DISClaimer: Newcomers Chad Richard, CB30, Dani-Elle Offer Fresh Tracks

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Today is a day for new beginnings.

More than half of the hopefuls in this edition of DISClaimer are first-timers in the column. So we’re handing out multiple DISCovery Awards.

The male winner hails from Austin, Texas, where grit and honesty still matter. Chad Richard sounds as comfy as a pair of faded jeans. Our female DISCovery is another singer-songwriter with hit potential, Dani-Elle. The duo/group prize goes to the shiny, buoyant stylists of CB30.

As for the Disc of the Day, that would belong to Sturgill Simpson. You’ll recall that his Sailor’s Guide to Earth won the 2017 Grammy as Country Album of the Year. By the sound of things, he’s back on another winning streak.

ZACH STONE/Hands On
Writers: Zach Stone/Will Stone/Casey Cattle; Producer: Matt Billingslea; Publishers: none listed; ZSC
– Catchy song. Radio ready. His singing voice isn’t particularly distinctive, but he gets the job done. The electric guitarist gets way too busy in the finale.

STURGILL SIMPSON/The Dead Don’t Die
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Elektra
– Beautiful in every way. His hard-country baritone vocal is as warm as a fireside. The steel-saturated track glows like antique jewelry. This Grammy winner’s authenticity is just what country music lacks right now. The song is the title tune to a new zombie comedy film featuring Bill Murray, Selena Gomez and Adam Driver. Get on board now.

BRINN BLACK/72’s
Writers: Brinn Black/Briana Tyson/Brittney Kennell; Producer: Nolan Neal Seals; Publsihers: Floor Six/Breelo, BMI/SOCAN
– Plaintive and yearning in the verses. Triumphant in the choruses. Very promising. Send more.

TANYA TUCKER/The Wheels of Laredo
Writers: Brandi Carlile/Tim Hanseroth/Phil Hanseroth; Producers: Brandi Carlile/Shooter Jennings; Publishers: none listed; Fantasy
– Country-music perfection. This legendary voice is like no other. The Southwestern imagery and rolling melody of the song have a classic sound. Can’t wait for the album.

DANI-ELLE/Head For Home
Writers: Dani-elle/Marie Kieha; Producer: Chip Martin; Publishers: none listed; DKE
– She sings with authority and assurance. The stately ballad plods a little, but the force in her performance and the strength of the lyric’s message keep you hanging on.

WALKER HAYES/Don’t Let Her
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Monument
– It’s more of a groove than an actual melody. Warmly romantic, hip-hop flavored and blandly pleasing.

CHAD RICHARD/Slow Rollin’ State Line
Writer: Chad Richard; Producers: Walt Wilkins/Ron Rlynt; Publisher: Barn Noise, BMI
– Kinda loping and hillbilly funky. He has a cool, weathered, soulful, drawling singing style. The track lays back in a rhythmic pocket featuring a wandering fiddle and a lazy guitar. Very well done.

CHASE RICE/Lonely If You Are
Writers: Chase Rice/Lindsay Rimes/Hunter Phelps; Producer: Chris DeStefano; Publishers: none listed; BBR
– All the guitar noodling, finger snapping and drum thump in the world can’t save this limp, tuneless, dull snooze of single.

BAILEY CALLAHAN/Home Made
Writers: Bailey Calahan/Jared Anderson/Ryan Robinette; Producer: Robbie Artress; Publishers: none listed; Pink Mustang
– The just-folks message and her country-girl delivery match perfectly. The track bounces right along with her.

CB30/That Moment When
Writers: Christian Clement/Matt McVaney/Kevin Bard/Jacob Davis; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Buena Vista
– Brothers Christian and Brody (hence the “CB”) Clementi have a very appealing, youthful sound. Their harmony blend is exquisite, and the swirly, pop-ish production gives the whole outing a sweet, dreamy quality. They also look like Disney teen heartthrobs.

Chuck Mead Readies New Album, Launches New WSM Radio Program ‘Face the Music’

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Chuck Mead

Iconic Nashville-based station WSM Radio announced today that recording artist Chuck Mead will launch a new monthly radio program called Face the Music.

Mead and his studio guests—country legends, Americana stalwarts, cosmic cowboys, music business impresarios and more—will spin records and swap intimate behind-the-scenes stories. Face the Music will debut on both WSM and WSMOnline on Friday, June 14, with special guest Carlene Carter. The show is sponsored by legendary Nashville honky-tonk Robert’s Western World.

