Mitch Barns. Photo: Nielsen
Two announcements today (July 26) from Nielsen revealed its Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board, Mitch Barns, will retire from 20 years with company after net income for the second quarter of 2018 was reported to have decreased 45.0 percent.
Barns will remain through the end of the year to oversee the company and James Attwood, current Chairman of the Board and Managing Director at The Carlyle Group, has been named Executive Chairman and will assume a more active role and will direct the search for new leadership.
“Mitch has left an indelible mark on Nielsen—his commitment to integrity, openness, values and engagement will continue to be the heart of this company for years to come,” commented Attwood. “I, along with the rest of the Board of Directors, thank him for his service.”
Meanwhile, the board will be conducting an in-depth strategic review of its Buy segment, led by Attwood in conjunction with Nielsen’s senior management. The Board does not have a fixed timetable for completion of the review nor has it made any decisions at this time.
“In the second quarter, we continued to move forward on our multi-year transformations across Watch, Buy, and Operations. However, our progress was not reflected in our financial results, which are disappointing and came in below our expectations, and we are lowering our outlook for 2018,” said Jamere Jackson, Chief Financial Officer of Nielsen.
Jackson continued, “We are addressing the challenges we face with the greatest sense of urgency and remain sharply focused on our key initiatives to drive value in the long term. Our cost reduction efforts are ahead of schedule and we are accelerating cost-out targets. In Buy Developed Markets, we saw increased pressure in the fast moving consumer goods end markets; however, we made great progress with the Connected System, retailer initiatives, and Total Consumer Measurement. In Emerging Markets, weakness in multinational client spending was offset by growth with local clients. In Watch, ongoing adoption of Total Audience Measurement continued to drive growth. However, the General Data Protection Regulation and changes in the consumer data privacy landscape impacted our growth rates in the near-term as clients and partners grapple with the changes and work to ensure compliance.”
Revenues were relatively flat ($1,647 million for the second quarter of 2018) up 0.2 percent compared to the second quarter of 2017. Net income per share on a diluted basis was $0.20 per share in the second quarter of 2018, compared to $0.37 per share in the second quarter of 2017.
Nielsen delivers media and marketing information, analytics and industry expertise about what consumers buy (referred to as “Buy”) and what consumers read, watch and listen to (consumer interaction across the television, radio, digital and mobile viewing and listening platforms referred to as “Watch”) on a global and local basis. Measurement and analytical services help clients maintain and strengthen their market positions and identify opportunities for profitable growth.
Nielsen’s Second Quarter Results
Revenues within the Watch segment for the second quarter of 2018 increased 4.5 percent to $858 million compared to the second quarter of 2017. Audience Measurement of Video and Text revenues increased 7.4 percent, primarily due to ongoing investments, continued client adoption of our Total Audience Measurement system, and a strong contribution from Gracenote. Audio revenues were flat for the quarter. Marketing Effectiveness revenues increased 7.2 percent, driven by consistent investment in our product portfolio and strength in our product initiatives, partly offset by pressure on our clients and partners from the impact of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other consumer data privacy considerations. Other Watch revenues decreased by $11 million, or 22.9 percent on a reported basis and 21.3 percent on a constant currency basis, due to continued portfolio pruning. Core Watch revenues grew 6.2 percent.
Revenues within the Buy segment for the second quarter 2018 decreased 4.1 percent to $789 million, compared to the second quarter of 2017. Buy Emerging Markets revenues decreased 1.0 percent, primarily driven by weakness in multinational client spending, particularly in markets in South East Asia and China, partly offset by strength in local client spending and solid growth in Eastern Europe, Africa, and some markets in Latin America. Buy revenues in Developed Markets decreased 4.3%, due to increased pressure on spending from large multinational clients. Revenues within Corporate Buy decreased by $9 million, or 55.6% on a constant currency basis, primarily due to continued portfolio pruning.
Net income for the second quarter of 2018 decreased 45.0 percent to $72 million, or 45.9 percent on a constant currency basis, compared to $131 million in the second quarter of 2017, as a result of softer revenues, higher restructuring charges, retailer investments, and other growth initiatives. During the second quarter of 2018, the company recorded restructuring charges of $65 million, or $0.12 per share. The restructuring charges reflect our continuing efforts to rightsize the business, the current market realities, and acceleration of our cost-out initiatives.
Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2018 decreased 8.1 percent to $468 million, compared to the second quarter of 2017. Adjusted EBITDA margins contracted 254 basis points to 28.4 percent, or 232 basis points on a constant currency basis, due to softer revenue and continued investments in Buy and Watch segments, partly offset by productivity initiatives.
