Little Feather
One listen to Little Feather lead singer Liz Sharpe evokes a sense of similar earthy, pure vocalists such as Patty Loveless and Loretta Lynn, both of whom are kin with Sharpe—Kentucky roots and generations of family coal miners in tow.
“When I was a little girl, I’d watch my father wash the coal off his hands and I’d watch the water turn black,” Sharpe said during a visit to the MusicRow offices where the group offered a preview of tunes including “Bend With The Wind,” which harken to those rural roots. The six-piece band also performed the lively “Burning Down The Barn.”
Little Feather emerged as the band’s name after Sharpe went through a breakup. “My ex told me, ‘Float along, little feather’ when he broke up with me,” Sharpe said. “I went to producer and said I was so upset. I had this idea for a vengeance song and the song ended up being a cathartic song and it turned into me being called Little Feather all the time. I decided I wanted to work on songs I had written and didn’t want to play backup for other people.”
Sharpe, who is married to Little Feather drummer Aaron Spraggs, handpicked the additional members of Little Feather, including multi-instrumentalist Shannon Campbell, son of the late Glen Campbell, as well as bass player Dylan Rowe, rhythm guitarist and harmony singer Sam Brooker previously of the Sam & Ruby duo, and guitarist Pat Boyer. Each player brings an array of influences, from bluegrass, classic country, soul and pop.
“We are like a family. It’s been over seven years of work and sweat.” Sharpe said.
Will Rambeaux and Bill MacDermott produced the album, which Sharpe says was recorded in Rambeaux’s basement. “We would go and rehearse, and spilled coffee all over his carpet,” noted Sharpe.
The band’s self-titled album, which releases Sept. 29, was originally created as demos, long before Jim Ed Norman signed the band to a deal with Curb Records.
“Jim Ed’s father was my pastor growing up, and was the reason I did music, Sharpe says. “We felt like Curb was where we were supposed to go. Too many stars were aligning. When Jim Ed first listened to our music, he listened to these older demos, and said, ‘This is your record.’ He really got what we are about.”
Little Feather with MusicRow Magazine owner/publisher Sherod Robertson
Clint Black, John Rich To Perform For American Public Television’s ‘Front And Center’
/by Jessica NicholsonClint Black will be joined by Big & Rich’s John Rich to film an exclusive performance for CMA Songwriters Series presented by U.S. Bank as part of an ongoing partnership between the Country Music Association and American Public Television’s Front and Center.
The taping will take place Tuesday, Sept. 5 at the Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee. Doors are at 6 p.m. CT with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase via the Franklin Theatre website.
Throughout his career, Black has amassed 57 charted singles, 31 Top 10 hits, 22 No. 1 smashes, and has sold more than 22 million albums worldwide. With multitudes of awards under his belt, including trophies from CMA and The Recording Academy, the mega-star most recently released On Purpose, his first full-length album of new songs in a decade.
Known for his talent as both a performer and songwriter, Rich has written more than 1,300 songs in his lifetime, penning hits including Jason Aldean’s “Hicktown,” Taylor Swift’s “The Way I Loved You,” and many more. He’s a three-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, 16-time CMA Award nominee, five-time Grammy nominee, and has penned 13 Top 10 hits. In addition to his music career, Rich has achieved success as a TV personality and entrepreneur.
Through the CMA Songwriters Series and “Front and Center” collaboration, an array of special episodes have been produced featuring the likes of Dierks Bentley, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Jennifer Nettles, and dozens of top songwriters. Each episode features insider stories and explores the passion and motivation that have helped to create some of Country Music’s biggest hits.
Craig Wayne Boyd To Release ‘Top Shelf’ In October
/by Jessica NicholsonCraig Wayne Boyd
Craig Wayne Boyd will release his upcoming album, Top Shelf, on Oct. 27 via Copperline Music Group. The album marks Boyd’s first full-length album since his The Voice Season 7 victory in 2014. During his time on NBC, his single “Baby’s Got A Smile On Her Face” debuted at No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart.
“I’ve felt so much love from people who supported me from day one! I am so excited to finally get to share some new music with those loyal fans and maybe win over a few new ones in the meantime,” Boyd said.
Growing up in the Dallas, Texas suburb of Mesquite, Boyd’s childhood was highly influenced by gospel and country music and he later became the choir director at his hometown church. After a trip to Nashville, Boyd signed a publishing deal with EMI. He began touring, logging more than 1,000 shows in four years. In addition, Boyd also played with Rascal Flatts during their Vegas Riot! nine-show residency at the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas.
