Balsam Range
Balsam Range was among the big winners at the 29th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, taking home the coveted Entertainer of the Year Award during the festivities at the Duke Energy Performing Arts Center in Raleigh, North Carolina on Sept. 27. This marks the second win for the North Carolina-based group, who won the award previously in 2014.
Other winners taking home trophies throughout the evening included Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Po’ Ramblin Boys, Sierra Hull, and the Travelin’ McCourys. A full list of winners is included below. The Awards were voted on by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).
“Congratulations to this year’s awards recipients and all of the nominees,” said Paul Schiminger, Executive Director of IBMA. “Being recognized by your professional peers with the highest honors in bluegrass music is quite an achievement, considering the number of incredible artists and recordings in our music today. This is a moment for everyone in the bluegrass community to feel proud and celebrate the many accomplishments of the past year. It is no wonder the appreciation of bluegrass is growing every day.”
The 2018 International Bluegrass Music Awards recipients:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Balsam Range
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (this is the band’s 8th win in this category, with the last win in 2007)
INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
The Travelin’ McCourys (the band’s first award, although members of the band have won many awards individually)
SONG OF THE YEAR:
“If I’d Have Wrote That Song”– Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers (artist), Larry Cordle/Larry Shell/James Silvers (writers) (the band’s first award in this category)
ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Rivers & Roads– Special Consensus (artist), Alison Brown (producer), Compass Records (label) (the band’s first win in this category)
GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF A YEAR:
“Speakin’ to That Mountain”– Becky Buller (artist), Becky Buller/Jeff Hyde (writers), Crepe Paper Heart(album), Stephen Mougin (producer), Dark Shadow Recording (label)
INSTRUMENTAL RECORDED PERFORMANCE:
“Squirrel Hunters”– Special Consensus with John Hartford, Rachel Baiman, Christian Sedelmyer, and Alison Brown (artist), Traditional arranged by Alison Brown/Special Consensus (writers), Rivers & Roads(album), Alison Brown (producer), Compass Records (label)
EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR:
“Swept Away”– Missy Raines with Alison Brown, Becky Buller, Sierra Hull, and Molly Tuttle (artists), single release, Alison Brown (producer), Compass Records (label)
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Brooke Aldridge (her second win in this category, previously in 2017)
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Buddy Melton (his second win in this category, previously in 2014)
BANJO PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Ned Luberecki (his first win in this category)
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Tim Surrett (his second win in this category, previously in 2015)
DOBRO PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Justin Moses (his first win in this category)
FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Michael Cleveland (his 11thwin in this category, previously in 2015)
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Molly Tuttle (her second win in this category, previously in 2017)
MANDOLIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Sierra Hull (her third win in this category, previously 2016 and 2017)
Previously announced inductees into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame– Ricky Skaggs, Paul Williams, Tom T. and Dixie Hall– were honored at the show.
At the Special Awards Luncheon held earlier in the day, the recipients of the following awards were also announced:
BLUEGRASS BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR:
Steve Martin (Northern Kentucky-based host of “Steve Martin’s Unreal Bluegrass”)
BLUEGRASS EVENT OF THE YEAR:
Bluegrass on the Green– Frankfort, IL
BEST LINER NOTES FOR A RECORDED PROJECT (tie):
Craig Havighurst – The Story We Tell by Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
Peter Wernick – Carter Stanley’s Eyes by Peter Rowan
BEST GRAPHIC DESIGN FOR A RECORDED PROJECT:
Lou Everhart – A Heart Never Knows by The Price Sisters
BLUEGRASS PRINT/MEDIA PERSON OF THE YEAR:
Neil Rosenberg
BLUEGRASS SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
Jerry Salley
SOUND ENGINEER OF THE YEAR (first year presented):
Ben Surratt
The previously announced 2018 Distinguished Achievement Award recipients – George Gruhn, Christopher Howard-Williams, Curtis McPeake, Walter Saunders and Chris Thile– were also honored during a luncheon.
Balsam Range Named Entertainer of the Year At 29th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughBalsam Range
Balsam Range was among the big winners at the 29th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, taking home the coveted Entertainer of the Year Award during the festivities at the Duke Energy Performing Arts Center in Raleigh, North Carolina on Sept. 27. This marks the second win for the North Carolina-based group, who won the award previously in 2014.
