Weekly Chart Report (12/14/18)

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

Industry Ink: ASCAP, ACM, Matthew West, Grand Ole Opry, Riley Green

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ASCAP Reveals Sundance Music Cafe Plans For 2019

Pictured (L-R): Daniel Miller, Fusion Music and ACM Board member; Jacob Davis; Kele Currier, ASCAP Senior Director, Strategic Services and ACM Board member; Carlton Anderson; JT Harding; Erick Long, ACM SVP, Events; Erika Wollam Nichols, GM, The Bluebird Café. Credit: Bluebird Cafe

For over 20 years, ASCAP has hosted a Music Café in the heart of the Sundance Film Festival, featuring intimate performances by songwriters and artists. Next month, ASCAP continues the tradition, and in collaboration with the Academy of Country Music and the famed Bluebird Cafe, will present some of Nashville’s rising stars and country legends at the Sundance ASCAP Music Café.

Carlton Anderson, Jacob Davis and JT Harding celebrated bringing together the Academy and The Bluebird Cafe by performing a sold-out show at the Bluebird in Nashville Thursday night (Dec. 6). In January, Anderson and Davis will be joined by some very special guests at the Sundance ASCAP Music Café as part of the ACM & Bluebird Cafe Songwriters Series during the Sundance Film Festival. The complete Sundance ASCAP Music Café lineup will be announced in early 2019.

 

ASCAP Honors Austin Jenckes

Austin Jenckes pictured with ASCAP President Paul Williams (Right) and the Executor of the Adamson Estate Tony Mulanix (Left).

Austin Jenckes was in New York City last night (Dec. 12) for the ASCAP Foundation Awards. Jenckes was presented with The ASCAP Foundation Harold Adamson Lyric Award in Country for his song “I Got A Woman.” The award is presented in honor of the late lyricist Harold Adamson and is given to those who have demonstrated talent, musical intelligence and a dedication to future generations.

 

Matthew West Celebrates RIAA Platinum Certification

Pictured (L-R): David Sylvester (Vice President of Marketing, Capitol Christian Music Group), Brad O’Donnell (Chief Creative Officer, Capitol Christian Music Group), Matthew West, Hudson Plachy (Chief Marketing Officer, Capitol Christian Music Group), Peter York (Chairman & CEO, Capitol Christian Music Group). Photo: Trent Nicholson

Capitol Christian Music Group surprised Matthew West with an RIAA certified Platinum plaque commemorating his landmark song, “The Motions,” which reached No. 1 at Christian airplay for eight weeks with over 170 million global streams. The hit single marks West’s first career RIAA certified Platinum single.

 

Riley Green Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

Pictured (L-R): BMLG Records’ Jimmy Harnen, Rogue Management’s Joe Lee, Grand Ole Opry’s Sally Williams, Riley Green, Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta. Photo courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC. Chris Hollo, photographer

A childhood dream was realized and fulfilled Tuesday (Dec. 11) as Riley Green made his official Grand Ole Opry debut. The cheeky “Get That Man A Beer,” a song about commiserating with another guy about both being cheated on by the same girl, started the set on a lighter note transitioning to the emotional “Numbers On the Cars,” a story about Alzheimer’s that runs in his family. Green capped his performance with his Top 20-and-climbing single “There Was This Girl.”

Record Archive Owners To Receive Music Biz Independent Spirit Award

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Richard Storms and Alayna Alderman, owners of Rochester, New York-based indie music store Record Archive, will receive the 2019 Music Biz Independent Spirit Award. With their out-of-the-box thinking and love for all things music, the pair have grown Record Archive into an iconic brick-and-mortar destination.

Since its start in 1975 the Rochester, New York store has ballooned into a 13,000 square foot treasure trove of vinyl, CDs, used movies, gifts, furniture, and clothing. It also houses a live music space with a bar for shows.

