CMA Fest has announced more than 100 additional performances throughout Downtown Nashville June 7-10, including Jake Owen on the Nissan Stadium Stage Friday night and Cole Swindell on Sunday night. Xfinity Fan Fair X is back featuring three stages packed with artist performances, panels and meet and greets, in addition to music and lifestyle exhibits, prize giveaways and the Marketplace taking place daily from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. inside Music City Center. The HGTV Lodge returns for a seventh year, hosting performances with Country favorites and appearances from HGTV stars.
“What makes CMA Fest unique from other music festivals are our one-of-a-kind fan experiences at Xfinity Fan Fair X,” said Damon Whiteside, CMA Chief Marketing Officer. “For decades, country music fans have flocked to Nashville to attend the festival to get up close and personal with their favorite artists. We’re proud to continue that tradition year after year.”
“With Xfinity Fan Fair X, we’re looking to extend a live version of the home experience we give millions of people across the country everyday – instant access to their favorite artists on the TV, mobile devices and online, all in a simple, easy and fun way,” said Matt Lederer, Comcast’s Executive Director of Partnership Marketing. “Country music fans are passionate, and we look forward to creating an immersive destination for them within CMA Fest.”
The Radio Disney Country Stage returns to Xfinity Fan Fair X, where attendees can catch some of today’s hottest stars and up-and-coming artists. Scheduled performances and appearances include Jimmie Allen, Abby Anderson, Cam, Jillian Cardarelli, CB30, Jordan Davis, Devin Dawson, Russell Dickerson, Cale Dodds, Lindsay Ell, Emily Hackett, Adam Hambrick, Trent Harmon, Walker Hayes, Jillian Jacqueline, Caroline Jones, Madison Kozak, LANCO, Maddie & Tae, Tegan Marie, Jaden Michaels, Cassadee Pope, Stephanie Quayle, RaeLynn, Noah Schnacky, Kalie Shorr, Christina Taylor and Rachel Wammack. Marie, Hayley Orrantia and Shorr join Radio Disney Country personality Betsy Spina to share hosting duties throughout the weekend.
An addition to Xfinity Fan Fair X, the Spotlight Stage will showcase more than 50 emerging acts performing acoustic sets and hosting meet and greets. Scheduled artists include 2Steel Girls, 8 Ball Aitken, American Young, Paul Bogart, Haley Mae Campbell, Cort Carpenter, Caryn Lee Carter, CERRITO, Jessie Chris, Chas Collins, Dustin Collins, Nora Collins, Crystal Day, Joe Denim, Dixie Jade, James Dupré, Tim Elliott, EmiSunshine, Farewell Angelina, Folk Soul Revival, Kenny Foster, Gal Friday, Josh Gallagher, Lee Gantt, Harper Grae, Kristi Hoopes, Jason Morton & The Chesapeake Sons, Meghan Kabir, Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road, Kelsey Lamb, Olivia Lane, Cherish Lee, Jenny Leigh, Lucy Angel, Elizabeth Lyons, Red Marlow, Bobby Marquez, Jackson Michelson, Kylie Morgan, Marta Olejarz, Shane Owens, Presley & Taylor, Jesse Rice, Matt Rogers, Southern Halo, Summer Brooke & The Mountain Faith Band, Glen Templeton, The Lovers, The Springs, The Wandering Hearts, The Young Fables and Karen Waldrup.
In addition, the Xfinity Zone will feature appearances by Chase Bryant, Easton Corbin, Ell, Lucas Hoge, Jerrod Niemann, Quayle, Dylan Scott, Temecula Road, Aaron Watson and Drake White.
Striking Matches, Charlie Worsham, Lucie Silvas Join Innovation In Music Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughPresenters at this year’s IMA gala will include iHeartMedia’s nationally syndicated radio host, Bobby Bones, President of Opry Entertainment Group, Steve Buchanan, and Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum.
The evening will also feature a keynote address from David Macias, inaugural Innovation in Music, Executive Award winner. Grammy Award-winning producer Macias co-founded Thirty Tigers in 2002 with Deb Markland, and in just over a decade, the company has gone from two employees working out of Macias’ guest bedroom to thirty employees, most of whom work of their Nashville office. Thirty Tigers also has offices in Los Angeles, New York, North Carolina and London.
“The IMA has a simple and steadfast mission of finding and exulting innovation wherever it’s happening in our industry; Charlie, Lucie, and Striking Matches shine with the cutting edge of innovative performance,” said IMA Executive Producer and co-founder, John Ettinger. “David Macias has become one of Nashville’s most compelling characters, with a sense of imagination for what can be accomplished outside the normal path. I cannot wait to hear his angles on innovation.”
Tickets to this year’s event at the Westin Hotel are available here.
