Pictured (L-R): Songwriters Hillary Lindsey and Allison Veltz, guitarist Shane Smith, Carly Pearce, songwriters Emily Shackleton and Shane McAnally, drummer Mike Blong and songwriter Laura Veltz. Photo: Katie Kauss
Hit songwriters Shane McAnally, Hillary Lindsey and Emily Shackelton joined Big Machine Records newcomer Carly Pearce on stage last night (Oct. 2) to celebrate the Oct. 13 debut of her Every Little Thing.
A weight hung over the fan event at the new location of Nashville’s Listening Room Cafe. Namely, the tragedy that took place at Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas over the weekend.
“Today has been an extremely heavy day,” said Pearce before a moment of silence. “Being an artist and songwriter, we know so many that were out there in Vegas. I hope tonight we honor those who lost their lives and everyone was affected, and remember why we love music so much—especially country music. Music heals.”
Of the album’s 13 tracks, Pearce performed nine titles acoustically, in the round. Four titles were new to fans, not having been previously available for instant grat. Young, front row fans recorded and sang along to each title.
Carly Pearce fan party. Photo: Katie Kauss
Pearce wrote her debut, heartbreak ballad, “Every Little Thing,” with Shackelton and producer/writer busbee. Shackelton, a new mother of 13 days, performed a beautiful piano accompaniment for Pearce. Shackelton took the mic for the second title performed, “You Know Where To Find Me,” a co-write with Pearce and busbee. The evening wrapped with Pearce and Shackelton’s co-write “Careless.”
“Daniel [Lee] changed my life,” said Pearce. “He was looking to find an artist to work with from the ground up with busbee. He was the one person who told me I could in a sea of people who said I couldn’t…And thank you to Kos [Weaver], who let Daniel sign me to BMG.”
Pictured (L-R): Vector Management’s Ken Levitan and Kevin Spellman, Carly Pearce, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Big Machine Records’ Jim Weatherson, BMG’s Daniel Lee. Photo: Katie Kauss
The Kentucky native introduced Shane McAnally, who has one outside cut on the project, “Feel Somethin’” with Natalie Hemby and busbee, in addition to a Pearce co-write with busbee and Pearce, “If My Name Was Whiskey.” The latter title was released to SiriusXM as a preview in addition to other instant-grat tracks. Pearce noted it reminds her of the timeless feel that the music from female country artists in the late ‘90s and early 2000’s had.
“Even when you sing a happy song,” said McAnally to Pearce, “you have that unbelievable country tear that we have been missing for so long. It feels like home hear that voice on the radio. Its funny that that is a breath of fresh air, that a stone cold country voice is taking us by surprise. But thank God they’re playing this record and you stayed in the game, because we need you.”
“I know Kelsea Ballerini and I have totally fan-girled over Hillary Lindsey,” praised Pearce of the songwriter. “I think everybody in Nashville kinda wants to be Hillary.”
Lindsey performed two of her titles, two outside cuts, “Hide The Wine,” written with Ashley Gorley and Luke Laird, noting it will be her next single after “Every Little Thing.” Secondly, Lindsey performed “I Need A Ride Home” with Pearce, also co-written with Gorley in addition to Matt Jenkins.
Carly Pearce. Photo: Katie Kauss
Pearce spontaneously welcomed Allison Veltz in addition to her sister Laura Veltz at separate times to the stage for their respective co-writes, “Doin’ It Right” and “Color.”
Pearce concluded by thanking two essential players who made Every Little Thing possible, BMLG owner Scott Borchetta and his A&R right hand Allison Jones, in addition to producer busbee and Vector managers Ken Levitan and Kevin Spellman.
“I’ve wanted [to make an album] my entire life,” concluded Pearce to the writers and audience. “It all begins with a song and I am truly grateful for letting me cut your songs and letting me write with you. I idolize you all as writers and artists and singers so thank you for doing this with me. I had so much fun making this album—front to back, it’s from my heart.”
Kelsea Ballerini Joins Country To Country Festival 2018 Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughShe joins headliners Tim McGraw and Faith Hill on the bill, who were announced last week as the first headliners for Country to Country 2018.
