Pictured (L-R): Corey Crowder, Chris Destafano, Chris Young, and Josh Hoge. Photo: Steve Lowry
“We have no idea if we’ll ever get to stand with a microphone in front of people at a No. 1 party again,” said a heartfelt Chris Young at his latest No. 1 party for “Losing Sleep,” which marked his 10th chart-topping single. “I didn’t think I’d get to do my first one, and I had two No. 37s in there, and a No. 52 with an Ashley Gorley song—that takes talent with an Ashley Gorley song.
“Being able to do something different, get out there and take a leap [with ‘Losing Sleep’], is great. We left the studio thinking we had a great song. All of the other stuff from that process to standing on this stage tonight is because of [everyone in the audience], so thank you very much.”
BMI’s Bradley Collins hosted Young’s event at the Tin Roof (nicknamed the “Ten” Roof for the 10th No. 1 song) for his writer Young.
ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, who’s No. 1 parties are sponsored by First Tennessee Bank, offered remarks on songwriter Chris DeStefano’s 15th No. 1 song and producer Corey Crowder’s fourth No. 1 as a producer.
“I respect the heck out of all you guys,” said DeStefano to his co-writers and producer, and to Sony Nashville staff. “There is nothing small about achievements like this and we don’t take it for granted for a second.”
SESAC’s Shannan Hatch thanked Bose for backing the music rights organization’s No. 1 parties before congratulating her 2016 Songwriter of the Year Josh Hoge on his latest No. 1.
“I’d like to thank Randy Goodman and his entire [Sony] staff,” said Hoge. “You guys have completely changed my life and my son’s life. I think we’re going to do this a lot…I live and breathe music and I get to make music with my best friends.”
Sony/ATV publisher Josh Van Valkenburg noted that Sony/ATV controlled 100 percent of the writers’ share for “Losing Sleep,” and poignantly offered comments on Young, who has had so many cuts on his own catalog.
“So often artists have a hard time cutting a song written by another artist,” said Van Valkenburg of Young. “This guy is getting cuts not only on himself but on other artists—his peers in music. That shows the respect he has as a songwriter as well as an artist.”
Producer Crowder said, “This does not get old. Thanks to my wife for putting up long hours; we put in a lot of hours in the studio for this.”
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville staff Matt Galvin, John Zarling, Ken Robold, Paige Altone, Liz Sledge, Nicole Walden, Chris Young, Steve Hodges, RG Curtis, Lauren Thomas, Randy Goodman, Dennis Reese, Jim Catino. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson offered No. 1 Challenge Coins for the writers and artist for the top achievement on his CountryBreakout Chart. The CMA’s Brandi Simms offered the creators their CMA Medallions and CRB’s Kurt Johnson noted the title has achieved 9.64 million in total audience impressions to date.
Young, who is a brand new member of the Grand Ole Opry and a headliner with 18 sold-out consecutive shows on the first leg of his 2018 world tour (coming to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Sept. 18), is also a nominee for the final voting for ACM Male Vocalist of the Year through Wednesday (March 14).
Chairman/CEO of Sony Music Nashville Randy Goodman then took the stage to introduce a slew of his staff to bestow surprise awards to Young, who he touted as the top nominee for ACM Male Vocalist of the Year.
“Chris is so deserving of this [ACM Male Vocalist] nomination and award,” said Goodman. “He has patiently—year by year—put one foot in front of the other, putting his heart in his work. I covet your votes for Male Vocalist of the Year for Chris Young because he deserves it, damn it!”
To wrap the ceremony RCA Nashville’s Ken Robold, Dennis Reese, Liz Sledge and Matt Galvin offered remarks. The latter two promo reps were involved in every No. 1 Young has charted, and joked about those two No. 37s. Plaques were presented for “Losing Sleep,” in addition to a surprise for Young: a 10 No. 1 plaque and a plaque commemorating the double Platinum sales of one of those, “I’m Comin’ Over.”
“Thank you to Corey,” said Young of his producer as he thanked his writer friends, label, manager at Fitzgerald Hartley and business management offices at Huskins Harris. “Thank you for going to find new sounds when I’m on the road, spending hours looking through files. A lot of people don’t think that’s a big deal, but sometimes it’s all those pieces that add up—it’s the fine tuning.
“We wanted to do something different for this No. 1,” said Young in conclusion as he welcomed his band on stage. “It’s not fun if you can’t tell the story…We’re going to do something we’ve never done and play all the No. 1’s start to finish, so get ready!”
