Amanda Shires’ New Album ‘To The Sunset’ Slated For August

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Amanda Shires is set to release her fifth album To the Sunset on Aug. 3 via Silver Knife/Thirty Tigers. The project is Shires’ second album with producer Dave Cobb and represents a move to an edgier sound and attitude. Recorded at RCA Studio A, Shires is joined on To the Sunset by special guests including Jason Isbell (guitar), Dave Cobb (bass), Peter Levin (keys), and Jerry Pentecost (drums).

The collection features a group of songs narrated from a female perspective, with themes ranging from grappling with self-esteem in “Mirror, Mirror” to mental illness and addiction in the track “Wasn’t I Paying Attention?” and the power of a changed perspective with a dash of her humor in “Break Out The Champagne.”

 

ASCAP Marks First $1 Billion Payout To Members

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In 2017, ASCAP reports it collected an estimated $1.144 billion in revenues, and for the first time, distributed more than $1 billion to is songwriter, composer and music publisher members.

The organization represents more than 660,000 members and reported that total ASCAP revenues increased eight percent, with distributions up 10 percent year-over-year. Revenues from ASCAP’s licensing efforts in the US alone grew nearly 11 percent in 2017 to $846 million, up $86.9 million over 2016.

Domestic distributions from ASCAP-licensed and administered performances in the US also increased, to $723 million, up 15 percent over 2016.

“ASCAP is securing a strong future for our members by successfully closing key licensing deals and launching innovative digital tools that will enhance the lives of our members and make it easier for licensees to do business with us,” ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews said in a statement. “Our healthy 2017 financial results are proof positive that we are succeeding in our strategic transformation and our mission to support music creators and music publishers for a sustainable future in the digital economy.”

ASCAP President Paul Williams said: “I am gratified by the hard work that the ASCAP team does every day to make it possible for members of ASCAP to make their living as music creators. 2017 was a year of progress on so many fronts at ASCAP, including important deals that keep money flowing back to creators, technological investments that will keep us ahead of changes in the industry and momentum behind our efforts to reform our outdated music licensing system.”

More than 45,000 new members joined ASCAP in 2017, among them Dua Lipa, Carlos Vives, Maluma, Nana Rogues (Drake, “Passionfruit”), Jonas Jeberg (Fifth Harmony, “Sledgehammer” & Selena Gomez, “Fetish”) and Emily Warren (The Chainsmokers, “Don’t Let Me Down ft. Daya” & Dua Lipa, “New Rules”). Top ASCAP members renewing their agreements included Billy Joel, Cardi B, Coldplay, Meghan Trainor, Sam Hunt, Ariana Grande, Donald Fagen, Justin Bieber, Joss Favela, Big Sean, Kendrick Lamar, Drew Taggart (of The Chainsmokers), Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, Christopher Brody Brown, Starrah, Demi Lovato, French Montana, Lil Uzi Vert, Brett James, Henry Jackman and Heitor Pereira.

Music from ASCAP songwriters crowned 31 separate year-end song charts in 2017 and took all 10 of the Top 10 spots on the year-end Billboard Hot 100. Chart-topping members included Ashley Gorley, Drew Taggart, Daddy Yankee, Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, Ray Charles McCullough & Jeremy Reeves (The Stereotypes), Frederic Kennett, Isaac Slade, Joe King, Kandi Burruss, Tameka Cottle, Steve Mac (PRS), Justin Bieber, Poo Bear, Mattman & Robin (STIM), Kendrick Lamar, Mike Will Made-It, Lil Uzi Vert, Louis Bell and Quavo.

ASCAP noted that its operating expense ratio for 2017 was about 12 percent.

DISClaimer: Tourmates Gretchen Peters, Kim Richey Top New Americana Tunes

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The Americana genre is bringing out some of its most stellar artists for the spring season.

Impressively, there is also gender parity in today’s overview of the style. Five male and five female acts are vying for your attention.