Other winners taking home trophies throughout the evening included Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Po’ Ramblin Boys, Sierra Hull, and the Travelin’ McCourys. A full list of winners is included below. The Awards were voted on by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).
“Congratulations to this year’s awards recipients and all of the nominees,” said Paul Schiminger, Executive Director of IBMA. “Being recognized by your professional peers with the highest honors in bluegrass music is quite an achievement, considering the number of incredible artists and recordings in our music today. This is a moment for everyone in the bluegrass community to feel proud and celebrate the many accomplishments of the past year. It is no wonder the appreciation of bluegrass is growing every day.”
The 2018 International Bluegrass Music Awards recipients:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Balsam Range
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (this is the band’s 8th win in this category, with the last win in 2007)
INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
The Travelin’ McCourys (the band’s first award, although members of the band have won many awards individually)
SONG OF THE YEAR:
“If I’d Have Wrote That Song”– Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers (artist), Larry Cordle/Larry Shell/James Silvers (writers) (the band’s first award in this category)
ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Rivers & Roads– Special Consensus (artist), Alison Brown (producer), Compass Records (label) (the band’s first win in this category)
GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF A YEAR:
“Speakin’ to That Mountain”– Becky Buller (artist), Becky Buller/Jeff Hyde (writers), Crepe Paper Heart(album), Stephen Mougin (producer), Dark Shadow Recording (label)
INSTRUMENTAL RECORDED PERFORMANCE:
“Squirrel Hunters”– Special Consensus with John Hartford, Rachel Baiman, Christian Sedelmyer, and Alison Brown (artist), Traditional arranged by Alison Brown/Special Consensus (writers), Rivers & Roads(album), Alison Brown (producer), Compass Records (label)
EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR:
“Swept Away”– Missy Raines with Alison Brown, Becky Buller, Sierra Hull, and Molly Tuttle (artists), single release, Alison Brown (producer), Compass Records (label)
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Brooke Aldridge (her second win in this category, previously in 2017)
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Buddy Melton (his second win in this category, previously in 2014)
BANJO PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Ned Luberecki (his first win in this category)
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Tim Surrett (his second win in this category, previously in 2015)
DOBRO PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Justin Moses (his first win in this category)
FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Michael Cleveland (his 11thwin in this category, previously in 2015)
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Molly Tuttle (her second win in this category, previously in 2017)
MANDOLIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Sierra Hull (her third win in this category, previously 2016 and 2017)
Previously announced inductees into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame– Ricky Skaggs, Paul Williams, Tom T. and Dixie Hall– were honored at the show.
At the Special Awards Luncheon held earlier in the day, the recipients of the following awards were also announced:
BLUEGRASS BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR:
Steve Martin (Northern Kentucky-based host of “Steve Martin’s Unreal Bluegrass”)
BLUEGRASS EVENT OF THE YEAR:
Bluegrass on the Green– Frankfort, IL
BEST LINER NOTES FOR A RECORDED PROJECT (tie):
Craig Havighurst – The Story We Tell by Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
Peter Wernick – Carter Stanley’s Eyes by Peter Rowan
BEST GRAPHIC DESIGN FOR A RECORDED PROJECT:
Lou Everhart – A Heart Never Knows by The Price Sisters
BLUEGRASS PRINT/MEDIA PERSON OF THE YEAR:
Neil Rosenberg
BLUEGRASS SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
Jerry Salley
SOUND ENGINEER OF THE YEAR (first year presented):
Ben Surratt
The previously announced 2018 Distinguished Achievement Award recipients – George Gruhn, Christopher Howard-Williams, Curtis McPeake, Walter Saunders and Chris Thile– were also honored during a luncheon.
Provident Label Group Promotes Brian Dishon, Dean Diehl
/by Jessica NicholsonDishon was formerly Vice President of Marketing for the label. As Senior Vice President, he will oversee marketing, promotions, digital, creative, and label operations for Essential Records and Reunion Records. Dishon began his label career in Radio Promotion at Sparrow Records in 1997. In 2007, he transitioned to Vice President of Promotion at Provident Label Group, and two years later moved over to be Vice President of Marketing.