Country to Country is now entering its sixth year. Last year’s festival welcomed over 80,000 fans and included performances by Reba, Zac Brown Band, Brad Paisley and many more.
The full lineup for the festival will be announced this Friday at the C2C 2018 launch event, which will take place at Bush Hall as part Country Music Week’s New Country US Night featuring Logan Brill, Temecula Road, Levi Hummon and Walker McGuire.
The Eagles Team With SiriusXM For First Grand Ole Opry House Performance
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Eagles with Deacon Frey and Vince Gill.
The Eagles will perform a special invitation-only concert for SiriusXM listeners at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on Sunday, Oct. 29. The concert marks the first time the legendary Grammy Award-winning band, which currently includes Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, with 24 year old Deacon Frey and Grand Ole Opry member Vince Gill, will perform at the iconic venue.
“The Eagles performing at the Grand Ole Opry House will be an unforgettable evening and SiriusXM is the perfect partner for this event,” said Eagles manager Irving Azoff.
“One of the greatest, biggest-selling bands in history playing the storied Grand Ole Opry House for the first time ever will make for a historic event and a great evening for SiriusXM subscribers,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. “We’re excited to present this very special broadcast and the Eagles own channel for our listeners nationwide.”
The concert will air on SiriusXM’s Eagles Channel, the limited-run channel presented by the band over Thanksgiving Weekend. SiriusXM’s Eagles Channel will feature music from the band’s extensive career as well as their solo records and influences. The channel will launch mid-November and will air through the Holidays. SiriusXM’s Eagles Channel will be available via satellite and through the SiriusXM app on smartphones and other connected devices, as well as online at siriusxm.com.
SiriusXM will present a live, three song sneak peek of the private SiriusXM concert at the Grand Ole Opry House on October 29 on SiriusXM’s The Bridge (ch. 32), Classic Vinyl (ch. 26) and The Spectrum (ch. 28).
SiriusXM subscribers since Sept. 12, 2017 can enter for the chance to win a trip to Nashville including airfare, hotel stay and a pair of tickets to the show. See Official Rules for complete details at siriusxm.com/Eagles.
Maren Morris Releases Song Of Hope For Vegas Victims
/by Lorie HollabaughWhen Maren Morris penned the song “Dear Hate” back in 2015 with Tom Douglas and David Hodges two days after the church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina, she had no idea the song would speak directly to another horrific tragedy just a few years later. Now, in response to the tragic events that occurred during the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, she is releasing the song to aid those affected by the shootings. A demo version of the song was previously posted to Soundcloud by Douglas’ daughter and promoted to Morris’ social media after the 2016 police shootings in Dallas.
Because of that overwhelming response to the song on YouTube and Morris’ social media, Columbia Nashville has released the song to digital service providers for purchase and/or streaming. Morris is donating 100 percent of her proceeds from the song to Las Vegas nonprofits for immediate and long-term needs of victims in the shooting via the Music City Cares fund.
Morris had performed at the Route 91 Festival the night prior to the shooting. The song, which can be heard here, features guest vocals by Vince Gill.
“Dear Hate” Lyrics:
Dear Hate,
I saw you on the news today
Like a shot that takes my breath away
You fall you like rain
Cover us in drops of pain
I’m afraid that we just might drown
Dear Hate,
Well, you sure are color blind
Your kiss is the cruelest kind
You could poison any mind, just look at mine
Don’t know how this world keeps spinning round and round
You were there in the garden like a snake in the grass
I see you in the morning staring through the looking glass
You whisper down through history and echo through these halls
But I hate to tell you
Love’s gonna conquer all
Dear Hate,
You were smiling from that Selma bridge
In Dallas when those bullets hit and Jackie cried
You pulled those towers from the sky
But even on our darkest nights
The world keeps spinning round
You were there in the garden like a snake in the grass
I see you in the morning staring through the looking glass
You whisper down through history and echo through these halls
But I hate to tell you
Love’s gonna conquer all
Dear Love,
Just when I think you’ve given up
You were there in the garden when I ran from your voice
I hear you every morning through the chaos and the noise
You still whisper down through history and echo through these halls
And you tell me
Love’s gonna conquer all
Gonna conquer all
Jason Aldean Cancels Tour Dates Following Las Vegas Tragedy
/by Jessica NicholsonJason Aldean. Photo: Jim Wright
Jason Aldean has canceled upcoming tour dates in California previously scheduled for Oct. 6 (Inglewood’s The Forum), Oct. 7 (Chula Vista’s Mattress Firm Amphitheatre), and Oct. 8 (Anaheim’s Honda Center) as part of the entertainer’s They Don’t Know Tour. The news follows the tragic shootings that occurred during Aldean’s headlining set at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas on Sunday, Oct. 1.