This week, the gals have the goods. Gretchen Peters and Kim Richey finish in a tie for the Disc of the Day award. Which is especially cool, since they are touring together.

The DisCovery Award goes to the acoustic female trio I’m With Her. Rounder Records strikes again.

KIM RICHEY/Chase Wild Horses
Writers: Kim Richey/Mike Henderson; Producer: Brad Jones; Publishers: BMG/Red Equals Luck/Five Window/Warner-Tamerlane, BMI; Yep Roc (track)
– This rumbling country rocker addresses maturing and adulthood. Her sense of melody is exquisite, and her voice remains a soaring and deeply affecting instrument. An A-plus effort from her new Edgeland album. Buy it.

KYLE FREDERICK/Already November
Writers: Kyle Frederick; Producers: Byron House/Kyle Frederick; Publishers: Melody Chef/Byron House, BMI; Belody Chef
– The title tune of this artist’s new collection raises a glass at a wake for lost youth. He sings in a hoarse, almost strangulated fashion. The backing track features choppy percussion and electric-guitar growls.

BRANDI CARLILE/The Joke
Writers: Brandi Carlile/Phil Hanseroth/Tim Hanseroth/Dave Cobb; Producers: Cobb/Shooter Jennings; Publishers: Southern Oracle/WB/Old No. 7/Warner-Tamerlane, ASCAP/BMI; Elektra (track)
– She has one of those warm, conversational singing voices that’s always welcome. Here, it is bathed in echoey atmosphere and cushioned with lush strings. The ballad is an anthem for outsiders who will ultimately triumph in life. It appears on this Nashvillian’s excellent CD By the Way, I Forgive You.

BILL LLOYD/It’s Happening Now
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Whole In One
-Lloyd’s current release is an acoustic effort. Its romantic, lilting title song finds his still-boyish tenor wafting over jangly guitar and sighed backup vocals. He’s as tuneful as ever.

DULCIE TAYLOR/Halfway To Jesus
Writers: Taylor; Producer: George Nauful; Publishers: Raven in the Window, ASCAP; Black Iris (track)
– This is a dramatic, minor-key, cautionary ode about the damages we have inflicted on our natural world and of the cataclysmic climate that results. Swirling and compelling.

JOHN PRINE/Boundless Love
Writers: John Prine/Dan Auerbach/Pat McLaughlin; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Tommy Jack/Corn Country/Hour Box, BMI; Oh Boy (track)
– The new Prine CD, The Tree of Forgiveness, is like a warm greeting from an old friend. This tune of acceptance and grace is just one of its many pleasures. His drawling, distinctive folky singing voice still charms. And his lyrics continue to contain delightful gems like, “Sometimes my old heart is like a washing machine/It bounces around ‘til my soul comes clean/And when I’m clean and hung out to dry/I’m gonna make you laugh until you cry.”

GRETCHEN PETERS/Disappearing Act
Writer: Peters; Producers: Doug Lancio, Gretchen Peters & Barry Walsh; Publishers: Circus Girl, ASCAP; Scarlett Letter
– Here, she inhabits the character of a world-weary middle-aged woman whose husband passes away, her babies die and her soldier son’s soul vanishes in Iraq. Her voice is appropriately downtrodden, and the electro-pop production underscores the resigned, defeated mood. You’ll find it on this Americana goddess’s new CD Dancing With the Beast.

YouTube video

BOB REA/Southbound
Writers: Bob Rea/Erik Stucky; Producer: Steve Daly; Publisher: none listed; Shiny Dime (track)
– The title tune of this singer-songwriter’s album is a breezy, rolling ode to gal who is traveling free and easy. The dobro solo is dandy, as is his drawled delivery. Recommended.

