Jimmie Allen. Photo: CRS
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 616
Nice guys finish first.
Personable Jimmie Allen walked off with this year’s New Faces Show at Country Radio Seminar. He was far and away the evening’s finest singer. Not only that, his songs had the most substance, and his performance demonstrated scene-stealing showmanship.
Jimmie was not without competition. Lindsay Ell had the guitar chops and the beauty. Russell Dickerson had stage presence and dance moves. LANCO had hits and charm. Dylan Scott had the physique and the warmth.
Another highlight of the event was the surprise appearance by superstar Tim McGraw. Following a video where he reminisced about his New Faces Show appearance 25 years ago, the curtain parted to reveal him in the flesh, singing his first hit, “Don’t Take the Girl.” He then waded into the crowd to pose for selfies.
We all went nuts. What a moment.
Bill Mayne and Keith Urban. Photo: CRS
The evening’s other headliner was another nice guy, retiring Country Radio Broadcasters exec Bill Mayne. He was saluted with a career-spanning video overview, a presentation by Keith Urban and a standing ovation.
“I thank you very much for letting me have the best job in the world for the past 10 years,” said Bill. “I love you all. You will be in my heart forever.”
The four-hour marathon show and three-course banquet took place on Friday night (Feb. 15) at the Omni Hotel downtown. More than 1,000 attended.
Russell Dickerson. Photo: CRS
Official show-opening act Russell Dickerson took charge from the moment he stepped on stage. He came out bobbing and dancing to his peppy current single “Every Little Thing,” then launched into his chart-topping “Blue Tacoma.”
“I’ve been dreaming of this day since the first time I came here in 2010,” said the Nashville native of CRS. “You guys had no reason to believe in us, but you did,” he added.
That led naturally into his Platinum breakthrough No. 1 hit, “Yours.”
He didn’t let up. Russell rocked out on the frothing “MGNO (My Girl’s Night Out).” Bounding down into the crowd, he segued into Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” pulling women from their seats to shake their booties with his and sing along.
Lindsay Ell. Photo: CRS
Speaking of exercise, Lindsay Ell was introduced via a humorous video where she took her radio promotion team to a 4 a.m. fitness boot camp. She began her set with her debut hit, “Criminal.”
Her guitar prowess was never better showcased than on the new song she introduced, “Go To.” It was intercut with U2’s “Where the Streets Have No Name.” Lindsay finished her set with the rousing lament “Space.”
“Thank you to everyone in this room for putting me on this stage,” she said with sincerity.
Then it was Jimmie Allen’s turn. He was preceded by a long, deep, echoing, electronic noise and then burst into the spotlight with the upbeat “County Lines.” He displayed admirable aplomb and confidence as he delivered his current single, “Make Me Want To” in a strong, clear voice.
Jimmie is country’s first African-American artist in history to top the charts with his debut single. He gave that song, “Best Shot,” an impressively full-throated vocal.
He cranked the energy up even higher on “Underdogs,” an uplifting ode to strivers and dreamers. As he sang it, he walked all the way through the ballroom, high-fiving people at every table he passed and wailing the high notes with chesty ease. The crowd went wild.
His finale was the power-ballad message song “All Tractors Ain’t Green.” Its stirring melody was augmented by a lineup of soulful female vocalists behind him.
He received a well-deserved standing ovation.
LANCO. Photo: CRS
LANCO had an introductory video that told of the band’s graduation from a camper to a tour bus, concluding with the former’s being blown up in farewell. The group then took the stage, opening with its chiming, bright and driving “Born to Love You.”
Lead singer and principal songwriter Brandon Lancaster (the band’s name is shorthand for “Lancaster and Company”) introduced the radio tastemakers to his new song, “Save Me.”
Then came the five-man group’s breakthrough No. 1 hit, the highly tuneful “Greatest Love Story.” The finale was the exciting, anthemic sing-along “Rival.”
Am I wrong, or was this Arista Records act Sony Music Nashville’s only major presence during CRS?
Dylan Scott. Photo: CRS
Curb Records up-and-comer Dylan Scott closed the show. He was introduced via a clever video that toyed with his impressive, gym-toned, buff bod by suggesting he had a magic, hit-enhancing supplement.
He took no prisoners with a rocking, pounding performance of his Gold-selling top-10 hit, “Hooked.” The fastest-rising single of his career came next, “Nothing to Do Town.”
Dylan sat at the piano to introduce “Nobody,” which he said he wished could be his next single. It built impressively to a rousing crescendo.