The They Don’t Know Tour will resume on Oct. 12 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Refunds to the shows in Los Angeles, San Diego and Anaheim are available at point of purchase.
Aldean also released the following statement:
‘Surviving The Trauma Of Las Vegas’ Town Hall Meeting Set For This Wednesday
/by Jessica NicholsonMusiCares, Onsite, The Music Health Alliance and Porters Call will host an intimate evening of support, education and resources for those working in the music industry that have been affected by the Las Vegas shootings.
The free “town hall” meeting will take place Wednesday, Oct. 4 at BMI’s Nashville office (10 Music Sq. E.) beginning at 6:30 p.m.
“Our hearts are broken and we have been overwhelmed with calls from many who were there and those at home inquiring about help and guidance on how to deal with this traumatic tragedy,” according to a joint statement from the organizations. “Nashville is home to some of the country’s top trauma professionals and several work closely with the entertainment community. Information and deeper understanding about what is happening with you and your team is crucial at this stage.”
To register for this free event, visit eventbrite.com.
Aaron Watson To Make Triumphant Headlining Nashville Show With “A Night Of Texas At The Ryman”
/by Jessica NicholsonAaron Watson. Photo: Joseph Llanes
“It took 18 years to get here but it’s worth every step,” says Aaron Watson, who will celebrate his first time headlining Nashville’s revered Ryman Auditorium tomorrow (Oct. 4), as he brings “A Night Of Texas At The Ryman.”
Watson recalls first visiting the Ryman Auditorium 18 years ago, shortly after he had met with an executive from one of the largest record labels in Nashville to discuss a possible deal.
“They had just gotten through telling me I didn’t have what it takes and I was pretty heartbroken,” Watson tells MusicRow. “Maybe he was being harsh, or maybe he was just being honest, but that pushed me to become a better artist. I am the artist I am today because of those experiences, so I’m thankful for that good ole boy who told me I wasn’t good enough.”
After that meeting, Watson returned to Texas.
But he didn’t retreat.
Perhaps taking inspiration from the scores of artists before him who had been rejected by a Nashville record label only to go on to achieve great success, Watson built a team that includes CDA Entertainment’s Anthony “Gino” Genaro, with Thirty Tigers, and CAA’s Aaron Tannenbaum.
Watson toured relentlessly and has released 13 albums on his own independent label. With every show and every album, he’s built a domestic and international fanbase.
In 2015, Watson made history with his album The Underdog. The aptly titled project debuted at the top of the Billboard Country Albums chart, making Watson the first independent male country artist to debut an album in the chart’s top slot. Earlier this year, he released its follow up, Vaquero, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, and topped the all-genre Indie Albums chart.
Tomorrow, Watson will make a triumphant headlining run on that very same Ryman stage he visited years ago.
Fellow Texans will also join him, including Mickey Guyton, Jon Wolfe, Jim Collins and Leslie Satcher, who will soon release the album 2 Days In Muscle Shoals.
“I’ve played so many shows with Jon Wolfe,” Watson says. “Mickey I just feel like she’s a superstar. She’s beautiful inside and out. She sings like a bird and there are so many wonderful things about her, so I felt like it was such a great lineup.”
“It’s just such an honor. It’s the Ryman,” he continues. “When I am walking down the hallway and it’s the old brick and the old hardwood floors and the church pews, I can’t help but think of all the legends that walked those same footsteps with me. I think of Johnny Cash, June [Carter Cash] and Ernest Tubb. He’s one of my favorites. There is something so special about it and the tradition gets me. That is something that country music needs to never get away from, to never forget where it comes from.
