
It’s a real horse race for today’s top-ranked new country sound.
Coming around the far turn and galloping into the home stretch are the records by The Frontmen, Jagertown, Tyler Rich and Josh Gracin. They’re running neck-in-neck for the Disc of the Day prize.
But coming from behind is a wise old pro who knows just when to turn up the heat. It’s Willie Nelson crossing the finish line first and leaving the youngsters in his dust.
The talented colt who takes home this week’s DisCovery Award is a young son of Texas named Zach Stone. Lend him your ears.
TYLER BOOTH/Hand Crankin’ People
Writers: Phil O’Donnell/Josh Thompson/Kendell Marvel/Justin Moore; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Publishers: 16 Stars/Rooster Pecked/Sony-ATV/ole Songs of Better Angels/Blank Sheet/Georgia Buggy/Marvelicious/Big Music Machine/Double Barrel/Ace, BMI; TB (track)
-He sounds like Bocephus wading through molasses.
JAMES HOUSE/Leading Me Home
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Victor House (CDX)
– The vocal performance is spectacular, but the backing track is mixed too hot.
JOSH GRACIN/Nothin’ Like Us
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Revel (CDX)
-Sung with gusto, this has plenty of oomph. The rhythm track is dynamite. The song is loaded with hooks. Everything works. Definitely worth your spins.
THE FRONTMEN/If It Wasn’t For The Radio
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Frontmen (CDX)
– Now here’s some singing for ya. Individually, Larry Stewart (Restless Heart), Richie McDonald (Lonestar) and Tim Rushlow (Little Texas) have enough vocal firepower to send any song heavenward. As it happens, this one is a hit waiting to happen. Together, these three are an embarrassment of riches. And give a gold star to whoever produced the potent track.
TYLER RICH/The Difference
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Valory (download)
– Kinda pop-ish. Kinda catchy. Kinda clever. Ear candy.
JAGERTOWN/Rearview
Writers: Preston Creed; Producer: Matt McClure; Publishers: none listed; JCT
– I dig this. The fierce lead singer has bite and grit. The band plays with fiery conviction and lotsa punch. The kiss-off song packs a wallop. A winner.
MIDLAND & JAY DE LA CUEVA/Drinkin’ Problem
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Big Machine
-It’s their breakthrough hit, sung in Spanish. Whatever…..
MAGGIE ROSE/It’s You
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MR (download)
– I have been a fan of this lady for a long time. Her ear-opening new music is a fusion of her country roots and old-school soul. Piercing, righteous passion.
ZACH STONE/Four Letter Word
Writers: Zach Stone/Will Stone; Producer: Sam Martinez; Publishers: Jetpack/Ripcord South, ASCAP
– His voice is quite wonderful, characterized by baritone warmth, expressive phrasing and controlled volume. His songwriting is just as impressive, because this is as polished and professional and hooky as any works by country’s master tunesmiths. This Belmont alumnus is ready for the big time.
WILLIE NELSON/Me and You
Writers: Willie Nelson/Buddy Cannon; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: none listed; Legacy (download)
– Willie rocks! This irresistible toe tapper percolates like a coffee pot. His voice remains an instrument of perfect wonder as he drawls out the wry, witty lyric. Play it again. And again.
DISClaimer: Willie Nelson’s Voice Remains “An Instrument Of Perfect Wonder”
/by Robert K OermannIt’s a real horse race for today’s top-ranked new country sound.
Coming around the far turn and galloping into the home stretch are the records by The Frontmen, Jagertown, Tyler Rich and Josh Gracin. They’re running neck-in-neck for the Disc of the Day prize.
But coming from behind is a wise old pro who knows just when to turn up the heat. It’s Willie Nelson crossing the finish line first and leaving the youngsters in his dust.
The talented colt who takes home this week’s DisCovery Award is a young son of Texas named Zach Stone. Lend him your ears.
TYLER BOOTH/Hand Crankin’ People
Writers: Phil O’Donnell/Josh Thompson/Kendell Marvel/Justin Moore; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Publishers: 16 Stars/Rooster Pecked/Sony-ATV/ole Songs of Better Angels/Blank Sheet/Georgia Buggy/Marvelicious/Big Music Machine/Double Barrel/Ace, BMI; TB (track)
-He sounds like Bocephus wading through molasses.
JAMES HOUSE/Leading Me Home
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Victor House (CDX)
– The vocal performance is spectacular, but the backing track is mixed too hot.
