Carly Pearce. Photo: CRS Instagram
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 585
If the 2018 New Faces Show at CRS represents the future of country music, then that future contains very good artists, if no actual superstars.
All five of the showcasing artists were solid talents. But there was no Cinderella moment when we witnessed a star being born.
The act who came closest to capturing the hearts and minds of the radio taste makers was Lauren Alaina. The young, big-voiced belter is rapidly evolving from being a pageant singer to being a vocalist of true nuance and finesse.
She sang her breakthrough No. 1 hit, the rocking and repetitive “The Road Less Travelled.” It vividly illustrates that she knows how to craft a killer chorus. Next, she needs to work on creating verses.
Lauren also performed what was arguably the evening’s best song, the autobiographical “Three.” This soaring, inspiring number was her opening song, and it had the crowd on its feet by the time she finished it. Her clear, penetrating and supremely assured voice was also effectively showcased on her current single, “Doin’ Fine.”
Luke Combs. Photo: CRS Instagram
Luke Combs was the show’s closing act. He was the evening’s most solidly “country” vocalist, which was particularly evident on his mash-up of the two stepper “Honky Tonk Highway” with “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.”
Luke’s wry and winning No. 1 hit “When It Rains It Pours” bubbled with energy. He presented his current single, the lovelorn “One Number Away,” as well as his career-launching chart-topper “Hurricane.”
Handsome and charming Michael Ray also had two chart toppers in his arsenal, his energetic set kick-off “Kiss You in the Morning” and the churning and blazing “Think a Little Less.” Sitting alone with his guitar, he also introduced a new heartache ballad, “Her World Or Mine.” By the way, Michael is a real “give back” guy who donates his time and talents to many charities.
The new trio Midland repeatedly emphasized its Texas roots, but still sounded like creamy-smooth, California country-rockers. The group came out swinging with its dynamic “Make a Little.” The easy-going, western vibe of “Burn Out” was right up the group’s alley, since it emphasized the trio’s strengths, strong melodies and fine vocal harmonies.
Midland closed with its breakthrough No. 1 hit, the inescapably catchy “Drinkin’ Problem.”
Winsome Carly Pearce had the unenviable job of opening the New Faces Show. But she demonstrated vocal confidence, effective stagecraft and admirable pluck.
In addition, her funky, groove-soaked “Hide the Wine” was the finest of the new singles showcased during the evening. It even outshone her outstanding No. 1 smash “Every Little Thing.”
She summed up what every one of the New Faces was thinking by saying to the radio folks, “You guys came together and believed in me. All I’ve ever wanted to do in the whole world is to sing country music. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It is such an honor to stand on this stage tonight.”
Lauren Alaina. Photo: CRS Instagram
A who’s who of fabulons attended – John Esposito, George Briner, Chris Farren, Scott Hendricks, Rob Simbeck, Diane Pearson, Gator Harrison, Daniel Hill, George Walker IV, Lori Badgett, Fred Vail, Cindy Watts, B.J. Hill and the ubiquitous Dennis Banka for starters.
Clay Myers had the talented Nora Collins in tow. Melanie Howard was introducing folks to the talented Heidi Raye. Country hunk Travis Rice worked the room solo.
Schmoozing up a storm were Bobby Bones, Royce Risser, Lisa Lee, Wes Vause, David Preston, Chuck Dauphin, Jimmy Harnen, Melinda Newman, Cody Alan, Jennifer Meyer, Ben Vaughn, Mike Sherry, Big John Bowen and Phyllis Stark. MusicRow greats Jessica Nicholson, Eric T. Parker, Alex Kobrick and Haley Crow shared a table.
We dined on moist baked, herbed chicken quarters with polenta and roasted cauliflower, carrots and broccoli. Chocolate mousse cups were the delectable desserts.
The ACM announced its radio-award nominees and Country AirCheck presented its kudos during the banquet.
Jameson Rodgers entertained during the cocktail reception. He had a cool, rocking, blue-collar country sound, which was unfortunately amped up too loud.
Midland. Photo: CRS Instagram
Michael Ray. Photo: CRS Instagram
Opry Entertainment President Steve Buchanan To Retire
/by Jessica NicholsonSteve Buchanan
After 33 years with Opry Entertainment, Executive Vice President of Ryman Hospitality Properties and President of Opry Entertainment Steve Buchanan will retire from the company in June of 2018.