Financial Position
As of June 30, 2018, Nielsen’s cash and cash equivalents were $394 million and gross debt was $8,664 million. Net debt (gross debt less cash and cash equivalents) was $8,270 million and Nielsen’s net debt leverage ratio was 4.16x at the end of the quarter. Net capital expenditures were $118 million for the second quarter of 2018, compared to $64 million for the second quarter of 2017. Cash taxes were $79 million for the second quarter of 2018, compared to $70 million for the second quarter of 2017.
Cash flow from operations increased to $242 million for the second quarter of 2018, from $226 million in the second quarter of 2017. Free cash flow for the second quarter of 2018 decreased to $124 million, compared to $162 million in the second quarter of 2017. Cash flow performance was driven by lower net income, higher net capital expenditures, higher interest, and tax payments, partially offset by the timing of vendor and client payments.
Capital Allocation
The company repurchased $40 million of its common stock during the second quarter of 2018. The company had a total of $238 million remaining for repurchase under the existing share repurchase program as of June 30, 2018.
On July 19, 2018, Nielsen’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.35 per share of Nielsen’s common stock. The dividend is payable on September 5, 2018 to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 22, 2018.
Music Analytic Company BuzzAngle Receives Strategic Investment From Penske Media
/by Eric T. ParkerAnnounced today (July 27), Penske Media plans to leverage some of its key brands, chief among them Rolling Stone, Variety, Deadline and IndieWire, to deepen the influence and expand exposure of the BuzzAngle charts in addition to creating custom charts for specific content verticals. The investment will also provide BuzzAngle a stronger financial foundation from which to grow. The BuzzAngle investment was led by Michael Ye, Senior Director, Strategic Planning and Acquisition for PMC.
Founded in 2013, and launched in 2016 by Border City Media founder Jim Lidestri, BuzzAngle has revolutionized the way businesses analyze music consumption and related trends. The system incorporates the daily sales, streaming and airplay activity of albums, songs and artists.
“We’re thrilled to announce our investment in BuzzAngle, and partnership with Jim and the team.” said Jay Penske, the founder, Chairman and CEO of PMC. “BuzzAngle has already accomplished many milestones—but as part of this new alliance, we will jointly push even more aggressively to make the charts an essential and central part of music, media and the entertainment industry.”
“Penske Media is the perfect partner to help BuzzAngle fulfill the goals we set out to achieve at our founding,” said Lidestri. “The needed funding will accelerate product development and the reach of Variety and Rolling Stone will provide an unparalleled ability to bring charts and data analysis both to the music industry and to music fans worldwide.”
Exclusive: Apple Music’s New “Country Wide” Playlist Spotlights International Artists
/by Jessica NicholsonApple Music has launched a new country music playlist aimed at supporting country performers from across the globe. Apple Music’s new hub, “Country Wide,” as well as a playlist of the same name, will celebrate local country artists from places including Ireland, South Africa, Canada, Australia, and more, with a heavy focus on the developing artist community. The playlist is curated by Apple Music editors from around the world, to raise awareness of the global progression of country music.
Currently being featured on the Country Wide playlist is Ireland’s Catherine McGrath, who fell for Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” at age 12 and cites Rascal Flatts as a major influence, as is evident on her debut album Talk Of This Town. Likewise, South Africa’s Roan Ash, Canada’s Tenille Townes, and Australia’s Missy Lancaster are all featured. The playlist also incorporates Nashville artists, such as Florida Georgia Line, Keith Urban, Kacey Musgraves, Luke Combs, The Wild Feathers, and Lindsay Ell.
“What an incredible honor it is, to be chosen as an artist for Apple Music’s Country Wide campaign,” says Roan Ash. “It’s not every day that a South African artist gets the opportunity to be featured on this amazing platform. I am forever grateful.”
“So excited to be sharing my debut album Talk Of This Town and for it to be featured on Apple Music’s Country Wide,” said McGrath. “It’s so exciting to see a spotlight being put on country music and to get to be a part of the country community at a time when it’s growing so much as a genre.”
The “Country Wide” playlist will be updated regularly with new artists and music for fans to discover.
Ingrid Andress Signs With Warner Music Nashville, Atlantic Records
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Cris Lacy (SVP A&R, Warner Music Nashville), Rohan Kohli (Dir. A&R, Warner Music Nashville), Andress, John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, Warner Music Nashville) Photo credit: Arcivr
Warner Music Nashville and Atlantic Records have signed singer/songwriter Ingrid Andress.
