David Schober. Photo: facebook.com/david.schober
Updated: May 24, 10:21 p.m.:
Schober’s memorial service will be held Saturday, May 26 at 10 a.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Church, located at 4800 Belmont Park Terrace in Nashville.
This memorial service will be open to the public, with a simple reception immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Schober Family GoFundMe for outstanding medical/travel/Houston living expenses or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Original post:
Music industry veteran David Schober has passed away following a valiant battle with leukemia.
He grew up in Texas and his interest in music began early with exposure to a wide range of music through his parents, both music educators.
After studying music at Baylor University and Media Production at The University of North Texas, David moved to Los Angeles, hoping to break into the world of recording studios. He shares on his personal blog that when he moved to LA, he made the leap “with nothing but a car, a temporary place to stay and the adventure of discovering what could be possible.”
He soon found himself working for Grammy award-winning producer and mixer, Bill Schnee, as his first assistant in his new recording studio. Schober helped open Schnee Studios and assisted the many sessions there which included some of the best artists, players, engineers, and producers in the country as regulars at the studio.
After several years, David struck out on his own and began working with Maurice White (of Earth, Wind & Fire), Diana Ross, Tori Amos, Ozzy Osbourne, Ray Charles, Randy Travis, Chaka Khan, Leonard Cohen, LL Cool J, Fleetwood Mac, Toto, Neil Diamond, Jermaine Jackson and others. He also branched out into recording and mixing various scores for TV and Film, including many projects with legendary string arranger and composer, Paul Buckmaster.
After many trips to Nashville to track and mix various projects, David relocated to Music City. During his time here, his work included projects for Josh Turner, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Sixpence None the Richer, Vince Gill, Natalie Grant, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Wynonna Judd, Steven Curtis Chapman, RED and Young Buck.
Schober was a member of Leadership Music’s Class of 2012.
David is survived by his wife and four children. The family has asked for privacy during the next few days to allow them to grieve.
Arrangements are pending.
David Schober
Cody Jinks Joins Rounder Records Roster, Thirty Tigers To Release Jinks’ Catalog
/by Lorie HollabaughCody Jinks has signed with Rounder Records. His debut album for the label, Lifers, is slated for release July 27. The project’s first single, “Must Be the Whiskey” is due out June 15.
“When I became the President of Rounder in the Fall of 2017, I’d already been involved in Cody’s career for a couple years,” said Rounder Records President John Strohm. “I’m well aware of his immense talent, personal integrity, and work ethic.” He continues, “It’s been my top priority since I started my job last fall to sign Cody, and I could not be more thrilled for Rounder and Concord Music to have the opportunity to work with such an incredible, groundbreaking artist.”
“Cody is a very special, unique, one of a kind artist,” said Tom Whalley, Chief Label Officer at Concord. “He’s an abundantly gifted singer, songwriter, and performer, and I’m very proud that he has chosen to work with our team at Rounder.”
Due to his unique marketing strategy, Jinks has sold in excess of 225k independently-released records and consistently sells out shows all over the country. Thirty Tigers has entered into an agreement to reissue Jinks’ back catalog, including 2016’s breakthrough I’m Not the Devil.
“I set out to find a great partner to license my new album to – a record company that believed in my music and my vision, ” said Jinks. “I definitely found that with Rounder Records.”
DISClaimer: Country Polishes Its Pop Aspirations
/by Robert K OermannCountry polishes its pop aspirations this week.
The new singles by Clare Dunn, Sam Hunt, Kalie Shorr and (gasp) Joe Diffie all burble and burp with electronic liveliness. WEA stars-on-the-rise Dan + Shay and Michael Ray continue to straddle the line between pop and country.
Our most “country” contenders of the week are Jason Aldean and Disc of the Day winner Luke Bryan.
The DisCovery Award goes to a new female, Abi.
CLARE DUNN/More
Writers: Clare Dunn/Gordie Sampson/Josh Kear; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MCA Nashville
– Lustrous and lovely. The tune is super catchy, her throaty alto is a glittering jewel and the layered production shimmers. A simply stunning pop listening experience that deserves massive radio airplay.
