Atema Partners Inc. Acquires OCD Labs

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Atema Partners, Inc. has acquired OCD Labs, which provides custom wiring and infrastructure packaging for concert touring and fixed production. Both companies are based in Franklin, Tennessee.

Tom Atema Jr. launched Atema Partners in 2008; it is the parent company of AP Live, which provides audio visual solutions, including large format video and LED support, for corporate meetings and events, festivals, concerts, and exhibits worldwide. Headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, Atema Partners and its family of companies also have additional offices in Las Vegas; Denver; Birmingham, Alabama; and La Vergne, Tennessee.

“We are excited to add the type of product and service offerings that OCD Labs provides,” says Atema Partners founder and CEO Tom Atema Jr. “If you’ve been part of any live production anywhere in the country in the past couple of years, you’ve seen some of OCD Labs’ best-in-class projects at work. As a relationship company, we are looking forward to continuing the established relationships that OCD Labs has cultivated among so many valued clients.”

OCD Labs was founded in 2005 by Jeff Nolte. In the acquisition, Nolte will serve as Director of OCD Labs.

“When we started OCD Labs, we wanted to focus on solving our clients’ wiring and case challenges with their touring and production gear,” says Nolte. “Everything we do is purpose-built to solve a very specific problem that a client has. That brand mission aligns perfectly with the Atema Partners philosophy of serving clients, so this is an ideal fit.”

13th Annual ACM Honors Show Set For August

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The 13th Annual ACM Honors returns to the Ryman Auditorium for the 10th consecutive year on Aug. 21, 2019.

The evening of live music and tributes celebrates recipients of the Academy of Country Music’s Special Awards, Songwriter of the Year Award, Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards.

Additional details including this year’s winners, host, performers and event details will be announced at a later date.

Zac Brown Band Signs With WME

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Zac Brown Band – “Owl”

WME has signed multi-Platinum, three-time Grammy Award-winning Zac Brown Band.

The band is only one of two acts in history to have topped both the Country Airplay and Mainstream Rock Songs charts with “Homegrown” and “Heavy is the Head” (ft. Chris Cornell), respectively, both from the 2015 album Jekyll + Hyde.

The band currently holds the record for most consecutive sold out shows at the historic Fenway Park with nine shows. The only other artist to come close to their record is Paul McCartney.

In addition, Zac Brown Band is currently on the second leg of its successful “Down the Rabbit Hole Live Tour” and will launch “The Owl Tour” in June.

Zac Brown Band has had five consecutive albums reach the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and four consecutive albums debut at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Country Albums chart. To date, the group has sold more than 30 million singles, nine million albums, has achieved 15 No. 1 radio singles. Additionally, Zac Brown Band has scored eight Grammy nominations and three wins, including Best Country Album (2012), Best Country Collaboration with Vocals (2010) and Best New Artist (2009).

Zac Brown Band is represented by Scooter Braun’s SB Projects and recently signed a global licensing agreement with BMG for their next studio album, set to release Summer 2019.

Newsboys New Album ‘United’ Set For May

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Newsboys is set to unveil their latest FairTrade Services collection on May 10. United, which brings together former members Peter Furler and Phil Joel with Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein and Jody Davis, was produced by Furler and Geoff Duncan. 
 
United is available for preorder beginning today with four instant-grat tracks. Hit single “Greatness Of Our God” as well as “Symphony” and the Furler co-penned “This I Know” are immediately accessible, while “Only The Son (Yeshua),” also co-written by Furler, will be available April 26. Furler—a driving force behind such iconic Newsboys hits as “He Reigns,” “Entertaining Angels” and “Shine”—co-wrote four of the album’s 10 selections. 
 
The project’s lead single, “Greatness Of Our God,” is a triumphant worship celebration bridging the band’s past and present with Furler and Tait on lead vocals. Penned by Colby Wedgeworth, Bryan Fowler and Ethan Hulse, “Greatness Of Our God” is already a Top 20 hit on Billboard’s National Christian Audience chart, Mediabase’s Christian Audience chart, and the Billboard AC Monitored chart, among others.  
 