JOSH GRACIN/Nothin’ Like Us
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Revel (CDX)
-Sung with gusto, this has plenty of oomph. The rhythm track is dynamite. The song is loaded with hooks. Everything works. Definitely worth your spins.
THE FRONTMEN/If It Wasn’t For The Radio
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Frontmen (CDX)
– Now here’s some singing for ya. Individually, Larry Stewart (Restless Heart), Richie McDonald (Lonestar) and Tim Rushlow (Little Texas) have enough vocal firepower to send any song heavenward. As it happens, this one is a hit waiting to happen. Together, these three are an embarrassment of riches. And give a gold star to whoever produced the potent track.
TYLER RICH/The Difference
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Valory (download)
– Kinda pop-ish. Kinda catchy. Kinda clever. Ear candy.
JAGERTOWN/Rearview
Writers: Preston Creed; Producer: Matt McClure; Publishers: none listed; JCT
– I dig this. The fierce lead singer has bite and grit. The band plays with fiery conviction and lotsa punch. The kiss-off song packs a wallop. A winner.
MIDLAND & JAY DE LA CUEVA/Drinkin’ Problem
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Big Machine
-It’s their breakthrough hit, sung in Spanish. Whatever…..
MAGGIE ROSE/It’s You
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MR (download)
– I have been a fan of this lady for a long time. Her ear-opening new music is a fusion of her country roots and old-school soul. Piercing, righteous passion.
ZACH STONE/Four Letter Word
Writers: Zach Stone/Will Stone; Producer: Sam Martinez; Publishers: Jetpack/Ripcord South, ASCAP
– His voice is quite wonderful, characterized by baritone warmth, expressive phrasing and controlled volume. His songwriting is just as impressive, because this is as polished and professional and hooky as any works by country’s master tunesmiths. This Belmont alumnus is ready for the big time.
WILLIE NELSON/Me and You
Writers: Willie Nelson/Buddy Cannon; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: none listed; Legacy (download)
– Willie rocks! This irresistible toe tapper percolates like a coffee pot. His voice remains an instrument of perfect wonder as he drawls out the wry, witty lyric. Play it again. And again.
iHeartMedia Reaches Debt Restructuring Agreement
/by Lorie HollabaughTo implement the balance sheet restructuring, iHeartMedia and certain of its subsidiaries, including iHeartCommunications, Inc., have filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries did not commence Chapter 11 proceedings.
The Company has filed a series of motions with the Bankruptcy Court to maintain business-as-usual operations and uphold its commitments to its employees and other stakeholders during the process. These “first day” motions will help facilitate a smooth transition into Chapter 11, and the company believes that its cash on hand, together with cash generated from ongoing operations, will be sufficient to fund and support the business during the Chapter 11 proceedings.
“iHeartMedia has created a highly successful operating business, generating year-over-year revenue growth in each of the last 18 consecutive quarters. We have transformed a traditional broadcast radio company into a true 21st century multi-platform, data-driven, digitally-focused media and entertainment powerhouse with unparalleled reach, products and services now available on more than 200 platforms, and the iHeartRadio master brand that ties together our almost 850 radio stations, our digital platform, our live events, and our 129 million social followers,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The agreement we announced today is a significant accomplishment, as it allows us to definitively address the more than $20 billion in debt that has burdened our capital structure. Achieving a capital structure that finally matches our impressive operating business will further enhance iHeartMedia’s position as America’s #1 audio company.”
Blake Shelton, Craig Morgan, MercyMe Join Trace Adkins’ “Jammin’ To Beat The Blues”
/by Jessica NicholsonTrace Adkins will welcome Blake Shelton, Craig Morgan and MercyMe on March 21 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium for Jammin’ To Beat The Blues, a concert that will benefit Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee. Also joining the show will be previously-announced performers Jason Crabb and High Valley.
In addition to his multi-faceted music and acting career, Adkins supports the Wounded Warrior Project and the American Red Cross, and has taken part in 12 USO Tours.
FBMM Promotes Four Staffers
/by Jessica NicholsonEntertainment business management firm Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc. has promoted four team members: Danielle DeMaso and Brian Gordner to account managers, Chris Scott to account executive, and Laramie Lomanto to senior account assistant.
“Here at FBMM, we pride ourselves on putting our clients first. Danielle, Brian, Chris and Laramie have all shown great potential during their time at FBMM,” said Jamie Cheek, president and co-owner of FBMM. “We are fortunate to have staff members on our team who are passionate about the music industry, and it is a joy to see them grow within FBMM.”
