Bobby Bones and Amy Brown
This Labor Day weekend, Bobby Bones and iHeartMedia will launch ‘Women of iHeartCountry,’ an hour-long, weekend program devoted exclusively to female artists. Executive produced and hosted by Bones, along with co-host Amy Brown, the show will feature music from both established female artists and promising up-and-comers, with weekly guest appearances by other iHeartMedia female on-air personalities. Listeners can tune-in to the show on 125 iHeartCountry stations nation-wide beginning Saturday (check local listings), as well as on the iHeartRadio app.
“This weekend show is another example of iHeartCountry stations and program directors providing platforms that support female artists and voices,” said Rod Phillips, SVP of Programming, iHeartCountry. “’Women of iHeartCountry’ is an extension of efforts like our ‘On The Verge’ program where we have shined a spotlight on artists such as Cam, Carly Pearce, Maren Morris and Lauren Alaina as future stars in the country format.”
“Like the trailblazer and best kind of rule breaker he is, Bones is taking a conversation and concern that we’ve all been having for years about needing more female voices and perspectives and heart on the radio, and making a change to fix it,” said Kelsea Ballerini. “One of the things I admire most about Bobby is the way he champions artists he believes in…male, female, duo, or group…and this is another bold way of him being a cheerleader and voice for the artists he fights for.”
“Bobby has changed our format for the better in so many ways,” added Lauren Alaina. “He has been a champion for so many people who really need someone in their corner. I am so thankful to be one of those people. I am so excited for his ‘Women of iHeartCountry’ show. There are so many amazingly talented women in our format that are going to be able to shine their light a little brighter because he believes in them. I am so proud to be a part of his new show, and I’m even more proud to be his friend. He’s a really special guy.”
“Bobby Bones is a superhero for launching a dedicated station featuring all women,” shared Deana Carter. “Wow!! What an amazing testimony and gesture of respect and chivalry. So, by definition…Bobby, you are a gallant warrior and gentleman.”
“Bobby has always been such a huge supporter of my music and of female artists on country radio,” premiere week special guest Danielle Bradbery noted. “He was one of the first people to play my new single ‘Goodbye Summer.’ Creating this incredible platform for female voices really speaks to his character. I’m so grateful that champions like Bobby and this iHeartMedia show exist.”
“Bobby is such an influential and so generously kind voice from Nashville,” Rachel Wammack continued. “I didn’t have to be in this town long to recognize that. I’m truly blessed to have his support as an artist, and I can’t wait to kick it with him throughout my career.”
“I’ve always really appreciated the support Bobby has shown me and other female artists,” Lee Ann Womack added. “I’m happy to see him continuing that with young, up-and-coming talent as well.”
19th Annual NSAI Song Contest Kicks Off Aug. 31
/by Lorie HollabaughWith two categories, Song and Lyric-Only, the contest provides an opportunity for songwriters of all genres to have their songs judged by a music industry panel for a chance at winning one of the 23 prizes. Entries will be accepted online or by mail through Oct. 31, 2018 at 12 p.m. CDST.
Beginning Aug. 31, entries can be submitted online at nsai.cmt.com or they can be mailed to the NSAI office (NSAI–ATTN: Song Contest, 1710 Roy Acuff Place, Nashville, TN 37203). All mailed entries must include the submission form, entry fee, printed lyric sheet, and one audio CD (unless a Lyric-Only entry). Entry fees are $35 per song for current NSAI members and $45 per song for non-NSAI members. There is no limit to the number of songs that songwriters can submit, and all submissions must be post-marked by 12 p.m. CT on Oct. 31, 2018.
The Grand Prize Winner will receive $5,000 Cash, a mentoring session with hit songwriter Craig Wiseman, a Martin Guitar, a one-year single song contract with ole, and many additional prizes, including: two tickets to the 2019 CMT Music Awards show, a three-day trip to Nashville including two nights of hotel accommodations and round trip flight, a live performance opportunity at the 2019 Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival and a performance slot at The Bluebird Cafe in 2019, a NSAI residency package including a one-year membership, access to one NSAI premium event, winning song inclusion in one of the quarterly Pitch to Publisher meetings, and more.
Ten grand prize runners-up will also each receive a prize pack including a Martin Dreadnought Junior Acoustic Electric guitar, Martin Acoustic Strings, and more. The Lyric-Only winner will receive a mentoring session with hit songwriter Lori McKenna, a Martin Sustainable Wood OME cherry Acoustic Electric guitar, access to one NSAI premium event, a pass to the 2019 Music Biz Conference in Nashville, and additional prizes.