Further highlights of United include current digital single “Symphony,” as well as “Love One Another,” co-written by Furler and featuring guest vocals from former dcTalk member Kevin Max; the worshipful “Set Me Ablaze,” written by Mia Fieldes, Bryan & Katie Torwalt and Jacob Sooter; and the Michael Tait co-penned album closer, “Never Too Far Away.” 

A digital deluxe edition of United will also bow May 10, featuring Newsboys’ 2017 anthem, “The Cross Has The Final Word,” and “Rejoice,” a new selection penned by Furler and Steve Taylor. The United deluxe edition also includes remixes of “Greatness Of Our God” and “Only The Son (Yeshua),” as well as “United: The Story Behind The Album,” an exclusive interview with Furler and Tait. 

“Recording this Newsboys United album did so much more than just bring two eras of the band together,” said Furler. “It has made us one in spirit, purpose and love. I believe our fans will feel that unity in the music.”

“No one had a clue early last year this Newsboys United smashup would even work, and now who can deny it’s been nothing short of fantastic?” Tait adds. “I believe the United album is a classic but timely collaboration uniting two lead singers into one band and shows ‘The Greatness Of Our God’…He truly works in mysterious ways!”

IBMA Board Announces Changes To Awards Categories

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The International Bluegrass Music Association has announced several changes to its annual awards.

Music Awards Changes:

The second round awards ballot will now include the 20 highest-voted write-in candidates from the first ballot. Previously, anyone earning 10 or more votes in the first round ballot appeared in the second round ballot.

The Emerging Artist of the Year category has been renamed New Artist of the Year, to recognize new artists who have, for the first time in their careers, made an impact on bluegrass audiences worldwide.

Resophonic Guitar Player of the Year replaces Dobro Player of the Year to reflect the generic name of the instrument rather than any brand name such as “Dobro.”

Three award names have been changed to more clearly define that the award recognizes any recording meeting the criteria for eligibility rather than a “performance” or “event” which may have been misconstrued as only including the recording of a live performance. Instrumental Recording of the Year replaces Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year; Gospel Recording of the Year replaces Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year; and Collaborative Recording of the Year replaces Recorded Event of the Year.

Industry Awards Changes:

The association’s “Special Awards” will now be called Industry Awards and several individual category names have been updated including:  Writer of the Year (formerly Print Media Person of the Year) has been updated to include both print and online outlets. Broadcaster of the Year (formerly Bluegrass Broadcaster of the Year) now includes radio, television, podcasts, web/internet, and other forms.

Graphic Designer of the Year (formerly Graphic Design of the Year) now recognizes a person with outstanding work on album artwork, promotional materials, logos, websites, social media, etc. The recipient will now be judged on at least three samples rather than one.

Event of the Year (formerly Bluegrass Event of the Year) now clarifies that it may be festivals, concerts, an event series, and other live performance productions.

The Liner Notes of the Year category now includes notes for CDs, vinyl, box sets, digital releases, etc.

The Sound Engineer of the Year category now makes submission of a recording optional, rather than required.

The Bluegrass Songwriter of the Year category is now called Songwriter of the Year.

Momentum Awards Changes:

The Momentum Awards Instrumentalists of the Year will now be awarded to two individuals instead of three. The Momentum Award for Event of the Year has been discontinued due to the unreliable number of eligible candidates every year; events previously eligible for this Momentum Award are eligible for the Industry Awards Event of the Year.

The previously specified age restrictions have been removed. These awards are now described as being given to artists and industry professionals who are in the early years of their careers, are new to bluegrass, and have been active during the eligibility period. An award continues to be presented to a mentor for his or her positive influence on new artists and industry professionals.

