Chase Rice Sets New Album Release For May

Chase Rice. Photo: Jason Myers

Chase Rice announced during yesterday’s (April 14) appearance on Good Morning America that his new album The Album Part II will be released May 15. Rice FaceTimed into the show to perform current Top 25-and-climbing single “Lonely If You Are” live from his farm in Nashville in a special appearance.

The digital project, titled in keeping with January’s chart-topping surprise release of the seven-song The Album Part I, will combine with that earlier collection and additional new songs for an eventual all-encompassing physical project, The Album.

“We’ve been eager to get more new music out to the fans, especially during this crazy time,” said Rice. “I’m really proud of these songs and hope they can bring a little joy to people while they’re stuck at home…and I can’t wait to play them live for you when we’re back on the road together soon!”

The Album Part II Track Listing:
1.  You (Chase Rice, Jon Nite, Zach Kale)
2.  Break. Up. Drunk. (Chase Rice, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt)
3.  Down Home Runs Deep (Daniel Ross, Michael Hardy, Mike Walker, James McNair)
4.  Belong (Chase Rice, Chris DeStefano, Jon Nite)

‘One World: Together At Home’ Global Special To Air On JOOX Music

JOOX Music streaming platform today announced that One World: Together At Home—a globally televised and streamed special in support of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, will air on JOOX Music in Hong Kong and Macau SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and South Africa on April 19.

One World: Together At Home is a historic, first-of-its kind global broadcast event to celebrate the heroic efforts of community health workers, and to support the World Health Organization in the global fight to end COVID-19. The broadcast will feature stories from frontline healthcare workers on the COVID response, commitments from philanthropists, governments and corporations to support and equip frontline healthcare workers around the world with masks, gowns and other vital equipment, and to local charities that provide food, shelter, and healthcare to those that need it most.

Curated in collaboration with Lady Gaga, One World: Together At Home will include performances and appearances by artists and celebrities including Alicia Keys, Andra Day, Andrea Bocelli, Awkwafina, Billie Eilish, Billy Ray Cyrus, Camila Cabello, Céline Dion, Charlie Puth, Chris Martin, Common, David & Victoria Beckham, Eddie Vedder, Ellen DeGeneres, Elton John, Idris and Sabrina Elba, Jack Black, Jack Johnson, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Kesha, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, LL Cool J, Maren Morris, Matthew McConaughey, Michael Bublé, Niall Horan, Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Pharrell Williams, P.K. Subban, Sam Smith, Samuel L Jackson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Shawn Mendes, Sheryl Crow, Stephen Colbert, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, Usher, and many more.

“As a leading music streaming platform, JOOX Music is proud to be a part of this global initiative that unites performers, music fans and all citizens around the world in a collaborative effort to beat coronavirus, supporting frontline healthcare workers and the WHO,” said Poshu Yeung, Vice President, International Business Group, Tencent. “We stand together, gathering our hearts while staying at home, with all music lovers in Hong Kong and Macau SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and South Africa in using music as a universal tool in our fight against the further spread of COVID-19.”

Concord Promotes Hazel Malit To CFO, Recorded Music

Hazel Malit

Concord has promoted Hazel Malit to CFO of the company’s recorded music business. Malit, based in Concord’s Nashville office, will report to Concord CFO Bob Valentine, while working with Concord Chief Label Executive Tom Whalley and Chief Catalog Executive Sig Sigworth to manage day-to-day financial decisions for the labels.

Malit started her career at Concord in 2011 as a Royalty Accounting Manager. As the company grew, she began to focus solely on the Recorded Music side of its business and in recent years, Malit led the accounting integration process when Concord acquired labels including Wind Up, Razor & Tie and Victory Records.

In her new role, Malit will interface with Concord frontline and catalog label groups, joint-venture partners, KIDZ Bop recorded music and related touring business and shared service operational departments within Recorded Music to provide needed reporting, budgeting, forecasting and other insights. She will also assist with financial due diligence for potential strategic initiatives and, most importantly, ensure that all activities within the Recorded Music financial department are aligned with Concord’s overall goals, adhere to the company’s general accounting and operational policies and are consistent with its core values.