Buchanan will remain with the company through June to oversee the Nashville farewell tour, which will play the U.K. and Ireland as well as the Grand Ole Opry House. He will also continue to oversee the Opry digital production and distribution endeavors to ensure a successful transition.
Buchanan said, “I am grateful for my 33-year career with Opry Entertainment. It has been an honor to witness so much history and so many amazing performances at the Opry and the Ryman. I feel privileged to have worked so closely with artists and fellow employees who share my passion for these revered American institutions that call Nashville home. My heart and soul will always feel connected, and I will proudly watch as new milestones and magic happen.”
Ryman Hospitality Properties Chairman and CEO Colin Reed said, “Steve’s passion for the Grand Ole Opry and what it means to country music lovers around the world has been a driving force behind all that he has accomplished during his time with our company. While it is difficult to imagine an Opry without Steve, I know the team we have in place will continue building upon the firm foundation he helped create for many years to come. We congratulate him on this exciting personal and professional milestone and thank him for over three decades of service and dedication to our employees, our guests and our Opry members.”
Buchanan has been the Company’s executive vice president of Ryman Hospitality Properties since 2013 and president of Opry Entertainment since 1998. He joined the Company as marketing manager for the Grand Ole Opry in 1985. In 1993, he was named general manager of the Ryman Auditorium. During his time at the Ryman, he directed an $8.5 million renovation of the historic structure, executive-produced such noted musical productions as “Always… Patsy Cline” and “Lost Highway – The Music and Legend of Hank Williams,” and he was the co-creator and executive producer of “Sam’s Place – Music for the Spirit.”
Buchanan produced the Grammy-nominated Bill Monroe album “Live at the Opry” (1990) and Monroe’s “Cryin’ Holy Unto the Lord” (1991). He has also produced numerous television specials, such as CBS’ “Grand Ole Opry’s 75th: A Celebration” and the A&E special “Grand Ole Opry: 75 Years in the Making.” He was responsible for the Opry’s return to Carnegie Hall in November 2005 during the show’s 80th Anniversary Celebration. In addition, Buchanan served as executive producer for “Grand Ole Opry Live” for CMT-TV and GAC-TV from 1999 until 2011, “Noteworthy at the Opry from 2012” (2012) and the 2015 feature film, “American Saturday Night: Live from the Grand Ole Opry.” Buchanan currently serves as an executive producer of the scripted drama series “Nashville.”
A native of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Buchanan earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Vanderbilt University. Buchanan received the 2012 Outstanding Service Award from Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management, and The Kiwanis Club of Nashville named Buchanan as the 2012 Outstanding Nashvillian of the Year. The Academy of Country Music honored Buchanan with the 2013 Jim Reeves International Award, and he is the recipient of the 2014 INVEST Award from the Nashville Downtown Partnership. In 2015 The District Nashville honored Buchanan with the Spirit of the District Award, and he received Leadership Music’s Brian Williams Ambassador Award. Additionally, Buchanan was awarded CMA’s Irving Waugh Award of Excellence in 2016. He serves as president of the Opry Trust Fund, is a past chairman of the Country Music Association Board, and serves on the board of W.O. Smith Community Music School. He is an alumnus of both Leadership Nashville and Leadership Music. Buchanan is a member of the Academy of Country Music, the Recording Academy and the Television Academy.
2018 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards Winners Revealed
/by Jessica NicholsonOn Wednesday evening (Feb. 7), the 2018 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards were presented during the New Faces of Country Music Show, held at the Omni Nashville Hotel. For Bobby Karl’s full recap, click here.
