Welcome to the first all-downloaded edition of DisClaimer.
Everything was compressed and played through my tiny computer speakers, so nothing sounded especially full bodied.
That said, here’s the good news. Ryan Hurd has released a star making single and triumphs over the competition to take home the Disc of the Day award.
I’ve enthusiastically reviewed the Music City band The Wild Feathers in pop/rock columns before. But their new single sounds like a bid for country acceptance, so they win the DisCovery Award.
LUCAS HOGE/Power of Garth
Writers: Matt Roger/Terry McBride; Producer: Matt McClure; Publishers: BMG Platinum Songs (BMI), Jam Writers Group (BMI), SWMBMGBMI (BMI), TMc Daddy Music (BMI), Ole’ Canalco Publishing (ASCAP), Rebel Engine
– It’s a fine ballad about nostalgia and memory. He was a boy when his parents played Garth Brooks records, and those sounds are still “wrapped around my heart.” Well produced and expressively sung.
DEVIN DAWSON/She Burns
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Atlantic (download)
-This echoey, spellbinding cover of Foy Vance’s tune fits him like a glove. I never thought he was all that “country” to begin with, so it makes perfect sense.
OLD DOMINION/Hotel Key
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA (download)
– Jaunty and bopping as all get out. Stuttering guitars, rapid-fire lyric delivery, sunny attitude, sexy imagery. Go for it.
BLACKBERRY SMOKE/Flesh and Bone
Writers: Charlie Starr; Producer: Blackberry Smoke; Publishers: none listed; 3 Legged/Thirty Tigers
– Doomy and darkly rocking. Guitars grind in your face. The lead vocal is buried in the mix. Pass.
SMITH & WESLEY/Hook Line & Sinker
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed;
-Yet another Jimmy Buffett sonic rip off. However, they do sing well.
RYAN HURD/Diamonds Or Twine
Writers: Ryan Hurd/Laura Veltz/Mark Trussell; Producer: Aaron Essuis; Publishers: none listed; RCA (download)
– Superb. The melody is just lovely, and the lyric is ultra romantic. He wrote it for his bride, Maren Morris, and the video features lotsa footage of the lovebirds. He sings like he is head-over-heels. When you hear it, you will be, too.
WALKER HAYES/Craig
Writers: Walker Hayes; Producers: Hayes/Shane McAnally; Publishers: Songs of Kobalt/Songs of Smack/Smack Songs/Spark In Your Pocket/Rare Spark, BMI, Monument
– Sentimental rapping with a sparse rhythm track.
THE WILD FEATHERS/Big Sky
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
-This Nashville rock band emphasizes its stellar vocal harmonies on this airy and utterly charming tune. Evocative of California country-rockers The Eagles or of Crosby, Stills & Nash. Highly recommended.
CASSADEE POPE/Take You Home
Writers: Paul Digiovanni/Ben Hayslip/Emily Wesiband; Producer: Corey Crowder; Publishers: none listed; Fusion
– She’s a strong singer, so I don’t understand why her vocals are so processed here. Let the lady loose.
PARMALEE/Hotdamalama
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Stoney Creek
– The summer party season starts early with this rocking release. It ain’t exactly hillbilly music, but the kiddies will dig it.
Denise Roberts, Blake Nixon Join Show Dog
/by Jessica NicholsonVice President, Promotions Rick Moxley noted, “As Show Dog Nashville gears up for several new projects in 2018, I’m very excited about the addition of both Denise and Blake. Denise has been an all-star at every stop during her career and Blake comes off some very
successful new artist rollouts during his fast track start.”
Roberts, most recently with 1608, was a part of the original Show Dog promo team put together by label-founder and entertainer Toby Keith at the start of his label in 2005. Roberts has worked with MCA/Nashville, Thirty Tigers, as well as at Radio Liason for Gary Allan with Lytle Management. She can be reached at denise.roberts@showdogmail.com or at 818-679-5479.
Nixon has found much success at his prior engagements including In2une Nashville and Warner Music Nashville. He can be reached at blake.nixon@showdogmail.com or at 615-498-0988.
Roberts and Nixon also join Greg Sax who remains Southwest Promotions Regional Director at Show Dog.
