photo credit: Neil van Niekerk
Home Free are bringing their signature a cappella sound infused with the spirit of the season back this year as they embark on their 2017 A Country Christmas Tour. Following the breakout success of 2016’s A Country Christmas Tour and the group’s deluxe holiday album Full Of (Even More) Cheer, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, the quintet is bringing new music, new production, and even more holiday favorites to 20 cities across the U.S. for this year’s trek.
Tickets are available for presale on Tuesday (Aug. 8) and go on sale to the general public on Friday (Aug. 11). A select number of VIP and Q&A packages will also be available for purchase. The group has been working on a new full-length project, which is expected this fall, and has already amassed over 167 million YouTube views with their creative takes on classics and current hits.
A Country Christmas Tour Dates:
NOVEMBER 2017
29 | Rochester, MN – Mayo Civic Center
30 | Salina, KS – Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts
DECEMBER 2017
1 | Mason City, IA – North Iowa Area Community College
2 | Branson, MO – The Mansion Theatre
3 | Des Moines, IA – Des Moines Civic Center
6 | Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theatre
7 | Louisville, KY – Brown Theatre
8 | Dekalb, IL – Egyptian Theatre
9 | Kalamazoo, MI – State Theatre
10 | Midland, MI – Midland Center for the Arts
13 | Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center
14 | Ann Arbor, MI – Michigan Theatre
15 | Troy, OH – Hobart Arena
16 | Henderson, KY – Preston Center for the Arts
17 | El Dorado, AR – South Arkansas Performing Arts Center
19 | Houston, TX – Cullen Performance Hall
20 | Mobile, AL – Saenger Theatre
21 | Montgomery, AL – Montgomery Performing Arts Center
22 | Huntsville, AL – Von Braun Center
23 | Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Symphony Hall
Taylor Lindsey Upped To VP/A&R At Sony Music Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto credit: Cameron Powell
Taylor Lindsey has been promoted to the position of Vice President, A&R at Sony Music Nashville. Most recently Senior Director, A&R, Lindsey joined the label group in September of 2013 and will continue to report directly to Senior Vice President, A&R, Jim Catino.
“Taylor has truly made an important impact since she joined our company,” Catino remarked, “and it’s an honor for me to announce her well-deserved promotion to Vice President of A&R.” He continues, “She not only has been instrumental in building the Sony Music Nashville roster, but, in so doing, has earned great respect from the Sony team and the music community.”
“I’m so grateful to be able to grow and push the boundaries of my career with the support and guidance of Randy Goodman and Jim Catino at a company like Sony, where expansion and innovation are encouraged,” said Taylor Lindsey. “I am extremely proud of our roster of amazing talent and to be a part of the Sony Music Nashville team. Working with iconic artists of today and trailblazing artists of tomorrow is incredibly inspiring.”
Lindsey has been instrumental in the signings and development of such artists as Cam, Maren Morris and Old Dominion, among others, and played a key role in recent releases such as Kenny Chesney and Brad Paisley. She and Catino continue to share day-to-day A&R responsibilities for all the artists on the Sony Music Nashville rosters.
Weekly Register: Lucas Hoge Tops Country Albums Rankings
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Stapleton takes the second and third slots on the country charts, with From A Room at No. 2 with 9.2K, and Traveller at No. 3 with 6.4K. Now That’s What I Call Country 10 rises one spot to No. 4, with 6.1K moved this week.
Lady Antebellum‘s Heart Break rises from No. 6 to No. 5, with 5.4K.
Joe Nichols‘ Never Gets Old debuts at No. 6 on the country albums chart this week, with 4.8K. Logan Mize‘s Come Back Road debuts at No. 20 on the country albums rankings with 1.6K.
Digital Songs
Thomas Rhett makes this week’s top debut on the country digital songs chart, with “Unforgettable” landing at No. 2 country and moving 29K in its first week. The singer-songwriter has two tracks in the Top 5 this week on the country digital songs chart, with “Craving You” (ft. Maren Morris) at No. 5, with 14K.
Sam Hunt‘s “Body Like A Back Road” continues at No. 1 , with 40K moved this week, and 1.471 million to date.
Kane Brown‘s “What Ifs” (ft. Lauren Alaina) is at No. 3, with 18K, while Dustin Lynch‘s “Small Town Boy” is at No. 4, with 17K.
Information provided by Nielsen Soundscan
Stuart Dill Named Vanderbilt Medical Center Office Of Engagement Director
/by Lorie HollabaughAs Director of Engagement, Dill will continue his work with the entertainment industry and will serve as the institutional leader focusing on internal and external community engagement, including new strategies to build upon VUMC’s philanthropic mission. The new role creates additional opportunities for Dill to develop and strengthen partnerships between VUMC and the entertainment industry, including professionals in music, athletics and the performing arts.
