BMI returns to Austin, TX with an exciting schedule of events for the 2019 SXSW Music Conference and Festival from March 12-15, including an acoustic brunch, an official showcase, a social media panel, Ray Benson’s 68th birthday party, and more.
See below for BMI’s complete SXSW line-up. For more information, go to bmi.com/sxsw and use #BMISXSW to join the conversation on social media.
BMI HOWDY TEXAS PRESENTS: RAY BENSON’S 68TH BIRTHDAY BASH
Tuesday, March 12th | 7PM
RSVP required for entry
The BMI Howdy Texas party is back and bigger than ever! BMI kicks off its weeklong schedule of SXSW events with the annual inaugural party, this time in conjunction with Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel. Hosted by Mr. Benson himself, the outdoor block party will feature performances by BMI singer-songwriters Katie Pruitt, Robert Ellis, Benson and a handful of special surprise appearances. Previous guests include Willie Nelson, George Strait, The Avett Brothers and Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The event will be held in the GSD&M Parking Lot (828 W 6th St) and sponsored by the Texas Music Office and Austin Music Movement.
YETI X BMI DAY PARTY
Wednesday, March 13th | 12PM
RSVP required but does not guarantee entry, venue subject to capacity limits
The music starts early in the day and continues well into the evening at the Yeti x BMI Day Party. Soul, country, indie, pop and alt-rock converge when Logan Ledger, Willie Jones, Billy Strings, Illiterate Light, Katie Schecter, Wafia, JP Saxe, Jackie Venson, Republican Hair and Tomar & the FCs take the stage. Building on the success of previous years, this year’s day party will have an expanded presence, taking place on both the indoor and outdoor stages at the Yeti Flagship store (220 S Congress Ave).
CLAIM & LICENSE MUSIC ON SOCIAL MEDIA – A SXSW PANEL DISCUSSION
Wednesday, March 13th | 3:30pm
Official SXSW Event / SXSW badge required
In 2016, the big question was: Are social media platforms going to obtain music licenses and pay for music uploaded to their services? In 2019, many platforms have now obtained the proper licenses to play and share music, but that was only the first step. Now, the question is: Where is the money going and how are the creators and artists getting paid? With multiple copyright owners, writers, labels and publishers involved, the answer isn’t simple. David Levin, Vice President of Digital Licensing at BMI, will discuss alongside Bob Bruderman, SVP, Global Digital Partnerships at Kobalt Music Publishing, with additional participants to be announced soon. The discussion will take place at the Austin Convention Center, room 11AB (500 E. Cesar Chavez St).
BMI PRESENTS: SONIDOS ALTERNOS
Wednesday, March 13th | 8PM
Official SXSW Event / SXSW badge or paid ticket required for entry
Speakeasy (412 Congress Ave) is the place to be to catch some of the best emerging artists on the thriving Latin music scene. The beats will be pumping nonstop with sets by El Mañana, Alih Jey, Jona Camacho, Ximena Sariñana, Cimafunk, Mahya Veray Y Su Trama. If last year’s showcase was any indication, attendees will want to arrive early or risk missing out on a tremendous night of fun, dancing and infectious music.
BMI OFFICIAL SHOWCASE
Thursday, March 14th | 7pm
Official SXSW Event / SXSW badge or paid ticket required for entry
The highly anticipated BMI Official Showcase is a SX staple, known for presenting a stellar lineup of emerging musical talent. Stop by Swan Dive (615 Red River St.) and catch sets by Chloe Lilac, Briston Maroney, Liza Owen, Just Loud and Liily. With such an impressive roster of acts from across the musical spectrum, this is the place to discover new favorites before everyone else.
BMI ACOUSTIC BRUNCH
Friday, March 15th | 10am
RSVP required for entry
Everyone’s favorite brunch spot returns to the beautiful back lawn of the Four Seasons (98 San Jacinto Blvd.) The location will once again transform into an idyllic musical sanctuary, featuring performances by James Droll, Taylor Janzen, Jake Wesley Rogers, Lily & Madeleine, YOLA and SYML. Austin’s own Lauren Petrowski of Fox 7 will host. Audio Network, Royalty Exchange, Topo Chico, High Brew Coffee, Austin Music Movement, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, Southwest Airlines and the Texas Music Office are partners.