“I am thrilled to promote Hazel to this new role,” commented Valentine. “Ever since she joined Concord nine years ago, Hazel has repeatedly demonstrated her ability to provide the essential accounting and financial assistance that our creative and operational teams require to succeed. She is able to focus on the big picture, engenders trust with her coworkers and has built a world-class accounting team within the Recorded Music division. Her accomplishments throughout her time at Concord speak for themselves, and we are all happy to see her continue to advance her career here in this new vitally important position.”

“I would like to thank Bob Valentine for this opportunity,” said Malit. “I’m fortunate to work for a company who believes in their employees and encourages internal promotion. Also, I would like to thank my team for their continued support and dedication. As I take on this new role, I’m looking forward to working with Tom Whalley, Sig Sigworth, our label presidents and label services team in supporting Recorded Music Operations.”

“Hazel has become an integral part of the Recorded Music operations team over the last nine years,” said Whalley. “There is no better person to help lead the frontline and catalog labels in a continued pattern of growth,” continued Sigworth.

Industry Ink: Moraine Records, PLA Media, Kid Rock, Steve Smith

Moraine Records Adds To Roster

Shannon LaBrie. Photo: Rae Marshall

Moraine Records, part of Moraine Music’s Artist Alliance, has signed Shannon LaBrie to the roster. In 2016, LaBrie released the album War & Peace, which reached the Top 10 on iTunes.

Dianna Maher, President of Moraine Music Group, comments, “Shannon is a true force of nature, and her combination of talents as a vocalist, songwriter, and musician makes her an exciting addition to our company. She delivers inspired music on every level!”

PLA Media Adds Sarah Ray To Roster

Sarah Ray

PLA Media has added lifestyle blogger and home designer Sarah Ray of Our Vintage Farmhouse to its roster.

“We are elated to be working with such a powerhouse in the online space,” PLA Media President and CEO Pam Lewis said. “On top of being a business savvy mother, Sarah Ray is an artist with a heart of gold. She has her finger on the pulse of style and design for the modern southern family, and we can’t wait to see what she conquers next.”

PLA Media’s roster also includes the Johnny Cash Museum, Patsy Cline Museum, and Tina Turner Museum, as well as artist and actor Gary Morris.

Kid Rock, Steve Smith To Match Tips From Virtual Performances

Kid Rock and Steve Smith, Nashville’s Lower Broadway honkytonk kingpin, have announced they will match all “tips” made through live performances beginning at noon on April 15, and streamed on Facebook pages for Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk, Honky Tonk Central, Rippy’s Honky Tonk, as well as the Facebook page and website of Honky Tonk School for 72 hours.

“Just like playing in the clubs, our musicians make their living from the tips they received from our patrons so we are encouraging people to tip them during these performances,” says Smith. “These musicians love to perform and entertain, so just like the rest of America, they are going stir crazy not being able to perform for the people. This is just a way to get them performing again and hopefully bringing some happiness into the homes of those that would rather be on Broadway during this time.”

“Like most of us, I am a big supporter of all musicians and especially for those who work hard for the Honky Tonk Godfather and myself,” says Kid Rock. “These guys and gals work for us everyday. A lot of them you know. So listen, any tips you donate during the live stream are appreciated, but over the next 72 hours will be matched by my Big Ass Honky Tonk, Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Rippy’s and Honky Tonk Central. Thank you and stay safe.”

Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Rippy’s, Honky Tonk Central, Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk & Steakhouse and The Diner have continued to pay their employees since Mayor Cooper issued all bars to close in downtown Nashville due to social distancing laws amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Honky Tonk School has organized this effort to help musicians make ends meet until the bars open and they can go back to entertaining in person.

To donate directly to the Honky Tonk School to keep the music playing visit the Honky Tonk School Musician’s Streaming Fund or donate through Venmo.

CJ Solar Sets ‘Coming My Way’ EP For May


CJ Solar will release his new EP, Coming My Way, on May 1, led by his new single “Watered Down Whiskey,” which released to country radio on Friday (April 14).

“A lot of folks have heard me play these songs either on the road or online during the quarantine, and I’m excited to finally have the whole package available for everyone to hear,” said Solar. “There’s a ton of heart and soul in these songs, and I hope that comes through with every listen.”