“Brian’s promotion is a reflection of his hard work and dedication as well as his leadership and experience,” Terry Hemmings, CEO/President, Provident Label Group states. “He is an excellent team builder and we are pleased to have him continue as part of our management team in this new position.”
Diehl was formerly the Senior Vice President of Marketing for Provident Label Group. As Senior Vice President for Strategy and New Business Diehl will work closely with all divisions within Provident Music including Provident Label Group, RCA Inspirational, Provident Films, Essential Worship, and Essential Artist Services in developing strategic plans for the future as well as innovating around new business opportunities.
Dishon shares, “I’m grateful to Terry Hemmings and Dean Diehl for this opportunity at Provident. I love the Christian music business and the hope that artists sing about to encourage people in their faith. I cherish the team of people I get to work with and I look forward to guiding Provident Label Group into what the music business of tomorrow will be.”
Provident Music Group, a division of Sony Music, whose labels include Provident Label Group, RCA Inspiration, Essential Worship and Essential Music Publishing, is home to an artist roster including Casting Crowns, Zach Williams, Third Day, Kirk Franklin, Travis Greene, Matt Maher, Tenth Avenue North, Marvin Sapp, and more.
LANCO Extends Hallelujah Nights Tour Into 2019
/by Lorie HollabaughLANCO has added additional dates to its Hallelujah Nights Tour, with the 2019 leg kicking off on Jan. 9 at Joe’s in Chicago. The 26-city run in 2019 will take LANCO to the Midwest and Canada, visiting Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Calgary, and more.
On Oct. 2 the first tickets to select cities will be available to the “FANCO” fan club before tickets go on sale to the public Oct. 5 beginning at 10 a.m. local time on LANCO’s website.
“It’s been a long time coming for us with this new live show and after hearing how many fans asked us to come to their city there was no way we couldn’t add some more dates,” said Lancaster. “These past few years on the road have solidified who we are and we’re looking forward to sharing this chapter with our fans. We can’t wait to roll that energy over into 2019 and bring to life our album Hallelujah Nights on stage.”
The group’s multi-week No. 1 hit “Greatest Love Story,” just went double-platinum, while the track’s sole writer/lead singer Lancaster became the first member of a group to ever win NSAI’s Songwriter/Artist of the Year.
HALLELUJAH NIGHTS TOUR DATES:
Jan. 9: Chicago, Ill. – Joe’s on Weed St
Jan. 10: Milwaukee, Wis. – The Rave
Jan. 11: Rosemont, Ill. – Joe’s Live
Jan. 12: Minneapolis, Minn. – Varisty Theater
Jan. 16: Salt Lake City, Utah – The Depot
Jan. 17: Boise, Idaho – Knitting Factory Concert House
Jan. 18: Seattle, Wa. – The Showbox
Jan. 19: Portland, Ore. – Wonder Ballroom
Jan. 20: Vancouver, BC- Commodore Ballroom
Jan. 22: Calgary, AB – The Palace Theatre
Jan. 23: Edmonton, AB – The Ranch Roadhouse
Weekly Chart Report (9/28/18)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Country Music Association Celebrates 60th Anniversary
/by Jessica NicholsonLee Brice performs at CMA’s 60th Anniversary Celebration at Wildhorse Saloon Wednesday, Sept. 26 in Nashville. Photo: Caitlin Harris/CMA
The Country Music Association (CMA) celebrated its 60th anniversary Wednesday evening (Sept. 26) with an invite-only industry party at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville. Throughout the night, more than 20 acts performed 60 years of country hits, backed by Joe Denim and an All-Star Band.
After welcoming remarks from CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern, Jeannie Seely kicked off the evening with a stunning performance of “Who Needs You.” Michael Ray and Craig Wayne Boyd performed back-to-back Merle Haggard classics, with Ray singing “Okie from Muskogee” and Boyd singing “The Fighting Side of Me.”
Halfway to Hazard performed Montgomery Gentry’s “My Town” in a moving tribute to Troy Gentry, while Hilary Williams, daughter of Hank Williams Jr., performed her father’s “Old Habits.” Backstage, Lee Greenwood and Larry, Steve & Rudy, The Gatlin Brothers, sang an impromptu version of Greenwood’s hit “God Bless The U.S.A.,” which the Gatlin Brothers provided background vocals for on the original 1984 recording.