Steven Curtis Chapman Announces Bluegrass Album, ‘Deeper Roots: Where The Bluegrass Grows’
/by LB CantrellSteven Curtis Chapman is honoring his rural Kentucky heritage as he announces Deeper Roots: Where The Bluegrass Grows available on all music platforms March 22. Today, Chapman released a bluegrass version of “Dive” featuring recent Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, Ricky Skaggs, as the lead single.
Deeper Roots serves as the sequel to Chapman’s 2013 No. 1 Bluegrass Album Deep Roots, which was exclusively released with Cracker Barrel. Along with Skaggs, Chapman was also joined by Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts for a collaboration on “‘Til The Blue.”
Deeper Roots was produced by Chapman and Brent Milligan, engineered by Milligan and Brent King, mixed by Milligan, King and Sean Moffitt and mastered by Brad Blackwood at Euphonic Masters. The 13-track collection features a mixture of familiar hymns like “Life Is Like A Mountain Railroad” and “I’ll Fly Away,” fan-favorite hits including “Cinderella” and brand-new songs such as “Where The Bluegrass Grows” and “‘Til The Blue.”
Deeper Roots: Where The Bluegrass Grows Track Listing:
1. “Where the Bluegrass Grows”
2. “Dive” featuring Ricky Skaggs
3. “‘Til The Blue” featuring Gary LeVox
4. “Cinderella”
5. “Victory in Jesus” featuring Herb Chapman Sr. and Herb Chapman Jr.
6. “Great is Thy Faithfulness” featuring Herb Chapman Sr. and Herb Chapman Jr.
7. “My Redeemer is Faithful and True”
8. “How Great Thou Art” featuring Jillian Edwards Chapman
9. “Life is Like a Mountain Railroad” featuring Herb Chapman Sr. and Herb Chapman Jr.
10. “I’ll Fly Away”
11. “Without Him” featuring Herb Chapman Sr. and Herb Chapman Jr.
12. “Be Still and Know” featuring Caleb Chapman
13. “I’d Rather Have Jesus” featuring Herb Chapman Sr.
Warner Music Nashville Celebrates Dan + Shay Grammy Win And ACM Nominations
/by LB CantrellDan + Shay pictured with Warner Music Nashville and Sandbox Entertainment
Warner Music Nashville’s Dan + Shay raised glasses with their label family yesterday (Feb. 21) to celebrate their first-ever Grammy award win. The timing was fitting as they also received six ACM Awards nominations this week and tied as the most-nominated artist overall, with Dan Smyers earning an additional four nominations for his work as a songwriter and producer.
Chairman & CEO, John Esposito surprised the duo with a 2x Platinum plaque for “Tequila” and a Platinum plaque for “Speechless.” “Speechless” spent four weeks atop the country radio charts and has sold over 1.7 million track equivalents, including more than 230 million streams. The romantic tune follows the Grammy-winning smash “Tequila,” which has accumulated over 550 million streams internationally.
With the two chart-topping hits, Dan + Shay boast two of the five most-streamed country songs of 2018, and are the only duo ever to hold the top two spots on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart simultaneously for eight consecutive weeks.
CCM News: Michael W. Smith, Ryan Stevenson, Integrity Music
/by Sarah SkatesMichael W. Smith Releases Live Album
Michael W. Smith
When Michael W. Smith hosted a gathering of 14,000 people at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville last August, the energy of the event was captured on AWAKEN: The Surrounded Experience, out now via Rocketown Records and The Fuel Music. The album features Smith along with special guest CeCe Winans.
On April 30, Smith will return to Bridgestone Arena to be honored by his peers during the “35 Years of Friends: Celebrating The Music of Michael W. Smith” event. The all-star line-up includes performances by Amy Grant, Brian Littrell (Backstreet Boys), CeCe Winans, The Gatlin Brothers, Jars of Clay, Jason Crabb, Jim Brickman, Lee Greenwood, MercyMe, Natalie Grant, Newsboys, The Oak Ridge Boys, Randy Travis, Rascal Flatts, Ricky Skaggs, Russ Taff, Sandi Patty, Vince Gill, Wynonna and more.