The Music Business Association will present the 2019 Independent Spirit Award to Storms and Alderman during the Music Biz Awards & Hall of Fame Dinner set to take place on Tuesday, May 7 during the Music Biz 2019 Annual Conference at the JW Marriott Nashville.

“I could not be more proud to present Richard and Alayna with our 2019 Independent Spirit Award, a well-deserved honor for two individuals who have kept the flame of independent music retailers and creators burning at 33 ⅓ Rockwood Street,” commented Music Business Association President James Donio. “Thanks to their undying dedication, Record Archive has stood the test of time to become a must-see music landmark for music fans and serious collectors alike.”

DISClaimer: Toby Keith Releases “Stunning” Ballad “Don’t Let The Old Man In”

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There’s a reason they are stars.

It boils down to simply making better music than mere mortals. One listen to the new singles by George Strait and Toby Keith this week is all you need as proof.

”Don’t Let the Old Man In” by Toby Keith was inspired by and written for Hollywood superstar Clint Eastwood. But its powerful message will resonate with millions of others. It is the Disc of the Day.

A West Coast female trio billed as Honey County wins this week’s DisCovery Award. They have something special, so lend them your ears.

HONEY COUNTY/Los Angeles
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Attique
– Swirly and sensuous. The trio’s harmonies are flawless, and the cool-spooky song is a total ear worm. He’s hot and dangerous, kinda like the City of Angels. Play this.

YouTube video

 

GEORGE STRAIT/Codigo
Writers: George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MCA
– Now here’s a delightful toe-tapper to warm your winter. Western-swing fiddling accents a bopping little tequila drinking song. Smiles of authentic country music.

JOE SCHMIDT/Audience Of One
Writers: Schmidt/Sherry Schmidt/Tim Daley/Bruce Burch; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; JS
– I remain a huge fan of this vocalist. As always, he delivers in a deep, throaty and powerful baritone that’s capable of great range and emotion. The song is an inspirational tempo tune about making the most of your time on earth by giving back. Proceeds go to the AO1 Foundation established by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz.

TOBY KEITH/Don’t Let The Old Man In
Writers: Toby Keith; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; TK
– Stunning. It’s an acoustic ballad about facing old age gracefully, and it will hit you smack in the middle of your heart. Exquisitely written and performed, this is an illustration of country-music greatness drawn by a master of the genre.

YouTube video

CHRIS LANE/I Don’t Know About You
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Big Loud
– It’s a sexy come-on with a hip-hop vibe. His brushed-velvet vocal nicely camouflages the fact that the song barely has a melody.

THE LACS/Kickin’ Up Mud
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Average Joes
-Country-rap trash.

SEAFORTH/Talk To Me
Writers: Tom Jordan/Mitch Thompson; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: none listed; RCA (download)
– This is an Aussie country duo with a sweet, catchy, romantic, highly repetitive tune. RCA’s answer to Dan + Shay?

YouTube video
E

 

ERIC & LINDSEY HEATHERLY/Somethin’ Stupid
Writers: none listed; Producer: Eric Heatherly; Publishers: none listed; NashVegas
– These two are celebrating their recent marriage with a lovely, lush, lilting remake of the Frank & Nancy Sinatra duet hit of 1967. Fittingly, they released it on Dec. 12, which was Frank’s birthday. Highly recommended.

LEWIS BRICE/Blessed
Writers: none listed; Producers: Lewis Brice and Lee Brice; Publishers: none listed; Pump House
– Ya got family, faith, health and love. Ya got it all.

LEVI HUMMON/I Still Do
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Iconic
– Tuneful heartache pop. Very engaging and listenable.

Travis Denning Announces Heartbeat Of A Small Town Tour

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Travis Denning will launch his 2019 “Heartbeat Of A Small Town Tour” in February. The rising country artist kicks off the headlining tour in Rome, Georgia, on Feb. 1 and will visit Charlotte, Birmingham, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, and more through March 30.