“I built my career and so to get to headline the Ryman feels full-circle and it makes it that much sweeter. I’m excited to share my brand of country music with Nashville.”
“A Night Of Texas At The Ryman” will benefit American Red Cross Hurricane Harvey response efforts. Tickets begin at $25 and can be purchased at ryman.com.
Prayers For Las Vegas Blood Drive Set For Oct. 4
/by Jessica NicholsonUpdate: Appointment slots for this drive are full. Eligible individuals can make an appointment to give blood in the coming weeks and months by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS to help ensure a sufficient blood supply.
A “Prayers For Las Vegas” Blood Drive will be held Wednesday (Oct. 4). Those in the Nashville community wishing to donate blood can visit the American Red Cross location at 2201 Charlotte Ave in Nashville from 9:15 a.m. – 6:15 p.m. Blood donations will become part of the overall blood supply for patients locally and across the country.
Hunter Hayes Donates To Music Room Renovation At Nashville School Of The Arts
/by Alex ParryHunter Hayes with students from Nashville School of the Arts
Hunter Hayes, with support from Samsung Electronics America, Inc., has generously gifted $100,000 to the CMA Foundation to fully renovate the well-worn music room at the Nashville School of the Arts, home to 621 students in Davidson County. Hayes has always supported and noted the importance of having a dedicated workspace in schools for students to bolster their creative inspiration.
“I’ve always loved what music and charity organizations can do together, and I believe every child should have a place in school that allows them to discover more about their passions and be creative,” shared Hayes. “Thanks to the support of Samsung, CMA Foundation and numerous sponsors, we are able to help restore the Nashville School of the Arts guitar lab and give the students the necessary tools to practice and grow as musicians and artists.”
“Nashville School of the Arts is profoundly grateful for Hunter Hayes. His generosity in providing the new recording studio will allow our students to develop their remarkable talents as performs and future music industry leaders,” said Nashville School of the Arts’ Executive Principal Dr. Gregory Stewart.
The month-long renovation to create a state-of-the-art guitar lab and recording studio kicks-off on Wednesday, Oct. 4 with two performances for the entire school and community by Hayes at the Nashville School of the Arts. Hayes will also perform as part of The Grand Ole Opry’s 92nd Birthday Bash where he is enlisting NSA students to join him for two performances.
CMA, City Of Nashville Honor Victims Of Las Vegas Tragedy With Candlelight Vigil
/by Lorie HollabaughHundreds of Nashvillians gather inside Ascend Amphitheater Monday during a candlelight vigil in honor of the Las Vegas shooting victims. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
The CMA, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp offered the Nashville community a place to grieve and unite last night at Ascend Amphitheater to honor the victims of the unspeakable tragedy in Las Vegas.
Those offering up words of comfort and support at the candlelight community vigil included Barry, Sidney Cox, The Cox Family, Charles Esten, Amy Grant, and Sally Williams, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry/CMA Board Chairman.
The vigil also included performances by Vince Gill (“Go Rest High On That Mountain”), Alison Krauss with Barry Bales, Ron Block, Sidney and Suzanne Cox (“Amazing Grace”), and Keith Urban (“Bridge Over Troubled Water”).
The windy evening prevented a full candlelight glow from the crowd, but Esten closed the program by urging the community to let their lights shine from within and support one another. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has set up the Music City Cares Fund, with 100 percent of donations going to help immediate and long-term needs of victims from the shooting. Click here to learn more.
Keith Urban performs “Bridge Over Troubled Water” during a candlelight vigil Monday at Ascend Amphitheater in honor of the Las Vegas shooting victims.
Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
Alison Krauss (second from right) is joined by (left to right) Suzanne Cox, Barry Bales, Sidney Cox, and Ron Block for a performance of “Amazing Grace” during a candlelight vigil Monday at Ascend Amphitheater to honor the victims of the Las Vegas shooting. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
Amy Grant joins Vince Gill onstage following his performance of “Go Rest High On That Mountain” to lead a prayer in support of the Las Vegas shooting victims during a candlelight vigil in Nashville Monday at Ascend Amphitheater. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
Carly Pearce Openheartedly Shares ‘Every Little Thing’ Following Las Vegas Tragedy
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Songwriters Hillary Lindsey and Allison Veltz, guitarist Shane Smith, Carly Pearce, songwriters Emily Shackleton and Shane McAnally, drummer Mike Blong and songwriter Laura Veltz. Photo: Katie Kauss
Hit songwriters Shane McAnally, Hillary Lindsey and Emily Shackelton joined Big Machine Records newcomer Carly Pearce on stage last night (Oct. 2) to celebrate the Oct. 13 debut of her Every Little Thing.
A weight hung over the fan event at the new location of Nashville’s Listening Room Cafe. Namely, the tragedy that took place at Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas over the weekend.
“Today has been an extremely heavy day,” said Pearce before a moment of silence. “Being an artist and songwriter, we know so many that were out there in Vegas. I hope tonight we honor those who lost their lives and everyone was affected, and remember why we love music so much—especially country music. Music heals.”
Of the album’s 13 tracks, Pearce performed nine titles acoustically, in the round. Four titles were new to fans, not having been previously available for instant grat. Young, front row fans recorded and sang along to each title.
Carly Pearce fan party. Photo: Katie Kauss
Pearce wrote her debut, heartbreak ballad, “Every Little Thing,” with Shackelton and producer/writer busbee. Shackelton, a new mother of 13 days, performed a beautiful piano accompaniment for Pearce. Shackelton took the mic for the second title performed, “You Know Where To Find Me,” a co-write with Pearce and busbee. The evening wrapped with Pearce and Shackelton’s co-write “Careless.”
“Daniel [Lee] changed my life,” said Pearce. “He was looking to find an artist to work with from the ground up with busbee. He was the one person who told me I could in a sea of people who said I couldn’t…And thank you to Kos [Weaver], who let Daniel sign me to BMG.”
Pictured (L-R): Vector Management’s Ken Levitan and Kevin Spellman, Carly Pearce, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Big Machine Records’ Jim Weatherson, BMG’s Daniel Lee. Photo: Katie Kauss
The Kentucky native introduced Shane McAnally, who has one outside cut on the project, “Feel Somethin’” with Natalie Hemby and busbee, in addition to a Pearce co-write with busbee and Pearce, “If My Name Was Whiskey.” The latter title was released to SiriusXM as a preview in addition to other instant-grat tracks. Pearce noted it reminds her of the timeless feel that the music from female country artists in the late ‘90s and early 2000’s had.
“Even when you sing a happy song,” said McAnally to Pearce, “you have that unbelievable country tear that we have been missing for so long. It feels like home hear that voice on the radio. Its funny that that is a breath of fresh air, that a stone cold country voice is taking us by surprise. But thank God they’re playing this record and you stayed in the game, because we need you.”
“I know Kelsea Ballerini and I have totally fan-girled over Hillary Lindsey,” praised Pearce of the songwriter. “I think everybody in Nashville kinda wants to be Hillary.”
Lindsey performed two of her titles, two outside cuts, “Hide The Wine,” written with Ashley Gorley and Luke Laird, noting it will be her next single after “Every Little Thing.” Secondly, Lindsey performed “I Need A Ride Home” with Pearce, also co-written with Gorley in addition to Matt Jenkins.
Carly Pearce. Photo: Katie Kauss
Pearce spontaneously welcomed Allison Veltz in addition to her sister Laura Veltz at separate times to the stage for their respective co-writes, “Doin’ It Right” and “Color.”
Pearce concluded by thanking two essential players who made Every Little Thing possible, BMLG owner Scott Borchetta and his A&R right hand Allison Jones, in addition to producer busbee and Vector managers Ken Levitan and Kevin Spellman.
“I’ve wanted [to make an album] my entire life,” concluded Pearce to the writers and audience. “It all begins with a song and I am truly grateful for letting me cut your songs and letting me write with you. I idolize you all as writers and artists and singers so thank you for doing this with me. I had so much fun making this album—front to back, it’s from my heart.”