The Louisiana-bred singer’s father is Scotty Robinson, who played guitar for Freddy Fender, Freddie Hart and other classic country stylists. “I’m an old-school country music fan,” said Dylan. “My hero was a guy named Keith Whitley.”
He sang Whitley’s ballad “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” On the one hand, it was an admirable tribute. On the other hand, he’s not near his late idol, vocally (but then again, who is?). The performance did elicit a big cheer.
“I’ve been here 10 years, and it’s been a long 10 years,” added the budding star. “But I am so happy and so blessed.”
A thudding, intense rendition of his chart-topping Platinum smash “My Girl” concluded his set and the show.
Tim McGraw. Photo: CRS
The event was punctuated by videos of various artists reminiscing with Gator Harrison about their New Faces Show experiences. In addition to McGraw, they included Luke Bryan, Jake Owen and Lee Brice.
The 2019 CRS New Faces Show was sponsored by the Academy of Country Music. The organization’s Pete Fisher saluted this year’s ACM radio nominees, teased its April 7 awards show, talked about its Lifting Lives charity and introduced a video and stage segment about St. Jude’s Hospital.
During the pre-show cocktail hour, Dillon Carmichael offered a spirited set. Bopping along throughout the night were Rob Simbeck, Nancy Kruh, Ash Bowers, Mike Dungan, Jim Ed Norman, incoming CRB exec RJ Curtis, LB Rogers, Tom Roland, George Briner, Jack Purcell, Brandi Simms, the omnipresent Charlie Cook, Preshias Harris, Jimmy Harnen, Jon Loba, Christy Walker-Watkins, CRB board prez Kurt Johnson, Gayle Thompson, Lon Helton, Brenden Oliver and Lauren Patterson.
UMG Nashville To Move Offices In March
/by Jessica NicholsonUMG Nashville will move all staffers from its current office at 401 Commerce Street, into a new Nashville office in early March, MusicRow has confirmed. The new UMG Nashville address, effective March 4, will be 222 2nd Ave. S., Ste. 2200, Nashville, TN 37201.
The powerhouse country music label will take up approximately 1 1/2 floors in the 25-story, 391,000-square-foot building, which was constructed by Gresham Smith and Partners. Other tenants at 222 2nd Ave. S. include Paradigm Talent Agency, Bank of America, CBRE, Burr & Forman, LLP, and more.
UMG Nashville moved into its current location on the 11th floor of the SunTrust building on Commerce Street in 2008, following a move from its previous two-building office space on 16th Ave. S. in the Music Row area.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: BMLG Doubles Down On Artist Development
/by Bobby KarlPictured (Back Row, L-R): Riley Green, Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus, Noah Schnacky. (Front Row, L-R): Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney and Gary LeVox, BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta, Brantley Gilbert, Lauren Jenkins
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 615
At the BMLG label luncheon at CRS, the emphasis was on artist development.
On Friday afternoon (Feb. 15) at the Omni Hotel, the company used its moment in the spotlight to introduce new artists and new sounds. The showcase luncheon’s star attraction and closing act was Rascal Flatts. But on the way to the band’s hit-packed presentation, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta had other fish to fry.
After greeting the radio conventioneers, Borchetta brought out newcomer Riley Green. The delightfully countrified Riley kicked off his set with “In Love By Now,” a penetrating rocker featuring his hot band. Both “Georgia Time” and “Bettin’ Man” were songs he wrote about loves gone wrong.
“About a year ago I was an unsigned artist framing houses in Jackson, Alabama,” he told the crowd. “Now I have a single that’s No. 8 in the country. So thank you very much.”
That introduced a romping treatment of “There Was This Girl.” We loved it.
“I’ve been doing this for a long time,” said Scott. “And you really feel that when your friends start getting inducted into the [Country Radio] Hall of Fame.”
He offered a shout-out to this year’s inductees, Mac Daniels, Jeff Garrison, Kyle Cantrell, Gregg Lindahl, Charlie Monk and the late Bobby Denton.
Back to the newcomer business at hand, fresh company signee Lauren Jenkins was up next. She already makes videos and short films of her songs, so that part of her talent was screened.
Then the CRS first-timer sang her artful, introspective “Makers Mark and You” and “Running Out of Road” in her smoky, languid voice.
I have long thought that Brantley Gilbert has one of the coolest voices in modern country music. Not that you could hear it much over his loud, country-meets-Megadeth band. On a brighter note, he and the group were a stylebook of facial-hair grooming modes.
Brantley favored us with hits such as “Country Must Be Country Wide” and “Bottoms Up.” But his set was truly uplifted by the appearance of Lindsay Ell. She and Brantley demonstrated dynamic interplay while introducing their new duet “What Happens in a Small Town.”