Chris Young No. 1 Singles
“Getting’ You Home (The Black Dress Song)”*
“The Man I Want To Be”
“Voices”*
“Tomorrow”*
“You”*
“Who I Am With You”
“I’m Comin’ Over”*
“Think Of You” with Cassadee Pope*
“Sober Saturday Night” featuring Vince Gill*
“Losing Sleep”*
*co-written by Chris Young
Pictured (L-R): Front Row: Sony Music Nashville’s Randy Goodman, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Chris DeStefano, Chris Young, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Sony ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg; Middle Row: Corey Crowder, BMI’s Bradley Collins; Back Row: Sony Music Nashville’s Ken Robold, Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges, Josh Hoge, Sony Music Nashville’s Dennis Reese. Photo: Steve Lowry
Chris Janson Celebrates Second Chart-Topper, “Fix A Drink”
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Chris Janson, Chris DuBois and producer Brent Anderson.
Warner Music Nashville artist Chris Janson celebrated his second No. 1 song, “Fix A Drink,” with a celebration at BMI’s Nashville office on Tuesday (March 6). Janson co-wrote the track with Ashley Gorley and Chris DuBois. The track marks Gorley and DuBois’ 36th and 17th No. 1s, respectively
“I cry at these things,” said Janson, who will soon be inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He thanked BMI’s David Preston for believing in him early on in his career. “When I was still singing at Tootsie’s, they told me to go over to BMI. David Preston signed me on over there, and I thought I was famous,” he said. “I wasn’t then, but when you do get success, you find out the benefits of it.”
He also praised Warner Music’s Cris Lacy for pulling off a risky radio promotion move. “Cris called me up the evening before we were going to send a different song to radio, and she said, ‘We are going with “Fix A Drink” instead.’ Thank you for that.”
Among those celebrating were ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, BMI’s Preston, Warner Music Nashville president/CEO John Esposito, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, and Sea Gayle Music’s Jake Gear and Christina Wiltshire. ole’s John Ozier, who represents Chris Janson for publishing, presented Janson with a new iPad to commemorate the chart-topping hit.
Others on hand to celebrate included the Country Music Association’s Brandi Simms, and Country Radio Broadcasters’ Kurt Johnson. MusicRow Magazine’s Sherod Robertson honored the songwriters with No. 1 Challenge Coins, to commemorate their success on the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart.
“There are two components of success–incredible talent and an incredible work ethic,” said Robertson. “You set such a great example to all of us in the business.”
Top (L-R): BMI’s David Preston, Sea Gayle’s Christina Wiltshire, Warner Bros.’ John Esposito, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Sea Gayle’s Jake Gear, Combustion’s Chris Farren, Ole’s John Ozier and Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel. Bottom (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Chris Janson, Chris DuBois and Brent Anderson
Pinnacle Bank announced a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on behalf of the songwriters.
“Thank God for putting these men in my life and it’s an honor to share this with them,” DuBois said of his fellow songwriters. He also thanked producer Brent Anderson. “I’ve heard him harmonize to a car alarm, and to a phone ringing. There is no end to what he can do,” DuBois quipped.
Gorley praised Janson for not only his commitment to his career, but his commitment to wife Kelly and to their kids. “Chris and Kelly are a great example of mixing life and career, and keeping their family first,” Gorley said. “Chris Janson is one of those few artists that you really can’t wait to see how he pulls off a song in his live show. Nobody pulls off songs better live.”
Janson not only praised everyone on his team, from publisher to manager to label execs, but he brought everyone on stage for a group photo to celebrate the occasion.
Project Music Portfolio Announces 13 Tech Startup Participants
/by Lorie HollabaughThese 13 diverse startups will receive on-demand support and music industry immersion, connecting them to industry leaders and experts, as well as superior startup curriculum. Based in various cities, the entrepreneurs will make multiple visits to Music City for programming and networking events. The program kicks off the first week of April, with the teams traveling to Nashville for the first time, where they will connect with the Project Music community to jumpstart the personal connections they will receive throughout the next year.
“It’s exciting for CMA to directly support innovation for our music industry through Project Music,” says CMA Chief Marketing Officer Damon Whiteside. “Our mission is to expand country music globally, and these inventive and forward-thinking individuals are a key to the future of our business.”
“Expanding the cohort in Project Music Portfolio has allowed the EC to support more exciting startups than ever before,” says Stephen Linn, Project Music Advisor. “Taken together, this group really has the potential to innovate with their new technology and ideas and move our industry forward.”