Top Shelf Track List:
1. Stuck In My Head
2. Somewhere In There
3. She’s Killing Me
4. Wild Ways
5. We Sweat
6. Everywhere You Go
7. Sweet Temptation
8. Better Together
9. Hold Me Up
10. Only In My Mind
11. Interlude
12. Presence of the Lord
13. Sweet Temptation Mini Jam
Americana Music Association, Country Music Hall Of Fame Partner During Americana Week
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Americana Music Association and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum are partnering once again to offer one-of-a-kind programs during the 18th Annual Americana Music Festival & Conference Americanafest Sept. 12-17.
“This year’s slate of Americanafest programming at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum represents some of the best curation on the planet,” said Americana Music Association Executive Director, Jed Hilly. “It’s a thrill to be working with Kyle Young and his team for the 11th straight year to bring amazing, educational, historical and of course musical experiences that you will not find elsewhere. We are honored to partner to bring these wonderful programs to the community.”
Activities at the museum begin Wednesday, Sept. 13 in the Ford Theater with Southern Streams, featuring special performances and conversation from Don Bryant, Yola Carter, Raul Malo and Joan Osborne presented by Ann Powers of NPR Music. The songwriters round brings together four artists whose music reflects very different family legacies and life experiences, from Southern soul to Latin-tinged country to African-diaspora folk.
On Thursday, September 14, Mike Judge Presents: Tales from the Tour Bus, an animated half-hour show chronicling the stories of some of country music’s most eccentric characters, will premiere. The event will feature a screening of two episodes and a conversation with co-creator/executive producer Mike Judge, followed by a live performance musical tribute to the acts featured in the series featuring Brandy Clark, Brent Cobb, Elizabeth Cook, Dori Freeman, Jack Ingram, Jim Lauderdale, Sam Outlaw, Teddy Thompson and more to be announced.
On Friday afternoon, sisters Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer will perform songs from their new album and talk with NPR Music’s Ann Powers about the recording, the creative process, and sharing music as siblings. Later that day, Devon Allman, Pony Bradshaw, Michael Lehman, Buddy Miller, Joan Osborne, and John Paul White will join Grammy Museum Executive Director Scott Goldman as they pay homage, through stories and music, in celebration of Gregg Allman’s final recording.
Saturday will round-out the activities with Bruce Robison in a Songwriter Session, and an interview and performance by Lee Ann Womack.
“The mission of the Americana Music Association is to advocate for the authentic voice of American roots music around the world,” said museum CEO Kyle Young. “Part of our own mission is to interpret this ever-changing art form. One of the ways we do that is through our educational programs. We are happy to partner once again with the association to further both our missions and offer what is sure to be an unforgettable week of music and conversation.”
Each program is included with museum admission and free to museum members and AMERICANAFEST badge holders. There is limited seating, and a program pass is required. Additional programming information can be found at countrymusichalloffame.
Josh Wilson Inks Label, Publishing Deals With Black River Entertainment
/by Jessica NicholsonBlack River Entertainment CEO Gordon Kerr with Josh Wilson, Wilson’s wife Becca, and their two-year-old son Asher.
Artist and songwriter Josh Wilson has inked deals with both Black River Christian and Black River Publishing.
Black River Entertainment’s CEO Gordon Kerr says, “What a privilege to get to know Josh Wilson and his beautiful family. His heart for ministry matched with this incredible music is the perfect complement to the vision of Black River Christian.”
Wilson, who was named ASCAP’s Writer/Artist of the Year in 2012, independently released two albums before signing with Sparrow Records/Capitol CMG. Recording six albums with the label, he achieved multiple Top 10 radio singles, including two No. 1’s (“Jesus Is Alive” and “Before The Morning”). He’s also toured with artists such as Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day and Casting Crowns.
Black River Christian’s VP of National Promotion Brian Thiele says, “I had the privilege of working with Josh when he debuted as an artist, and I’m so excited to be reunited with him at Black River. He is one of the most talented musicians and songwriters in this industry. Not only is he using the gift of music to change lives, his love for people and his heart to serve are inspiring. I can’t wait for what’s next!”
Pictured (L-R): Black River Christian’s Michael Kerr, Jill Tomalty, and Brian Thiele, Black River Entertainment’s Rick Froio, Josh Wilson, Black River Entertainment’s Gordon Kerr, Dawn Delvo and Brian Rhoades. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment
“Josh Wilson’s amazing gift for songwriting and his genuine desire to use it for God’s glory are truly inspirational to the Black River Publishing creative team,” adds VP of Black River Publishing Dave Pacula. “Along with Black River Christian, we are thrilled to welcome him to the family!”
Wilson says, “I’m beyond excited to be a part of the Black River family. Since the first time I walked in the building, it felt like home. We’re all on the same page in terms of vision and direction, and I truly believe the years to come hold many great things.”