CJ co-wrote all six songs in the collection, which follows the EPs Get Away With It and Hard One To Turn Down. Solar has written country radio hits for Morgan Wallen (“Up Down”) and Jameson Rodgers (“Some Girls”) as well as cuts for Jason Aldean (“I Don’t Drink Anymore”) and songs recorded by Jerrod Niemann, Justin Moore and others.

Over the past year, Solar earned two Top 15 hits on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, with “Airplane” and “American Girls.” He was nominated for Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year at the 31st annual MusicRow Awards, and took home Independent Artist of the Year award at the 2019 CountryBreakout Awards.

Coming My Way EP Track Listing:
“Coming My Way” – CJ Solar, Michael Hardy, Jake Mitchell
“Better Memory” – Smith Ahnquist, CJ Solar, Neil Medley
“Wild Hair” – CJ Solar, Jacob Davis, Bob DiPiero, Jason Gantt
“Rain” – CJ Solar, Brent Anderson, Mark Fuhrer
“She’ll Run” – Brent Anderson, Jordan Brooker, CJ Solar
“Watered Down Whiskey” – Charlie Berry, CJ Solar

Country Recording Artist, Songwriter Jimmy Jay Dies At 84


James T. Pickard, Sr., the country recording artist and songwriter known as Jimmy Jay, passed away on April 6, following a battle with cancer. He was 84.

Under the name Jimmy Jay, Pickard was a country recording artist in the 1960s. He recorded songs “You’re Still With Me,” “I Might As Well Go Home,” “Bayou Girl,” and many others. As a musician, he also toured with artists such as Conway Twitty and Eddy Raven.

As a songwriter, his songs were recorded by many country artists, including: “Neon Row” by Eddy Raven and George Straight, “Why Not Tonight” by Neal McCoy, and “You Put It There” by Conway Twitty.

Pickard is survived by wife of 54 years, Jeanie Pickard, his sister, Sandy Killam, his four children and daughter-in-law, seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, Pickard’s family asks donations be sent to Avow Hospice Naples.

Gospel Music Association Reschedules GMA Honors & Hall of Fame Ceremony


The 7th annual GMA Honors & Hall of Fame ceremony has been rescheduled for 2021, the Gospel Music Association announced on Tuesday (April 14). The ceremony will now be held May 12, 2021; the event was previously slated to take place at Nashville’s Lipscomb University campus on May 6, 2020.

The previously announced inductees include 4Him (CCM), Bill Hearn (non-performing), Commissioned (Gospel) and The Isaacs (Southern Gospel). The 2020 honorees are Chris Tomlin for Angel Armies, Steve Moore for The Shalom Foundation, Wes Campbell and Dave Wagner for Thriving Children’s Foundation (TCA), and Willie Moore Jr. for Bethany Christian Services.

The GMA Honors & Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony supports the preservation efforts and educational programs of the GMA Foundation. The event celebrates individuals and organizations in gospel music that are making considerable contributions to the world through their humanitarian efforts, as well as their talents. The GMA Honors’ inaugural ceremony was held in 2014; among the honorees that year included Brown Bannister, The Gaither Vocal Band, Take 6, the late Rich Mullins, Dr. Bobby Jones, Don Moen, Michael Guido and the non-profit organizations Show Hope and World Vision.

Victor Zaraya Named Chief Revenue Officer At Concord


Victor Zaraya has been appointed Chief Revenue Officer at Concord. Zaraya will continue to be based out of Concord’s New York office and will report to COO Jim Selby. Current KIDZ BOP Senior Vice President, Sasha Junk, will succeed Zaraya as President of KIDZ BOP.

As CRO, Zaraya will work across Concord’s business areas in publishing, recorded music, and theatricals, to provide strategic guidance and maximize revenues and efficiencies across the company. He will collaborate with Concord’s other leaders to align revenue-related functions such as distribution and licensing negotiation and implementation, tracking and analysis of income and developing business strategies that acknowledge key trends in the various industries in which Concord participates.