Artists joined Trahern and CMA staff on stage for a birthday toast and sing-a-long rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Lee Brice closed the evening with a performance of Hank Williams Jr.’s “Family Tradition.”
Pictured: Jamie O’Neal and Julie Roberts perform at CMA’s 60th Anniversary Celebration at Wildhorse Saloon Wednesday, Sept. 26 in Nashville. Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA
RaeLynn and Michael Ray perform at CMA’s 60th Anniversary Celebration at Wildhorse Saloon Wednesday, Sept. 26 in Nashville. Photo: Caitlin Harris/CMA
Country artists and Joe Denim and the All-Star Band join CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern and CMA Senior Director of Awards and Industry Relations Brandi Simms to toast CMA’s 60th Anniversary at the Wildhorse Saloon Wednesday, Sept. 26 in Nashville. Photo: Tammie Arroyo/Shutterstock
Pictured: Steve Gatlin, WME Co Head and CMA Board President Elect Rob Beckham, The Fitzgerald Hartley Co., Partner and CMA Board Chair Bill Simmons, Larry Gatlin, Jeannie Seely, CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern, Rudy Gatlin, and Craig Wayne Boyd attend CMA’s 60th Anniversary Celebration at Wildhorse Saloon Wednesday, Sept. 26 in Nashville. Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA
The Last Bandoleros To Launch October Residency
/by Jessica NicholsonWarner Bros./Warner Music Nashville band The Last Bandoleros will launch a Nashville residency at Layman Drug Company every Tuesday of October. Along with an offer of free tacos and beer, “Taco Tuesdays with The Last Bandoleros” will feature new music, special guests and more. Sponsors include Nada Tacos, Codigo Tequila and Topo Chico.
“We’ve finally all settled at home here in Nashville after being on the road for the past two years,” said guitarist/vocalist Derek James. “We thought having a free weekly residency would be a great way for some of the local community who don’t yet know us to hear our music for the first time.”
“We also wanted to bring a taste of our culture to these shows,” added bassist/vocalist Diego Navaira. “So we thought… Bandos, tacos and tequila!”
The Last Bandoleros (James, Navaira, guitarist/vocalist Jerry Fuentes and percussion/vocalist Emilio Navaira) have spent much of the past few years on the road. Music icon Sting handpicked them to join his 57th and 9th World Tour before heading out on their own headlining dates across the country and abroad.
Fans can RSVP at thelastbandoleros.com.
Keith Urban Returns For Third Year Headlining Nashville’s New Year’s Eve
/by Eric T. ParkerKeith Urban. Photo: Mark Seliger
Keith Urban will headline Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight: New Year’s Eve in Nashville for a third year in a row, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp announced today. The tenth annual event will take place at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and is free and open to the public.
Additional artists in the lineup includes Peter Frampton, genre-bending rock/pop band Judah & the Lion, critically acclaimed pop rock singer/songwriter Caitlyn Smith, contemporary soul and rock artist Devon Gilfillian and the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Sirius XM host Storme Warren and Today In Nashville personality Kelly Sutton will serve as emcees. The event will include the traditional Music Note Drop and accompanying fireworks display to ring in the New Year.
“Keith is the perfect artist to headline this signature Nashville event, and we’re excited to have him back for a third year,” said Ronnie Smith, Head of Corporate Bank, Regions Bank, and chairman of the NCVC board of directors. “Keith’s an incredible performer and an even better partner. He’s a global entertainer who takes Nashville to the world and invites his fans to experience Music City for themselves. His great music includes many different influences and will cap off a lineup of outstanding performers representing many different genres.”
Gates will open at 4 p.m. on Dec. 31.
UMG Nashville’s Royce Risser Rises To EVP, Promotion
/by Jessica NicholsonRoyce Risser
Universal Music Group Nashville has named Royce Risser Executive Vice President of Promotion for the label group, comprised of Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, Mercury Nashville and MCA Nashville.