“That’s the first time they have performed that together,” said Scott. He predicted “a big future” for his next act, newcomer Noah Schnacky. “Noah already has 50 million streams on his songs. He’s really the whole package.”
Sitting alone on a stool in the spotlight, Noah proved to be a deft acoustic guitarist as well as an able vocalist. The youngster was also teen-heartthrob handsome as he performed his romantic tunes “Hello Beautiful” and “Maybe He Will.”
“I grew up on country radio,” said Noah to the country radio crowd. “You all showed me what I liked. You made me the artist that I am today. So if you don’t like me, it’s your fault.”
Pictured (Back Row, L-R): Big Machine Records GM Jim Weatherson, Riley Green, CRB Board President Kurt Johnson, Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus, CRB Executive Director RJ Curtis, The Valory Music Co. GM George Briner. (Front Row, L-R): BMLG EVP & BMLG Records President Jimmy Harnen, Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney and Gary LeVox, BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta, Lauren Jenkins, Brantley Gilbert, Stoney Creek’s Lindsay Ell, Noah Schnacky
Rascal Flatts came out with a driving, blood-stirring treatment of “Yours If You Want It” that was so much better than its recording of the song. They not only sing like champs, their band cooks with gas.
“Thank you for being our voices to the world,” said member Jay DeMarcus. “Without you, we wouldn’t have had 19 years in this wonderful business.”
True to the spirit of the showcase, the group introduced new music. Its just-released single, “Back To Life,” was performed as a super power-waltz.
The melodic pile-driver “I Like the Sound of That” was embellished by a soaring Joe Don Rooney guitar solo. “What Hurts the Most” was a vocal showcase, wherein lead singer Gary LeVox went from wispy, atmospheric phrasing to full-throated emotional blasts. The audience was on its feet throughout the rocking, pulse-quickening finale, “Life Is a Highway.”
Sharing the sounds and the fried-chicken lunch were Jeremy Westby, Leslie Fram, Becky Harris, Jim Varnell, Sarah Skates, Billy Dukes, Tom Baldrica, Don Cusic, Ron Allen, Sherod Robertson, Tracy Berry and visiting Ottawa academic Jada Watson.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: CRS’ New Faces Show Was A Star-Making Moment For Jimmie Allen
/by Bobby KarlJimmie Allen. Photo: CRS
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 616
Nice guys finish first.
Personable Jimmie Allen walked off with this year’s New Faces Show at Country Radio Seminar. He was far and away the evening’s finest singer. Not only that, his songs had the most substance, and his performance demonstrated scene-stealing showmanship.
Jimmie was not without competition. Lindsay Ell had the guitar chops and the beauty. Russell Dickerson had stage presence and dance moves. LANCO had hits and charm. Dylan Scott had the physique and the warmth.
Another highlight of the event was the surprise appearance by superstar Tim McGraw. Following a video where he reminisced about his New Faces Show appearance 25 years ago, the curtain parted to reveal him in the flesh, singing his first hit, “Don’t Take the Girl.” He then waded into the crowd to pose for selfies.
We all went nuts. What a moment.
Bill Mayne and Keith Urban. Photo: CRS
The evening’s other headliner was another nice guy, retiring Country Radio Broadcasters exec Bill Mayne. He was saluted with a career-spanning video overview, a presentation by Keith Urban and a standing ovation.
“I thank you very much for letting me have the best job in the world for the past 10 years,” said Bill. “I love you all. You will be in my heart forever.”
The four-hour marathon show and three-course banquet took place on Friday night (Feb. 15) at the Omni Hotel downtown. More than 1,000 attended.
Russell Dickerson. Photo: CRS
Official show-opening act Russell Dickerson took charge from the moment he stepped on stage. He came out bobbing and dancing to his peppy current single “Every Little Thing,” then launched into his chart-topping “Blue Tacoma.”
“I’ve been dreaming of this day since the first time I came here in 2010,” said the Nashville native of CRS. “You guys had no reason to believe in us, but you did,” he added.
That led naturally into his Platinum breakthrough No. 1 hit, “Yours.”
He didn’t let up. Russell rocked out on the frothing “MGNO (My Girl’s Night Out).” Bounding down into the crowd, he segued into Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” pulling women from their seats to shake their booties with his and sing along.
Lindsay Ell. Photo: CRS
Speaking of exercise, Lindsay Ell was introduced via a humorous video where she took her radio promotion team to a 4 a.m. fitness boot camp. She began her set with her debut hit, “Criminal.”