I’M WITH HER/See You Around
Writers: Sara Watkins/Sarah Jarosz/Aoife O’Donovan; Producers: Ethan Johns/I’m With Her; Publishers: Fiddle & Fall/SoRaw/Cosmic Seed, ASCAP/BMI; Rounder (track)
– This female trio’s CD title tune and lead-off track is an airy, soprano-led song about shattered dreams and shards of heartbreak. There’s a lot to like in these picturesque lyrics and flawless vocal harmonies. Jarosz is a Grammy winning Americana solo artist. Watkins is a veteran of Nickel Creek. O’Donovan has a solo career and has collaborated with classical music’s Yo-Yo Ma. All three are accomplished instrumentalists, but their shining vocals together are what you’ll remember. Other gems to admire on the album include the sunny “Ain’t That Fine” and the dazzling single/video “Game to Lose.”

ANDERSON EAST/All On My Mind
Writers: Anderson East/Ed Sheeran/Johnny McDaid/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Farmland/Ed Shearan/Sony-ATV/Spirit B Unique/Polar Patrol/Kobalt/Warner-Tamerlane/One Tooth/Super LCS, BMI/PRS; Elektra (track)
– I remain a fan. His ferocious, blue-eyed soul singing pierces through a dark, rock rhythm track, massed strings and keyboard flourishes on this searing, fevered dream of obsession. It can be found on his new album titled Encore.

Lee Ann Womack, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Among First Round Of Americanafest Performers

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Lee Ann Womack, Jerry Douglas, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and John Oates are among the first round of artists announced who will perform at Americanafest Sept. 11-16 in Nashville. More than 250 artists will perform at the six-day festival and conference, which is now in its 19th year.

2018 festival wristbands are now on sale to the public for $75, and are available on the Americana Music Association website and in Nashville at Grimey’s New & Preloved Music and The Groove. Festival Wristbands allow admission into all evening showcase venues and select sanctioned parties and events.

Conference Registrations (currently on-sale at the standard rate of $349/$249 for Americana Music Association members) can be purchased here and offer priority admission into all showcase venues, sanctioned parties, events and daytime educational panels. These passes also allow attendees to purchase up to two tickets per registration for the 17th annual Americana Honors & Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at the Ryman Auditorium. At this time, only Conference Registrants may purchase Honors & Awards show tickets.

Artists Confirmed to Play Americanafest 2018:
Alejandro Escovedo
American Aquarium
American Folk
ANIMAL YEARS
The Black Lillies
Brandy Clark
Caitlin Canty
Carolina Story
Catherine Britt
Cedric Burnside
Chance McCoy
The Commonheart
Courtney Hartman
Dawn Landes
Dead Horses
Devon Gilfillian
Dom Flemons
Drivin N Cryin
The Earls of Leicester
Emily Scott Robinson
Erin Rae
Ghost of Paul Revere
H.C. McEntire
Hayley Thompson-King
Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs
Holly Macve
Ida Mae
Israel Nash
Jade Jackson
Jaime Wyatt
Jamie McLean Band
Jeffrey Foucault
Jerry Douglas
Jill Andrews
Joe Purdy
John Carter Cash
John Craigie
John Oates
Josh Rennie-Hynes
Katie Pruitt
Kim Richey
Lee Ann Womack & Friends
Lindsay Lou
Liz Brasher
Lucky Lips
Luke Winslow-King
Lula Wiles
Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear
Mary Gauthier
The McCrary Sisters
McKenzie Lockhart
Mountain Heart
Nicholas Jamerson
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Phil Madeira
Prinz Grizzley and his Beargaroos
Ron Pope
Ruston Kelly
Sam Lewis
Scott Mulvahill
Shemekia Copeland
Shook Twins
The Small Glories
Sons Of Bill
Southern Avenue
Sunny War
Them Coulee Boys
Tommy Emmanuel
Vandoliers
The War and Treaty
Whiskey Wolves of the West
William Crighton
William Prince
Worry Dolls

Nashville Pride Festival Reveals 2018 Lineup

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The 30th Annual Nashville Pride Festival has revealed its 2018 Nissan Main Stage entertainment lineup including Wilson Phillips, JoJo, Taylor Bennett, Chely Wright, Steve Grand, FLETCHER and more. This year’s Pride Festival will take place on June 23rd-24 at Public Square Park in Downtown Nashville. Saturday’s festival kicks off with the Equality Walk at 10 a.m.