“2018 was an unbelievable year that showed me just how many amazing country music fans are out there,” says Denning. “Seeing them singing along to ‘David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs’ was surreal, so I can’t think of a better way to kick off 2019 than to go right back and see them all again.”

Tickets to the new shows go on sale beginning tomorrow (Dec. 14) at travisdenning.com.

Spurred by his debut single “David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs,” Denning has recently been named an Artist To Watch by Rolling Stone, HITS Daily Double, NY Country Swag, Pandora, Taste of Country and more. He was also just selected as a CMA Kixstart Artist Scholarship recipient and will receive unique opportunities to participate in CMA-related events as well as connect with industry professionals as part of the inaugural program. Additionally, Denning was tapped to be part of Opry NextStage alongside Riley Green, Tegan Marie, and Tenille Townes, and the collaboration will include live performances, strategic marketing support and short-form documentary style storytelling created by Opry Entertainment’s content team.

ACM Lifting Lives Announces New Executive Director Lyndsay Cruz

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Photo: lyndsaycruz.com

The ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors and its Search Committee has announced Lyndsay Cruz will join the organization beginning Jan. 2, 2019. This position is based out of the Academy of Country Music (ACM) headquarters in Encino, California and reports to ACM Lifting Lives President and Academy of Country Music CEO, Pete Fisher.

“Lyndsay has well-established relationships with top creative professionals and firms across the entertainment sector and more than a decade of fundraising and event experience. We are excited to welcome her to ACM Lifting Lives and look forward to supporting her success in all our endeavors,” said Paul Barnabee, Vice Chairman of ACM Lifting Lives.

“ACM Lifting Lives has a wonderful history of making a difference, because of the amazing contributions of the country music community,” said Cruz. “I am honored and excited to contribute to the next chapter of the organization’s future.”

Cruz, a seasoned professional experienced in engaging celebrities in charitable affairs, began her career as a political appointee under George W. Bush’s White House where she worked as an Advance Representative for the Secretary of Education, Secretary of Treasury and the Vice President. She then went on to the international non-profit Oxfam America, where she created and managed their first-ever public figures ambassador program for 13 years. She left Oxfam to independently consult for a number of non-profit organizations, including two of the most successful fundraisers in New Orleans’ history, including leading the talent team of Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Galas in 2012 and 2014, and other major events and fundraising efforts for The Malala Fund, Emily’s List, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Girl Rising, The World Bank, Harlem Village Academies and many others.

She brings expertise from a range of fields, specifically talent outreach and recruitment, media and public relations, and logistics management to the newly created role of ACM Lifting Lives Executive Director. Cruz will lead and collaborate with stakeholders to further the mission of improving lives through the power of music, and execute ACM Lifting Lives 501(c)(3) California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation, as well as organizational relationships, to meet qualifying needs.

Beginning Jan. 2, 2019, Cruz can be reached at lyndsay@acmcountry.com.

Drake White And The Big Fire To Release Four-Song Live EP

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Drake White and the Big Fire will digitally release a four-song live EP on Friday (Dec. 14). The EP will contain three previously-unreleased tracks.

“We love playing live because we get to connect – it’s all about the people in the room. The audience is like another instrument,” White says. “The crowd noise is as much a part of the song as the song itself. Spontaneity and imperfection are two ingredients in the gumbo that give it that spice, that fire.”

Drake White And The Big Fire Live track list:

“Raised Right”
“All Would Be Right with the World”
“The Coast Is Clear”
“It Feels Good”

Alan Jackson To Hit The Road With Randy Houser, William Michael Morgan In 2019

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Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson will return to the road in 2019, beginning Jan. 25 with a show at Louisville, Kentucky’s KFC Yum! Center. He will bring along William Michael Morgan and Randy Houser for select dates.