Her guitar prowess was never better showcased than on the new song she introduced, “Go To.” It was intercut with U2’s “Where the Streets Have No Name.” Lindsay finished her set with the rousing lament “Space.”
“Thank you to everyone in this room for putting me on this stage,” she said with sincerity.
Then it was Jimmie Allen’s turn. He was preceded by a long, deep, echoing, electronic noise and then burst into the spotlight with the upbeat “County Lines.” He displayed admirable aplomb and confidence as he delivered his current single, “Make Me Want To” in a strong, clear voice.
Jimmie is country’s first African-American artist in history to top the charts with his debut single. He gave that song, “Best Shot,” an impressively full-throated vocal.
He cranked the energy up even higher on “Underdogs,” an uplifting ode to strivers and dreamers. As he sang it, he walked all the way through the ballroom, high-fiving people at every table he passed and wailing the high notes with chesty ease. The crowd went wild.
His finale was the power-ballad message song “All Tractors Ain’t Green.” Its stirring melody was augmented by a lineup of soulful female vocalists behind him.
He received a well-deserved standing ovation.
LANCO. Photo: CRS
LANCO had an introductory video that told of the band’s graduation from a camper to a tour bus, concluding with the former’s being blown up in farewell. The group then took the stage, opening with its chiming, bright and driving “Born to Love You.”
Lead singer and principal songwriter Brandon Lancaster (the band’s name is shorthand for “Lancaster and Company”) introduced the radio tastemakers to his new song, “Save Me.”
Then came the five-man group’s breakthrough No. 1 hit, the highly tuneful “Greatest Love Story.” The finale was the exciting, anthemic sing-along “Rival.”
Am I wrong, or was this Arista Records act Sony Music Nashville’s only major presence during CRS?
Dylan Scott. Photo: CRS
Curb Records up-and-comer Dylan Scott closed the show. He was introduced via a clever video that toyed with his impressive, gym-toned, buff bod by suggesting he had a magic, hit-enhancing supplement.
He took no prisoners with a rocking, pounding performance of his Gold-selling top-10 hit, “Hooked.” The fastest-rising single of his career came next, “Nothing to Do Town.”
Dylan sat at the piano to introduce “Nobody,” which he said he wished could be his next single. It built impressively to a rousing crescendo.
The Louisiana-bred singer’s father is Scotty Robinson, who played guitar for Freddy Fender, Freddie Hart and other classic country stylists. “I’m an old-school country music fan,” said Dylan. “My hero was a guy named Keith Whitley.”
He sang Whitley’s ballad “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” On the one hand, it was an admirable tribute. On the other hand, he’s not near his late idol, vocally (but then again, who is?). The performance did elicit a big cheer.
“I’ve been here 10 years, and it’s been a long 10 years,” added the budding star. “But I am so happy and so blessed.”
A thudding, intense rendition of his chart-topping Platinum smash “My Girl” concluded his set and the show.
Tim McGraw. Photo: CRS
The event was punctuated by videos of various artists reminiscing with Gator Harrison about their New Faces Show experiences. In addition to McGraw, they included Luke Bryan, Jake Owen and Lee Brice.
The 2019 CRS New Faces Show was sponsored by the Academy of Country Music. The organization’s Pete Fisher saluted this year’s ACM radio nominees, teased its April 7 awards show, talked about its Lifting Lives charity and introduced a video and stage segment about St. Jude’s Hospital.
During the pre-show cocktail hour, Dillon Carmichael offered a spirited set. Bopping along throughout the night were Rob Simbeck, Nancy Kruh, Ash Bowers, Mike Dungan, Jim Ed Norman, incoming CRB exec RJ Curtis, LB Rogers, Tom Roland, George Briner, Jack Purcell, Brandi Simms, the omnipresent Charlie Cook, Preshias Harris, Jimmy Harnen, Jon Loba, Christy Walker-Watkins, CRB board prez Kurt Johnson, Gayle Thompson, Lon Helton, Brenden Oliver and Lauren Patterson.
Industry Pics: ACM, Monument Records, Westwood One
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Pete Fisher (ACM CEO), Charles Esten, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Trace Adkins
ACM Lifting Lives: Borderline Strong
The ACM Lifting Lives Presents: Borderline Strong, was held Feb. 11 in Thousand Oaks, California. The event was held at the Fred Kavli Theater, in acknowledgement of the shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill, which killed 12 people and injured many more in Thousand Oaks.
