since knowledge about the COVID-19 pandemic is constantly evolving, the P&E Wing requests comments and suggestions from others in the recording community, which can be sent to pe.wing@recordingacademy.com. In addition to the guidelines, they also suggest consulting national, state and local government agency guidance, including from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Weekly Radio Report (5/29/20)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.

Former CBS Records, Warner, Asylum Music Exec Stan Byrd Dies At 77

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Veteran country record promoter and Music Row businessman Stan Byrd died in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, on Saturday, May 23, at age 77.

He began his music career by working in radio while a student at Texas A&M in the 1960s. He then became a regional promotion representative for Capitol Records in Houston.

Byrd initially made his mark in Nashville in the promotion department of CBS Records in 1970-76. At the time the company’s Columbia and Epic labels included such stars as George Jones, Marty Robbins, Tammy Wynette, Johnny Cash, Ray Price, Lynn Anderson, Joe Stampley, Charlie Rich, Tanya Tucker, Larry Gatlin and David Allan Coe.

Byrd was named national director of country promotion at Warner Bros. Records, where he worked in 1976-83. The Warner roster then included Emmylou Harris, Margo Smith, John Anderson, T.G. Sheppard, David Frizzell & Shelly West, Hank Williams Jr., Gail Davies and The Bellamy Brothers, among others.

In 1984, he became the president of his own firm, Chart Attack, working as an independent promoter for such artists as B.J. Thomas, Ricky Van Shelton, Joe Diffie and Earl Thomas Conley. During this same period, he founded BDM Management and signed Mark Chesnutt as his first client.

Byrd also became a real-estate entrepreneur. He owned a number of houses on Music Row that he converted into business buildings for publishing companies, management firms, publicists and booking agents.

In 1997-2001, he was vice president of promotion at Asylum Records. That label’s roster included Bryan White, Kevin Sharp, George Jones, Lila McCann, Mark Nesler and Monte Warden.

He resumed work as an independent promotion consultant in the new millennium. Among his clients were Brent Maher’s Morraine Music companies in Berry Hill. Byrd also continued to work as a real-estate investor.

Byrd reportedly had been suffering from the after effects of a stroke. He is survived by his wife Valerie, daughter Caitlin Foote, stepchildren Will and Claire Wilson, three grandchildren and sisters Peggy and Christa.

Arrangements are being handled by Sellars Funeral Home, 2229 Mt. Juliet Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122. According to Sellars, the family will schedule a service at a later date.

Brandi Carlile To Perform Her Albums In Their Entirety During Livestream Series

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Brandi Carlile will give fans an in-depth listen to her catalog of albums with a new livestream series that will launch June 1 at 9 p.m. ET via veeps.com.

Carlile will begin by performing her Grammy-winning album By The Way, I Forgive You, in its entirety on June 1. The album, which released in 2018, earned Grammy honors for Best Americana Album, while her song “The Joke” earned Best American Roots Song and Best American Roots Performance. The concert will feature bandmates Phil and Tim Hanseroth, as well as Josh Neumann.

Carlile said, “In a changed world, I believe I will find catharsis in playing the album that changed my life.”

The virtual concert will be Carlile’s first full-public performance held during quarantine, with all proceeds benefiting her band and crew. More livestreams of performances of her previous works will follow.

Earlier this month, the GRAMMY Award-winning musician kicked off “Carlile Compound Quarantine” held exclusively for her fan club, the Bramily. The virtual concert series raised funds for the Looking Out Foundation’s Covid-19 Relief Fund as well as Carlile’s band and crew.

Tickets are now available at brandicarlile.veeps.com.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Morgan Wallen, Lee Brice, Trace Adkins, And More

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Some days, your favorite music comes from the most unexpected places.

This week, we have great new tunes from such proven winners as Trace Adkins, Jamie O’Neal, Easton Corbin and Lee Brice. Not to mention a terrific track by the redhot Morgan Wallen.

But over there in the corner, slyly working his audio magic is newcomer Troy Cartwright with a super hooky Disc of the Day.

Jameson Rodgers has previously been in this column as a collaborator with Luke Combs. Now he has a chance to shine as a solo. In so doing, he wins a DisCovery Award.