DeMaso began working at FBMM in February 2015 and is now an account manager. Prior to working at FBMM, DeMaso worked at Kraft CPAs and was an accounting manager in other organizations, including leading teams at Whisenant Stewart Watrous & Associates, PLLC. She has worked in both public and private accounting for the past 25 years.
Gordner joined the FBMM team in May 2012 and has also been named an account manager. In 2016, he became a Certified Management Accountant. Gordner brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the FBMM team, having worked eight years in the music industry, spending five as a tour manager. He worked as the tour and production manager at Augustana Music Inc., and managed ticket packages for the Aerosmith Fan Club at Paid Inc. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from the University at Buffalo in 2004.
Scott came to FBMM in December 2014 and is now an account executive. Previously, he worked as a tour manager for Hooah Music, Inc., and SheDaisy. He also worked as a production manager at TLE, Inc., and in artist management at F3 Entertainment. Scott received his associate degree at Western Kentucky University.
Lomanto started working with FBMM in August 2015 and is now a senior account assistant. Prior to working at FBMM, Lomanto worked as a sound technician for The Loop Ministries and interned with Music Row Music Group. She received her Bachelor of Administration degree in music business at Belmont University in 2015.
Spirit Music Nashville Adds Songwriter Kyle Rife To Roster
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Billy Lynn, VP, Creative, Spirit Music Nashville; Denise Stevens, Attorney, Loeb & Loeb; Kyle Rife; Daniel Hill, President, Spirit Music Nashville; Brian Bradford, Sr. Director of Administration, Spirit Music Nashville; and Freeman Wizer, Sr. Director of Creative, Spirit Music Nashville.
Spirit Music Nashville has signed songwriter Kyle Rife to an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement, as announced today by Daniel Hill, President, Spirit Music Nashville. Rife’s agreement with Spirit marks the latest in the company’s aggressive series of Nashville-focused signings and catalog acquisitions. One of Nashville’s most promising songwriters and performers, Rife has co-written songs with Jeffery Steele, Mac McAnally, Darius Rucker, and Spirit’s own Frank Rogers, and he’s performed alongside Rucker, Taylor Swift, Kid Rock and ZZ Top.
“Kyle is a gifted guitarist, performer, and songwriter. We are very excited to help Kyle take his songwriting career to the next level and beyond,” said Daniel Hill.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled or honored to be a part of such an incredible group of publishers. I respect Daniel Hill and Billy Lynn [Spirit Music Nashville’s Vice President of Creative] beyond words. For them and everyone at Spirit Music Group, to see value in what I do… I’m just truly grateful. I already feel right at home!” said Kyle Rife.
An Everett, WA native, Rife took up guitar at age six and was performing publicly by the third grade. After high school he toured with various bands and eventually headlined at a Jimmy Buffett music festival in Key West, Florida.
Rife’s talent impressed both Buffet and artist and songwriter Ilo Ferriera, which led to a number of opportunities including two years of touring with Buffet as direct support; opening for Dave Matthews Band in Sao Paulo, Brazil; recording sessions in Kingston Jamaica with Sly & Robbie under the direction of Island Records founder, Chris Blackwell; as well as a private performance for Bill and Hillary Clinton. Rife relocated to Nashville and began working with Joel Crouse, touring regularly with Darius Rucker. In 2013, Rife and Crouse opened 16 sold-out shows for Taylor Swift as part of her Red tour. Rife then joined Tim Montana as the band’s lead guitarist, which led to tours alongside Kid Rock and ZZ Top.
Centricity Signs Isaac Peabody
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 24-year old Seattle native, who goes by the stage name Peabod, caught Centricity’s attention with his independently-produced assortment of meticulously crafted rap songs. Peabod puts a new spin on the genre, yielding infectious positivity and wordplay that connects with audiences of all ages.
“Isaac is such a significant signing for us,” Centricity Sr. VP A&R John Mays said. “It’s always rare when we discover someone who we realize almost immediately is such a perfect fit for us personally, but beyond that, his music represents an entire new frontier for Centricity. Once we met him we knew we had to partner with him.”
Peabod is working on his debut Centricity EP, which will be released this summer.
Australasia’s Performing Rights Organization APRA AMCOS to Open Nashville Office
/by Jessica NicholsonAustralasia’s Performing Rights Organization, APRA AMCOS, has announced plans to open a Nashville office at InDo Nashville. The organization’s incoming CEO, Dean Ormston, presented the news at the Nashville stop of the PROs Global Roadshow which also included events in Los Angeles and London. The evening featured a keynote talk and performance by GRAMMY Award winning songwriter and music publisher, Liz Rose, and performances by APRA AMCOS members Carl Wockner, Seaforth, Danielle DeAndrea, Kylie Sackley (Sam Hunt, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson), and Phil Barton (Lee Brice, Dustin Lynch, David Nail).