ACM Lifting Lives rallied the country music industry, families of previous gun violence and the Hollywood entertainment community to support victims and their families. Hosted by Charles Esten, the event featured performances by Trace Adkins, Jimmie Allen, Deana Carter, Charles Esten, Morgan Evans, Gone West, Cassadee Pope, Tyler Rich and Runaway June. Arnold Schwarzenegger also made a surprise appearance.
Net proceeds benefitted the Ventura County Community Foundation’s Conejo Valley Victim’s Fund—including a very generous donation from Bobby Bones and The Shop Forward, which produces his pimpinjoy line.
PIctured (L-R): Arista/Sony’s Josh Easler, SMACK’s Robert Carlton, Monument Records’ Katie McCartney, CRS Executive Director RJ Curtis, CMHOF’s Kayla Ott, Walker Hayes, Brandon Ratcliff, Townsquare Media and CRS Board Member Kurt Johnson, CMHOF’s Sharon Brawner, CRS’s Bill Mayne, Sony’s Shane Allen
Monument Records Celebrates ’90s Country At CRS
Last night (Feb. 14) Monument Records and The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (CMHOF) hosted a night of ’90s Country featuring Monument recording artists Walker Hayes and Brandon Ratcliff. Nearly 500 people showed up for the CRS showcase in the Museum’s Event Hall.
Pictured (L-R): Ty Bentli, host of The Ty Bentli Show; Lon Helton, host of Country Countdown USA; Whitney Allen, host of The Big Time with Whitney Allen; Blair Garner, host of The Blair Garner Show; Shawn Parr, co-host, NASH Nights Live; Elaina Smith, co-host, NASH Nights Live; Eric “Off Eric” Garner, The Blair Garner Show; Chuck Wicks and Tricia Jenkins, The Ty Bentli Show.
Westwood One Personalities At Country Radio Seminar
Westwood One was out in full force at this week’s Country Radio Seminar in Nashville. Several of Westwood One’s country personalities hosted a meet-and-greet with CRS attendees in the aptly-named Westwood One Lounge at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
Luke Combs Releases Acoustic Version of “Beautiful Crazy”
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Combs‘ hit “Beautiful Crazy” has already been certified platinum, but Combs is giving fans a fresh take on the track, with a newly available acoustic version.
The track was the first country single shipped to radio having already reached platinum status since Taylor Swift’s “Red” in 2013. “Beautiful Crazy” already has more than 250 million on-demand streams.
Since the June 2, 2017 release of his album This One’s For You, the project has spent a total of 26 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the country chart, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
The album’s first four singles—3x Platinum “Hurricane,” 2x Platinum “When It Rains It Pours,” Platinum “One Number Away” and Platinum “She Got The Best of Me”—have all reached No. 1 making Combs the first solo artist to score four consecutive career-opening No. 1’s on Billboard ’s Country Airplay chart. Combs was also nominated for Best New Artist at the 61st Grammy Awards and was recently named New Artist of the Year at the 52nd Annual CMA Awards.
This One’s For You was produced by Scott Moffatt (except for “One Number Away,” which was co-produced by Sammy Mitchell and Jackie Boyz) and recorded in Nashville at Gold Cassette Studios and Direct Image Recording Studio.
Dierks Bentley’s Seven Peaks Music Festival Returns For 2019
/by Jessica NicholsonDierks Bentley and Live Nation will return to Buena Vista, Colorado this year for the second Seven Peaks Music Festival. The festival will be held Aug. 30 – Sept. 1 over Labor Day Weekend. Performers for this year’s event will be announced at a later date.
In 2018, fans traveled from 49 states and as far away from Australia for the inaugural event, which featured performances from Miranda Lambert, Brothers Osborne, Elle King, Sam Bush, Cadillac Three and more, as well as multiple performances from Bentley.
Fans who sign up for the festival’s official newsletter can gain access to a pre-sale code to obtain passes before they go on sale to the general public. Alumni fans, that bought passes for the inaugural year, will have the first chance at passes with the Alumni Pre-Sale.
Rodney Atkins Announces New Album, ‘Caught Up In The Country’
/by LB CantrellRodney Atkins announced his new album, Caught Up In The Country. The country singer’s fifth studio album is set to release on May 10, 2019, and the pre-order launches today. Produced by Atkins, Ted Hewitt and Blake Bollinger, the 12-track album will be the first batch of new material the Curb Records artist has released since Take a Back Road in 2011 (he released his Greatest Hits album in 2015).
Rodney, and wife and fellow performer Rose Falcon, wrote the song “My Life” on the album after the passing of Rose’s grandmother. Like Rodney, Rose’s grandmother was an orphan who had a rough beginning in life. On her deathbed, when she could no longer speak, she wrote “I loved my life” on a piece of paper—which Rose’s grandfather has since given to her. Rose’s grandmother’s story is the inspiration behind the love song, which released yesterday (Feb. 14).