Luke Combs, Leon Bridges Set For ‘CMT Crossroads’ Taping June 5 In Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonFans can expect to hear the two stars performing favorite tracks and anthems together from Combs’ Gold-certified debut album This One’s For You, Bridges’ Grammy-nominated debut Coming Home and his brand new celebrated sophomore release, Good Thing, as well as the two uniting for covers of their favorite iconic songs.
In Pictures: ASCAP, BMI, Round Hill Music, Margo Price, City Rockfest
/by Jessica NicholsonASCAP Gives Back At Room In The Inn
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Robert Filhart, Mark Irwin, and Room In The Inn’s Maggie Sananikone and Kevin Clavin
Inspired by Country Music Hall of Fame member and lifelong ASCAP songwriter Don Schlitz, who performs every week at Room In The Inn, ASCAP features songwriters to perform at the shelter once a month throughout 2018, while ASCAP staff volunteer to serve the guests.
In May, the series featured hit songwriter Mark Irwin (“Here in the Real World,” “Highway Don’t Care”), who will also lead the upcoming ASCAP Foundation Garth Brooks Country Songwriters Workshop at the ASCAP Nashville office May 29-31. ASCAP’s Kele Currier and Robert Filhart were on hand to serve the guests at Room In The Inn alongside staff and volunteers.
Room In The Inn’s mission is to provide programs that emphasize human development and recovery through education, self-help and work, centered in community and long term support for those who call the streets of Nashville home.
BMI Celebrates Rooftop On The Row
BMI’s Branden Bostler, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, Charlie Worsham, Lucie Silvas, BMI’s Nina Carter and BMI’s Mason Hunter pose before BMI’s Rooftop On The Row.
Following a brief rain delay, Lucie Silvas and Charlie Worsham took BMI’s Rooftop On The Row by storm last night with the help of lead sponsors George Dickel Tennessee Whisky, NASH FM 103.3 and 95.5 NASH ICON. Despite a brief bout of rain, the party kicked off on the rooftop with a “cocktail hour” as guests enjoyed specialty cocktails from George Dickel and steak skewers provided by Texas Roadhouse until the show was able to begin. The second of a six show summer rooftop series, Music Row tastemakers, family and friends are able to enjoy stunning views of the Nashville skyline while enjoying complimentary food and beverage and the best of Music City’s veteran and rising talent.
Round Hill Music Nashville Hosts Writers Round
Front (L-R): Jennifer Scher, CFO; Josh Gruss, CEO; Penny Gattis, Senior Director, A&R, Nashville; Richard Rowe, Chairman. Back (L-R): Neil Gillis, President; Ashley Gorley, Danny Mryick, Jimmy Robbins, Josh Saxe, Senior Director, A&R, Nashville; Katie Pruitt, Mark Brown SVP/GM, Nashville; Dallas Davidson, Craig Wiseman
Round Hill Music Nashville hosted a writers round at Analog at the Hutton on Tuesday, May 15 featuring their writers Ashley Gorley, Craig Wiseman, Dallas Davidson, Danny Myrick, Jimmy Robbins, Katie Pruitt, and the Warren Brothers.
Margo Price Wraps Three-Night, Sold-Out Ryman Run
Jack White with Margo Price at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Chris Phelps
Margo Price recently celebrated three sold-out headlining shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The Third Man Records singer-songwriter welcomed several musical friends during the run of shows, including Jack White and Sturgill Simpson.
Margo Price backstage at the Ryman Auditorium with Sturgill Simpson and Lukas Nelson. Photo: Chris Phelps
City RockFest Tour Wraps 24-City Run
Christian music’s premier multi-artist rock outing, the City RockFest Tour, recently wrapped its 24-city spring run. Headlined by Dove Award-winning Disciple, the third annual tour featured Seventh Day Slumber, Wolves at the Gate, Spoken, As We Ascend, Random Hero and The Protest. Presented by ChildFund International, nearly 300 children were sponsored during the tour.
Founded and hosted by Seventh Day Slumber, the tour visited Spokane, Washington; Abilene, Texas; Columbia, Maryland; Jacksonville, Florida; and Fairfield, California, among other cities, before concluding May 18 in Evansville, Indiana.
Scotty McCreery Earns First No. 1 Song, Goes Platinum With “Five More Minutes”
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): ASCAP songwriter Frank Rogers and BMI songwriters Scotty McCreery and Monty Criswell pose at the party celebrating their No. 1 hit “Five More Minutes.” Photo: Steve Lowry
Scotty McCreery had much to celebrate Wednesday (May 23) during a party at Nashville’s Country Music Association offices, hosted by ASCAP and BMI. McCreery recently earned his very first No. 1 song with “Five More Minutes.” During the celebration, McCreery was also surprised with the news that the song has been certified Platinum by the RIAA.
“Five More Minutes” was inspired by McCreery’s late paternal grandfather, penned just two weeks after his passing by McCreery and hit songwriters Monty Criswell and Frank Rogers.