Music industry executives and Aussies and Kiwis, who live in Nashville, enjoyed presentations by Ormston, APRA Chair Jenny Morris, and Director of Member Relations Milly Petriella about the many music education and artist initiatives lead by the PRO and the positive economic impact from songwriting to the Australasian economy.
Producer and Americana Music Association board president Mark Moffatt, who serves as the Nashville APRA AMCOS member relations representative, coordinated the event which celebrated the many Australian and New Zealanders who are a vibrant part of the music industry in Nashville.
Further details about the APRA AMCOS office, which will be located at 632 Fogg Street, in the InDo Nashville building, will be announced in the coming months.
Sam Fisher Joins Deep South Entertainment
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Sam brings to this team an honest and passionate approach to artist management,” said Rose. “I’ve known him since his days as a touring musician and have always hoped we could find a way to work together. The timing is perfect here and we’re all thrilled to have him join Deep South.”
“I’ve known and admired Dave Rose and the Deep South team for years. Their knowledge, integrity, and kindness have been key ingredients to their 20+ years of success. My clients and I are honored and excited to join such an incredible team,” says Fisher.
Deep South’s roster of management clients includes Parmalee, Stryper, Marcy Playground, Vienna Teng, Kasey Tyndall, and Lainey Wilson.
Luke Combs Announces Fall European Headlining Tour At C2C
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Combs surprised festival attendees at the C2C Festival overseas this week in Europe with the announcement that he will return this October on his first-ever headlining tour to the UK, Netherlands and Germany. Minutes after going on sale last Friday, tickets sold out in Glasgow for the announced shows and moved so quickly for London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire, he immediately added a second show at the venue and made more tickets available for UK fans.
At his London debut at The O2 this week Combs encountered an arena full of 15,000 singing back every word to not only his double Platinum hit “Hurricane” and single “When It Rains It Pours”, but even the unreleased tracks and fan favorite cuts from his first independently released EPs “She Got The Best Of Me” and “Can I Get An Outlaw.”
He continues his whirlwind international month by heading to Australia for the first time performing as a part of the CMC Rocks Festival in Queensland and headlining shows in Melbourne and Newtown. Stateside Combs is currently on his sold-out 55-city debut headlining tour, and joins Jason Aldean on the Summer 2018 They Don’t Know Tour before heading overseas this Fall.
Luke Combs – Fall 2018 European Tour:
October 3 O2 Institute Birmingham Birmingham, GB
October 4 O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire London, GB
October 5 O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire London, GB
October 7 O2 ABC Glasgow Glasgow, GB
October 8 O2 Ritz Manchester Manchester, GB
October 10 Amsterdam Melkweg Amsterdam, Netherlands
October 11 Columbia Theatre Berlin, Germany
Maren Morris, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert Set For Elton John Tribute
/by Jessica NicholsonElton John.
Music stars including Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, and Maren Morris, along with Alessia Cara, Miley Cyrus, Kesha, Lady Gaga, John Legend, Sam Smith and Chris Martin, will celebrate the career of Elton John on the tribute special Elton John: I’m Still Standing–A GRAMMY® Salute, to be broadcast Tuesday, April 10 (9–11 p.m., ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
The concert showcases musicians from multiple genres performing classic songs from John’s music catalog with longtime co-writer Bernie Taupin and features special appearances by Jon Batiste, Neil Patrick Harris, Christopher Jackson, Anna Kendrick, Gayle King, Lucy Liu, Valerie Simpson, and Hailee Steinfeld.
Lambert will perform “My Father’s Gun,” while Morris will offer “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters.” Little Big Town will perform “Rocket Man,” while Sheeran will perform “Candle In The Wind” and Kesha will tackle “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”
Elton John will close the show with several songs including “Bennie And The Jets,” and “I’m Still Standing.”
Elton John: I’m Still Standing–A GRAMMY Salute continues the tradition of previous Emmy®-winning TV specials presented by CBS, the Recording Academy™, and AEG Ehrlich Ventures, including Sinatra 100—An All-Star GRAMMY Concert, Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life—An All-Star GRAMMY Salute, The Beatles: The Night That Changed America—A GRAMMY Salute and Stayin’ Alive: A GRAMMY Salute To The Music Of The Bee Gees.