JASON ALDEAN/Drowns The Whiskey
Writers: Brandon Kinney/Jeff Middleton/Josh Thompson; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; BBR (download)
– The shuddering, deep-twang guitar work give the production its power. He can’t shake her memory, no matter how much he drinks. Miranda Lambert provides the harmony vocal on this solidly country outing.
JOE DIFFIE/I Got This
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Silverado
– Diffie’s first country single in five years squanders his spectacular country singing voice on a tuneless, quasi-spoken ditty with a jumbled production heavy on electronic effects. He’s a dirt-authentic honky-tonk singer who seems to be trying way too hard to sound “contemporary.”
SAM HUNT/Downtown’s Dead
Writers: Sam Hunt/Zach Crowell/Josh Osborne/Shane McAnally/Charlie Handsome; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MCA Nashville
– He again deploys his hushed-voice phrasing on the verses, then turns more shouting and explosive on the heartache choruses. With his click-tracked, looped productions and sampled sounds Hunt remains in a sonic country category all his own.
KALIE SHORR/Candy
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; KS (download)
– Pert pop with an endearingly chirpy tone. As you might guess from the title, this is tasty sweet, if lacking in nutritional value.
LUKE BRYAN/Sunrise Sunburn Sunset
Writers: Zach Crowell/Ryan Hurd/Chase McGill; Producers: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Publishers: Highly Coumbustible/Songs of Southside Independent/Atlas/Who Wants to Buy My Publishing/I Love Pizza/Universal/Lake Allegan/Plum Nelly, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol (track)
– Bryan is coming off one of the finest singles of his career (”Most People Are Good”). He has another winning effort with this nicely written, nostalgic reminiscence of a summer romance that faded when the temperature cooled.
HARPER GRAE/Bloodline
Writers: Harper Grae/Jennifer Hanson/Nick Brophy/ Fred Wilhelm; Producers: Jennifer Hanson/Nick Brophy; Publishers: Oliver Ann Music (BMI), peermusic III/Miss Marvelle Music (BMI)/Songs of Sanchez (BMI)/Farm Thang Music (BMI); Grae Area
– Her best yet. She delivers this song of existential regret in a penetrating soprano wail. Despite the toe-tapping tempo and upbeat mood, the underlying message is a desperate quest to know the mother she never had. Very involving.
DAN+SHAY/Speechless
Writers: Dan Smyers/Shay Mooney/Jordan Reynolds/Laura Veltz; Producers: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– Ultra romantic. The video features footage of both men’s weddings. As usual, the sonic production values are as flawless as the team’s vocals on this melodic ballad. Their star continues to rise.
ABI/A Day Without
Writers: Andrew Dorff/Jimmy Robbins/Lucie Silvas; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; One Country/Nine North
– The busy, echoey track crashes and clicks around her. But her clear, pristine vocal commands center stage regardless. Next time, simplify the production.
MICHAEL RAY/One That Got Away
Writers: Josh Osborne/Matthew Ramsey/Josh Rosen/Jesse Frasure; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Atlantic (download)
– He seems to piling one release on top of another, which seems to be a mini trend these days. This is a nicely bouncy, mid-tempo outing with loads of hooks. She might only be his for one night, but that’s okay because she’s going to make a helluva memory.
Jeannie Seely Joins Willie’s Roadhouse Family On SiriusXM
/by Lorie HollabaughSeely will make her Willie’s Roadhouse debut this weekend, and the show will air weekly beginning on Sunday May, 27 from noon to 4 pm ET. The Grammy winner and award-winning songwriter adds her charm and her quick wit along with her memories and personal stories about the music to the channel, and will join Willie’s current on-air family that includes “The Mayor of Music Row” Charlie Monk, Paula Nelson, Dallas Wayne, Ranger Doug Green and Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel.
“The only thing better than being able to play classic country music is to be able to do it at Willie’s Roadhouse,” said Seely. “I’m so excited to be a part of the SiriusXM family and play the music of my peers!”
“I’m so glad Jeannie Seely is on the Roadhouse,” said Willie Nelson. “She is a good friend and will do a great job.”
Kenny Chesney, John Marks, Joe Galante Among 2018 Innovation In Music Honorees
/by Lorie HollabaughHosted by respected media executive Bill Werde, Director of the Bandier Music Industry Program in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University, the awards were created to recognize achievements in the advancement of music through inspiration and ingenuity.