The Colorado native who moved frequently with her family growing up, was inspired to learn piano and write songs about the ever-changing view outside her window. She honed her songwriting skills through her time at Berklee College of Music and went on to co-write recent hits like Vice’s “Steady 1234” and Charli XCX’s “Boys,” which have accumulated a combined total of over 171.5 million streams on Spotify alone.
The Ingrid Andress team includes Universal Music Publishing, ArtHouse Entertainment and William Morris Endeavor.
Scotty McCreery Shares Special Wedding Moments In New Music Video
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Gabi Dugal, Scotty McCreery. Photo: Krista Stevens & Amber Beasley for Six Foot Photography
Scotty McCreery is sharing some sweet moments from his marriage to Gabi Dugal with fans via a brand new video for his latest single, “This Is It.”
McCreery and Dugal tied the knot in the mountains of North Carolina, and decided to share some of the footage from their special day in the new clip, which premiered recently on The Knot.
“Our wedding day was everything we wanted it to be, as Gabi and I celebrated our love and commitment to each other with family and close friends in the beautiful North Carolina mountains,” said McCreery. “‘This is It’ is our story. We have received so much love and support from our fans that we felt it was only right to share our special day with them. We hope everyone enjoys the music video as much as we love being able to relive that day over and over again.”
The video was directed by Jeff Ray, who also directed McCreery’s poignant “Five More Minutes.” It provides viewers an intimate look inside the couples’ rehearsal dinner, and a behind the scenes look as they prepare to walk down the aisle, exchange vows and dance the night away.
The couple met in kindergarten and began dating during their senior year in high school. Fans can watch the new Mr. and Mrs. McCreery together with their fathers and his grandmother on an upcoming episode of Celebrity Family Feud set to premiere August 5 on ABC at 8:00 PM ET.
Three New Country Music Festivals Arise: San Luis Obispo, New Orleans, Port St. Lucie
/by Eric T. ParkerBoots & Brews Country Music Festival Comes To San Luis Obispo, California, September 29
Headlined by Jake Owen, the afternoon-evening event will also include performances by Frankie Ballard, Carly Pearce, Tyler Rich and Faren Rachels.
For tickets or more information, visit bootsandbrews.com/slo.
Chillin’ On The Lucie Festival Comes To Port St. Lucie, Florida, October 3-7
The lineup will include Uncle Kracker, Cassadee Pope, Parmalee, Josh Gracin, Clare Dunn, Kalie Shorr, Hudson Moore, Lewis Brice, Twang and Round, Radio Romance, Julia Cole, Honey County, County Wide and Libby Switzer.
The festival is produced by Greg Everhart, Sunshine Tour and Travel, in association with 117 Live. VIP experiences will include acoustic sets, meet and greets, 4-star, all-inclusive Sandpiper Bay resort rooms, the Club Med. Room, and all-day food, drinks and alcohol.
Festival packages and more info can be found at chillinonthelucie.com.
Country Smooth Fest Comes To New Orleans, October 20-21
The two-day event will feature national and regional acts on two stages and family-friendly events like supercar driving experiences and go karting.
Tickets are available for purchase at countrysmoothfest.com.
Country Smooth American Premium Whiskey is distilled in Indiana, bottled in Nashville, Tennessee, and currently distributed in six states, including Louisiana and Texas.
Brett Young Celebrates Platinum Success
/by Jessica NicholsonBrett Young. Photo: Brooke Greenberg
Brett Young and numerous music industry colleagues celebrated his Platinum-selling success with a party held just outside of Nashville on Wednesday (July 25). Since his debut in 2016, Young has earned several Platinum accolades, including his debut, self-titled album and his current single “Mercy” both hitting the 1 million sales milestone, following Young’s first three singles “Sleep Without You” (certified Platinum), “In Case You Didn’t Know” (3x Platinum), and “Like I Loved You” (Platinum).
The celebration was hosted by BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta and BMLG Records President Jimmy Harnen at Harnen’s home. Young performed each of those honored songs, and previewed the first single from his upcoming second album, “Here Tonight” for industry guests.
“It was surreal being back where I first signed my record deal and seeing how much has happened since then,” Young said. “It’s crazy to think just three years ago I was in the same place just getting started with my team. I wrote this album from such a vulnerable and honest place, so it means the world that these songs have connected with people the way they have. The time has flown by, and I can’t wait to share the new music with fans soon.”