Stations:
KEEY/Minneapolis (Major Market)
WSM-FM/Nashville (Large)
WIVK/Knoxville (Medium)
WKSF/Asheville, NC (Small)
OM/PD:
Lance Houston, WBWL/Boston (Major)
Gator Harrison, WSIX/Nashville (Large)
Jay Cruze, WAMZ/Louisville (Medium)
Justin Tyler, KUAD/Ft. Collins, CO (Small)
MD:
Marci Braun, WUSN/Chicago (Major)
Ryan McKiddy, WSIX/Nashville (Large)
Aaron Michael, WSSL/Greenville, SC (Medium)
Brian Gary, KUAD/Ft. Collins, CO (Small)
Labels/Promotion:
Platinum Label: Capitol
Gold Label: Black River
SVP/VP: Katie Dean, MCA
National: Lauren Thomas, Sony
Regional: Brooke Diaz, Big Machine
Indie Promo: Richey Promotions
MM/GM:
Sarah Frazier, KILT/Houston (Major)
Nate Deaton, KRTY/San Jose (Large)
Bill McMartin, WKSF/Asheville (Medium)
Gene Guinn, WBUL/Lexington, KY (Small)
Personality:
Lois Lewis, KNIX/Phoenix (Major)
Marty McFly, WSM-FM/Nashville (Large)
Brent Michaels, KUZZ/Bakersfield (Medium)
Eddie Foxx, WKSF/Asheville, NC (Small)
National: The Bobby Bones Show
New Face of Country Music: Todd Cavanah, WUSN/Chicago
CMHoF To Honor Lori McKenna With ‘Poets and Prophets’ Salute
/by Jessica NicholsonLori McKenna
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has added songwriter Lori McKenna in the museum’s signature interview series Poets and Prophets: A Salute to Songwriters on Saturday, March 3, at 2 p.m. in the museum’s Ford Theater. The program will include an in-depth interview with McKenna, illustrated with photos, film footage and recordings. McKenna will perform briefly, and following the program she will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters, available for purchase in the Museum Store.
McKenna was born, raised, and lives now in Stoughton, Massachusetts, but after years of visiting Nashville on songwriting business, McKenna is well known there, too. She has released ten critically acclaimed albums spanning country, folk and Americana music. In 2005, Faith Hill had a Top 40 country hit with McKenna’s “Stealing Kisses,” and the songwriter advanced her career with “I Want Crazy,” recorded by Hunter Hayes, and “God Made Girls” by RaeLynn.
McKenna co-wrote several songs recorded by Little Big Town, including “Girl Crush,” “Sober,” “Your Side of the Bed” and “Happy People.” “Girl Crush” won a Grammy for Best Country Song and a CMA award for Song of the Year. McKenna also found success with the solo write “Humble and Kind,” which was recorded by Tim McGraw and earned a CMA award for Song of the Year, and a Grammy award for Best Country Song in 2017. The Bird & The Rifle, McKenna’s 2016 album, was nominated for Grammy and Americana Music Association awards, as was its single, “Wreck You.” In 2017, McKenna was named Songwriter of the Year by the Academy of Country Music.
Admission to Poets and Prophets is included with museum admission and is free to museum members. Members have the option of reserving program passes by contacting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum via phone (615-416-2050) or email (reservations@countrymusichalloffame.org). The program will be streamed live at countrymusichalloffame.org/streaming.
This program is presented by SunTrust in support of the exhibit Tim McGraw and Faith Hill: Mississippi Woman, Louisiana Man.
Songwriters Renew With Downtown Music Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonDowntown Nashville staff and writers (L-R): Marc Beeson, Allen Shamblin, Andy Albert, Sam Ashworth, Steve Markland, Roberto Neri, Tony Esterly, Katie Roth, Natalie Osborne, Kelly Archer, Sara Haze, and FANN
Four Nashville songwriters, including Andy Albert, Kelly Archer, Marc Beeson, and Tony Esterly were among the first songwriters to sign on when Downtown Music Publishing opened their Nashville office in 2014. Now, all four are extending and renewing their deals at Downtown Nashville.
“When we launched Downtown Nashville in 2014, I was thrilled to begin working with Andy, Kelly, Marc, and Tony,” says Steve Markland, VP of A&R. “They’ve been four of the biggest reasons we’ve had such success here in our first four years, and we’re excited and committed to continue helping them in the development of their writing careers.”
In the past year and a half, veteran writer Archer has had the first two No. 1 hits of her career: “Sleep Without You” (performed by Brett Young) and “Somebody Else Will” (performed by Justin Moore). Marc Beeson has co-written multiple recent Top 10s, including Josh Turner’s 2017 No. 1 “Hometown Girl” and Blake Shelton’s 2016 hit “She’s Got A Way With Words.” The latter Beeson co-wrote with Andy Albert, who himself has seen career peaks since joining Downtown including, “If the Boot Fits” (performed by Granger Smith) and Smith’s current single “Happens Like That.” Writer-producer Esterly has landed over 20 major sync placements in the last year. He is also actively writing and producing several pop/rock development artists for 2018.
In the last year, Downtown Nashville has had 11 singles on the country radio charts, including five Top 10s and three No. 1 songs. They work closely with Downtown’s other global offices to reach beyond the world of country music as well, including Esterly’s many pop/rock syncs in projects like the Assassin’s Creed movie trailer and the Lego Ninjago movie. In addition to their existing offices in Nashville, New York, London, Amsterdam, and Tokyo, Downtown is about to announce two new offices to expand their international presence in new markets.