“This year’s recipients represent a broad spectrum of the industry, but what they have in common is a proven track record of adapting to change and developing channels to reach meaningful results (connections with fans and creators),” said Pete O’Heeron, Chairman of the Innovation in Music Awards. “All of these individuals are deserving of this recognition for their commitment to advancing the future of music through innovative thinking.”
A committee of music professionals determined the honorees. They considered a diverse group of individuals who think outside the box, keeping music first, but who also recognizing how the music finds its audience is a constantly changing reality. Coran Capshaw, founder and CEO of Red Light Management, was previously announced as 2018’s Innovator of the Year. The honorees in the other seven award categories include:
IMPACT in INNOVATION AWARD – Joe Galante, Mayor’s Music City Council, CMA Foundation Chair and Former Chairman Sony Nashville
INNOVATION in MUSIC, EXECUTIVE – Sally Williams, Opry Entertainment Senior Vice President Programming & Artist Relations/General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry
INNOVATION in MUSIC, BROADCAST – Monica Escobedo, Entertainment Producer, ABC News, Good Morning America
INNOVATION in MUSIC, RADIO PROGRAMMING – Nate Deaton, General Manager, KRTY San Jose
INNOVATION in MUSIC, CREATIVE/ARTIST – Kenny Chesney, Songwriter/Producer/Artist
INNOVATION in MUSIC, DIGITAL MEDIA/MARKETING – John Marks, Spotify Global Editor for Country Music
INNOVATION in MUSIC, LIVE PERFORMANCE – Ed Warm, Owner, Joe’s on Weed Street & Smokeout Fest, Chicago
Big Yellow Dog Music Teams With Atlantic Records
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Nina Webb (SVP, Marketing for Atlantic Records), Julie Greenwald (Chairman & COO, Atlantic Records), Pete Ganbarg (President of A&R, Atlantic Records), Carla Wallace (Co-Owner & COO, Big Yellow Dog), Brynn Elliott, Bruce Flohr (Red Light Management), Nathan Chapman (Producer), Katie Hoaldridge (Red Light Management) [Click photo to enlarge]
Elliott’s forthcoming Time Of Our Lives EP, slated to release later this year, draws from her philosophy studies and features songs Elliott co-wrote with producer-writer Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift, Kylie Minogue), including the single “Might Not Like Me,” which has earned more than one million streams.
Big Yellow Dog was founded by co-owner/CEO Carla Wallace and co-owner Kerry O’Neil. Over the past two decades, the company’s roster has been recognized with numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards; 34 No. 1 songs; four Song of the Year awards from ACM, BMI, and ASCAP; five ASCAP/BMI Pop awards; and many more.
“I’ve been friendly with Carla and Kerry for a while and have always been impressed by their taste, sincerity, and successful early bets on creative talent who have gone on to incredible long-term careers,” said Atlantic President of A&R Pete Ganbarg. “The more we spoke about it, the more it seemed like a no-brainer to partner up. And the fact that literally one day after our deal closed, Carla heard Brynn’s music for the first time is such incredible synchronicity that we couldn’t have made it up if we tried. Brynn is a world-class talent who is just beginning to scratch the surface of what’s to come. All of us at Atlantic are thrilled to be working with both Brynn and Big Yellow Dog.”
“We couldn’t be happier to join with such a legendary label, and most importantly, to be able to work with Atlantic’s powerful team of highly innovative music lovers,” adds Wallace. “I’m delighted to be collaborating with Pete after all these years of friendship, and thank you to Craig, Julie, and Espo for believing in this exciting partnership. I couldn’t imagine starting this deal any other way than coming out of the gate with such an inspiring artist as Brynn Elliott.”
2018 MusicRow Awards: Song Of The Year Nominees
/by Jessica NicholsonVoted by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor writers and publishers on the craft of songwriting, not necessarily chart performance.
The MusicRow Awards will be presented at a private ceremony.
See the full list of nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow subscribers. Voting closes on May 25 at 5 p.m. If you do not have a subscription, you may subscribe to receive a ballot.