Pictured (L-R): Producer Dann Huff, BMLG Records President/BMLG EVP Jimmy Harnen, Brett Young, BMLG A&R Director Laurel Kittleson and BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta. Photo: Brooke Greenberg [CLICK TO ENLARGE]
Industry Ink: Kenny Chesney, Eli Young, Tyler Rich Bring Radio Promo To Chicago
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chats Saints Songs With Storme In Windy City
Chesney will join The Highway’s Storme Warren from Chicago’s Soldier Field to discuss why he is donating all the proceeds from the album to relief efforts from the U.S. and British Virgin Islands’ Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria.
“No Shoes Radio is the mojo wire for No Shoes Nation,” said Chesney, “and I wanted to share this record with them before anyone else. So much has gone into getting to this day and getting the music that happened in the moments of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. I wanted to share this record with the people who stepped up and helped us with the Love for Love City Fund, who’ve made – and continue to make such a difference. So what better place to do that than No Shoes Radio? And it’s great that SiriusXM is simulcasting it on The Highway as well.”
All proceeds from Songs for the Saints will go to Chesney’s Love for Love City Foundation, which has funded rescue and rebuilding projects.
Eli Young Band And Tyler Rich’s Pre-Show In Chicago Streamed With Big Machine Radio
Pictured (Top-Bottom): Eli Young Band, Tyler Rich
The Eli Young Band and Tyler Rich are headlining a show at Joe’s on Weed St. in Chicago this Friday (July 27) and Big Machine Radio’s Becca Walls and TuneIn’s Country Roads’ Kelly Sutton will co-host a pre-show live-stream at 7:00 p.m. CT, with the artists’ sets beginning an hour later. Fans worldwide can listen live on Big Machine Radio and TuneIn’s Country Roads.
Michael Martin Murphey Gives Fans Austin Music History Lesson On New CD
/by Lorie HollabaughMurphey had a front row ticket to the action as a part of the burgeoning Austin music scene back in those days, and for Austinology, he took a trip down Memory Lane and selected songs, including some by Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt and Jerry Jeff Walker, that were important to that era when he lived in Austin and created the “Cosmic Cowboy” era.
Murphey is joined by plenty of special guests who were integral to that era on the project, as well as those influenced by the work they created, and the songs are given a fresh reading by Murphey and artists like Willie Nelson (on “Alleys of Austin” and “Cosmic Cowboy”), Steve Earle (on “Geronimo’s Cadillac”), Lyle Lovett (on “Alleys of Austin,” “Cosmic Cowboy” and “Drunken Lady of the Morning”), Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison (on “Little Bird”), Jerry Jeff Walker (on “Cosmic Cowboy”), Amy Grant (on “Wildfire”), Randy Rogers (“Backslider’s Wine”), The Last Bandoleros (on Guy Clark’s “LA Freeway”) and more.
Murphey also enlisted some top notch players for the project, including guitarist Kenny Greenberg, dobroist Rob Ickes, keyboardist Tim Akers and more. The album is co-produced with Christopher Harris and will be available for digital pre-order beginning Friday, July 27. The pre-order features both “Geronimo’s Cadillac” with special guest Steve Earle and “Outlaw Medley” as instant grat tracks.
Nielsen CEO To Retire, “Disappointing” Second Quarter Financials Revealed
/by Eric T. ParkerMitch Barns. Photo: Nielsen
Two announcements today (July 26) from Nielsen revealed its Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board, Mitch Barns, will retire from 20 years with company after net income for the second quarter of 2018 was reported to have decreased 45.0 percent.
Barns will remain through the end of the year to oversee the company and James Attwood, current Chairman of the Board and Managing Director at The Carlyle Group, has been named Executive Chairman and will assume a more active role and will direct the search for new leadership.
“Mitch has left an indelible mark on Nielsen—his commitment to integrity, openness, values and engagement will continue to be the heart of this company for years to come,” commented Attwood. “I, along with the rest of the Board of Directors, thank him for his service.”
Meanwhile, the board will be conducting an in-depth strategic review of its Buy segment, led by Attwood in conjunction with Nielsen’s senior management. The Board does not have a fixed timetable for completion of the review nor has it made any decisions at this time.
“In the second quarter, we continued to move forward on our multi-year transformations across Watch, Buy, and Operations. However, our progress was not reflected in our financial results, which are disappointing and came in below our expectations, and we are lowering our outlook for 2018,” said Jamere Jackson, Chief Financial Officer of Nielsen.