Wilson’s new label is also home to Hannah Kerr whose new single “Warrior” debuted as the most added single at Christian Radio (Aug. 18). Now as a writer for Black River Publishing, Wilson joins a GRAMMY-winning roster of talented songwriters, producers and artists.
Pictured (L-R): Black River Publishing’s Eric Hurt, Method Management’s Joel West, Black River Entertainment’s Gordon Kerr, Josh Wilson, Attorney Lauren Kilgore, Black River Publishing’s Katie Barolak and Dave Pacula. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment
Curb Records’ Little Feather Offers Old-School Country Soul On September Debut
/by Jessica NicholsonLittle Feather
One listen to Little Feather lead singer Liz Sharpe evokes a sense of similar earthy, pure vocalists such as Patty Loveless and Loretta Lynn, both of whom are kin with Sharpe—Kentucky roots and generations of family coal miners in tow.
“When I was a little girl, I’d watch my father wash the coal off his hands and I’d watch the water turn black,” Sharpe said during a visit to the MusicRow offices where the group offered a preview of tunes including “Bend With The Wind,” which harken to those rural roots. The six-piece band also performed the lively “Burning Down The Barn.”
Little Feather emerged as the band’s name after Sharpe went through a breakup. “My ex told me, ‘Float along, little feather’ when he broke up with me,” Sharpe said. “I went to producer and said I was so upset. I had this idea for a vengeance song and the song ended up being a cathartic song and it turned into me being called Little Feather all the time. I decided I wanted to work on songs I had written and didn’t want to play backup for other people.”
Sharpe, who is married to Little Feather drummer Aaron Spraggs, handpicked the additional members of Little Feather, including multi-instrumentalist Shannon Campbell, son of the late Glen Campbell, as well as bass player Dylan Rowe, rhythm guitarist and harmony singer Sam Brooker previously of the Sam & Ruby duo, and guitarist Pat Boyer. Each player brings an array of influences, from bluegrass, classic country, soul and pop.
“We are like a family. It’s been over seven years of work and sweat.” Sharpe said.
Will Rambeaux and Bill MacDermott produced the album, which Sharpe says was recorded in Rambeaux’s basement. “We would go and rehearse, and spilled coffee all over his carpet,” noted Sharpe.
The band’s self-titled album, which releases Sept. 29, was originally created as demos, long before Jim Ed Norman signed the band to a deal with Curb Records.
“Jim Ed’s father was my pastor growing up, and was the reason I did music, Sharpe says. “We felt like Curb was where we were supposed to go. Too many stars were aligning. When Jim Ed first listened to our music, he listened to these older demos, and said, ‘This is your record.’ He really got what we are about.”
Little Feather with MusicRow Magazine owner/publisher Sherod Robertson
Sony/ATV Launches Royalty Portal App
/by Eric T. ParkerSource: SonyATV.com
Sony/ATV Music Publishing has launched an Android and iOS app for its royalty portal, SCORE.
The new app will allow the company’s songwriters and their representatives to obtain real-time, detailed access to their current royalty account. Previously royalty calculations required waiting until the end of any statement period. Also available is an overview of historic earnings information that can be searched and organized by song title, income source, time period and territory.
The app additionally includes the SCORECARD, which uses a graphic interface to offer a simple and up-to-date, top-view summary of a writer’s royalties. Through SCORECARD clients can also drill down further to access, and even download in-depth information about their earnings in exceptional granular detail.
Sony/ATV Chairman and CEO Martin Bandier said: “At Sony/ATV we are committed to providing our songwriters and their teams with an unrivalled level of transparency and service, which includes giving them access to the most highly-detailed royalty information available. The launch of the SCORE app is an important next step in us delivering on that promise and now means our writers can obtain an unsurpassed insight into their historic and current period earnings with one simple click.”
Dale Esworthy, Sony/ATV Senior Vice President, Worldwide Administration, said: “The SCORE app is one more way to connect to our writers. Every day our admin teams around the world are working on behalf of all our writers—to register, license, collect and pay—and the results of all this work are now even more visible to the writers on a continual basis. We are proud to offer this level of service and detail to all our writers around the globe.”
Grammy-nominated and 2016 ACM and BMI Songwriter Of The Year Ross Copperman, who has written for artists including Kenny Chesney, Brett Eldredge and Keith Urban, said: “Sony/ATV continues to pursue fair compensation for songwriters and, at the same time, makes worldwide information related to my songs easily accessible to me.”
Grammy-winning songwriter Chris DeStefano, whose hits include songs for Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, added: “I’m grateful to have a publisher partner like Sony/ATV who continually provides me with relevant, easy to access information about my songs.”
Available to download from both the Google Play and iTunes stores, the app is powered by Sony/ATV’s TEMPO system. Administrative support is available in writer local territories from local administration staff which utilizes Sony/ATV’s worldwide network of local creative and administration teams. In addition, they are able to utilize their close relationships with the relevant societies and their colleagues around the world to accurately register songs and collect royalties.