MORGAN WALLEN/More Than My Hometown
Writers: Ernest Keith Smith/Michael Hardy/Morgan Wallen/Ryan Vojtesak; Producer: Joey Moi; Publisher: Universal/Kobalt/Sony-ATV; BMI; Big Loud
– His vocal is kinda processed and compressed, but there’s no covering up his soulful warmth and personality. The track rolls along nicely, like a drive in the sticks in your dad’s comfy, air-conditioned sedan. The lyric is a country boy pledging his love to the gal who wants to leave him behind so she can see the bright lights.

JANA KRAMER/Untouchable
Writers: Emily Shackleton/Jana Kramer/Nicole Witt; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Warner Chappell; Sophie Dog
– She has always been underrated. The plaintive ache in her vocal on this yearning, mid-tempo outing is terrific. She’s asking for something more than a one night stand. The whole world is searching for True Love, so here’s a song that everyone can relate to.

TRACE ADKINS/Better Off
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Corey Crowder/Liz Rose; Producer: non listed; Publisher: none listed; Verge
– Her shoes, her clothes, the bed pillows, her lipstick and the lights are all “Better Off” because he’s got a sexy, one-on-one night in mind. Big Trace’s throaty, come-on voice is appropriately miked up close and personal. Cool tune.

JAMIE O’NEAL/The World Goes On
Writers: Shaye Smith/Jamie O’Neal/Ilya Toshinsky; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; JO
– The crunchy, punchy track is dynamite. As always, this total pro delivers the goods as a vocalist, offering conversational advice as well as wailing, soprano celebration. It’s about finding inner power when you’re feeling down, which is the kind of inspirational message we can all use right now. Turn it up.

EASTON CORBIN/Turn Up
Writers: Easton Corbin/Jessi Alexander/Wade Kirby; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Honkytonk Land
– He’s still country and I still like him. This is a hillbilly romper with charm and rhythm to spare. Lotsa fun.

HONEY COUNTY/Woke Up Tired
Writers: Danielle Rosner/Devon Eisenbarger/Kalie Shorr/Katie Stump; Producer: Maks Gabriel/Kenneth Belcher; Publisher: none listed; Sounds Like Nashville
– Creamy harmonies. Lilting melody. Wistful and attractive.

JAMESON RODGERS/Some Girls
Writers: C.J. Solar/Jake Mitchell/Michael Hardy; Producers: Chris Farren/Mickey Jack Cones; Publisher: none listed; Columbia/River House
– Strongly sung. It’s a bitter swipe at a no-good gal who has busted his ticker. The snarling electric guitar work and pounding rhythm in the production match the “edge” in his performance. I think this youngster might be headed for big things.

CLARE DUNN/Salt and Lime
Writers: Clare Dunn/Jeff Trott; Producer: Jeff Trott; Publisher: none listed; Big Yellow Dog
– First of all, the song sounds like an ultimate summer anthem. Second of all, her liquid-alto singing voice is a sultry delight. Third of all, it’s a lot more country than her previous releases. Go for it.

LEE BRICE/Hey World
Writers: Adam Wood/Dallas Davidson/Lee Brice; Producer: Lee Brice; Publisher: none listed; Curb
– This man always seems to hit an emotional bullseye. We have all felt the heartache and anguish that assault us every day. This man’s supremely soulful performance of this ballad is an everyman masterpiece. It hits your heart hard with its conviction and eloquence.

TROY CARTWRIGHT/Round and Round
Writers: David Garcia/Hillary Lindsey/Troy Cartwright; Producer: David Garcia; Publisher: none listed; Warner
– The loose-limbed, head-bobbing rhythm track is pretty irresistible. His drawling delivery, a catchy tune and the groovy, repetitive-romance lyric are all on the money, too.

Industry Ink: Shawn Parr, Everything Nash, Lozen Entertainment

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Shawn Parr’s Across The Country To Debut In June

Shawn Parr

Shawn Parr’s new weekday show, Shawn Parr’s Across the Country, is set to debut June 1 in 16 markets across the U.S. The program’s inaugural affiliates include: WGSQ-FM/94.7 Country Giant, Cookeville, TN; KBCR-FM/Big Country 96.9, Denver-Steamboat Springs, CO; WAKX-FM/Kix Country 98.7, Orlando-Daytona Beach, FL; WYOT-FM/102.3 The Coyote, Rockford, IL; WKOA-FM/K105, Lafayette, IN; and WXFL-FM/Kix 96 in Florence, AL. The four-hour localized country program features Parr’s trademark warmth, wit and love for country, and is available for stations Monday-Friday via FTP delivery. The show is customized to air anywhere in a station’s lineup.