Kane Brown Teams With Becky G For Spanish Remix Of “Lost In The Middle Of Nowhere”

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Photo: Alex Alvga

Kane Brown has released a Spanish remix of “Lost in the Middle of Nowhere,” featuring singer/actress Becky G.

A new concept video of the remix directed by Alex Alvga and produced by Ryan Huffman has also been released that includes a Matrix-like beginning that transports the audience, Brown, and Becky G into one tropical and one rustic location (dance moves included).

“Lost in the Middle of Nowhere” has already garnered over 22 million on-demand streams and reunites Brown with Lauren Alaina, his duet partner on the 4X Platinum smash “What Ifs” as a co-writer. Alaina and Brown penned the tune with Jon Nite and Jesse Frasure.

“When I named my album Experiment, one of the things that was important to me was to not feel limited sonically in what I could do, including the types of instruments and collaborations,” said Brown. “I’m a country artist, but I have a range of influences. I didn’t feel pressured to keep it in a certain box because of the way my fans have always been there for me, which has led to some amazing chances to branch out and work with people I admire throughout a range of genres including Becky G.”

“It was so much fun to work with my friend Kane Brown on this remix, a fusion of what he and I love most; country and Reggaeton,” said Becky G.

YouTube video

 

Buddy And Julie Miller Announce First Collaborative Album In A Decade

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Julie and Buddy Miller

Renowned Americana artists Buddy and Julie Miller have announced the release of their new album, Breakdown on 20th Ave. South—their first record together since 2009’s Written in Chalk. The 12-song LP will release on June 21 on New West Records.

The couple will celebrate the release of Breakdown on 20th Ave. South on June 26 at Nashville’s City Winery. Tickets are available now.

Breakdown on 20th Ave. South was named after the Miller’s studio in Nashville. The leading single, “Spittin’ on Fire,” is out now, and physical singles became available at record stores today (March 29). Release dates for more upcoming physical singles will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can pre-order Breakdown on 20th Ave. South now.

YouTube video

Breakdown on 20th Ave. South track listing:
1. “Breakdown on 20th Ave. South
2. “Feast of the Dead”
3. “Everything Is Your Fault”
4. “Unused Heart”
5. “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me”
6. “Till the Stardust Comes Apart”
7. “Underneath the Sky”
8. “Spittin’ on Fire”
9. “Secret”
10. “War Child”
11. “Thoughts at 2am”
12. “Storm of Kisses”

Weekly Chart Report (3/29/19)

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

Thomas Rhett Reveals Track List For Upcoming Album ‘Center Point Road’

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Thomas Rhett unveiled details today of his upcoming fourth studio album, Center Point Road ahead of its May 31 release. The 16-track album will include collaborations with Little Big Town, Kelsea Ballerini and Jon Pardi, and every song was co-written by Thomas Rhett. Center Point Road was produced by Rhett, alongside Dann Huff, Jesse Frasure and Julian Bunetta.

“For me, Center Point Road really symbolizes what it was like to grow up in Hendersonville,” explained Rhett. “First dates, first football games, first heartbreak, first kisses, success and failures. I really feel like that road shaped who I am today, and it felt fitting because the record, for the most part, is pretty nostalgic. Songs like ‘Almost,’ ‘That Old Truck’ and especially ‘Center Point Road,’ really describe who I was as a kid and teenager, and who I’ve become as an adult.”

Center Point Road is available for pre-order now.