2018 Participants (in alphabetical order):
AndMe.tv: Cori Banyon (Charleston, South Carolina)
AudioDrops: Seth Hillinger (New York City, New York)
Ciari Guitars: Jonathan Spangler (San Diego, California)
Cleerkut, Inc: Cheryl Potts (Washington, D.C.)
Fretish: Sam Tharp (Boston, Massachusetts)
Hookist: Meredith Collins (New York City, New York)
JamFeed: Cameron Gibson (Austin, Texas)
NFCSound: Daniel Waiss (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
OnlyInVR (OIVR): Michael Hodson (Austin, Texas)
Project Decibel: Jenny Paley (Chicago, Illinois)
Rootnote: Jason Burchard (Nashville, Tennessee)
Smashmouse: Robb Dillon (Atlanta, Georgia)
SoulSence: Naveen Sridhar (San Francisco, California)
Chris Young Counts Down His 10 No. 1s At “Losing Sleep” Celebration
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Corey Crowder, Chris Destafano, Chris Young, and Josh Hoge. Photo: Steve Lowry
“We have no idea if we’ll ever get to stand with a microphone in front of people at a No. 1 party again,” said a heartfelt Chris Young at his latest No. 1 party for “Losing Sleep,” which marked his 10th chart-topping single. “I didn’t think I’d get to do my first one, and I had two No. 37s in there, and a No. 52 with an Ashley Gorley song—that takes talent with an Ashley Gorley song.
“Being able to do something different, get out there and take a leap [with ‘Losing Sleep’], is great. We left the studio thinking we had a great song. All of the other stuff from that process to standing on this stage tonight is because of [everyone in the audience], so thank you very much.”
BMI’s Bradley Collins hosted Young’s event at the Tin Roof (nicknamed the “Ten” Roof for the 10th No. 1 song) for his writer Young.
ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, who’s No. 1 parties are sponsored by First Tennessee Bank, offered remarks on songwriter Chris DeStefano’s 15th No. 1 song and producer Corey Crowder’s fourth No. 1 as a producer.
“I respect the heck out of all you guys,” said DeStefano to his co-writers and producer, and to Sony Nashville staff. “There is nothing small about achievements like this and we don’t take it for granted for a second.”
SESAC’s Shannan Hatch thanked Bose for backing the music rights organization’s No. 1 parties before congratulating her 2016 Songwriter of the Year Josh Hoge on his latest No. 1.
“I’d like to thank Randy Goodman and his entire [Sony] staff,” said Hoge. “You guys have completely changed my life and my son’s life. I think we’re going to do this a lot…I live and breathe music and I get to make music with my best friends.”
Sony/ATV publisher Josh Van Valkenburg noted that Sony/ATV controlled 100 percent of the writers’ share for “Losing Sleep,” and poignantly offered comments on Young, who has had so many cuts on his own catalog.
“So often artists have a hard time cutting a song written by another artist,” said Van Valkenburg of Young. “This guy is getting cuts not only on himself but on other artists—his peers in music. That shows the respect he has as a songwriter as well as an artist.”
Producer Crowder said, “This does not get old. Thanks to my wife for putting up long hours; we put in a lot of hours in the studio for this.”
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville staff Matt Galvin, John Zarling, Ken Robold, Paige Altone, Liz Sledge, Nicole Walden, Chris Young, Steve Hodges, RG Curtis, Lauren Thomas, Randy Goodman, Dennis Reese, Jim Catino. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson offered No. 1 Challenge Coins for the writers and artist for the top achievement on his CountryBreakout Chart. The CMA’s Brandi Simms offered the creators their CMA Medallions and CRB’s Kurt Johnson noted the title has achieved 9.64 million in total audience impressions to date.
Young, who is a brand new member of the Grand Ole Opry and a headliner with 18 sold-out consecutive shows on the first leg of his 2018 world tour (coming to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Sept. 18), is also a nominee for the final voting for ACM Male Vocalist of the Year through Wednesday (March 14).
Chairman/CEO of Sony Music Nashville Randy Goodman then took the stage to introduce a slew of his staff to bestow surprise awards to Young, who he touted as the top nominee for ACM Male Vocalist of the Year.
“Chris is so deserving of this [ACM Male Vocalist] nomination and award,” said Goodman. “He has patiently—year by year—put one foot in front of the other, putting his heart in his work. I covet your votes for Male Vocalist of the Year for Chris Young because he deserves it, damn it!”