Caught Up In The Country track list:
1. “Burn Something”
2. “Caught Up In The Country”
3. “Figure Out You (Riddle)”
4. “Thank God For You”
5. “So Good”
6. “What Lonely Looks Like”
7. “My Life”
8. “Cover Me Up”
9. “All My Friends Are Drunk”
10. “Young Man”
11. “Everybody’s Got Something”
12. “Waiting On A Good Day”
Caught Up In The Country is available for pre-order here.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Hootie & The Blowfish Close Out Team UMG Show At CRS
/by Bobby KarlFirst Row (L-R): Jeannie Sullivan, Jill Burnett, Mike Dungan, Royce Risser, Sally Green, Anna Johnson, Summer Harlow. Second row (L-R): Ashley Laws, Mara Sidweber, Katie Dean, Donna Passuntino, Jack Christopher. Third row (L-R): Charlie Dean, Darius Rucker, John Trapane, Michelle Tyrrell, Mike Krinik, Annie Sandor, Katelyn Lester, Connor Brock. Fourth row (L-R): Dean Felber, Chris Schuler, Donna Hughes, Brent Jones, Trudie Daniell, Kaileen Mangan, Miranda McDonald, David Friedman, Jackie Stevens, Megan Youngblood, Jimmy Rector. Fifth row (L-R): Cindy Mabe, Jordan Davis, Kassi Ashton, Caylee Hammack, Adam Hambrick, Brandon Lay, Chris Fabiani. Sixth row (L-R): Mark Bryan, Briana Galluccio, Nick Kaper, Travis Denning, Jim Sonefeld, Chris Stapleton, Vince Gill
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 614
The highlights of this year’s UMG show for CRS came from the company’s new acts as well as its established stars.
In the former category were such relative newcomers as Brandon Lay, Jordan Davis, Caylee Hammack and Kassi Ashton. Not to be outshone, proven hit makers such as Eric Church, Little Big Town, Dierks Bentley and Chris Stapleton blazed just as brightly. And then there was the enduring brilliance that is Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill.
As always, the event took place at the hallowed Ryman Auditorium. The venue won its 11th Pollstar Award this week as America’s No. 1 concert hall (nine of those wins have been consecutive). Fifteen artists performed at the two-hour lunchtime showcase on Thursday, Feb. 14.
“On behalf of our entire staff, welcome to the 10th Team UMG at the Ryman,” greeted host Royce Risser. “This show has really become a marquee event of CRS.”
Do you know a more lovable label promotion exec? I didn’t think so.
“It’s Valentine’s Day,” Royce continued, “and the world has had a love affair with this group since the day they started.”
Cue LBT, who introduced a new song, the strikingly feminist “God For the Daughters.” It drew a huge cheer from the radio tastemaker women, as well as the men.
Jon Pardi was up next, introducing the strummy bopper “Tequila Little Time With You.” Dierks Bentley was charming, breezy and philosophical on his fine new tune, “Living.”
Kassi Ashton, who was introduced at this CRS event last year, delivered an ear-opening ballad with a Valley-of-the-Dolls theme, “Pretty Shiny Things.” Backing her on guitar was Luke Laird, who won a Grammy Award earlier this week for co-writing “Space Cowboy” with Kacey Musgraves.
Reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban sang his lilting new song “We Were.” He performed it with its studio track via his phone, complete with technical glitches. Then he forgot the words. The crowd loved him dearly anyhow.
In a ballad-heavy day, newcomer Brandon Lay rocked out, delivering “Still Rock & Roll” with an endearingly youthful swagger. Maddie & Tae offered the swirly pop of their current single, “Die From a Broken Heart.” Staging his Team UMG debut was a visibly nervous Adam Hambrick, who nonetheless delivered a jaunty “Rockin’ All Night Long.”
Throughout the show, Royce dished out snarky, humorous comments about the radio folks, as well as his roster. Travis Denning got him back: “Doesn’t Royce look like a cute, Build-a-Bear Teddy Bear?” he asked the crowd. “I mean, 247 pounds of stuffing and five pounds of bull.” On his honky-tonker “After a Few,” Travis showed he has guitar chops as well as the vocal goods.
Undeterred, Royce compared bearded Jordan Davis to Big Foot, calling him “the Eighth Wonder of the World” during his intro. Jordan wowed the crowd with a dreamy, wistful, romantic ballad, “Slow Dance in the Parking Lot.” Earlier this week, Davis picked up the Breakthrough Artist of the Year honor at the MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards.