Gayle Thompson Launches New Site EverythingNash.com

Gayle Thompson.

Journalist Gayle Thompson has launched EverythingNash.com, a new website that features the best of Nashville and beyond, including the most current options for dining, live music, art, sports, recreation, lodging, and more geared toward both visitors and locals alike.

“It’s been a dream of mine for a long, long time to have a website that showcases everything I love about Nashville, including the people, places to see, and our amazing entertainment and food scene,” said Thompson, owner and editor-in-chief of the new outlet. “My favorite thing to do is to tell people’s stories, and I created and launched Everything Nash to do just that: tell people’s stories in a way that is respectful and uplifting, and tells them in a way that they would want them to be told.”

Lozen Entertainment Inks Distribution Deal With Copperline Music Group

Lozen Entertainment Group, formed in 2018 by Jennifer Boise and McKenzie Floyd as a social media and project management firm, has grown into label services. The newly-launched independent label has entered into an agreement with Copperline Music Group for distribution for their label acts. The first project is the launch of Minnesota-bred Dave McElroy and his new single, “Trucker Hat.”

“When McKenzie and I began to seriously consider launching an independent label, I called DeWayne Brown for advice on finding a home for our music and securing distribution through the Orchard,” says Lozen Entertainment’s Boise. “DeWayne introduced us to Rusty Harmon at Copperline Music Group and it just felt like a great fit. We were thrilled when they welcomed us into the family. We’re really grateful to be working with them and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Nashville Launches New Good To Go Safety Program For Businesses

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The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, Vanderbilt Health, and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. are launching a new free program today, Good To Go, that will support Nashville-area businesses with extra resources and access to public health experts as the city begins to reopen.

The Good to Go program will help ensure a safer city for residents and visitors as Nashville businesses pledge to implement health standards in a consistent way across Music City. Participating businesses will be given a special green music note to display at their locations and on their websites and materials, indicating their commitment to following safety standards. Participating businesses will also be recognized on a new Good to Go website promoted to visitors.

The voluntary program asks businesses to commit to guidance from the Metro Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and provides access to toolkits and support to help carry out the recommendations. Vanderbilt Health’s leading infectious disease experts helped develop key elements of the program and will be involved with ongoing learning and information sharing. Businesses interested in joining Good to Go should sign up online at GoodtoGoNashville.com by June 4.

“We encourage every business in Nashville to join Good to Go. We believe this is the first program of this kind in the nation to provide uniform industry guidelines and comprehensive toolkits for businesses throughout the city in response to COVID-19. We want to show the world that through cooperation and collaboration, Nashville is safe and sound,” said Butch Spyridon, president and CEO of NCVC. “As destinations begin to open, Good to Go will help Nashville stand apart as it ensures that our business community is following all public health guidelines and has access to leading experts at Vanderbilt Health. It will give all those who live and come to Nashville confidence and peace of mind that we are safely open for business.”

To participate, businesses must agree to adopt all applicable guidelines set forth by MPHD and CDC and participate in Good to Go’s enhanced learning program. In return, businesses will receive regular information and insights from infection prevention experts at Vanderbilt Health, key learnings and best practices from Ryman Hospitality Properties leaders and access to new resources as recommendations change. Businesses which commit to Good to Go will also have access to training modules and other first-hand experience from Ryman Hospitality Properties.

“Ryman Hospitality Properties began working with Vanderbilt Health in the early days of the pandemic to provide the teams at all of our properties – including restaurants, entertainment venues and our hotels – direct access to the nation’s foremost experts on infectious disease control,” said Colin Reed, chairman and CEO of Ryman Hospitality Properties. “We helped spearhead Good to Go because we wanted to make elements of our early work with Vanderbilt Health available so that other Nashville businesses could have access to the tools, resources and information needed to operate a business until a vaccine or treatment is available for COVID-19.”