Jackson continued, “We are addressing the challenges we face with the greatest sense of urgency and remain sharply focused on our key initiatives to drive value in the long term. Our cost reduction efforts are ahead of schedule and we are accelerating cost-out targets. In Buy Developed Markets, we saw increased pressure in the fast moving consumer goods end markets; however, we made great progress with the Connected System, retailer initiatives, and Total Consumer Measurement. In Emerging Markets, weakness in multinational client spending was offset by growth with local clients. In Watch, ongoing adoption of Total Audience Measurement continued to drive growth. However, the General Data Protection Regulation and changes in the consumer data privacy landscape impacted our growth rates in the near-term as clients and partners grapple with the changes and work to ensure compliance.”
Revenues were relatively flat ($1,647 million for the second quarter of 2018) up 0.2 percent compared to the second quarter of 2017. Net income per share on a diluted basis was $0.20 per share in the second quarter of 2018, compared to $0.37 per share in the second quarter of 2017.
Nielsen delivers media and marketing information, analytics and industry expertise about what consumers buy (referred to as “Buy”) and what consumers read, watch and listen to (consumer interaction across the television, radio, digital and mobile viewing and listening platforms referred to as “Watch”) on a global and local basis. Measurement and analytical services help clients maintain and strengthen their market positions and identify opportunities for profitable growth.
Nielsen’s Second Quarter Results
Revenues within the Watch segment for the second quarter of 2018 increased 4.5 percent to $858 million compared to the second quarter of 2017. Audience Measurement of Video and Text revenues increased 7.4 percent, primarily due to ongoing investments, continued client adoption of our Total Audience Measurement system, and a strong contribution from Gracenote. Audio revenues were flat for the quarter. Marketing Effectiveness revenues increased 7.2 percent, driven by consistent investment in our product portfolio and strength in our product initiatives, partly offset by pressure on our clients and partners from the impact of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other consumer data privacy considerations. Other Watch revenues decreased by $11 million, or 22.9 percent on a reported basis and 21.3 percent on a constant currency basis, due to continued portfolio pruning. Core Watch revenues grew 6.2 percent.
Revenues within the Buy segment for the second quarter 2018 decreased 4.1 percent to $789 million, compared to the second quarter of 2017. Buy Emerging Markets revenues decreased 1.0 percent, primarily driven by weakness in multinational client spending, particularly in markets in South East Asia and China, partly offset by strength in local client spending and solid growth in Eastern Europe, Africa, and some markets in Latin America. Buy revenues in Developed Markets decreased 4.3%, due to increased pressure on spending from large multinational clients. Revenues within Corporate Buy decreased by $9 million, or 55.6% on a constant currency basis, primarily due to continued portfolio pruning.
Net income for the second quarter of 2018 decreased 45.0 percent to $72 million, or 45.9 percent on a constant currency basis, compared to $131 million in the second quarter of 2017, as a result of softer revenues, higher restructuring charges, retailer investments, and other growth initiatives. During the second quarter of 2018, the company recorded restructuring charges of $65 million, or $0.12 per share. The restructuring charges reflect our continuing efforts to rightsize the business, the current market realities, and acceleration of our cost-out initiatives.
Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2018 decreased 8.1 percent to $468 million, compared to the second quarter of 2017. Adjusted EBITDA margins contracted 254 basis points to 28.4 percent, or 232 basis points on a constant currency basis, due to softer revenue and continued investments in Buy and Watch segments, partly offset by productivity initiatives.
Financial Position
As of June 30, 2018, Nielsen’s cash and cash equivalents were $394 million and gross debt was $8,664 million. Net debt (gross debt less cash and cash equivalents) was $8,270 million and Nielsen’s net debt leverage ratio was 4.16x at the end of the quarter. Net capital expenditures were $118 million for the second quarter of 2018, compared to $64 million for the second quarter of 2017. Cash taxes were $79 million for the second quarter of 2018, compared to $70 million for the second quarter of 2017.
Cash flow from operations increased to $242 million for the second quarter of 2018, from $226 million in the second quarter of 2017. Free cash flow for the second quarter of 2018 decreased to $124 million, compared to $162 million in the second quarter of 2017. Cash flow performance was driven by lower net income, higher net capital expenditures, higher interest, and tax payments, partially offset by the timing of vendor and client payments.
Capital Allocation
The company repurchased $40 million of its common stock during the second quarter of 2018. The company had a total of $238 million remaining for repurchase under the existing share repurchase program as of June 30, 2018.