“Cry Pretty”
When Carrie Underwood was ready to release her first new music since 2015, following an injury and a change in record companies, a comeback song was in order. And when a superstar needs a heart-wrenching power ballad, they turn to The Love Junkies. Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose co-wrote “Cry Pretty” with Underwood. She is the perfect vocalist for the soaring chorus and emotional delivery. The Love Junkies previously won MusicRow Song of the Year in 2015 for “Girl Crush.” Additionally, Lindsey is a reigning Song of the Year co-writer of “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” and McKenna won for “Humble and Kind” (2016) and “Stealing Kisses” (2007).
“Drunk Girl”
Songwriters Chris Janson, Scooter Carusoe and Tom Douglas offer a sincere message about the difference between a boy and a man… take a drunk girl home/ let her sleep all alone. In the wake of last year’s #metoo movement, it is a timely subject matter. The lovely piano-driven ballad is full of imagery, delivered by Janson with just the right amount of sensitivity. Douglas is a previous Song of the Year winner for “The House That Built Me” (2010).
“Life Changes”
The charm of “Life Changes” comes from the real-life details offered by Thomas Rhett, referencing everything from his major hit “Die A Happy Man,” to adopting a daughter from Uganda, and his wife Lauren’s surprise pregnancy. The sunny chorus rings true for everyone: You never know what’s gonna happen, you make your plans and you hear God laughing. Thomas Rhett co-wrote the song with father/hitmaker Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley. It is the title track to his current album.
“Most People Are Good”
Luke Bryan continues his strong track record of offering poignant country songs relatable to the everyman with “Most People Are Good.” Songwriters David Frasier, Ed Hill and Josh Kear offer a spot-on lyric about how the world might look some days: If you just go by the nightly news, your faith in all mankind would be the first thing you lose. But the true message of their song proves the opposite: I believe this world ain’t half as bad as it looks, I believe most people are good. Bryan and Kear are both previous recipients of MusicRow’s Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year award.
“She Ain’t In It”
If you want a stone-cold country song about a broken heart, look no further than traditionalist hitmakers Wynn Varble and Clint Daniels. Their song, “She Ain’t In It,” fits singer Jon Pardi as perfectly as his Wranglers and belt buckle. Playing the role of a lonesome cowboy, Pardi sings, My life won’t be the same, as long as she ain’t in it. Fiddle and steel accent his twangy delivery, to create one of the countriest songs on the radio today.
[Click photo to enlarge]
Rodney Crowell Revisits Hits On New ‘Acoustic Classics’ CD
/by Lorie HollabaughCrowell has released six albums in the last ten years, and this new project is a re-distilled, acoustic presentation of 12 masterfully-crafted tunes from his 40-plus-year career in an intimate setting. The collection features songs originally made famous by the likes of Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings, The Oak Ridge Boys, Bob Seger, Tim McGraw and more, including “Leaving Louisiana In the Broad Daylight,” “Ain’t Living Long Like This,” and “Please Remember Me.”
“With the help of some of my favorite musicians, I’ve made all acoustic instrument recordings of ten of my most recognizable songs. Also included is a couple more recently written that I want people to hear. There’s even a revised version of my most commercially successful song, “Shame on the Moon,” said Crowell. “All in good fun.”
Exclusive pre-order bundles featuring the new cd and vinyl can be found on Crowell’s website, rodneycrowell.com.
Crowell will host his inaugural Adventures In Song songwriting camp on July 16-20 at Asilomar Conference Grounds in Carmel, California. The event, described as “four days and nights of songwriting bliss,” will feature Crowell doling out songwriting expertise alongside a star-studded cast which includes Lisa Loeb, Joe Henry, Allen Shamblin, Brennen Leigh, Don Peake and special guests Bernie Taupin and Benmont Tench.
Acoustic Classics Track Listing:
1. “Earthbound”
2. “Leaving Louisiana In the Broad Daylight”
3. “Anything but Tame”
4. “Making Memories of Us”
5. “Lovin’ All Night”
6. “Shame on the Moon Redux”
7. “I Couldn’t Leave You if I Tried”
8. “She’s Crazy for Leaving”
9. “After All This Time”
10. “Tennessee Wedding”
11. “Ain’t Living Long Like This”
12. “Please Remember Me”
NSAI’s Nashville Songwriter Awards Coming To Ryman Auditorium
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Nashville Songwriters Association International is set to present a star-studded evening on Sept. 19, 2018, during the Nashville Songwriter Awards, presented by City National Bank at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 25 at 10 a.m. CT at ryman.com.