On The Row: Haley & Michaels Preview New Music
/by LB CantrellHaley & Michaels
Country duo Haley & Michaels visited the MusicRow office on Wednesday (Aug. 29) to show off their impressive harmonies and preview new music.
The Californians met in Nashville after their mutual guitar player from their solo projects connected the two. Over coffee at Frothy Monkey, they immediately bonded over their love of country music and realized they had actually grown up three miles from each other in northern California. Not long after meeting, Shannon Haley and Ryan Michaels formed Haley & Michaels.
Haley & Michaels inked a deal just last year with Sony/ATV and its New York-based label imprint Hickory Records, which later partnered with Reviver Records in Nashville. The duo is now gearing up to release their first single to country radio, “Taking Off.”
“We started writing and singing with each other right away and eventually got married,” Haley explains of the single. “We got to chance to write this song with our friends Zach Abend and Corey Crowder, and were talking about the beginnings in our relationship and our career. Everything felt like it was just exploding all at one time. We were going on to new chapters all at once– since we both worked together and were starting a new relationship.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Eric Parker, Haley Crow, Alex Kobrick, Reviver’s Bob Reeves, Ryan Michaels, Shannon Haley, MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Jessica Nicholson, and LB Rogers
Another song the pair played, “High Note,” was inspired by a phone conversation between the two while Michaels was leaving Desert Trip, a California music festival featuring Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, and more. “I’m leaving on a high note,” Michaels told Haley over the phone, which lead to her reply, “That’s great about the concert but we have to write that!” The track was produced by Zach Abend and Phil Barton and has already seen over a million streams on Spotify.
Haley & Michaels also previewed a song inspired by their mutual love of football, “Hail Mary.” The pair hope to have it out at least by opening day of the upcoming season.
The visit was a full circle moment for the duo. “My dad was a pedal steel player so he was going to Bakersfield and doing all that in California, and my first MusicRow Magazine came from my dad,” Michaels says, “so I’ve actually been reading MusicRow for a long time. It’s cool to be here and meet all you guys.”
Luke Bryan Announces Performers For Tenth Annual Farm Tour
/by Haley CrowPictured (clockwise from top left): Chase Rice, Jon Langston, DJ Rock, Peach Pickers
Luke Bryan is celebrating a decade of saluting the American farmer as he takes his tenth annual Farm Tour 2018 to six cities this Fall setting up stages in the fields of local farms from Ohio to Florida. Joining Bryan as guests this year are Chase Rice, Jon Langston, the Peach Pickers and DJ Rock.
Over 100,000 fans have attended the tour each year since its inception in 2009. Bryan will continue giving back to the farmers by awarding college scholarships to students from farming families who are attending the local college or university near the tour stops. To date, more than 50 scholarships have been granted.
Tickets for the “Bayer Presents Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2018” are on sale now at lukebryan.com/FarmTour, through Bryan’s official App and for Citi® cardmembers at CitiPrivatePass.com. Listen to Bryan’s Farm Tour playlist HERE
Industry Ink: Smith & Wesley, Copperline Music Group, BMI, NCS
/by Jessica NicholsonSmith & Wesley Sign With Artist Events Nashville
Country duo Smith & Wesley has inked a deal for booking representation with Artist Events Nashville. Smith & Wesley recently announced a national distribution deal with BFD via Orchard to handle all aspects of their current and future releases. As they ready their For Better or For Worse album, their “Hook Line & Sinker” single just cracked the Top 25.
Copperline Music Group Adds Marketing Manager
Copperline Music Group (CMG) continues to grow its team, adding Stephanie Onder as the company’s new Marketing Manager. In this role, Onder will actively manage the digital and promotional campaigns surrounding the label’s artist roster, working day-to-day with Craig Wayne Boyd, Jason Morton and The Chesapeake Sons, Ciera MacKenzie, and James Patrick Morgan.
BMI, Ohio Craft Brewers Association Team For BMI Nashville Songwriters Tour
BMI songwriters Will Bowen and Jason White perform at Grove City Brewing in Grove City, Ohio.
This August, Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) proudly partnered with the Ohio Craft Brewers Association for the BMI Nashville Songwriters Tour that brought six Nashville songwriters to breweries in 11 cities and towns across the Buckeye state. The purpose of the tour was to give back to the many breweries in Ohio that support BMI songwriters through the licensing fees they pay, to shine a light on the craft of songwriting and to show the power of live music in driving business. The participating BMI songwriters included Hugh Mitchell, Jason White, Even Stevens, Aaron Barker, Will Bowen and Earl Bud Lee, who collectively have written No. 1 songs for country superstars including Garth Brooks, Eddie Rabbitt, Kenny Rogers, George Strait, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton and Lonestar.