To wrap the ceremony RCA Nashville’s Ken Robold, Dennis Reese, Liz Sledge and Matt Galvin offered remarks. The latter two promo reps were involved in every No. 1 Young has charted, and joked about those two No. 37s. Plaques were presented for “Losing Sleep,” in addition to a surprise for Young: a 10 No. 1 plaque and a plaque commemorating the double Platinum sales of one of those, “I’m Comin’ Over.”
“Thank you to Corey,” said Young of his producer as he thanked his writer friends, label, manager at Fitzgerald Hartley and business management offices at Huskins Harris. “Thank you for going to find new sounds when I’m on the road, spending hours looking through files. A lot of people don’t think that’s a big deal, but sometimes it’s all those pieces that add up—it’s the fine tuning.
“We wanted to do something different for this No. 1,” said Young in conclusion as he welcomed his band on stage. “It’s not fun if you can’t tell the story…We’re going to do something we’ve never done and play all the No. 1’s start to finish, so get ready!”
Chris Young No. 1 Singles
“Getting’ You Home (The Black Dress Song)”*
“The Man I Want To Be”
“Voices”*
“Tomorrow”*
“You”*
“Who I Am With You”
“I’m Comin’ Over”*
“Think Of You” with Cassadee Pope*
“Sober Saturday Night” featuring Vince Gill*
“Losing Sleep”*
*co-written by Chris Young
Pictured (L-R): Front Row: Sony Music Nashville’s Randy Goodman, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Chris DeStefano, Chris Young, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Sony ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg; Middle Row: Corey Crowder, BMI’s Bradley Collins; Back Row: Sony Music Nashville’s Ken Robold, Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges, Josh Hoge, Sony Music Nashville’s Dennis Reese. Photo: Steve Lowry
Alexis Ebert Inks With Rezonant And Wrensong
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Ree Guyer, Wrensong Publishing; Alexis Ebert; Tim Wipperman, Rezonant Music Publishing; Tammy Hyler, CEO & President, Smashville Entertainment
Alexis Ebert has signed with Rezonant Music Publishing and Wrensong Publishing for exclusive representation. Ebert is the flagship artist of the newly-formed Smashville Entertainment, a Nashville-based music management and publishing company.
“Our mutual business model is to combine unique young talent with experienced music industry veterans to build successful relationships. Working with Alexis, Tammy and Ree is the perfect example of how we work,” said Tim Wipperman, CEO, Rezonant Music Publishing. “We create alliances with the best, and we turn them loose.”
“It is a joy to be able to work with Alexis,” added Ree Guyer, Owner/President, Wrensong Publishing. “She knows who she is as an artist, has an authentic voice and a spitfire personality—a ‘superstar’ combination.”
“Ree and Tim’s mutually-sustained leadership and demonstrated passion to ‘work’ on behalf of the songwriter and recording artist are noble characteristics that complement the Smashville objective for its artists,” Tammy Hyler, CEO and President of Smashville Entertainment, said. “Our goal is to strategically direct the songwriter/artist career toward longevity in the music and entertainment business. This grouping is a ‘strength in numbers’—and, more specifically, single charting numbers!”
ACM Awards Reveals First Round Of Performers
/by Jessica NicholsonAs previously announced, Reba McEntire will return to host the awards, marking her 15th time leading the ceremony.
The 53rd ACM Awards will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the CBS Television Network.
Kendell Marvel To Team With Brothers Osborne For Overseas Concerts
/by Jessica NicholsonKendell Marvel. Photo: Jacob Bryant
Singer-songwriter Kendell Marvel has not only earned accolades for his songwriting, including co-writing Chris Stapleton’s “Either Way,” but his monthly Honky Tonk Experience residency at Nashville’s Exit/In has become an in-demand event, with a regular stream of surprise guest artists.
Marvel will join Brothers Osborne for several dates in May throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. The trek launches May 4 at The Academy in Dublin, Ireland, and will wrap on May 13 in Scotland.
Marvel has also penned songs for George Strait, Jamey Johnson, Blake Shelton, Gary Allan, Jake Owen and more. He released his own debut album, Lowdown & Lonesome in October 2017.