On July 19, 2018, Nielsen’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.35 per share of Nielsen’s common stock. The dividend is payable on September 5, 2018 to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 22, 2018.
DISClaimer’s Day For New Beginnings: Mason Ramsey, Sarah Ross, Riley Green, Tenille Arts
/by Robert K OermannPictured (clockwise from bottom left): Riley Green, Mason Ramsey, Sarah Ross, Tenille Arts
This is a day for new beginnings.
Today, DISClaimer presents a flurry of deserving newcomers. Mason Ramsey, Sarah Ross, Riley Green and Tenille Arts are all staging worthy disc debuts. In a very, very tough competition, I’m giving a DISCovery Award to Riley Green.
Considering that it’s July, it is somewhat surprising to find that two of the three contestants for Disc of the Day are ballads. Morgan Evans has the day’s top uptempo tune, which leaves two blue-eyed soulmen seething in downbeat misery—Ryan Kinder and our winner, Randy Houser.
TENILLE ARTS/I Hate This
Writer: Tenille Arts/Adam Wheeler; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Reviver
—The shuffled-brush drumming and dobro embellishments are way cool. She harmonizes with herself throughout the performance, and since she’s such a strong singer, that’s double the pleasure. The lyric is about taking a break in a relationship and not enjoying that one little bit. A terrific debut disc.
CLEDUS T. JUDD/Weight’s Goin’ Up Down Up Down
CTJM
—He always makes me smile. This comeback single humorously addresses his eternal battle of the bulge. Just so you know: At his heaviest, he weighed 291, and he has dieted down to as low as 168. He’s somewhere in between, nowadays. Whatever the pounds, he’s out to have some goofy fun, this time at the expense of Morgan Wallen and FGL.
RAELYNN/Tailgate
Writer: RaeLynn/Canaan Smith/Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros.
—Sprightly, youthful and endearing. Teen fun, country style.
SARAH ROSS/Nervous Breakdown
Writer: Shane McAnally/Kacey Musgraves/Trevor Rosen/Brandy Clark; Producer: Jim Kaufman; Publisher: Little Blue Egg/Kobalt/Smack Songs/351/Warner-Tamerlane/Rehits/Smacktown, GMR/BMI/ASCAP; Average Joe’s
—Swirling and dizzy-sounding, featuring a production packed with dark rhythmic power, unexpected melodic twists and catch-’em-quick lyrics. Brilliantly written, frenetic and fascinating.
RANDY HOUSER/What Whiskey Does
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BBR/Stony Creek
—This is a searing barroom weeper from a man whose voice can turn a lyric inside out. Country music hallelujah amen.
RYAN KINDER/Stay
Writer: Ryan Kinder/Fred Wilhelm/Luke Sheets; Producer: Ryan Kinder & Luke Sheets; Publisher: none listed; Crimson Garden
—Ferociously soulful. He tears into this torrid ballad like his very life depends on it. The gal he is pleading to will surely succumb.
MASON RAMSEY/Famous
Writer: Corey Crowder/Canaan Smith/Sarah Buxton/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Warner-Chappell/BMG Rights; Atlantic/Big Loud
—In general, I hate kiddie acts. Unless they are/were Stevie Wonder or Brenda Lee or Judy Garland. Well, it turns out that the yodeling Walmart kid can really, really sing. So not only is this a wonderful Cinderfella story, it is accompanied by music with legs. His debut single is delivered in a solid, winning fashion and an uncomplicated directness that is marvelously refreshing.
MORGAN EVANS/American
Writer: Morgan Evans/Chris DeStefano/Josh Osborne; Warner Bros.
—Stirring and anthemic. You’ll shake your butt, bob your head, tap your toes, pump your fist and want to sing along. This man has the goods.
WILLIAM SHATNER & JEFF COOK/Friends Don’t Let Friends Drink Alone
Writer: Corey Lee Barker/Gary Hannan; Producer: Brian Curl, Jeff Cook & William Shatner; Publisher: Heartland/Never Forgotten; Heartland
—A throw-back honky tonker with barrelhouse piano, bouncing fiddle bow, woozy steel and thumped drums. Shatner recites the verses while Cook tries to salvage things by singing the choruses. An amusing diversion.
RILEY GREEN/There Was This Girl
BMLG
—Bubbling, boiling and shooting off steam. The rollicking rhythm, country-boy vocal delivery and unstoppable energy are a dynamite combination. Stardom awaits.