New Hires At Round Hill Music Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonRebecca Turner, Robbie English, Casey Reznik
Round Hill Music Nashville has hired three new employees in royalties, sync licensing, and administration.
Rebecca Turner has joined Round Hill as Director, Head of Royalty Services where she will be responsible for managing the company’s royalty team. Turner’s previous experience includes Licensing and Royalty Administration Supervisor at Naxos of America, Royalties Manager at Big Machine Label Group, and most recently, Royalty Manager at Modern Music Works Music Publishing.
Robbie English has joined Round Hill as Senior Coordinator, Sync Licensing where he will negotiate quotes and licenses for film and television. English previously worked as a negotiator in the Sync Licensing department at BMG in Los Angeles and worked with International clearances at Sony/ATV.
Casey Reznik has joined Round Hill as Senior Coordinator, Administration where she will assist with mechanical licensing, copyright registration, and PRO registration. Reznik previously processed royalties and copyrights at ASCAP in New York City and worked as a Licensing & Music Product Coordinator at Drew’s Entertainment in New Jersey.
“I am excited to welcome all three of our new employees to the Round Hill team,” says Mark Brown, SVP/GM, Round Hill Music Nashville. “We are a growing company and it takes a compliment of talented and qualified professionals to provide the service our clients expect. These three are all great additions.”
ACM Nominates Two MusicRow Reporting Stations
/by Alex ParryThe Academy of Country Music® announced Radio Awards nominees for the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards, including MusicRow’s reporting stations WCOW and KTHK. WCOW’s Ben Butler and Arnie Andrews are nominated again this year for On-Air Personality of the Year – Small Market. KTHK received another nomination this year for Radio Station of the Year – Small Market as well.
View the full list of nominations here.
John Prine To Release First New Album In 13 Years
/by Lorie HollabaughJohn Prine will release his first album of new material in over 13 years, The Tree of Forgiveness, April 13 on his own independent label, Oh Boy Records. In advance of the release, which was produced by Dave Cobb, the song “Summer’s End” is premiering today here.
Recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, the album includes 10 new songs penned by Prine along with co-writers Pat McLaughlin, Roger Cook, Dan Auerbach, Keith Sykes and Phil Spector. The album also features special guests Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, and Amanda Shires on harmonies, backing vocals, guitar, and fiddle.
In celebration of the album, Prine will embark on an extensive tour throughout 2018, including a co-headlining concert at New York’s Radio City Music Hall with Sturgill Simpson on album release day as well as newly announced shows at L.A.’s Ace Theatre, Boston’s Wang Theatre, Austin’s Bass Hall and two nights at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Tickets for the newly added dates will be available for pre-sale beginning Feb. 14 with general on sale starting February 16. Every concert ticket sold will include a copy of The Tree of Forgiveness upon its release.
The Tree Of Forgiveness TRACK LIST:
10. “When I Get to Heaven” (by John Prine)
Jon Santana Signs With Prescription Songs
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Rachel Wein, Alexa Stallings, Katie Fagan, Jon Santana, Andrea Quezada, Derek Gridley
Prescription Songs has signed producer Jon Santana.
Santana moved to Nashville in 2015 and started working with local pop breakouts Peter Manos and Cappa, whose collaboration on a “No Scrubs” cover garnered almost 8 million Spotify streams and placement in Forever 21 and Zara stores nationwide.
Santana’s own song “NY90” off his debut EP And There They Were, placed on Spotify Viral Charts in the U.S, Canada, Germany, Norway and Poland. He has had sync placements on MTV and VH1, and recently released his song “Galaxy” via Majestic Casual Records. He is prepping for the release of his next single, which will be an overseas hip-hop collaboration.
“I’m really excited to continue to make music with the support of Katie and Rachel and the rest of the amazing Rx team,” said Santana.
JD Groover Joins Sea Gayle Music As Creative Director
/by Lorie HollabaughJD Groover
Sea Gayle Music has added JD Groover to their creative team as Creative Director.
The Kingsland, Georgia native got his start in the music scene by running the Tifton, Georgia music venue, The Gin. In 2014, Groover worked as tour manager for Jon Langston and has been critical in the success of Langston’s singles and signing with Kerri Edwards at KP Entertainment.
“We are elated to have JD join Sea Gayle” said Sea Gayle Music’s Executive VP/GM Marc Driskill. “His experience within the music world and instinctive direction of hearing hits is such an asset to the team.”