“This is one of the coolest things we get to do,” he told the CRS audience. “It’s so great to see so many familiar faces.”
Caylee Hammack was making her debut on the Ryman stage, as well as at UMG’s musical cafeteria. She delivered the hot tempo tune “Family Tree” with impressive aplomb, working the stage like a seasoned pro. Caylee has spent two-and-a-half years entertaining the tourists at Rippy’s, Tootsie’s and Honky Tonk Central.
Chris Stapleton was searing and white-hot on “Millionaire,” performing solo with just his own acoustic guitar. Eric Church was greeted with wild whistles and cheers. He was bluesy and sexy on “Heart Like a Wheel,” accompanied by the backup vocals of Joanna Cotton.
Vince Gill is now a member of The Eagles. But he’s still working on solo tracks for MCA. He brought everyone to the edge of tears with a paean to his mamma called, I think, “The Bottom of My Heart.”
“I love seeing these young people come out on this stage – it’s beautiful,” Vince reflected. “Forty-five years ago, I made my first record…I’ve been with MCA for 30 years….I feel grateful for everything that I have been given. So thank you for all those wonderful years.”
His heart-tugging performance drew a standing ovation.
The finale of Team UMG’s show is traditionally a superstar surprise. This year, it was Hootie & The Blowfish. The rock vets are newly signed to the company.
“We’ve been a band since we’ve been 18, 19,” said lead singer Darius Rucker. “We’re 50-something now. We want to thank Mike [Dungan] for giving us the chance to do this one more time.”
The band closed the show with their churning pop-rock classics “I Only Want to Be with You” and “Hold My Hand.” A standing ovation ensued.
Spotted in the cheering throng were Dale Dodson, Donna Hughes, Diane Cox, Paula Jones, Brent Jones, Mike James, Jimmy Rector, Ree Guyer, Bob DiPiero, Dan Hill, Steve Lowery, Melinda Newman, Shane Barrett, Phyllis Stark, Scott Musgrave, Clay Myers, Becca Wells, Brenden Oliver, Walter Campbell, John Reynolds, Hunter Kelly, Brandi Simms, Charlie Cook, David Friedman, Angela Strader and Rachel Whitney.
Industry Ink: Logan Mize, Aaron Watson, AIMP Nashville, ASCAP, Bluewater Music
/by LB CantrellMusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson with Logan Mize
Big Yellow Dog’s Logan Mize Reaches 100 Million Milestone
Logan Mize’s new single “Better Off Gone” is off to a strong start, notching its second week in a row as one of country radio’s most-added songs. It’s a notable achievement for an independent artist, and comes right on top of the news that Mize has topped 100 million streams with his album Come Back Road (Big Yellow Dog Music).
Big Yellow Dog Music co-founder Carla Wallace presented Mize with a plaque marking the 100 million milestone during an intimate celebration and CRS performance supported by Bose, and gushed, “Logan has a unique voice I can’t live without.”
The Clearwater, Kansas, native is currently on tour with Russell Dickerson and Carly Pearce on the Way Back Tour, and he’ll return to Europe as part of the C2C Country to Country 2019 tour in March.
Pictured, (Front Row, L-R): Gwen Foster, Bree Wagner, Jeff Davis, Aaron Watson, Greg McCarn, JR Hughes. (Back Row, L-R): Craig Allen, Ryan Huffstettler, Travis Moon, JJ Jobe, Tony Morreale, Justin Ragland, Travis Daily, Louis Stokes, Scott Husky, Melissa Lagarde, Brent Michaels, Brian Mo, Anthony Genaro, Drew Bland
Aaron Watson Celebrates Valentine’s Day With Country Radio Programmers
Aaron Watson and BIG Label Records caught up with some country radio friends on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) in Nashville while in town for CRS.
PIctured (L-R): Dale Bobo (Big Deal Music), Mark Brown (Round Hill Music), Tim Hunze (ole), John Ozier (AIMP Nashville President, ole), David Macias (Thirty Tigers), Ree Guyer (AIMP Nashville Vice President, Wrensong), Michael Martin (ASCAP), Chris Van Belkom (Combustion Music), Brad Peterson (Regions Bank)
AIMP Nashville Hosts Thirty Tigers/Triple Tigers Panel
The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP)’s Nashville Chapter recently hosted a Thirty Tigers/Triple Tigers panel, on Tuesday (Feb. 12). Dubbed “Thirty Tigers/Triple Tigers Discuss the Process of Breaking Artists,” the sold-out event featured speaker David Macias, co-founder and President of Thirty Tigers. Thirty Tigers is a diverse entertainment company that specializes in marketing services, music distribution, management, promotion, and publishing for independent artists. Triple Tigers serves as their record label, and is a joint venture between themselves and Triple 8 Management.