Ryan Stevenson Celebrates No. 1
Gotee Records and First Company Management recently celebrated Ryan Stevenson‘s No. 1 song “No Matter What.” The single topped Billboard’s Christian AC Indicator chart for three consecutive weeks. The song was written by Stevenson, producer Bryan Fowler and Jonathan Smith. It is also the title track to Stevenson’s 2018 album.
This is his third consecutive Top 5 Billboard Christian Airplay and Christian AC radio single in the last three years.
Integrity Music Signs William McDowell
Integrity Music has signed worship leader, pastor, author and recording artist William McDowell and will release his upcoming live album.
McDowell, who serves as pastor of Orlando, Florida’s Deeper Fellowship Church, previously released five critically-acclaimed albums which earned Dove and Stellar Awards, and a Grammy nomination.
Florida Georgia Line’s ‘Can’t Say I Ain’t Country’ Debuts At No. 1
/by Sarah SkatesFGL visits “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in Los Angeles. Photo by Michael Rozman/Warner Bros.
Florida Georgia Line’s fourth studio album Can’t Say I Ain’t Country (BMLG Records) debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, with consumption of 300,000 album equivalents.
To promote their latest album, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley went on a week-long, coast-to-coast jaunt, appearing on both daytime and late-night television. The duo stopped by The Ellen DeGeneres Show Thursday (Feb. 21) to perform their single “Talk You Out of It,” and then chatted with host DeGeneres –who later surprised Hubbard and his wife Hayley with the gender reveal of their second child due in August. (See video below).
Heading into the 54th Academy of Country Music Awards on April 7, FGL is nominated for Duo of the Year, Single of the Year, Song of the Year, and Music Event of the Year—all for their 4-times Platinum, “Meant to Be” collaboration with Bebe Rexha.
FGL’s upcoming tour features Dan + Shay and Morgan Wallen, plus special guests HARDY and Canaan Smith on select stops.
Reba Promotes New Music in NYC
/by LB CantrellReba On CBS This Morning. Photo: Michelle Crowe
This week Reba McEntire gave live audiences in New York City more details about her forthcoming album Stronger Than The Truth, out April 5 on Big Machine Records. Today McEntire released another song, “No U In Oklahoma,” which she co-wrote with Ronnie Dunn and Donna McSpadden.
Reba’s appearances in New York City began on CBS This Morning as she spoke with co-hosts Gayle King and Norah O’Donnell about returning to host the ACM Awards for her sixteenth time and announced the nominees. She then chatted with host Kevan Kenney for a BUILD Series before wrapping the night at The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. She also joined host Andy Cohen and actor Morris Chestnut on Watch What Happens LIVE.
Reba on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. Photo Credit: Scott Kowalchky
Stronger Than The Truth is available for pre-order here.
Jimmie Allen And Abby Anderson Release Cover Of Lady Gaga And Bradley Cooper Duet, “Shallow”
/by LB CantrellAbby Anderson and Jimmie Allen. Photo: Austin Peckham
Rising country stars Jimmie Allen and Abby Anderson have come together to release their own cover of the duet, “Shallow.” The Grammy and Golden Globe-winning song performed by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in the film A Star is Born is nominated for Best Original Song at the 91st Academy Awards ceremony, airing Sunday, February 24.
“A Star is Born was one of my favorites from last year, and the performance of this song in the film really moved me as an artist,” said Allen. “I had chills! Getting to cover ‘Shallow’ with my good friend Abby was such a cool experience. She’s an incredible vocalist, and I’m excited for fans to hear our take on the song.”
“I think I speak for everyone when I say that I bawled like a baby during A Star Is Born. The song ‘Shallow’ immediately stood out to me,” said Anderson. “When Jimmie called and asked if I would sing on this song with him, I was honored. I mean I’m no Lady Gaga, but working on this with Jimmie, who pours his whole heart into a song vocally, was an absolute joy.”
The newly nominated ACM Best New Male Artist of the year Allen is currently supporting Kane Brown on his Live Forever Tour and will also be hitting the road this summer as support on Chris Young’s Raised on Country Tour and Rascal Flatts’ Summer Playlist Tour.
As announced earlier this week, Anderson is set to open for Rob Thomas as direct support on Thomas’s Chip Tooth Smile Tour. The 44-date tour kicks off in Red Bank, NJ on May 28 and runs through August 4 with stops in New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville.