“Vic is one of the many talented people who joined Concord as a result of our Razor & Tie acquisition in 2015,” said Concord CEO, Scott Pascucci. “We have all had the pleasure of working with him since then and know him to be a skilled, experienced executive with solid entrepreneurial instincts borne out of his years working in the indie sector of the business. KIDZ BOP is well-positioned to continue its extraordinary growth under Sasha Junk’s leadership, allowing Vic to now move into the critical CRO role, replacing Jim Selby who recently became our COO. As Concord continues to grow and evolve, we are focused on creating opportunities for advancement for everyone on our team, as evidenced by Vic’s and Sasha’s promotions. Vic will be an exceptional CRO and I look forward to seeing what he can accomplish on behalf of our artists, writers and other creative partners.”

Prior to joining Concord, Zaraya spent the last 20 years growing one of the world’s largest independent music companies, Razor & Tie (including KIDZ BOP). He negotiated touring partnerships, licensing, distribution and marketing deals, and established infrastructure and revenue models that stabilized and expanded the company’s business. A founding member of the team that built KIDZ BOP, Zaraya helped transform the brand from a CD compilation series into an integrated global brand that connects with kids and families through its music and videos, consumer products and live tours. KIDZ BOP has sold over 21 million albums, generated 4.5 billion streams and played hundreds of live shows since the brand debuted in 2001.

“Vic is a seasoned music executive and we look forward to his leadership focused strategically on Concord artist compensation,” said Selby. “I am very confident that he can position Concord well for the rapid changes occurring in the global music environment.”

“I am excited to join Concord’s leadership team and would like to express my gratitude to Scott Pascucci, Jim Selby and all of the executives for giving me the opportunity to succeed in this role,” said Zaraya. “I look forward to working with our global staff to find new and creative solutions to help us thrive during this very challenging time.”

Lady Antebellum Helps Craft Bubbly New Hit On Season Two Premiere Of ‘Songland’

Photo (L-R): Ryan Tedder, Charles Kelley, Shane McAnally, Hillary Scott, Ester Dean and Dave Haywood. Photo Credit: NBC Universal

Lady Antebellum was the guest artist on last night’s (April 13) season two premiere of NBC’s Songland, where they ultimately chose the catchy winning song “Champagne Night.”

Penned by the show’s mentor Shane McAnally, alongside aspiring songwriter Madeline Merlo and the trio, the fun-spirited pick-me-up tune was crafted specifically for Lady A as it underwent a series of edits and studio sessions. Serving as a lighthearted ode to a simplified, humble interpretation of the high-life, “Champagne Night” has immediately jumped to the No. 1 spot on iTunes’ all genre chart and is available on all digital platforms.

In addition to the new track’s release, Lady A and cast members took the song’s meaning to heart during self isolation and expressed its easygoing message through a new video as well.
 

YouTube video

Riley Roth Signs With Altadena, Warner Chappell Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Mike Sistad (ASCAP), Stephanie Taylor (Stephanie Taylor Law), Christina Wiltshire (Creative Director, Warner Chappell), Noreen Prunier (Creative Director, Altadena), BJ Hill (VP, Warner Chappell), Daniel Lee (President, Altadena), Riley Roth, Julia Keefe (Creative Coordinator, Altadena)

Riley Roth has signed a publishing deal with Altadena and Warner Chappell Nashville.

Roth arrived in Music City by way of Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, and is currently signed to a label deal with Altadena and repped by Justin Cahill at CAA for booking. She completed her debut EP with Grammy-nominated producer, busbee, prior to his untimely passing late last year. Roth has already received choice playlisting on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and has co-written the majority of the songs she’s recorded.

“Riley is one of the most naturally gifted and hardest working artists I know,” said Altadena President Daniel Lee. “I’m thrilled to continue this journey with our amazing partners at Warner Chappell, and I can’t wait to see the vision that Riley, busbee, and I shared come to fruition.”

Roth’s latest single, “Girls Kiss First,” will be released digitally this Friday (April 17). The track was written by busbee, Katie Pearlman, and Lily Meola and was produced by busbee. Roth will be performing the track live on Instagram today (April 14) at 5 p.m. CST, with a special guest appearance from labelmate Ryan Griffin.