Kendell Marvel Europe Dates w/Brothers Osborne:
May 4: The Academy Dublin, Ireland
May 5: The Limelight Belfast, UK
May 7: O2 Academy Bristol Bristol, UK
May 8: Brighton Concorde 2 Brighton, UK
May 9: O2 Academy Birmingham Birmingham, UK
May 11: Koko London, P5, UK
May 12: O2 Ritz Manchester Manchester, UK
May 13: O2 ABC Glasgow Glasgow, Scotland, UK
David Lee Murphy’s New Album ‘No Zip Code’ Set For April
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“I’ve been friends and written songs with Kenny for years,” reflects Murphy. “I sent him some songs for one of his albums a couple of years ago, and he called me up. He goes, ‘Man, you need to be making a record. I could produce it with Buddy Cannon, and I think people would love it.’ It’s hard to say no to Kenny Chesney when he comes up with an idea like that. Kenny was really influential in the songs that we picked. Over the course of the next year or so, we got together, talked about it and picked out songs. We wanted to make the kind of album that you would listen to if you were camping or out on a lake fishing, or anywhere just having a good time.”
No Zip Code is available for pre-order now at iTunes, Amazon and GooglePl
No Zip Code Track Listing:
1. “Way Gone” (David Lee Murphy & Marv Green)
2. “No Zip Code” (David Lee Murphy, Shane Minor & Jesse Murphy)
3. “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright (with Kenny Chesney)” (David Lee Murphy, Chris Stevens, Jimmy Yeary)
4. “I Won’t Be Sorry” (David Lee Murphy, Paul Jenkins & Jason Sellers)
5. “Haywire” (David Lee Murphy & Jimmy Yeary)
6. “As the Crow Flies” (David Lee Murphy, Dean Dillon, Jamey Johnson & Phil O’Donnell)
7. “Winnebago” (David Lee Murphy)
8. “Get Go” (David Lee Murphy, Brett Beavers & Jim Beavers)
9. “That’s Alright” (David Lee Murphy, Shane Minor & Jesse Murphy)
10.“Voice of Reason” (David Lee Murphy)
11.“Waylon And Willie” (David Lee Murphy & Billy Burnette)
Adkins Publicity Adds VP, Publicity
/by Jessica NicholsonKelli Wasilauski
Adkins Publicity has added Kelli Wasilauski as VP, Publicity, where she will work with Adkins Publicity President/CEO Scott Adkins on all levels of service for the company’s roster of artists and events.
Adkins Publicity represents Tanya Tucker, Naomi Judd, Kiefer Sutherland, Phil Vassar, Bellamy Brothers, Shenandoah, Bill Anderson, Gene Watson, Stella Parton, Lucas Hoge, Ray Scott, Dustin Collins, Glen Templeton and Frank Foster as well as Silverado Records and the City of Hope 28th Annual Celebrity Softball Game.
“Kelli is a go-getter and passionate publicist. She’s an immensely dynamic, ambitious teammate who is always the first one to arrive and last to leave – an invaluable team player,” Adkins said.
Wasilauski previously worked with Webster PR and is a Belmont University graduate.
Wasilauski can be reached at kelli@adkinspublicity.com.
SOURCE Hall Of Fame Awards Set For September
/by Lorie HollabaughThe organization was founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, and is the longest-running organization for females in the music industry in Nashville. The nonprofit is dedicated to fostering relationships and opportunities for its members through continuous education, networking, and community service initiatives.
The SOURCE awards were established in 2003 to honor and pay respect to the women who helped shape and build upon Nashville’s entertainment industry.
In Pictures: MercyMe Makes Triumphant Sold-Out Ryman Show With Star-Studded Surprises
/by Jessica NicholsonMercyMe. Photo: Brody Harper
CCM band MercyMe made a triumphant showing with their sold-out concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Sunday (March 4). The band sailed through hit songs including “God With Us,” “Word of God Speak,” “Shake,” and their most recent No. 1, “Even If,” from their current album Lifer.
The band, which has sold 9 million albums, is also celebrating the upcoming release of the movie I Can Only Imagine, based on MercyMe’s signature song, penned by lead singer Bart Millard. The movie, produced by Lionsgate, also stars Dennis Quaid and Trace Adkins. The movie opens March 16.
The band recently released the 13-track collection I Can Only Imagine: The Very Best of MercyMe on March 2.
The crowd got a surprise when Dennis Quaid showed up to perform as Dennis & The Sharks.
MercyMe. Photo: Brody Harper
MercyMe. Photo: Brody Harper
MercyMe. Photo: Brody Harper
MercyMe. Photo: Brody Harper
Dennis Quaid and the Sharks. Photo: Brody Harper