Center Point Road Track List:
1. “Up” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally
2. “Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time (featuring Little Big Town)” | Thomas Rhett, Karen Fairchild, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus, Jonathan Yip
3. “Blessed” | Thomas Rhett, Sean Douglas, Joe Spargur
4. “Look What God Gave Her” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Julian Bunetta, JKash, Ammar Malik, John Henry Ryan
5. “Center Point Road (featuring Kelsea Ballerini)” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Amy Wadge, Cleve Wilson
6. “That Old Truck” | Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Kamron Kimbro, Ryan Tedder
7. “VHS” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Amy Wadge
8. “Notice” | Thomas Rhett, Sean Douglas, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley
9. “Sand” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Michael Hardy
10. “Beer Can’t Fix (featuring Jon Pardi)” | Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Zach Skelton, Ryan Tedder
11. “Things You Do For Love” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Luke Laird, Josh Osborne
12. “Remember You Young” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley
13. “Don’t Stop Drivin’” | Thomas Rhett, Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley, Josh Miller
14. “Barefoot” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Miller
15. “Dream You Never Had” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley
16. “Almost” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Amy Wadge

DISClaimer: Jake Owen “Sounds Better Than Ever,” Dee White’s Intriguing New Track

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In this column of gender parity in country, the choices are clear. Jake Owen continues his recent winning ways by nailing down the Disc of the Day honor. Dee White is totally the obvious choice as the DisCovery Award winner.

MICKEY GUYTON/Hold On
Writers: Mickey Guyton/Karen Kosowski/Victoria Banks; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Mercury
– Magical. Her hushed, throaty alto eases into the song with the intimacy of a midnight prayer. As the song builds, her performance becomes a soaring shout of strength and reassurance. I remain a huge fan.

TONY JACKSON/Country Road
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; DDS
-Let’s face, James Taylor is more “country” than most of today’s Nashville artists. This revival of his 1971 classic goes down smoothly. Mellow and welcome.

KASSI ASHTON/Pretty Shiny Things
Writers: Ashton/Emily Landis; Producer: Luke Laird; Publishers: none listed; MCA Nashville
– Ya gotta love this gritty, expressive, soulful voice. The lyric about a pill-popping beauty is a grabber. Sing on, sister.

BROOKS & DUNN and BRETT YOUNG/Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout You
Writers: Tom Shapiro/Rivers Rutherford; Producers: Dann Huff/Brett Young; Publisher: none listed; Arista
– The duo’s 2001 chart topper becomes an r&b groover in this cool collaboration. Horns, even. Be careful not to hit your head when the ending slams on the brakes abruptly.

CAYLEE HAMMACK/Family Tree
Writers: Hammack/Troy Verges/Gordie Sampson; Producers: Mickey Reaves/Caylee Hammack; Publishers: Universal/Sounds Like Chet/Songs of Universal/Low Z/1217 Songs/Still Working for the Woman/Kobalt, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol
– It’s an odd sonic combination. The lyrics are full of vivid, countrified details, but the track is thoroughly pop. I also could have done without the gang-chorus “whoa-hoas.”

REBA McENTIRE/Freedom
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Big Machine
– As you might expect from the title, it’s a blood-stirring tempo anthem of power and victory. This gal knows her way around a song.

DEE WHITE/Wherever You Go
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dan Auerbach/David Ferguson; Publisher: none listed; Easy Eye/Warner Music Nashville
– Intriguing. There’s something in this youngster’s voice that draws you closer. The song beckons us to the open road to the accompaniment of harmonica, banjo, guitar and gentle percussion. Very, very promising.

JAKE OWEN/That’s On Me
Writers: Laura Veltz/Benjy Davis/Matt Dragstrem; Producer: Joey Moi; Publisher: none listed; Big Loud
– His voice sounds better than ever on this sexy, romantic groove tune. The song is super well written, and the production swings and sways in all the right places.

LANCO/Rival
Writers: Brandon Lancaster/Tripp Howell; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: none listed; Arista
– It’s a stomper with hooks on top of hooks. Joyce’s production, as usual, is an audio delight with beats, electronic crunches, jangling guitars and other ear-catching elements. This talented band always specializes in fabulous ear worms.

ABBY ANDERSON/Good Lord
Writers: Abby Anderson/Josh Kerr/Jordan Minton; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Black River
– A not-too-country, three-minute, uptempo love song. Brainless radio fodder.