“After my first meeting with Sea Gayle, I knew it was a perfect fit. I’ve always wanted to take a step in the publishing world,” Groover commented. “I’m excited to be joining the team and for my future with the writers and creative team. I’m glad Sea Gayle is letting me chase this dream.”
Bobby Karl Works The Room: CRS New Faces Of Country Music Show
/by Bobby KarlCarly Pearce. Photo: CRS Instagram
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 585
If the 2018 New Faces Show at CRS represents the future of country music, then that future contains very good artists, if no actual superstars.
All five of the showcasing artists were solid talents. But there was no Cinderella moment when we witnessed a star being born.
The act who came closest to capturing the hearts and minds of the radio taste makers was Lauren Alaina. The young, big-voiced belter is rapidly evolving from being a pageant singer to being a vocalist of true nuance and finesse.
She sang her breakthrough No. 1 hit, the rocking and repetitive “The Road Less Travelled.” It vividly illustrates that she knows how to craft a killer chorus. Next, she needs to work on creating verses.
Lauren also performed what was arguably the evening’s best song, the autobiographical “Three.” This soaring, inspiring number was her opening song, and it had the crowd on its feet by the time she finished it. Her clear, penetrating and supremely assured voice was also effectively showcased on her current single, “Doin’ Fine.”
Luke Combs. Photo: CRS Instagram
Luke Combs was the show’s closing act. He was the evening’s most solidly “country” vocalist, which was particularly evident on his mash-up of the two stepper “Honky Tonk Highway” with “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.”
Luke’s wry and winning No. 1 hit “When It Rains It Pours” bubbled with energy. He presented his current single, the lovelorn “One Number Away,” as well as his career-launching chart-topper “Hurricane.”
Handsome and charming Michael Ray also had two chart toppers in his arsenal, his energetic set kick-off “Kiss You in the Morning” and the churning and blazing “Think a Little Less.” Sitting alone with his guitar, he also introduced a new heartache ballad, “Her World Or Mine.” By the way, Michael is a real “give back” guy who donates his time and talents to many charities.
The new trio Midland repeatedly emphasized its Texas roots, but still sounded like creamy-smooth, California country-rockers. The group came out swinging with its dynamic “Make a Little.” The easy-going, western vibe of “Burn Out” was right up the group’s alley, since it emphasized the trio’s strengths, strong melodies and fine vocal harmonies.
Midland closed with its breakthrough No. 1 hit, the inescapably catchy “Drinkin’ Problem.”
Winsome Carly Pearce had the unenviable job of opening the New Faces Show. But she demonstrated vocal confidence, effective stagecraft and admirable pluck.
In addition, her funky, groove-soaked “Hide the Wine” was the finest of the new singles showcased during the evening. It even outshone her outstanding No. 1 smash “Every Little Thing.”
She summed up what every one of the New Faces was thinking by saying to the radio folks, “You guys came together and believed in me. All I’ve ever wanted to do in the whole world is to sing country music. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It is such an honor to stand on this stage tonight.”
Lauren Alaina. Photo: CRS Instagram
A who’s who of fabulons attended – John Esposito, George Briner, Chris Farren, Scott Hendricks, Rob Simbeck, Diane Pearson, Gator Harrison, Daniel Hill, George Walker IV, Lori Badgett, Fred Vail, Cindy Watts, B.J. Hill and the ubiquitous Dennis Banka for starters.
Clay Myers had the talented Nora Collins in tow. Melanie Howard was introducing folks to the talented Heidi Raye. Country hunk Travis Rice worked the room solo.
Schmoozing up a storm were Bobby Bones, Royce Risser, Lisa Lee, Wes Vause, David Preston, Chuck Dauphin, Jimmy Harnen, Melinda Newman, Cody Alan, Jennifer Meyer, Ben Vaughn, Mike Sherry, Big John Bowen and Phyllis Stark. MusicRow greats Jessica Nicholson, Eric T. Parker, Alex Kobrick and Haley Crow shared a table.
We dined on moist baked, herbed chicken quarters with polenta and roasted cauliflower, carrots and broccoli. Chocolate mousse cups were the delectable desserts.
The ACM announced its radio-award nominees and Country AirCheck presented its kudos during the banquet.
Jameson Rodgers entertained during the cocktail reception. He had a cool, rocking, blue-collar country sound, which was unfortunately amped up too loud.
Midland. Photo: CRS Instagram
Michael Ray. Photo: CRS Instagram