“We are very proud to present this important and exciting event recognizing Nashville’s finest songwriters and their songs at the hallowed Ryman Auditorium,” said NSAI President, award-winning songwriter Steve Bogard. “It promises to be an amazing night full of memorable performances honoring the best in our business.”
Bill Anderson will receive the organization’s highest honor, the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award.
Additional honorees will include the 2018 “Song of the Year,” “Songwriter of the Year,” “Songwriter-Artist of the Year,” and NSAI’s coveted “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” which are chosen by Nashville’s professional songwriters.
LANCO and Chris Janson have already confirmed to perform during the show and there are many star performers and surprise guest stars who will be announced very soon.
“We have a very long history of supporting songwriters and the creative community,” said Lori Badgett and Diane Pearson, heads of entertainment banking for City National Bank in Nashville. “We are so pleased that many of our friends are being honored at this memorable event. Nashville has always been a special place for creators and City National is so proud to continue to support them.”
This year’s Nashville Songwriter Awards marks the first year that the Nashville Songwriters Association International will present its awards at the Ryman Auditorium in a separate event from the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Weekly Register: Jason Aldean, Kane Brown Top Sales Charts
/by Jessica NicholsonJason Aldean‘s Rearview Town returns to No. 1 again this week on the country albums sales chart, with 24K in total consumption, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
Kane Brown‘s self-titled album follows at No. 2 with 19K, with Keith Urban‘s recently released Graffiti U, which sold 16K. Luke Combs‘ This One’s For You is at No. 4 with 14K, and Thomas Rhett‘s Life Changes rounds out the top five country albums this week with 12K.
Country’s top five digital songs are Brown’s “Heaven” at No. 1, with 25K, followed by the Bebe Rexha/Florida Georgia Line collaboration “Meant To Be” at No. 2 with 25K. Aldean’s “You Make It Easy” is at No. 3 with 16K, followed by Kenny Chesney‘s “Get Along” at No. 4 with 13K. Blake Shelton‘s “I Lived It” rounds out the top 5 with 12K.
The top country debut track this week is Sam Hunt‘s “Downtown’s Dead,” which debuts at No. 11 country with 9.7K.
Recording Engineer, Mixer, and Producer David Schober Passes
/by Sherod RobertsonDavid Schober. Photo: facebook.com/david.schober
Updated: May 24, 10:21 p.m.:
Schober’s memorial service will be held Saturday, May 26 at 10 a.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Church, located at 4800 Belmont Park Terrace in Nashville.
This memorial service will be open to the public, with a simple reception immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Schober Family GoFundMe for outstanding medical/travel/Houston living expenses or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Original post:
Music industry veteran David Schober has passed away following a valiant battle with leukemia.
He grew up in Texas and his interest in music began early with exposure to a wide range of music through his parents, both music educators.
After studying music at Baylor University and Media Production at The University of North Texas, David moved to Los Angeles, hoping to break into the world of recording studios. He shares on his personal blog that when he moved to LA, he made the leap “with nothing but a car, a temporary place to stay and the adventure of discovering what could be possible.”
He soon found himself working for Grammy award-winning producer and mixer, Bill Schnee, as his first assistant in his new recording studio. Schober helped open Schnee Studios and assisted the many sessions there which included some of the best artists, players, engineers, and producers in the country as regulars at the studio.
After several years, David struck out on his own and began working with Maurice White (of Earth, Wind & Fire), Diana Ross, Tori Amos, Ozzy Osbourne, Ray Charles, Randy Travis, Chaka Khan, Leonard Cohen, LL Cool J, Fleetwood Mac, Toto, Neil Diamond, Jermaine Jackson and others. He also branched out into recording and mixing various scores for TV and Film, including many projects with legendary string arranger and composer, Paul Buckmaster.
After many trips to Nashville to track and mix various projects, David relocated to Music City. During his time here, his work included projects for Josh Turner, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Sixpence None the Richer, Vince Gill, Natalie Grant, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Wynonna Judd, Steven Curtis Chapman, RED and Young Buck.
Schober was a member of Leadership Music’s Class of 2012.
David is survived by his wife and four children. The family has asked for privacy during the next few days to allow them to grieve.
Arrangements are pending.
David Schober