The Nissan Main Stage kicks off with two Nashville-based acts, synth-pop group, John Cyrus, and Nashville native (unicorn) and emerging hip-hop artist, Gifted Queen; the RNBW Nash Songwriters Stage features singer-songwriters within Music City’s LGBTQ community, and there will also be a stage dedicated to drag performers from around the region and a full day of music from DJs from WXNA.

Saturday’s Nissan Main Stage lineup also includes musician and social activist Chely Wright, producer Andreas Moss, pop singer FLETCHER, hip hop newcomer (and younger brother to Chance the Rapper) Taylor Bennett, and Saturday’s Nissan Main Stage headliner — JoJo.

The festival continues on Sunday with performances on the Nissan Main Stage from Nashville’s own Katie Pruitt, Becca Mancari, and Lavender Country, soul crooner Desi Valentine, pop star Steve Grand, and Sunday’s Nissan Main Stage headliner — Wilson Phillips.

Tickets and festival information — including the ability to create a custom schedule — are available through the Nashville Pride app or by visiting NashvillePride.org.  Daily passes are $5.00 for the general public, weekend and VIP passes are on sale now.

Jake Owen, Morgan Wallen, Jillian Jacqueline Added To Stars For Second Harvest Benefit Lineup

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Big Loud Records artists Jake Owen, Morgan Wallen and Jillian Jacqueline have been added to the 14th annual Stars For Second Harvest benefit concert set for June 5 at the Ryman. Hosted by songwriter Craig Wiseman and presented by O’Charley’s, the show will feature acoustic performances by some of country’s brightest stars.

Tickets for the benefit are available now for reserved seating at $40, preferred seating at $60 and a select number of premium seats, which include a seat and limited edition show poster, for $125 plus service charges. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com, the Ryman box office, Ryman.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.

Proceeds from the show benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in their efforts to feed hungry people and work to solve hunger issues in the community.

Kelsea Ballerini Joins Sandbox Entertainment

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Kelsea Ballerini has signed with Jason Owen‘s Sandbox Entertainment, Owen has confirmed to MusicRow.

As MusicRow reported yesterday, Ballerini left her previous management company, Fletcher Foster‘s Iconic Entertainment.

Sandbox Entertainment also represents artists including Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, Midland, Faith Hill, and more.

Collaborators, Writer Credits Revealed For Keith Urban’s ‘Graffiti U’

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Keith Urban‘s latest single “Coming Home” features pop singer/songwriter Julia Michaels, but she’s not the only female Urban will collaborate with on his upcoming Graffiti U album.

The album, which releases April 27 via Capitol Records Nashville, also includes UMG Nashville/Interscope artist Kassi Ashton (on the track “Drop Top”) and Stoney Creek Records singer/songwriter/guitar slinger Lindsay Ell (on “Horses”). Additionally, the album features a collaboration called “My Wave,” with Shy Carter.

The album also includes Urban’s women-empowering track, “Female,” which he debuted at last year’s CMA Awards.

See the full track listing and writer credits for Urban’s Graffiti U below:

GRAFFITI U TRACK LISTING & CREDITS

Coming Home (Featuring Julia Michaels)
Written by Keith Urban, J.R. Rotem, Julia Michaels, Merle Haggard, Nicolle Galyon
Produced by J.R. Rotem & Keith Urban
Contains elements of Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried.” Used by permission.