Visit SonyATV.com for more insight into SCORE.
Source: SonyATV.com
Source: SonyATV.com
Funeral Arrangements Set For Bluegrass Great Pete Kuykendall
/by Lorie HollabaughFuneral arrangements have been announced for bluegrass great Pete Kuykendall, who passed away on Aug. 23. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Aug. 29, from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., and the funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 10 a.m., at Moser Funeral Home, 233 Broadview Avenue, Warrenton, Virginia.
An internment service will follow at 12:00. The funeral home’s phone number is (540) 347-3431.
Kitsy Kuykendall has requested in lieu of flowers that memorial donations be made to these funds: the International Bluegrass Music Museum and the IBMA Trust Fund.
BMI And YouTube Host “Speed Dating” Event For Nashville Songwriters
/by Lorie HollabaughThe networking event for a hand-selected group of BMI’s most promising up-and-coming songwriters gathered 12 writers (four topliners, four artists, and four track producers) to meet for seven minutes at a time to share and discuss each other’s music. During a casual mixer the writers then mingle and become better acquainted, and at the end of the event, they are separated into groups of three and tasked with meeting in the next six weeks to write a song.
YouTube will return to Nashville six to eight weeks from now to film each group performing their new song live.
(L-R): Tia Scola, BMI’s Leslie Roberts and Lauren Duski. (Middle): Caroline Watkins, Parker Welling, Emily Landis, Cameron Montgomery and Jordan Minton. (Back row): Nick Wayne, Mikey Reaves, Johnny Dibb, Joel Crouse and Danielle Blakey
‘MusicRow’ Announces Promotions: Jessica Nicholson, Eric Parker
/by Sherod RobertsonJessica Nicholson has been promoted to Managing Editor for the publication and has been covering the Nashville music industry as part of MusicRow magazine since 2012. She previously served as a staff writer at Country Weekly magazine. Her music journalism experience also includes work with CCM Magazine.
Nicholson graduated from Belmont University with a degree in Music Business and Marketing. She is a member of the Country Music Association and SOURCE.
Eric T. Parker has been promoted to Operations Director, overseeing the production of six print magazines and expanding the internship program. Parker produces three annual events for the enterprise—the MusicRow Awards, Rising Women on the Row, and the MusicRow Meet & Greet and the CountryBreakout Awards—in addition to contributing editorial for print and online, overseeing subscription services and running the song tip sheet RowFax.
A California native, Parker graduated from the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University before being hired at MusicRow in 2010 to assist with the CountryBreakout Chart.
MusicRow Publisher and Owner, Sherod Robertson states, “I am convinced the single most important ingredient of a successful company is having the right team. Everything else depends on it. Each member of the MusicRow staff plays a critical role in our organization so I’m pleased to recognize the efforts of these two individuals who have been a part of MusicRow for many years.”
Robertson adds, “The resourceful and compelling content MusicRow produces each and every day is a testament to Jessica Nicholson’s unwavering ability as both a writer and managing editor. She has a tremendous ability to keep up with the many happenings on Music Row. Eric Parker’s passion for the industry far exceeded his part-time status at the company when I acquired the publication in 2010. That passion moved him into a full-time position shortly afterwards. With the experience he has gained over the last six-plus years, Eric has parlayed those skills into a valuable and important role in our company.”
Jessica Nicholson can be reached at jnicholson@musicrow.com and Eric Parker can be reached at eparker@musicrow.com.
Kane Brown And Luke Combs To Tape ‘Front And Center’ Episode For CMA Songwriter Series
/by Lorie HollabaughThe artists will be joined on stage by a selection of country’s hottest writers for a night of music and stories about some of the genre’s best-known songs. Top tunesmiths taking the stage with Brown will be Tom Douglas (“Cold Spot” recorded by Brown; “The House That Built Me” recorded by Miranda Lambert; “God’s Will” recorded by Martina McBride) and Josh Hoge (“Undone” recorded by Backstreet Boys; “Used to Love You Sober” recorded by Brown; “I’m Comin’ Over” recorded by Chris Young). Combs will be accompanied by hit songwriters Thomas Archer, Ray Fulcher, and Rob Williford, all of whom had a hand in writing on Combs’ album This One’s For You.
Tickets for the Songwriter Series show, presented by U.S. Bank, are available for purchase on the Franklin Theater website. Through the CMA Songwriters Series and “Front and Center” collaboration, an array of special episodes have been produced featuring artists like Dierks Bentley, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Jennifer Nettles, and dozens of top songwriters. Each episode features insider stories and explores the passion and motivation that have helped to create some of country’s biggest hits.