BMI songwriters Earl Bud Lee and Aaron Barker perform at Railroad Brewing in Avon, Ohio.
NCS To Hold NCS Weekend Intensive For Aspiring Songwriters And Artists
Pictured (L-R): John Chisum (NCS Founder and Managing Partner), John Mays (Centricity Music Director of A&R), and Robert Till (NCS Partner), pictured here at the Summer 2018 NCS Weekend Intensive. (NCS photo)
Nashville Christian Songwriters (NCS), a coaching and resource company, will hold its NCS Weekend Intensive, on Sept. 27-29 in Franklin, Tennessee. The three-day event aims to serve singer-songwriters, aspiring Christian music artists, and songwriters at any stage of their careers. The event will include coaching and speaking from John Chisum (NCS managing partner and formerly Director of Song Development for Integrity), Tom Jackson (producer for Lecrae, Casting Crowns, and more), John Mays (Director, A&R, for Centricity Music), Mike Harland (Director of Lifeway Worship, publisher and writer), and CCM artist Cindy Morgan.
‘Women Of iHeartCountry’ Radio Show Launching Labor Day Weekend
/by Jessica NicholsonBobby Bones and Amy Brown
This Labor Day weekend, Bobby Bones and iHeartMedia will launch ‘Women of iHeartCountry,’ an hour-long, weekend program devoted exclusively to female artists. Executive produced and hosted by Bones, along with co-host Amy Brown, the show will feature music from both established female artists and promising up-and-comers, with weekly guest appearances by other iHeartMedia female on-air personalities. Listeners can tune-in to the show on 125 iHeartCountry stations nation-wide beginning Saturday (check local listings), as well as on the iHeartRadio app.
“This weekend show is another example of iHeartCountry stations and program directors providing platforms that support female artists and voices,” said Rod Phillips, SVP of Programming, iHeartCountry. “’Women of iHeartCountry’ is an extension of efforts like our ‘On The Verge’ program where we have shined a spotlight on artists such as Cam, Carly Pearce, Maren Morris and Lauren Alaina as future stars in the country format.”
“Like the trailblazer and best kind of rule breaker he is, Bones is taking a conversation and concern that we’ve all been having for years about needing more female voices and perspectives and heart on the radio, and making a change to fix it,” said Kelsea Ballerini. “One of the things I admire most about Bobby is the way he champions artists he believes in…male, female, duo, or group…and this is another bold way of him being a cheerleader and voice for the artists he fights for.”
“Bobby has changed our format for the better in so many ways,” added Lauren Alaina. “He has been a champion for so many people who really need someone in their corner. I am so thankful to be one of those people. I am so excited for his ‘Women of iHeartCountry’ show. There are so many amazingly talented women in our format that are going to be able to shine their light a little brighter because he believes in them. I am so proud to be a part of his new show, and I’m even more proud to be his friend. He’s a really special guy.”
“Bobby Bones is a superhero for launching a dedicated station featuring all women,” shared Deana Carter. “Wow!! What an amazing testimony and gesture of respect and chivalry. So, by definition…Bobby, you are a gallant warrior and gentleman.”
“Bobby has always been such a huge supporter of my music and of female artists on country radio,” premiere week special guest Danielle Bradbery noted. “He was one of the first people to play my new single ‘Goodbye Summer.’ Creating this incredible platform for female voices really speaks to his character. I’m so grateful that champions like Bobby and this iHeartMedia show exist.”
“Bobby is such an influential and so generously kind voice from Nashville,” Rachel Wammack continued. “I didn’t have to be in this town long to recognize that. I’m truly blessed to have his support as an artist, and I can’t wait to kick it with him throughout my career.”
“I’ve always really appreciated the support Bobby has shown me and other female artists,” Lee Ann Womack added. “I’m happy to see him continuing that with young, up-and-coming talent as well.”
Darius Rucker, Jewel, Kip Moore Added To Nashville Songwriters Awards Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe inaugural Nashville Songwriter Awards has added Kip Moore, Darius Rucker, and Jewel to the lineup of artists performing during the evening dedicated to songwriters.
Previously announced artists performing include Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, Jamey Johnson, Old Dominion, Brothers Osborne, Scotty McCreery, Bill Anderson, Chris Janson, LANCO, and Brantley Gilbert.
The Nashville Songwriter Awards will take place on Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ryman Auditorium. Tickets are available for purchase at ryman.com.
Pilgrimage Music Festival Reveals Full Performance Schedule
/by Jessica NicholsonThe countdown is on for the fourth annual Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, set for Sept. 22-23 in Franklin, Tennessee. The festival has released the complete performance schedule with set times. The two-day festival will feature performances from Jack White, Chris Stapleton, Lionel Richie, Dave Matthews Band & Tim Reynolds, Brandi Carlile, and more.