The WSM debut comes a week prior to the release of Close to Home, due for release on June 21. The 11-track collection, on Nashville independent label Plowboy Records is the follow-up to Mead’s first Plowboy release, 2015’s Free State Serenade. Recorded at the historic Sam Phillips Recording Studios in Memphis, Tenn., the album was produced by acclaimed Memphis recording engineer and producer Matt Ross-Spang.

The album will be celebrated with a multi-date Honky-Tonk Tour of Nashville. The week will kick off on Honky-Tonk Tuesday at the American Legion Hall on June 18, The 5 Spot on June 19, Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge June 20, The Nashville Palace June 21, and Robert’s Western World June 22. Mead will also make his his 139th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry on June 22.

“It’s extremely exciting to me to delve into radio and I’m honored to be a part of the long WSM history,” Mead said. “With Face the Music, I get talk to people artist-to-artist about the records that influenced them and shaped their own work. Of course we have a little fun along the way. The fact that the show premieres the week I have a record coming out and I’m playing all my favorite honky-tonks in Nashville makes it all that much sweeter.”

“We’re constantly looking for new ways to stay engaged in an ever-changing listening environment, and we believe adding Chuck Mead’s Face the Music to our programming line-up on both 650 AM and WSMonline.com feels like a natural fit. Chuck and his guests will provide audiences both near and far with engaging conversation, industry insight, and those much sought-after artist stories from the road. We can’t wait to hear Chuck’s voice and style on WSM,” said J. Patrick Tinnell, WSM Program Director.

Patrick Droney Inks Warner Records Deal, Releases “Stand And Deliver”

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Patrick Droney

Nashville-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Patrick Droney has released the video for “Stand and Deliver,” and signed with major label Warner Records in March.

The single has earned more than 100K streams in its first week and landed in the Top 10 on Spotify’s U.S. Viral Top 50 chart.

“I could not be more thrilled to join this incredible team with such a rich and iconic history,” Droney says of the signing. “I’ve always focused on creating music with intent as well as being an additive part of the musical landscape. I am inspired by this partnership already.”

Droney has been pursuing music for most of his life, taking up guitar at five years old and earning the Robert Johnson Foundation’s “Next Generation Award” at age 12. After attending the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University, he signed a publishing deal that brought him to Los Angeles where he caught the attention of Fender Guitars as one of their go-to artist ambassadors.

He moved to Nashville and released his self-titled debut EP last year, earning more than 10 million streams.

YouTube video

NMPA SONGS Foundation Announces Partnership With She Is The Music

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The NMPA SONGS (Supporting Our Next Generation Of Songwriters) Foundation has announced a new partnership with She Is The Music (STIM), a nonprofit dedicated to increasing the number of women working in music.

SONGS is providing a donation of $100,000 to She Is The Music to be spread over four years in $25,000 installments. The announcement was made yesterday at NMPA’s Annual Meeting in New York City with STIM Committee Members Carianne Marshall and Ann Mincieli accepting the donation.

“She Is The Music founder Alicia Keys unveiled her pioneering new platform to promote female songwriters, producers, engineers and more at our annual meeting last year, so it was fitting that we announced our partnership on the same stage yesterday,” said David Israelite, President of the NMPA SONGS Foundation. “This $100,000 donation is critical in order to grow in-studio professional mentoring programs as well as other opportunities for women and we couldn’t be happier to be involved in this growing movement.”

In Pictures: BMI Songwriters Showcase Music During CMA Fest

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Pictured: Steve Buchanan, BMI’s Mason Hunter, Colin Elmore, WME’s Lane Wilson and Sony Music Nashville’s Jim Catino. Photo: Erika Goldring/BMI

Last week, BMI wrapped up another great year at CMA Fest. Taking over the Maui Jim Stage on Thursday afternoon, the BMI Tailgate continued with its storied past, featuring top-notch performances from buzz-worthy up-and-comers House Whiskey, Colin Elmore, Dan Smalley, and Josh Phillips. On Friday and Saturday, BMI curated writer rounds at the Tin Roof on Broadway, bringing 18 burgeoning Music Row songwriters to the CMA Fest crowds looking to escape the rain.

Pictured: BMI’s Jody Williams with Dan Smalley. Photo: Erika Goldring/BMI

Pictured: Borman Entertainment’s Erik Peterson, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, CAA’s Darin Murphy and Rob Light, Dan Smalley, CAA’s Sabrina Butera, BMI’s Mason Hunter and CAA’s Brian Hill. Photo: Erika Goldring/BMI

Pictured: Josh Phillips performs during CMA Fest. Photo: Erika Goldring/BMI

Soundtrack For Ken Burns’ ‘Country Music’ Documentary To Release In August

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The companion soundtrack to the Ken Burns documentary, COUNTRY MUSIC – A Film By Ken Burns (The Soundtrack) is set for release in a collectible five-CD deluxe box set edition on Friday, Aug. 30.