Florida Georgia Line Celebrate Titans 20th Anniversary With Huge Block Party
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Florida Georgia Line and Tennessee Titans)
Florida Georgia Line helped the Tennessee Titans unveil their new jerseys and celebrate their upcoming 20th season in a big way Wednesday night (April 4) at a massive block party and concert in downtown Nashville at the corner of Broadway and 1st Avenue.
Proudly sporting the NFL’s Tennessee Titans’ brand new 2018 jerseys personalized with “Hubbard” and “Kelley,” the duo performed plenty of hits for the crowd, which included star Titans players of past and present united with the Titans Cheerleaders for the festivities. Coach Mike Vrabel even joined in on the action at one point, grabbing a mic to accompany FGL onstage for “Get Your Shine On.”
Thousands of fans cheered and sang through the night to a range of FGL’s hottest jams including “Meant to Be” with Bebe Rexha, which is currently sitting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart for its 18th consecutive week, and a performance with Morgan Wallen of his latest single “Up Down” which features the duo. Hubbard and Kelley made the night a family affair as well, bringing out their wives for a piano-driven version of “H.O.L.Y.”, which marked baby Olivia Hubbard’s first concert.
The event included a pre-party at FGL House and an after-party back at the four-story entertainment destination plus the concert with pyro and fireworks in between, and headlining the landmark event meant a great deal to the two, who met in Music City. “It’s an honor to be a part of this organization,” Hubbard shared onstage. “It’s an honor to be in the beautiful city of Nashville – our home state of Tennessee right here – hanging out on a Wednesday night.”
CMT Hot 20 Countdown will offer viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the explosive night with backstage interviews and concert footage, and fans can tune in to see host Cody Alan tour Nissan Stadium, home of the Titans, with FGL on CMT.
(Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Florida Georgia Line and Tennessee Titans)
Weekly Chart Report 4/6/18
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
DISClaimer: Ryan Hurd’s Star-Making Single
/by Robert K OermannEverything was compressed and played through my tiny computer speakers, so nothing sounded especially full bodied.
That said, here’s the good news. Ryan Hurd has released a star making single and triumphs over the competition to take home the Disc of the Day award.
I’ve enthusiastically reviewed the Music City band The Wild Feathers in pop/rock columns before. But their new single sounds like a bid for country acceptance, so they win the DisCovery Award.
LUCAS HOGE/Power of Garth
Writers: Matt Roger/Terry McBride; Producer: Matt McClure; Publishers: BMG Platinum Songs (BMI), Jam Writers Group (BMI), SWMBMGBMI (BMI), TMc Daddy Music (BMI), Ole’ Canalco Publishing (ASCAP), Rebel Engine
– It’s a fine ballad about nostalgia and memory. He was a boy when his parents played Garth Brooks records, and those sounds are still “wrapped around my heart.” Well produced and expressively sung.
DEVIN DAWSON/She Burns
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Atlantic (download)
-This echoey, spellbinding cover of Foy Vance’s tune fits him like a glove. I never thought he was all that “country” to begin with, so it makes perfect sense.
OLD DOMINION/Hotel Key
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA (download)
– Jaunty and bopping as all get out. Stuttering guitars, rapid-fire lyric delivery, sunny attitude, sexy imagery. Go for it.
BLACKBERRY SMOKE/Flesh and Bone
Writers: Charlie Starr; Producer: Blackberry Smoke; Publishers: none listed; 3 Legged/Thirty Tigers
– Doomy and darkly rocking. Guitars grind in your face. The lead vocal is buried in the mix. Pass.
SMITH & WESLEY/Hook Line & Sinker
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed;
-Yet another Jimmy Buffett sonic rip off. However, they do sing well.
RYAN HURD/Diamonds Or Twine
Writers: Ryan Hurd/Laura Veltz/Mark Trussell; Producer: Aaron Essuis; Publishers: none listed; RCA (download)
– Superb. The melody is just lovely, and the lyric is ultra romantic. He wrote it for his bride, Maren Morris, and the video features lotsa footage of the lovebirds. He sings like he is head-over-heels. When you hear it, you will be, too.