Both Allen and Anderson were part of MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing Class of 2019.
Christine Pantoya Joins Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. Board of Directors
/by LB CantrellRyman Hospitality Properties, Inc. announced that Christine Pantoya has been elected to its Board of Directors effective as of today (Feb. 22). Pantoya fills a newly-created vacancy on the Board.
“Chris brings extensive digital media and entertainment industry expertise to our company, having most recently served for several years as SVP & Head of Mobile & Direct-to-Consumer for the National Basketball Association, and I am very excited to have her perspective on our Board, especially as we continue to execute our Company’s strategic growth initiatives,” said Colin V. Reed, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ryman Hospitality Properties.
Pantoya joins the current Ryman Hospitality Properties Board of Directors, which is comprised of:
Michael J. Bender, President and CEO, Eye-Mart Express, Inc.
Rachna Bhasin, Founder/CEO, EQ Partners
Alvin Bowles, Head of Global Publisher Sales and Operations, Facebook, Inc.
Ellen R. Levine, Editorial Consultant, Hearst Magazines
Fazal Merchant, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Tanium
Patrick Q. Moore, EVP, Strategy & Business Development, Carter’s Inc.
Robert S. Prather Jr., President and CEO, Heartland Media, LLC
Colin V. Reed, Chairman and CEO, Ryman Hospitality Properties
Michael I. Roth, Chairman and CEO, The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.
Pantoya currently serves as an advisor to Stay Tuned Digital, an early stage startup media company. She served as SVP & Head of Mobile & Direct-to-Consumer for the National Basketball Association from January 2015 to October 2018. Other stops include: Verizon Communications, Cox Communications, Enhanced Wireless, Clearwire and Sprint Nextel.
Farewell Angelina Extol The Virtues Of ‘Women & Wine’ On New EP
/by Jessica NicholsonFarewell Angelina. Pictured (L-R): Nicole Witt, Lisa Torres, Andrea Young, Ashley Gearing. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
Much like their music, the members of the all-female group Farewell Angelina, which includes Nicole Witt, Andrea Young, Lisa Torres and Ashley Gearing, are vivacious, heart-felt, unfiltered, and fearless.
Individually, they have made some impressive accomplishments. Young, a classically trained violinist, has toured with Lady Antebellum and Jerrod Niemann. At age 11, Gearing became the youngest female to have a song on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, with “Can You Hear Me When I Talk To You?”. Torres has provided background vocals on projects for artists including Trace Adkins and Jason Aldean, while Witt has penned songs for George Strait (“Brothers of the Highway”) and Lauren Alaina.
Together, the group’s tight mix of guitars and fiddles is reminiscent of the Dixie Chicks, while their fun and flawless harmonies recall SHeDAISY’s family harmonies.
The group released the EP Women & Wine independently on Jan. 25.
“We try to write the best song in the room that day but we also try to arrange the harmonies and sort of get it down on tape,” Witt said of the group’s writing process. “We hear a lot of those harmonies as we are writing. It’s cool because we all know each other’s strengths and we can write to those, like ‘Oh, you would sound great on this part,’ or ‘This song works well for you.’”
Farewell Angelina with MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
The women of Farewell Angelina came together organically, through late night jam sessions and playing onstage together, officially forming about four years ago. Most recently, Gearing joined the group, following the exit of former member Lauren Lucas, who left in August.
“Ashley is the ‘baby spice’ of the band,” said Witt.
Before she left the group, Lucas contributed writing to the group’s current single, “Women & Wine,” an ode to the “only two things that get better with time.”
During a recent visit to the MusicRow office, the group performed music from their EP, including the title track and the fiddle-drenched lover’s kiss-off “Baby.”
“We almost didn’t put that song on the CD, but it’s the one that people always ask for,” notes Young.
They finished with “More Problems,” which smartly interweaves lyrics from Sheryl Crow’s “All I Wanna Do,” and Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass.”
The group currently works with East Coast Entertainment (ECE) and also book some shows on their own. In 2018, they played more than 75 shows, and for 2019, they have numerous shows already on the books stateside as well as in Spain, Switzerland, and Norway.