The soundtrack showcases essential recordings, drawn from the nearly 600 music cues used in the documentary, covering the wide historic terrain of 20th century American country music. American country music evolved from songs passed down from generations of settlers and slaves until 20th century recording technology made it possible for hundreds and thousands of listeners to share the same musical experience on a record.

Disc One of the deluxe edition covers “Episode One: The Rub (Beginnings – 1933)” and “Episode Two: Hard Times (1933-1945)” of the film and includes pioneering performances from The Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Charlie Poole with the North Carolina Ramblers, Gene Autry, Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, Roy Acuff and His Crazy Tennesseans, Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys and more.

Disc Two brings together music from “Episode Three: The Hillbilly Shakespeare (1945-1953)” and “Episode Four: I Can’t Stop Loving You (1953-1963)” and features essential recordings by Hank Williams with his Drifting Cowboys, Kitty Wells, Little Brenda Lee, Johnny Cash & the Tennessee Two, Ray Price, The Everly Brothers, Lefty Frizzell, Marty Robbins, Faron Young, Patsy Cline, Ray Charles and others.

Disc Three showcases recordings from “Episode Five: The Sons and Daughters of America (1964-1968)” and “Episode Six: Will the Circle Be Unbroken (1968-1972)” from artists including Roger Miller, Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, Jeannie C. Riley, Tammy Wynette, The Byrds, Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan with Johnny Cash, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and more.

Disc Four focuses on “Episode Seven: Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way? (1973-1983)” and a new generation of country musicians including Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, Townes Van Zandt, Gram Parsons and the Fallen Angels, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Jr., Rosanne Cash and others.

Disc Five rounds out the anthology with “Episode Eight: Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’ (1973-1996)” featuring tracks by Ricky Skaggs, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, The Judds (Wynonna and Naomi), Dwight Yoakam, Kathy Mattea, Trisha Yearwood and more.

Legacy will release a suite of soundtrack products, including two-CD, two-LP and digital configurations of the multi-artist album, on Friday, September 13. Walmart will carry an exclusive CD configuration of the soundtrack as well, and Barnes & Noble will release an exclusive, limited edition red, white & blue vinyl product that includes a signed certification of authenticity from Ken Burns.

Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns chronicles the diverse roots, evolution and stylistic diversity of 20th century American country music in the new eight-part (16.5 hour) documentary premiering on Sunday, Sept. 15 on PBS.

New Submissions For MusicRow’s 2019 Artist Roster Print Magazine Now Open

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Submissions for MusicRow‘s forthcoming Artist Roster print issue are now being accepted through Friday, June 28 with the official form below. Previously included labels and companies were solicited a separate form.

The issue includes company listings and rosters for Nashville record labels, publicists, lawyers, managers, talent agencies and artist services companies.

Click to submit your company for consideration by completing the form here

Advertising: To reserve ad space in the Artist Roster print magazine, email sales@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here.

Dale Esworthy Rises To Executive VP, Worldwide Administration At Sony/ATV

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Dale Esworthy has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Worldwide Administration at Sony/ATV Music Publishing. He will manage all administration operations for the company across its network of 38 offices in 24 countries, including copyright, royalty administration, tracking and other client services. Based in Nashville, Esworthy will report to Global Chief Financial Officer Tom Kelly.

Esworthy’s responsibilities will also include Sony/ATV’s state-of-the-art royalty portal and app SCORE, which gives its songwriters and their teams real-time access to their current royalty account. He will also oversee new administration initiatives designed to enhance and improve the quality and depth of information that the company provides its writers and other clients.

“This promotion underscores the critical role that administration plays in providing Sony/ATV’s songwriters with an unrivaled level of service,” said Sony/ATV Chairman and CEO Jon Platt. “With Dale Esworthy, we have a seasoned and first class executive who is focused on further enhancing our industry-leading administration operations and to deliver on our mission of being the ultimate destination for songwriters.”

Esworthy joined Sony/ATV in 1990 as Director & Controller and was promoted in 2003 to SVP, Finance. Since 2008 he has led the company’s administration operations, most recently as SVP, Worldwide Administration. Before joining Sony/ATV, he worked for the accounting firms KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

“Over my career the company has evolved and at times transformed but what has remained constant is the commitment of our administration professionals around the world who love and care for our songwriters and their songs,” said Esworthy. “I am continually encouraged by our teams’ dedication and expertise.”