WALKER HAYES/Craig
Writers: Walker Hayes; Producers: Hayes/Shane McAnally; Publishers: Songs of Kobalt/Songs of Smack/Smack Songs/Spark In Your Pocket/Rare Spark, BMI, Monument
– Sentimental rapping with a sparse rhythm track.
THE WILD FEATHERS/Big Sky
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
-This Nashville rock band emphasizes its stellar vocal harmonies on this airy and utterly charming tune. Evocative of California country-rockers The Eagles or of Crosby, Stills & Nash. Highly recommended.
CASSADEE POPE/Take You Home
Writers: Paul Digiovanni/Ben Hayslip/Emily Wesiband; Producer: Corey Crowder; Publishers: none listed; Fusion
– She’s a strong singer, so I don’t understand why her vocals are so processed here. Let the lady loose.
PARMALEE/Hotdamalama
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Stoney Creek
– The summer party season starts early with this rocking release. It ain’t exactly hillbilly music, but the kiddies will dig it.
Second Innovation In Music Awards Set For June 3
/by Jessica Nicholson“The music industry is a shifting landscape and successful leaders are achieving results by adapting and finding creative ways to address change, all while advancing the art and supporting our creative community,” said Pete O’Heeron, Chairman of the Innovation in Music Awards. “These people are deserving of this recognition because they are setting the course for the future of the industry.”
The IMA event will be hosted by Bill Werde, a leading storyteller and media executive and personality throughout his career. He currently serves as the director of the Bandier Music Industry Program in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Werde was Billboard’s editorial director until 2014, and continues to write a column. While at Billboard, Werde’s hosting duties included the Women in Music Gala, The Billboard Touring Awards, the live-streamed backstage show from the Billboard Music Awards and a broadcast music news segment on the Fuse cable network. He began writing about the intersection of culture, business and technology more than 15 years ago; he’s been frequently published by The New York Times, Wired magazine, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone and many other publications.
The inaugural IMA ceremony in June 2017 was a sell-out attended by industry leaders honoring several notable figures including Bobby Bones, Leslie Fram, Brian O’Connell, Mike McVay and the night’s big winner Innovator of the Year, John Esposito, Chairman and CEO of Warner Music Nashville.
The event features eight major awards, musical performances, presentations honoring the nominees and various other moments celebrating innovation within entertainment.
Organizers and producers for the event include O’Heeron, John Ettinger, Shanna Strassberg, Bret Wolcott, and Marie Wapelhorst.
Innovation In Music Awards will be given in categories including:
-Innovator of the Year
-Impact in Innovation Award
-Innovation in Music, Music Industry Executive
-Innovation in Music, Artist
-Innovation in Music Live/Touring
-Innovation in Music, National Media
-Innovation in Music, Digital Media
-Innovation in Music, Digital Broadcast
-Innovation in Music, National Broadcast
-Innovation in Music, Major Market Radio
-Innovation in Music, Medium Market Radio
-Innovation in Music, Small Market Radio
Ed Sheeran To Receive Music Biz Artist Of The Year Award
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Music Business Association will honor Atlantic Records’ multi-Platinum, Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran with its Artist of the Year Award at the Music Biz 2018 conference’s Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 17 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
“Ed Sheeran has had a remarkable year that few artists will ever achieve, helping to push streaming even further into the mainstream with the record-breaking success of ‘÷’ on these platforms, while also making history on the Billboard Hot 100,” said James Donio, President of Music Biz. “While he has been a strong presence in the industry for several years, 2017 proved to be extraordinary. We are thrilled to have him join the ranks of previous Music Biz Artist of the Year winners Adele, Little Big Town, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Green Day.”
“This past year has been absolutely unbelievable, and I really appreciate this amazing recognition from Music Biz,” said Sheeran. “Of course, none of it would be possible without all of my incredible fans and the fantastic team behind me.”
Black Deer Festival Announces Additions To Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Black Deer Festival, set for June 22-24, has added Sarah Darling, Jess and The Bandits, Robert Vincent, Steak, O&O, Noble Jacks, Jay Scott, Ilona, Tally Spear and Katy Hurt to its 2018 lineup. These new artists join the already announced lineup that includes Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Kiefer Sutherland, Ashley Campbell, Sam Palladio, Wade Bowen, and many more for the festival’s inaugural year.