BMI Announces Its 2019 SXSW Schedule Of Events
/by LB CantrellBMI returns to Austin, TX with an exciting schedule of events for the 2019 SXSW Music Conference and Festival from March 12-15, including an acoustic brunch, an official showcase, a social media panel, Ray Benson’s 68th birthday party, and more.
See below for BMI’s complete SXSW line-up. For more information, go to bmi.com/sxsw and use #BMISXSW to join the conversation on social media.
BMI HOWDY TEXAS PRESENTS: RAY BENSON’S 68TH BIRTHDAY BASH
Tuesday, March 12th | 7PM
RSVP required for entry
The BMI Howdy Texas party is back and bigger than ever! BMI kicks off its weeklong schedule of SXSW events with the annual inaugural party, this time in conjunction with Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel. Hosted by Mr. Benson himself, the outdoor block party will feature performances by BMI singer-songwriters Katie Pruitt, Robert Ellis, Benson and a handful of special surprise appearances. Previous guests include Willie Nelson, George Strait, The Avett Brothers and Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The event will be held in the GSD&M Parking Lot (828 W 6th St) and sponsored by the Texas Music Office and Austin Music Movement.
YETI X BMI DAY PARTY
Wednesday, March 13th | 12PM
RSVP required but does not guarantee entry, venue subject to capacity limits
The music starts early in the day and continues well into the evening at the Yeti x BMI Day Party. Soul, country, indie, pop and alt-rock converge when Logan Ledger, Willie Jones, Billy Strings, Illiterate Light, Katie Schecter, Wafia, JP Saxe, Jackie Venson, Republican Hair and Tomar & the FCs take the stage. Building on the success of previous years, this year’s day party will have an expanded presence, taking place on both the indoor and outdoor stages at the Yeti Flagship store (220 S Congress Ave).
CLAIM & LICENSE MUSIC ON SOCIAL MEDIA – A SXSW PANEL DISCUSSION
Wednesday, March 13th | 3:30pm
Official SXSW Event / SXSW badge required
In 2016, the big question was: Are social media platforms going to obtain music licenses and pay for music uploaded to their services? In 2019, many platforms have now obtained the proper licenses to play and share music, but that was only the first step. Now, the question is: Where is the money going and how are the creators and artists getting paid? With multiple copyright owners, writers, labels and publishers involved, the answer isn’t simple. David Levin, Vice President of Digital Licensing at BMI, will discuss alongside Bob Bruderman, SVP, Global Digital Partnerships at Kobalt Music Publishing, with additional participants to be announced soon. The discussion will take place at the Austin Convention Center, room 11AB (500 E. Cesar Chavez St).
BMI PRESENTS: SONIDOS ALTERNOS
Wednesday, March 13th | 8PM
Official SXSW Event / SXSW badge or paid ticket required for entry
Speakeasy (412 Congress Ave) is the place to be to catch some of the best emerging artists on the thriving Latin music scene. The beats will be pumping nonstop with sets by El Mañana, Alih Jey, Jona Camacho, Ximena Sariñana, Cimafunk, Mahya Veray Y Su Trama. If last year’s showcase was any indication, attendees will want to arrive early or risk missing out on a tremendous night of fun, dancing and infectious music.
BMI OFFICIAL SHOWCASE
Thursday, March 14th | 7pm
Official SXSW Event / SXSW badge or paid ticket required for entry
The highly anticipated BMI Official Showcase is a SX staple, known for presenting a stellar lineup of emerging musical talent. Stop by Swan Dive (615 Red River St.) and catch sets by Chloe Lilac, Briston Maroney, Liza Owen, Just Loud and Liily. With such an impressive roster of acts from across the musical spectrum, this is the place to discover new favorites before everyone else.
BMI ACOUSTIC BRUNCH
Friday, March 15th | 10am
RSVP required for entry
Everyone’s favorite brunch spot returns to the beautiful back lawn of the Four Seasons (98 San Jacinto Blvd.) The location will once again transform into an idyllic musical sanctuary, featuring performances by James Droll, Taylor Janzen, Jake Wesley Rogers, Lily & Madeleine, YOLA and SYML. Austin’s own Lauren Petrowski of Fox 7 will host. Audio Network, Royalty Exchange, Topo Chico, High Brew Coffee, Austin Music Movement, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, Southwest Airlines and the Texas Music Office are partners.
Weekly Chart Report (2/22/19)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.