The well-attended event was packed with friends and family and featured remarks from BMI’s Bradley Collins, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Spirit Music’s Billy Lynn, Sea Gayle’s Jake Gear and Triple Tiger’s Norbert Nix, who offered a shout out to the promotions team for “batting 1,000.” Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson announced a donation to MusiCares on behalf of the songwriters. Others making glowing remarks included CMA’s Brandi Simms and Country Aircheck‘s Lon Helton.
MusicRow Magazine’s owner/publisher Sherod Robertson called the chart-topping success a “case study in how to perfectly execute a hit song.”
“In an industry where perception and image is 99 percent of it, sometimes a good song wins,” Criswell said.
The song marks the second chart-topper for indie label Triple Tigers Records, which recently notched the “Yours” for Russell Dickerson. The label launched in 2016 as a collaboration between Triple 8 Management’s George Couri and Bruce Kalmick, as well as Nix and Thirty Tigers’ David Macias.
McCreery reflected on the long journey from his former label home, to regaining the rights to his music and ultimately teaming with Triple Tigers Records and topping the music charts.
“I learned patience, goodness gracious,” he said. “This story is about a team. I appreciate you accepting me and fighting for me. This is about a song. If this was a song I would be my career on, it would be this one. We initially put out a song with no label. What were we thinking? We were crazy, but it worked out,” he said with a smile, before personally thanking each member of his team, as well as his soon-to-be wife, Gabi, whom he will wed next month.
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Triple Tiger’s Norbert Nix, ASCAP songwriter Frank Rogers, Scotty McCreery, BMI songwriter Monty Criswell, Spirit Music’s Billy Lynn and BMI’s Bradley Collins. Photo: Steve Lowry
Steven Curtis Chapman Extends SCC Solo Tour Into Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughJake Owen, Cole Swindell Join CMA Fest Nissan Stage Lineup
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“What makes CMA Fest unique from other music festivals are our one-of-a-kind fan experiences at Xfinity Fan Fair X,” said Damon Whiteside, CMA Chief Marketing Officer. “For decades, country music fans have flocked to Nashville to attend the festival to get up close and personal with their favorite artists. We’re proud to continue that tradition year after year.”
“With Xfinity Fan Fair X, we’re looking to extend a live version of the home experience we give millions of people across the country everyday – instant access to their favorite artists on the TV, mobile devices and online, all in a simple, easy and fun way,” said Matt Lederer, Comcast’s Executive Director of Partnership Marketing. “Country music fans are passionate, and we look forward to creating an immersive destination for them within CMA Fest.”
The Radio Disney Country Stage returns to Xfinity Fan Fair X, where attendees can catch some of today’s hottest stars and up-and-coming artists. Scheduled performances and appearances include Jimmie Allen, Abby Anderson, Cam, Jillian Cardarelli, CB30, Jordan Davis, Devin Dawson, Russell Dickerson, Cale Dodds, Lindsay Ell, Emily Hackett, Adam Hambrick, Trent Harmon, Walker Hayes, Jillian Jacqueline, Caroline Jones, Madison Kozak, LANCO, Maddie & Tae, Tegan Marie, Jaden Michaels, Cassadee Pope, Stephanie Quayle, RaeLynn, Noah Schnacky, Kalie Shorr, Christina Taylor and Rachel Wammack. Marie, Hayley Orrantia and Shorr join Radio Disney Country personality Betsy Spina to share hosting duties throughout the weekend.
An addition to Xfinity Fan Fair X, the Spotlight Stage will showcase more than 50 emerging acts performing acoustic sets and hosting meet and greets. Scheduled artists include 2Steel Girls, 8 Ball Aitken, American Young, Paul Bogart, Haley Mae Campbell, Cort Carpenter, Caryn Lee Carter, CERRITO, Jessie Chris, Chas Collins, Dustin Collins, Nora Collins, Crystal Day, Joe Denim, Dixie Jade, James Dupré, Tim Elliott, EmiSunshine, Farewell Angelina, Folk Soul Revival, Kenny Foster, Gal Friday, Josh Gallagher, Lee Gantt, Harper Grae, Kristi Hoopes, Jason Morton & The Chesapeake Sons, Meghan Kabir, Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road, Kelsey Lamb, Olivia Lane, Cherish Lee, Jenny Leigh, Lucy Angel, Elizabeth Lyons, Red Marlow, Bobby Marquez, Jackson Michelson, Kylie Morgan, Marta Olejarz, Shane Owens, Presley & Taylor, Jesse Rice, Matt Rogers, Southern Halo, Summer Brooke & The Mountain Faith Band, Glen Templeton, The Lovers, The Springs, The Wandering Hearts, The Young Fables and Karen Waldrup.
In addition, the Xfinity Zone will feature appearances by Chase Bryant, Easton Corbin, Ell, Lucas Hoge, Jerrod Niemann, Quayle, Dylan Scott, Temecula Road, Aaron Watson and Drake White.
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