Never Comin Down
Written by Keith Urban, Josh Kerr, James Abrahart, Shy Carter
Produced by Josh Kerr & Keith Urban

Same Heart
Written by Keith Urban, Jason Evigan, Emily Weisband, Jordan Minton
Produced by Jason Evigan & Keith Urban

My Wave (Featuring Shy Carter)
Written by Keith Urban, Greg Wells, Shy Carter
Produced by Greg Wells & Keith Urban

Parallel Line
Written by Ed Sheeran, Benjamin Levin, Johnny McDaid, Julia Michaels, Amy Wadge
Contains elements of “Everglow” courtesy of Chris Martin, Will Champion, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, Tor Hermansen and Mikkel Eriksen used by permission.
Produced by Benny Blanco, Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid & Keith Urban

Drop Top (Featuring Kassi Ashton)
Written by Keith Urban, Jimmy Robbins, Mozella, Josh Osborne
Produced by Jesse Shatkin, Jimmy Robbins & Keith Urban

Way Too Long
Written by Oscar Holter, Julia Michaels, Nate Ruess
Produced by Oscar Holter for Wolf Cousins Productions

Horses (Featuring Lindsay Ell)
Written by Matt Rad, Mozella, Jamie Scott
Produced by Matt Rad & Keith Urban

Gemini
Written by Keith Urban, Julia Michaels, Justin Tranter, Ian Kirkpatrick
Produced by Ian Kirkpatrick & Keith Urban

Texas Time
Written by Max Townsley, Drew Erickson, Steve Lindsey, Dillon O’Brian
Produced by Mike Elizondo & Keith Urban

Love The Way It Hurts (So Good)
Written by Keith Urban, Ben Berger, Ryan Rabin, Ryan McMahon
Produced by Captain Cuts & Keith Urban

Female
Written by Nicolle Galyon, Ross Copperman, Shane McAnally
Produced by Ross Copperman, Dann Huff & Keith Urban

Steal My Thunder
Written by Keith Urban, Jason Evigan, Emily Weisband, Jordan Minton
Produced by Jason Evigan & Keith Urban

Eric Church’s ’61 Days In Church’ Exclusive Coming On Record Store Day

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In 2017, Eric Church began recording an ambitious project, 61 Days In Church, recording 30 songs per night during his 61-date Holdin’ My Own Tour.

On Record Store Day (April 21), Church will release an exclusive collection of cover songs from the tour, available on LP with 2,500 exclusive copies available to fans (available only at participating record stores).

The collection includes the following eight cover songs:
1. “Better Man” (Live At Tacoma Drive, Tacoma, WA, March 18, 2017)
2. “Turn The Page” (Live At CenturyLink Center, Omaha, NE, April 8, 2017)
3. “Dixie Chicken” (Live at Pepsi Center, Denver, CO, April 5, 2017 with Chuck Leavell)
4. “Six Days On The Road” (Live at PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA, April 21, 2017)
5. “Rusty Cage” (Live at Verizon Center, Washington, D.C., May 19, 2017)
6. “Allentown” (Live at Santander Arena, Reading, PA, May 18, 2017)
7. “Midnight Rider” (Live at Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, May 27, 2017)
8. “American Woman” (Live at Pepsi Center, Denver, CO, April 5, 2017 with Glenn Hughes)

The Holdin’ My Own Tour was presented in two sets with an intermission. The tour reached nearly a million fans culminating with two sold-out shows at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

 

Cam, Lucie Silvas Set For Ryman Auditorium Show

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Cam

Cam will perform her first headlining concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, Sept. 26. The singer-songwriter, who recently made guest appearances on American Idol and The Late Late Show with James Corden, will welcome Lucie Silvas as her special guest.

Cam, in support of her sterling new single “Diane,” served as a mentor on the All-Star Duets episode of American Idol, performing “Diane” with contestant Effie Passero and her breakthrough hit “Burning House” with contestant Shannon O’Hara. That same evening, Cam made her late night television debut of “Diane” with an appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

CMT presales starts today, April 18, and Ryman’s presale will begin tomorrow, April 19 at 10 a.m. CST. General public tickets will go on sale Friday, April 20 at 10 a.m. CST.

For more, visit ticketmaster.com.