Black Deer is an independent festival set to take place in the natural outdoor location of Eridge Park, Britain’s oldest deer park located on the Kent/East Sussex border near Tunbridge Wells 50 minutes outside of London. The festival will immerse attendees in the alternative lifestyle with authentic Americana-style meats, smokey whiskeys, custom motorcycle showcases and storytellings from cultural pioneers.
Previously announced artists set to perform at Black Deer include Iron & Wine, Passenger, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit (UK Festival Exclusive), Ward Thomas, Eric Bibb, Striking Matches, John Moreland, Kiefer Sutherland, Ashley Campbell, Sam Palladio, The Webb Sisters, Stu Larsen, CC Smugglers, The Sheepdogs, The Wandering Hearts, The Picturebooks, Rev Sekou, Wildwood Kin, Elles Bailey, Sonia Leigh, Wade Bowen, The Americans, Juanita Stein, Broken Witt Rebels, Jarrod Dickenson, William the Conqueror, Bennett Wilson Poole, Danni Nicholls, Whiskey Shivers, Darren Eedens and the Slim Pickin’s, Ben Danaher, Alexander McKay. and Steve Young.
Lady Antebellum, Chris Janson Set For Nashville’s July 4th Celebration
/by Jessica NicholsonLady Antebellum will headline the upcoming Fourth of July celebration in downtown Nashville, with additional performances from Chris Janson, Lucie Silvas and Shannon Sanders, the Convention and Visitors Corp. announced on Thursday (April 5).
The event will feature live music and a DJ from 4 p.m.-9:15 p.m. on the main stage at the corner of Broadway and 5th Avenue. A 30-minute fireworks show, synched with a performance from the Nashville Symphony, will follow the performances.
The Oak Ridge Boys, Trea Landon To Launch BMI’s 2018 Rooftop On The Row Series
/by Jessica NicholsonBroadcast Music, Inc.’s popular Nashville summer concert series, Rooftop On The Row, will return for the 2018 season in partnership with George Dickel Tennessee Whisky, NASH FM 103.3 and 95.5 NASH ICON.
The series will hit the ground running on April 24 with The Oak Ridge Boys and Trea Landon kicking off the first of six shows on the BMI Nashville rooftop. The Oak Ridge Boys recently released the album 17th Avenue Revival, produced by Dave Cobb. Earlier this month, Landon inked a deal with Warner Music Nashville.
Additional BMI Rooftop On The Row shows will be held May 22, June 20, July 17, Aug. 21, and Sept. 11.
Featuring the best of both country and Americana’s rising and established acts, this year’s lineup will include Morgan Wallen, Lindsay Ell, Mitchell Tenpenny, Charlie Worsham, Riley Green and Lucie Silvas, with many more still to be announced.
Past performers include Walker McGuire, Fairground Saints, LOCASH, William Michael Morgan, Jon Langston, SUSTO, and Hurray for the Riff Raff.
“Last year’s rooftop series was such a success. We’re so excited to have George Dickel Tennessee Whisky and Cumulus back on board for another summer of incredible music,” said Mason Hunter, AVP, Creative. “As always, we are focused on bringing top-level talent to this event. BMI has the unique ability to pull from both legends and up-and-comers, creating a really special experience for our guests. The backdrop of our city is just an added bonus.”
Low Country Sound, Warner/Chappell Sign Channing Wilson
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn (Warner/Chappell), Alicia Pruitt (Warner/Chappell), Channing Wilson, Ryan Beuschel (Warner/Chappell), Dave Cobb (Low Country Sound), Scott Safford (Safford-Motley)
Songwriter and musician Channing Wilson has signed a worldwide agreement with Dave Cobb’s Low Country Sound and Warner/Chappell. Wilson’s songs have been recorded by Luke Combs, Jason Eady, and Tyler Farr.Low
The Georgia native recently released his own LP, Live at Eddie’s Attic, recorded at the famed Georgia music club.
Wilson is a BMI songwriter and WME artist, represented by Joey Lee and Jonathan Insogna at WME.