ASCAP Nashville To Host Urban Songwriters, Producers Mixer
ASCAP will hold a mixer for songwriters and producers in the urban music community, presented by Muziqueen, slated for Feb. 25 from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. at its Nashville office (located at 2 Music Sq. W.). Admission is free. RSVP at eventbrite.com.
Curse of Lono
Bluewater Music’s Curse Of Lono Earns UK Americana Honor
Bluewater Music client Curse of Lono picked up the Emerging Artist of the Year Award at the 2019 UK Americana Awards.
Selected by Bob Harris OBE, the award celebrates the breakthrough artist, duo or group that has particularly impressed the legendary music broadcaster throughout the year.
Bluewater Music signed Curse of Lono and founder, Felix Bechtolsheimer for worldwide administration in 2018. Curse of Lono’s 2018 album, As I Fell, debuted in the top 10 on the Official Americana Album Chart and has picked up critical acclaim across Europe.
The group will perform stateside throughout 2019 with their debut performance confirmed for SXSW in March.
‘Billboard’ Reveals 2019 Power 100 List
/by LB CantrellBillboard has named its 2019 Power 100 List, ranking the top influencers in the music industry. Unlike years prior, Billboard left out executives from selected brands and branding companies, like Citi, American Express and MAC Presents. Women represent 20 percent of the Power 100—compared to 17 percent in 2018.
Billboard made a disclaimer about the change on their website, reading: Although executives rise, fall and drop off the Power 100 every year due to performance, a handful who have perennially appeared on previous lists were not included this year due strictly to an editorial decision to refocus the Power 100 on core music-industry companies. As a result, executives from brands and branding companies, such as Citi, American Express and MAC Presents, and music bookers from the morning and late-night talk and entertainment shows were not considered for inclusion. Dick Clark Productions executives also were not considered this year because they share a parent company with Billboard.
This year’s top 10 includes:
1. Chairman/CEO, Universal Music Group Chairman/CEO, Lucian Grainge
2. Live Nation Entertainment President/CEO, Michael Rapino
3. Spotify Founder/CEO, Daniel Ek; Spotify Chief Content Officer, Dawn Ostroff; Spotify CFO, Barry McCarthy; Spotify General Counsel/VP Business and Legal Affairs, Horacio Gutierrez; Spotify Global Head of Music, Nick Holmstén
4. The Azoff Company Chairman/CEO, Irving Azoff; Full Stop Management Partner, Jeffrey Azoff
5. Sony Music Entertainment CEO, Rob Stringer
6. Warner Music Group CEO, Steve Cooper; WMG CEO of Recorded Music, Max Lousada
7. Apple VP Apple Music and International Content, Oliver Schusser; Apple Global Head of Business Development and Music Partnerships, Amanda Marks; Apple Music Global Creative Director/Host, Zane Lowe; Apple Music Global Creative Director, Larry Jackson; Apple Music Global Director of Original Content, Bebhinn Gleeson; Apple Music Global Director of Editorial, Rachel Newman
8. Sony/ATV Music Publishing Incoming Chairman/CEO, Jon Platt
9. Atlantic Records Chairman/CEO, Craig Kallman; Atlantic Records Chairman/COO, Julie Greenwald; Atlantic Records President of Black Music, Mike Kyser; Atlantic Records President of West Coast, Kevin Weaver
10. Universal Music Group CFO/Executive VP/President of Operations, Boyd Muir; UMG Executive VP, Michele Anthony; UMG Executive VP Business and Legal Affairs/General Counsel, Jeffrey Harleston; UMG Executive VP Digital Strategy, Michael Nash
Nashville-based executives in the 2019 Power 100 List include (by ranking):
36. Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman/CEO, Mike Dungan; Universal Music Group Nashville President, Cindy Mabe
37. Sony Music Nashville Chairman/CEO, Randy Goodman
51. Big Machine Label Group Founder /President/CEO, Scott Borchetta
55. Concord CEO, Scott Pascucci; Concord Chief Label Executive, Tom Whalley; Concord Chief Publishing Executive, Jake Wisely
66. Paradigm Talent Agency Music Executive Leadership Group, Marty Diamond, Corrie Christopher Martin, Matt Galle, Jonathan Levine
69. Warner Music Nashville, Chairman/CEO, John Esposito
92. Sandbox Entertainment President/CEO; Monument Records Co-President, Jason Owen