Previously Senior Vice President of Promotion, Risser will continue to oversee promotion initiatives for UMG Nashville’s artist roster which includes Alan Jackson, Adam Hambrick, Billy Currington, Brandon Lay, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood, Caylee Hammack, CB30, Chris Stapleton, Clare Dunn, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Gary Allan, George Strait, Jon Langston, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Turner, Kacey Musgraves, Kassi Ashton, Keith Urban, Kip Moore, Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Maddie & Tae, Mickey Guyton, Sam Hunt, Shania Twain, Travis Denning, Tyminski and Vince Gill.
Mike Dungan, Chairman and CEO Universal Music Group Nashville, says, “Royce rides herd on four major label imprints, while landing all the planes, ensuring that each of the singles and the artists receive the best effort possible, and remaining focused on the big picture job that always goes farther than #1 on the charts. Yet he saves just enough energy to occasionally push people into bushes. I am proud of Royce, honored to work beside him, and happy to announce this promotion.”
Risser, a southern California native, was recruited to play football and attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree and his master’s degree. He joined MCA Records in 1991 as an intern before being hired full-time as a promotion assistant. Through the years, Risser climbed the ranks as the Director of Northeast Regional Promotion, Director of National Promotion, and Vice President of Promotion before assuming the role of SVP of Promotion for UMG Nashville in 2007. During his time at UMG, Risser has been a part of over 160 No. 1 singles to date.
Risser shares, “I am always so proud to tell people that UMG has been my only home now for 27 years. I really do still get up in the morning and can’t wait to get to the office to be around wonderful friends and unbelievable artistry. I am also so proud of what this team has accomplished and I’m looking forward to many more years of working with the best in this business. Go Team UMG!”
ACM Elects New Officers
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): ACM Secretary Tommy Moore, (incoming) ACM Vice President Lori Badgett, ACM Treasurer Carmen Romano, ACM Chairman Ben Vaughn, ACM President Duane Clark, ACM Parliamentarian Paul Moore and ACM CEO Pete Fisher
The Academy of Country Music has elected new officers for the 2018-2019 term. Newly-elected officers of the board become effective in November.
The ACM has also announced they received a total of $800,000 in contributions to the Lifting Lives program in 2018. The contributions serve Lifting Lives’ ongoing mission to improve lives through the power of music and to fund the Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund.
Chairman of the Board: Duane Clark, FBMM
President: Ed Warm, Joe’s Live
Vice-President: Lori Badgett, City National Bank
Treasurer*: Carmen Romano, FBMM
Parliamentarian: Paul Moore, PGM Connections
Sergeant-at-Arms: Tim DuBois, Artist Management Partners
Secretary: Tommy Moore, Academy of Country Music
*Treasurer elected in 2016 for a three-year term
Spotify Launches Educational Networking Series Co.Lab
/by Jessica NicholsonSpotify has launched Co.Lab, a new Spotify for Artists event series designed to connect artists and their teams with experts in various segments of the music industry, including label reps, tour experts and creative directors. The series aims to help artists build networks and to better understand the modern music industry.
Every Co.Lab event will be organized around a particular theme in the music business today. Experts will draw on their experience, offering practical advice and insider knowledge on the most meaningful topics facing artists.
Our first season of Co.Lab will take place over the coming months in New York and Los Angeles.
Topics will include Collaboration, Release Strategies, Touring, Merch, and Revenue Streams. Featured speakers include Annie Flook (Dir. Touring & Artist Development, Atlantic Records), Malia James (Video Music Director), Jenny Swiatowy (VP, Head of Creative Sync Licensing, Capitol Music Group), Jamal Dauda (Global Head of Music, WeTransfer), Jeff Ellis (Studio Engineer), Christian Coffey (Tour Director), Mitra Khayyam (Creative Director), Loric Sih (Live DJ for Kelela), Alex Gvojic (Lighting Designer), Kacie Lehman (SVP of Partnerships for MAC Presents), Morgan Rhodes (Music Supervisor), Sam Hockley-Smith (Music Editor for Vulture), Laura Escudé (Ableton-Certified Trainer and Live Show Designer), and more. Panels will be moderated by Frosty (Founder of dublab) and Mindy Abovitz-Monk (Founder of Tom Tom Magazine).
Applications are now open for the first five events. Applicants should be at least 21 years old and verified on Spotify for Artists. As each event has a limited capacity, artists with 1,000 or more Spotify followers will be given priority.