In addition to Morgan and Houser, many of Jackson’s shows will include a brief performance by aspiring singer-songwriters who’ve played AJ’s Good Time Bar, his self-owned honky-tonk in Nashville. Jackson has a long history of giving new and rising stars their first chances to perform in front of arena-size crowds – artists who’ve been on one of their “first big tours” with Jackson include Brad Paisley, LeAnn Rimes, Sara Evans, Chris Young and, more recently, Jon Pardi and Lauren Alaina.

Tickets and information for all Alan Jackson 2019 Tour dates are available at alanjackson.com.

ALAN JACKSON’S 2019 TOUR

(Dates Already On Sale, Unless Otherwise Noted)

Jan. 25: Louisville, KY (KFC Yum! Center) with William Michael Morgan
Jan. 26: Greenville, SC (Bon Secours Wellness Arena) with William Michael Morgan
Feb. 22: Madison, WI (Alliant Energy Center) with William Michael Morgan
Feb. 23: Grand Rapids, MI (Van Andel Arena) ** with William Michael Morgan
March 10: Bossier City, LA (CenturyLink Center) ** with William Michael Morgan
April 12: Oklahoma City, OK (Chesapeake Energy Arena) ++ with William Michael Morgan
April 13: Omaha, NE (CHI Health Center) with Randy Houser
April 26: Fort Wayne, IN (War Memorial Coliseum) ** with William Michael Morgan
May 10: Columbus, OH (Schottenstein Center) ** with William Michael Morgan
May 17: Winston-Salem, NC (Veterans Mem. Coliseum) ++ with William Michael Morgan
May 18: Hershey, PA (Giant Center) ++ with William Michael Morgan
Aug. 9: Rogers, AR (Walmart AMP) with William Michael Morgan
Aug. 10: Wichita, KS (Intrust Bank Arena) ++ with William Michael Morgan
Aug. 23: N. Charleston, SC (N. Charleston Coliseum) with Randy Houser
Aug. 24: Charlotte, NC (Spectrum Center) with Randy Houser
Sept. 20: Orlando, FL (Amway Arena) ++ with William Michael Morgan
Sept. 21: Jacksonville, FL (Veterans Memorial Coliseum) ++ with William Michael Morgan

** Tickets on sale Friday, December 14
++ On sale date TBD

Apple Music Content Creation Office Set For Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston

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Apple Music has signed a lease at the May Hosiery complex in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston area, the Nashville Business Journal reports. The streaming service plans to open a content creation office in the two-story building at 431 Chestnut Street. The building will house nearly 25,000 square-feet of office space, as well as an outdoor event space.

At press time, Apple Music representatives could not be reached for comment.

In April, it was announced that Apple exec Jay Liepis would move to Nashville to lead a team dedicated to focusing on and building Apple’s country music audience, but also cater to Nashville’s diverse music scene.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Apple Music’s A-List Country ranks as the third most-popular playlist, with a 151 percent year over year growth. Apple Music’s Modern Country radio playlist grew 70 percent last year while the country music category on Apple Music in the US is up 66 percent.

Taylor Swift Teases New ‘Reputation Stadium Tour’ Netflix Film

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Taylor Swift Reputation Stadium Tour, a new movie featuring highlights from Swift’s latest monster tour, is coming to Netflix before year’s end. The mega-star announced the upcoming film will arrive on Netflix before the year is up on social media, and shared a trailer of footage from the upcoming concert film.

Taylor Swift reputation Stadium Tour will premiere on the streaming platform on New Year’s Eve at 12:00 a.m. PT on Dec. 31. According to Netflix the film includes footage from the U.S. tour dates with guest appearances by Charli XCX and Camila Cabello.

Reputation, which kicked off in May, broke U.S. records for the highest-grossing domestic tour, having grossed $266.1 million and selling 2,068,399 tickets according to Billboard.

“Thanks so much for all the birthday wishes!” Swift tweeted. “Today I finally get to show you something we’ve been working on for a while… the trailer for the Reputation Stadium Tour!”