 

 

Songwriters Liz Rose, Ross Golan Join NMPA Board Of Directors

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The National Music Publishers’ Association has added two songwriters to its Board of Directors. Liz Rose and Ross Golan have joined the NMPA Board and will take part in guiding the NMPA’s mission of protecting and advancing music publishers and songwriters, it was announced at the NMPA’s annual meeting in New York.

“The addition of two songwriters to our board is one of the most significant and meaningful changes to NMPA’s leadership in its 102-year history,” said NMPA President & CEO David Israelite. “NMPA has always represented the songwriting community as the partners of music publishers and that partnership has been on full display through our two most recent victories in the Copyright Royalty Board and with the signing of the Music Modernization Act. Neither of these triumphs could have been achieved without our work alongside songwriters and our partnership with the organizations who represent them. I am thrilled that the NMPA Board of Directors unanimously agreed to amend our Bylaws to add two songwriters, and I am even more thrilled that those songwriters are Liz Rose and Ross Golan, both of whom have been immeasurably important in our mutual mission to realize the true value of songs.”

“Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) applauds the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) for including two songwriters on their Board of Directors. Ross Golan, and Liz Rose, who is also a member of NSAI’s Board of Directors, are experienced advocates and will be true assets to the NMPA Board,” said NSAI Exec Director Bart Herbison. “This move is historic, timely, and the input of these two songwriters will prove beneficial to NMPA’s core mission.”

Among the honorees during the annual meeting was Ryan Tedder, who was presented with the NMPA Songwriter Icon Award as well as the rare Diamond Award for “Counting Stars” presented by RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier with NMPA President & CEO David Israelite. Tedder holds the most certifications of any NMPA Icon with 27 Gold and Platinum verified hits.

Industry Ink: Ryman Auditorium, FBMM, ONErpm, ACM, Deborah Allen

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Wu-Tang Clan Becomes First Hip-Hop Group To Headline Ryman Auditorium Show

Pictured (L-R): Wu-Tang Clan’s Mathematics, Ghostface Killah, RZA, NS2’s Olivia Wright and Taki Pappas, Opry Entertainment’s Sally Williams, CAA’s Ken Ashley, Wu-Tang’s Raekwon, Method Man, NS2’s Darin Lashinsky, and Wu-Tang’s Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, GZA, Young Dirty Bastard. Photo: Steve Lowry

Legendary rap group Wu-Tang Clan played a sold-out Ryman Auditorium show on June 9. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of their breakout album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), it marked the first time a hip-hop group has headlined the Mother Church.

 

FBMM Promotes Three

FBMM (Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.), an entertainment business management firm that represents some of the industry’s top recording and touring artists, has promoted Jeremy Baquing, Vincent Mavaro and Paul Rossetti to senior account assistant.

“Paul, Jeremy and Vincent are intelligent, hardworking and very important to our deep bench of employees. We trust them to handle our clients’ business matters with integrity and prudence,” said Julie Boos, business manager and owner of FBMM. “We are proud to recognize them for their work and look forward to watching them continue to grow in their careers at FBMM.”

 

Cerrito Signs with ONErpm

Pictured (L-R): Chris Allums, CDX; Joe Kelly, Cerrito, CDX; Ally Kelly, ONErpm; Ken Madson

Cerrito has pulled his entire catalog of recordings and signed a new distribution deal with ONErpm. In addition to ONErpm, Cerrito has teamed up with Joe and Ally Kelly of CDX Label Services and radio/marketing consultant Chris Allums.

ACM Welcomes Gone West

Gone West at ACM Office in Encino California. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music welcomed Triple Tigers recording group Gone West to the office during a recent trip to Los Angeles. While at the Academy, they performed songs from their debut EP, Tides, including their latest single, “This Time.”

 

Deborah Allen Awarded Proclamation From Tennessee Governor Celebrating 40 Years In Music

Award was presented during CMA Fest week in Nashville at Country For A Cause by hosts T.G. Sheppard, Kelly Lang and WSM’s Devon O’Day

Singer-songwriter Deborah Allen was surprised with a special presentation by T.G. Sheppard, Kelly Lang and WSM’s Devon O’Day at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley during the 6th annual Country For A Cause, benefiting Monroe Carell Jr’s Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee celebrated Allen’s 40 years in country music with a proclamation honor, which acknowledges her work as a singer and songwriter. Allen has been awarded seven BMI One Million Air-Play Awards for her hit songwriting repertoire and one BMI Two Million Air-Play Award for her smash hit “Baby I Lied.”