“The definition of a true community is a group of people who care for one another – who engage with one another. Nashville is so unique to have two internationally renowned communities – healthcare and entertainment, and both revolve around engagement. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work in the awe-inspiring VUMC community that strives daily to connect and deepen our relationships and engagement in our community, nation and world,” Dill said.
Prior to joining VUMC, Dill was a 30-year music industry veteran and artist manager who worked with Minnie Pearl, Freddy Fender, Dwight Yoakam, Jo Dee Messina, Rodney Crowell, The Wreckers, Sister Hazel, Laura Bell Bundy, Point of Grace, Billy Ray Cyrus, and many others. He also authored the novel, “Murder on Music Row,” that won the Independent Book Publishers (IPPY) Award’s Gold Medal in 2012.
Anna Mae Calls Out Admirer On Debut Single
/by Lorie Hollabaughphoto credit Evan Boutte
Nashville-based pop singer-songwriter Anna Mae has released her debut single “Call Girl” via Next2Shine. The upbeat summer song finds Anna Mae snapping back at a potential suitor who won’t commit unless he’s hiding behind his phone screen.
“Too many people hide behind their phones and social media instead of actually going after what they want,” Anna Mae shared of the unapologetic track’s inspiration. “I hope this song is a reminder to listeners that they’re worth someone’s attention.”
American Music Awards Set To Air In November
/by Lorie HollabaughThe awards honor the fan favorites across multiple musical genres, including Pop/Rock, Alternative Rock, Country, Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Adult Contemporary, Contemporary Inspirational, Latin, EDM and Soundtrack, as well as New Artist of the Year, Collaboration, Tour, Video, Favorite Song and Artist of the Year.
Last year’s country AMA winners included Tim McGraw for Favorite Country Song for “Humble And Kind” and Florida Georgia Line for Favorite Band, Duo or Group – Country.
Home Free To Launch Second Country Christmas Tour
/by Lorie Hollabaughphoto credit: Neil van Niekerk
Home Free are bringing their signature a cappella sound infused with the spirit of the season back this year as they embark on their 2017 A Country Christmas Tour. Following the breakout success of 2016’s A Country Christmas Tour and the group’s deluxe holiday album Full Of (Even More) Cheer, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, the quintet is bringing new music, new production, and even more holiday favorites to 20 cities across the U.S. for this year’s trek.
Tickets are available for presale on Tuesday (Aug. 8) and go on sale to the general public on Friday (Aug. 11). A select number of VIP and Q&A packages will also be available for purchase. The group has been working on a new full-length project, which is expected this fall, and has already amassed over 167 million YouTube views with their creative takes on classics and current hits.
A Country Christmas Tour Dates:
Luke Bryan To Be Featured In New Snapchat Docu-series
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Bryan. Photo: Carlos Ruiz
Luke Bryan will be featured this weekend in the debut episode of Artist Pass, the new docu-series show through the partnership of Billboard and Snap Inc., set to premiere on Snapchat’s Discover platform this Sunday, Aug. 6.
Bryan’s premiere episode will reveal a behind the scenes look at what life is like backstage before his headlining performance at the Faster Horses festival, one of country music’s most popular events. Artist Pass will be the newest show added to Snap’s longer-form video programming and will be the first to deliver originally-created content featuring music artists. The episodes will last 4-5 minutes each and future episodes will air bi-weekly starting on Aug. 6.
Billboard’s programming for Snap Inc. will deliver timely, relevant and compelling content that provides unparalleled access to some of today’s biggest music artists in a first-of-its-kind series through Snapchat’s TV-like format on Discover. Other artists lined up for future episodes include Demi Lovato and Rae Sremmurd. Honda is the exclusive sponsor for Artist Pass.
New Albums Coming From Brandy Clark, Erin Enderlin
/by Jessica NicholsonBrandy Clark Plots Live Album
Live From Los Angeles Track Listing
Drinkin’ Smokin’ Cheatin’ (Written By – Brandy Clark)
Stripes (Written By – Brandy Clark, Matt Jenkins, Shane McAnally)
Big Day In A small town (Written By – Brandy Clark, Mark D. Sanders, Shane McAnally)
Hold My Hand (Written By – Brandy Clark, Mark Stephen Jones)
Daughter (Written By – Brandy Clark, Jeremy Spillman, Jessie Jo Dillon)
Love Can Go To Hell (Written By – Brandy Clark, Scott Stepakoff)
Girl Next Door (Written By – Brandy Clark, Jessie Jo Dillon, Shane McAnally)
Get High (Written By – Brandy Clark)
When I Get to Drinkin’ (Written By – Brandy Clark, Josh Osborne, Scott Stepakoff)
Since You’ve Gone To Heaven (Written By – Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally)
Pray To Jesus (Written By – Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally)
Erin Enderlin Preps Whiskey Town Crier Album For Sept. 1
Erin Enderlin, songwriter behind tracks including Alan Jackson’s “Monday Morning Church” and Lee Ann Womack’s “Last Call,” will release the album Whiskey Town Crier on Sept. 1.
The concept album was produced by Jamey Johnson and Jim “Moose” Brown, and includes a duet with Randy Houser (“The Coldest In Town”) and Chris Stapleton on “His Memory Walks On Water” as well as “Caroline.” The release follows Enderlin’s 2013 album I Let Her Talk.
Whiskey Town Crier
1. Intro
2. Caroline (Jim “Moose” Brown/ Erin Enderlin)
3. Baby Sister (Erin Enderlin/ Shane McAnally/ Felix McTeigue)
4. Ain’t It Just Like A Cowboy (Erin Enderlin/ Heather Little)
5. The Blues Are Alive & Well (Erin Enderlin/ Jim “Moose” Brown/ Shane McAnally)
6. Home Sweet Home To Me (Erin Enderlin/ Paul Sikes)
7. Till It’s Gone (Jon Randall/ Jim “Moose” Brown/ Erin Enderlin)
8. The Coldest In Town – duet with Randy Houser (Erin Enderlin/ Steve Leslie)
9. Whole Nother Bottle Of Wine (Erin Enderlin/ Heidi Newfield/ Jim “Moose” Brown)
10. Broken (Erin Enderlin)
11. Hickory Wind (Gram Parsons/ Bob Buchanan)
12. Jesse Joe’s Cigarettes (Erin Enderlin/ Shane McAnally)
13. His Memory Walks on Water (Erin Enderlin/ Irene Kelley)
14. ‘Till I Can Make It On My Own (Billy Sherril/ Tammy Wynette/ George Richey)
Matt Redman Sets ‘Glory Song’ Release For September
/by Lorie HollabaughGlory Song was co-produced by Jeremy Edwardson and Jeremy SH Griffith and songwriters including Bernie Herms, Aaron Lindsey, Chris Tomlin, Jonas Myrin and Ed Cash joined Redman on this latest release. The first single from the album, “Gracefully Broken” featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard, is going for adds at radio Aug. 2.
“I’d made three live albums in a row, so this time around we decided to get back to recording in the studio and I was beyond grateful to get to do that at such an iconic place – Capitol Studios in LA,” explains Redman. “My aim from the beginning was to bring a bit more of a ‘gospel’ sound to proceedings. Recently I’ve been inspired by worship leaders like Tasha Cobbs Leonard, but also so aware of how little our various streams of the church seem to proactively reach out and work and worship with each other. So this record hopefully still sounds like me, but you’ll also hear the likes of Tasha, Kierra Sheard and a gospel choir in the mix too – and I love what they bring.”
Redman will be bringing his newest collection of music to churches for nights of worship from coast to coast throughout the street week of the album. Glory Songwill be available for pre-order on Sept. 8.
Steve Azar Brings In B.B. King’s Backing Band For New Delta-Inspired Album
/by Lorie HollabaughSteve Azar recruited a pretty impressive backing band for his latest album, Down At The Liquor Store, his first new release in five years. Azar recorded the new project, due out Aug. 11 on Ride Records, with The Kings Men, the group of top rate musicians who served as B.B. King’s backing band for years until his passing.
The project was recorded last Spring at Club Ebony in Indianola, B.B. King’s hometown, and Azar was the first artist to ever record a full-length studio album at the historic venue. The combination of Azar’s Delta-born songwriting approach and the band’s musical background and intuitive nature created a unique and soulful sound that isn’t country, specifically rock, or traditional blues, but something Azar terms “Delta Soul.”
The album’s title was derived from Azar’s experiences in his younger days helping his parents, descendants of Lebanese/Syrian immigrants, run the family business which served as a kind of community center for generations of Mississippians of all backgrounds and races.
“To have recorded an album with these monumental talents in this place that has meant so much to the greater Mississippi music community has been a true honor,” said Azar. “We all pitched in and made the most of the opportunity, and we just couldn’t be prouder of the result which, in a way, represents a microcosm of the special place we call the Delta.”
Down at the Liquor Store is accompanied by a full-length feature documentary Something In The Water. The film chronicles the making of the album and the trajectory of The Kings Men within the context of the Mississippi Delta’s worldwide musical influence. For Azar, the projects are yet another vehicle to spread the spirit and rich soul of the Delta region with the rest of the world. Mississippi is celebrating its Bicentennial this year and in connection with that, Steve has been appointed Music & Culture Ambassador of the State.
In 2013, he co-founded the Mighty Mississippi Music Festival with this year’s edition set for the weekend of September 29 – October 1 at Warfield Point in Greenville.