Artists will perform on six stages this year, including Fender Premium Audio Midnight Sun, Gold Record Road, Solo Cup Harpeth River, ASCAP Shady Grove, Millville Stage, and Vanderbilt Health Lil’ Pilgrims. A new festival app will be available soon on both iPhone and Android, allowing festival goers to keep up with the latest info on all their favorite artists, set times, customized schedules, and time-sensitive notifications.
Various ticket packages are available, including a two-Day Pilgrimage pass ($210), two-Day VIP Village pass ($975), or a single-day pass ($125.) Children 10 and under get in free when accompanied by an adult Pilgrimage Pass.
In Pictures: Keith Urban, Bluebird Songwriter Series, CB30
/by Lorie HollabaughKeith Urban And Blair Garner Celebrate “Coming Home”
Keith Urban was interviewed by Blair Garner, Host of “The Blair Garner Show,” for an audience of 20 radio winners flown in to Cumulus Media’s NASH Campus in Nashville from the top 50 Cumulus markets to celebrate Urban’s latest single, “Coming Home,” going to No. 1.
Bluebird Cafe Songwriter Series On Opry City Stage
Pictured (L-R): David Hodges, Liz Rose, Rob Carswell, and Tom Douglas. Photo: Mairéad Duffy
The Bluebird Cafe Songwriter Series had its biggest night yet when hitmakers David Hodges, Liz Rose, and Tom Douglas performed at Times Square’s Opry City Stage on Friday, Aug. 24. All three songwriters shared stories behind the hit songs they have penned for artists like Taylor Swift, Little Big Town, Keith Urban, Evanescence, Christina Perri, and Kelly Clarkson.
CB30 Guests On Luke Bryan’s Busch Stadium Show
Pictured (L-R): Morgan Wallen, Jon Pardi, Sam Hunt, Luke Bryan, CB30’s Christian Clementi, CB30’s Brody Clementi, and DJ Rock. Photo: Ethan Helms
CB30 made a guest appearance opening for Luke Bryan on his What Makes You Country Tour – XL Stadium Sized this past Saturday at St. Louis’ Busch Stadium. Performing two original songs after Jon Pardi’s opening set, the brothers received resounding applause for their performance, which marks the second time they have joined Bryan on his current stadium tour, as they also played at Mile High Stadium in Denver earlier this month.
Michelle Wright To Release New Music Aug. 31
/by Jessica NicholsonMichelle Wright will release two new tracks, including the gospel-influenced “Lovin’ This Day” and “Attitude Is Everything,” on Aug. 31 across all digital platforms. These tracks mark Wright’s first new recordings since 2013’s Strong. In 2014, the singer-songwriter took a break from recording to focus on songwriting and performing.
“My music is always an extension of me,” says Wright, “Each new song is a chance to push a little harder, and dig a little deeper.”
For the new tracks, Wright enlisted the help of producer, fellow Canadian and long-time friend Bob Funk to begin the process of sorting through the mountain of songs she had written, co-written and received from other writers. Together, Wright and Funk also delved into the catalogs of another long-time friend Daryl Burgess and his cowriters Joanna Cotten and Angie Russell.
Wright will continue to write, record and release songs on the Navigator Records imprint, but by releasing the two tracks in single form Wright and her team are reaching out directly to music fans.
“Out on the concert trail, we see the changing way that people are consuming music. I will always make CDs, but technology allows us to put new songs in our show right along with the hits and make them immediately available to those that are moved by the music.”
In the early 1990s, Wright broke through on US country radio with the Top 10 hit “Take It Like A Man.” She has earned numerous No. 1 hits on Canadian country radio with hits including “One Time Around,” “Nobody’s Girl,” “One Good Man,” and more.
Garth Brooks Delivers Encore Performance Following Grand Ole Opry Show
/by Jessica NicholsonGarth Brooks. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Garth Brooks performed during two sold-out shows at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night, delivering what Opry staff members believe to be the first-ever encore performance after the Opry House’s big red curtain had been lowered to end a show.
A few minutes after the night’s second show had concluded, the sellout 4,400-plus fans in attendance were still in the auditorium chanting for more from show-closer Brooks. Hearing the roar of the crowd from backstage, Brooks and band obliged. The show went back on the air, and the curtain went back up for several more Brooks favorites, including the encore lead-off, “That Summer.”
Following several other favorites including a cover of George Strait’s “The Fireman,” the Opry member and reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year ended his two-show Opry night with the classic “The Dance” before shouting, “Thank you guys for one of the coolest freaking nights of my life!”
Garth Brooks. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry