Chris Stapleton Adds Second Nashville Show In October

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On the heels of releasing one of the year’s most anticipated country albums, From A Room: Vol. 1, Chris Stapleton has added a second and final Nashville show at the Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 14, to accompany his already scheduled show on Oct. 13. The dates are part of Stapleton’s All-American Road Show, which launched in March.

Exclusive Stapleton Fan Club pre-sales for the concert will begin next Tuesday, May 16 at 10 a.m. local time, with public tickets on-sale next Friday, May 19 at 10 a.m. local time. Live Nation is the national tour promoter for the All-American Road Show.

Special guests for the Nashville dates include Brothers Osborne and Brent Cobb. Additional tour guests include Lucie Silvas, Anderson East, Margo Price and Marty Stuart. The All-American Road Show is slated to continue through November.

Rounder Records Launches Monthly Benefit Series At Station Inn

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The Jerry Douglas Band receives a standing ovation for their encore performance of “Unfolding.”

Rounder Records launched its new concert series “Rounder Night at the Station Inn” on Wednesday night (May 10) to a capacity crowd and the evening was a rousing success. With entertainment provided by Dobro master Jerry Douglas and Rounder’s newest signing, Pony Bradshaw, the benefit concert raised funds and awareness for Autism Speaks and provided a preview of Rounder’s upcoming releases. 

Label founders Ken Irwin, Marian Leighton Levy, and Bill Nowlin were on hand for the fun, which also included a silent auction featuring items from donors including the International Bluegrass Music Association, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Yazoo Brewing, Sambuca, Bar Louie, and the Thompson Hotel. All proceeds from the auction were donated to Autism Speaks.

“Last night was so incredible: our artists played to a packed house of fans and industry folk alike,” said John Virant, President of Rounder Records. The outpouring of support was so touching, and we look forward to continuing this event with the Station Inn for years to come. We can’t thank our Gulch neighbors and the Nashville music community enough, especially Jerry Douglas, Pony Bradshaw and their incredible bands for such a fantastic night of entertainment.”

Rounder Night at the Station Inn will continue as a quarterly series featuring Rounder artists, and proceeds from each concert will benefit a charity of the artist’s choosing. The next event will take place in August.

Pony Bradshaw opens the evening with a five-song performance

Industry Ink: ASCAP, Matthew West, Rock Ridge Music, Gyrosity Projects+Crosshair

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ASCAP Presents Monthly Songwriter Showcase at Bluebird Cafe

ASCAP held the spring installment of its monthly showcase series at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, on Wednesday, May 10. The event featured Gellman Management duo Cross Atlantic, Harlan Howard Publishing writer Heidi Raye, and songwriter-artist Laurin Hunter.

Pictured (L-R): Cross Atlantic, Laurin Hunter, Heidi Raye, and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad

 

Matthew West Releases New Single “Broken Things,” Plans New Album

Matthew West has released his new single, “Broken Things,” from his album due to release later this fall. “Broken Things” goes to CCM radio stations on Friday, May 19.

West will co-host the upcoming K-LOVE Fan Awards on May 28 at the Grand Ole Opry House for a second year. He also has plans for a headlining tour in support of his upcoming album.

 

Americana Artist Eliot Bronson Inks Joint Management Deal With Rock Ridge, Hubbub!

Atlanta-based Americana artist Eliot Bronson has signed a joint management deal with Nashville-based Rock Ridge Music and Atlanta-based Hubbub! Music. The two companies will oversee all artist management needs for Bronson.

Bronson is set to release his next album, James, on Aug. 25 via Rock Ridge Music’s label division. The album was produced by Dave Cobb, who also produced Bronson’s most recent self-titled album. Bronson’s upcoming tour dates include a show at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe on July 1.

“This a great team to be part of – Dave Cobb, Rock Ridge, Hubbub,” says Bronson.  “All of these folks ‘get it.’ I’m immensely proud of this record. It’s the best thing I’ve done. I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

 

Gyrosity Projects+Crosshair Celebrate Anniversary

Pictured (Top, L-R): Curtis McCabe (Artist Relations Liaison, Crosshair), Will Deisley (New Business, Gyrosity), Garrison Snell (Founder, Gyrosity and Crosshair), Alex Tru (Atlanta-based client), Jim Barber (Atlanta-based artist manager), Maddie Menendez (Account Manager, Gyrosity Projects), Maddie Wehrmann (Crosshair), Jonathan Stout (Account Manager, Gyrosity Projects). Bottom, (L-R): Casey Mahlon (Account Manager, Gyrosity Projects), Shelby Wall (Creative Director, Gyrosity Projects), Ale Nunez (Influencer Relations Liaison, Crosshair).

Digital marketing firm Gyrosity Projects and its music arm Crosshair celebrated its anniversary yesterday (May 11) with a party at Industrious Nashville. The company was started by Belmont Alum and Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) co-chair Garrison Snell in 2015.

Pictured (L-R): Ale Nunez (Influencer Relations Liaison, Crosshair), Maddie Menendez (Account Manager, Gyrosity Projects), Maddie Wehrmann (Crosshair), Shelby Wall (Creative Director, Gyrosity Projects), Casey Mahlon (Account Manager, Gyrosity Projects).

A Thousand Horses Race Into Summer With New CD, ‘Bridges’

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Following the success of their debut CD Southernality, A Thousand Horses is gearing up for the release of their sophomore album, BRIDGES, early this summer. Available for pre-order on May 26, the 13-song BMLG Records project will be released digitally June 2 and features their current single “Preachin’ to the Choir,” which was penned by The Warren Brothers with Heather Morgan and Morgan Wallen. Other writers contributing to BRIDGES include Ryan Hurd, Josh Osborne, and Ross Copperman.

Producing the new CD with Dann Huff and Corey Crowder, the band included seven acoustic tracks on the project, six of which were recorded live in the U.K. at the famed Metropolis Studios. It also features a live version of their chart-topping hit “Smoke.”

They’ll roll out the new music for fans on dates across the U.S. on their summer tour, which includes stops at the Country Stampede in Manhattan, Kansas, and CMA Music Fest in Nashville.

BRIDGES TRACK LIST
1.    “Blaze Of Somethin’” | Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher, Aaron Eshuis, Ryan Hurd*
2.    “Burn Like Willie” | Zach Brown, Graham DeLoach, Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher, Corey Crowder*
3.    “Preachin’ To The Choir” | Heather Morgan, Morgan Wallen, Brad Warren, Brett Warren**
4.    “One Man Army” | Michael Hobby, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne**
5.    “Bridges” | Zach Brown, Graham DeLoach, Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher, Corey Crowder*
6.    “Weekends In A Small Town” | Michael Hobby, Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason*
7.    “Travelin’ Man” (Live from Metropolis Studios, London) | Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher,
Jaren Johnston***
8.    “Preachin’ To The Choir” (Live from Metropolis Studios, London) | Heather Morgan, Morgan Wallen,
Brad Warren, Brett Warren***
9.    “Sunday Morning” (Live from Metropolis Studios, London) | Zach Brown, Graham DeLoach,
Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher, Rich Robinson***
10.   “One Man Army” (Live from Metropolis Studios, London) | Michael Hobby, Ross Copperman,
Josh Osborne***
11.   “Bridges” (Live from Metropolis Studios, London) | Zach Brown, Graham DeLoach, Michael Hobby,
Bill Satcher, Corey Crowder***
12.   “First Time” (Live from Metropolis Studios, London) | Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher, Patrick Davis***
13.   “Smoke” (Live from Printer’s Alley, Nashville) | Michael Hobby, Jon Nite, Ross Copperman***

*Produced by Corey Crowder
**Produced by Dann Huff
***Produced by A Thousand Horses

Weekly Chart Report (5/12/17)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

Van Morrison To Receive Americana Lifetime Achievement Award, Headline AmericanaFest Show

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Van Morrison has been announced as the headliner for the 2017 AmericanaFest Show at Ascend Amphitheater on Sept. 14, along with his daughter Shana Morrison. The night before the show, Morrison will also be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting at the 2017 Americana Honors & Awards Show at the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 13.

Tickets for the show will be available to the general public May 19, but Americana Music Association members and registrants for the Americana Music Festival and Conference can purchase them via a special pre-sale code beginning May 16.

The Americana Music Festival and Conference runs Sept. 12-17 in Nashville.

Paramore To Release Fifth Studio Album On May 12

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On May 12, Paramore will release its fifth studio album, After Laughter, the follow up to the band’s 2013 self-titled album. After Laughter was recorded at Nashville’s RCA Studio B, marking the first time the band has recorded a project in its native Nashville.

Producer Justin Meldal-Johnsen returns for the new album, alongside Paramore guitarist Taylor York and lead singer Haley Williams. The band’s original drummer Zac Farro, who exited in 2010, also returns for After Laughter.

Paramore formed in 2004 in Franklin, Tennessee, and was signed to label Fueled by Ramen in April 2005. Paramore’s full-length debut, All We Know Is Falling, was released later that summer. The band’s 2007 album Riot! heralded the hits “Crushcrushcrush” and “Misery Business.”

After Laughter features the lead single “Hard Times,” as well as “Told You So.” Watch the video for “Hard Times” below:

YouTube video

After Laughter track list:
“Hard Times”
“Rose-Colored Boy”
“Told You So”
“Forgiveness”
“Fake Happy”
“26”
“Pool”
“Grudges”
“Caught in the Middle”
“Idle Worship”
“No Friend”
“Tell Me How”

Industry Ink: Belmont Book Award, NMPA, SOLID

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Tamara Saviano’s Guy Clark Biography Earns Belmont Book Award

Without Getting Killed or Caught: The Life and Music of Guy Clark by Tamara Saviano is the winner of the Belmont Book Award for the best book on country music during calendar year 2016. The announcement was made by Dr. Don Cusic, Chair of the Belmont Book Award, which will be presented on Friday, June 2 at the annual awards luncheon at the International Country Music Conference held at Belmont University.

“The Belmont Book Award holds a special place in my heart because many of my favorite music writers are past recipients. I am honored to be in their company,” Saviano said.

 

NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation Hosts Inaugural Los Angeles Golf Tournament

The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) S.O.N.G.S. Foundation hosted the inaugural Los Angeles golf tournament to raise funds for songwriters and compositions education programs.

Songwriters who played to support their fellow creators included Niall Horan, Phillip Phillips, Ed Roland, Joe King, Mike Post, Adam Anders, DallasK, Ross Golan, Michael Baiardi, Dave Merenda, Jamie Jones, PJ Bloom, Jeff Russo, Mike Post, Gabe Saporta, Ben Margulies, Tom Kelly, Dave Bassett, Doug Brown and Julian Bunetta. Among the participants were a combined seven Grammys and 42 No. 1 hits.

The golfers joined music industry executives and Foundation supporters including Irving Azoff, Rick Krim, John Frankenheimer, Alison Smith, Michael Closter, Chip McLean, Jody Klein and many more.

The NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation recently established the first-ever songwriter endowment at Middle Tennessee State University, a songwriting endowment at Belmont University and the first-ever songwriting specific scholarship at the L.A. College of Music.

 

SOLID Announces 18th Annual Crawfish Boil

The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) announced their 18th Annual Crawfish Boil on Tuesday, May 16 beginning at 5:30 p.m. CT at the Sony/ATV parking lot, located at 8 Music Sq. W. in Nashville. Admission is free, as well as food and drinks. Food will be provided by Papa Bordreaux Catering and beer will be provided by Lagunitas. Sponsors for the 18th Annual Crawfish boil include: Blue Chair Bay, Artistnoize, Code Word, Lyft +Ride Codes and Allan’s Logo.

SOLID has also partnered with Lyft to provide a safe ride to and from the event. New to Lyft? Get 2 Free rides (up to $10 each) at http://lyft.com/i/solidcb or download the app and enter promo code SOLIDCD. Already have Lyft? Save 15% off to and from the event with promo code SOLIDCB15.

SOLID was created in 1997 with the vision to develop a community for music industry professionals to network and brainstorm, while also providing educational opportunities for entry to mid-level professionals.

Insurance Brokerage Hub International Unlimited Adds Sr. VP To Nashville Operation

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Shannon Bare

Insurance brokerage Hub International Limited (HUB) has expanded its Nashville operation through the addition of entertainment specialist Shannon Bare, joining the firm as Senior Vice President.

Bare has 20 years’ experience providing insurance and risk management solutions to many of the top-grossing country, rock, Christian and hip-hop concert tours, while also looking after production companies, promoters and festivals. As the youngest son of Country Music Hall of Fame member Bobby Bare, Shannon spent much of his childhood on tour buses, concert stages, TV shows and in recording studios. His in-depth understanding of the entertainment business is an incredible asset to the clients he serves.

“What attracted me to HUB is their overall approach to the business –a focus on strong, locally managed offices backed by the resources of a top 10 global broker,” said Bare, “Joining HUB gives me unprecedented leverage in the marketplace and behind-the-scenes support like I’ve never had before. It’s an honor to be part of the team.”

Shannon will continue to help entertainment businesses control their cost of risk and be instrumental in expanding the company’s footprint. Prior to joining HUB International, Bare was Senior Vice President at Robertson Taylor/Integro, and founded the entertainment division at BB&T Insurance in Nashville.

DISClaimer: Old Crow Medicine Show Takes Disc Of The Day Honors

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Old Crow Medicine Show. Photo: Laura Partain

Americana music is in the news this week, what with the genre announcing its 2017 award nominees.

So what better time to survey some current records of the style?

The stand-out, Disc of the Day here is the new project by Old Crow Medicine Show. It is a blast.

The DISCovery Award goes to Ana Cristina Cash. In addition to our award-winners, don’t miss Tommy Emmanuel, Kelly & Ellis, David Starr and Dion.

ANA CRISTINA CASH/”Tough Love Woman”
Writers: Ana Cristina Cash/Shawn Camp; Publisher: none listed; Producer: John Carter Cash
– This swampy, bluesy track has a very cool retro-rockabilly vibe that is super catchy. Her alto voice is loaded with pent-up power and a confident swagger. A recording artist since age 15, Ana Cristina married John Carter Cash last fall, and her uniformly excellent Tough Love EP is her first Nashville project.

SUSAN ANDERS/”My Parachute”
Writer: Susan Anders; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Susan Anders & Tom Manche
– The forte of this Music City artist is harmony singing, which she teaches and writes books about. This pop-folk track from her Loop De Loop CD is a moody reflection on living with uncertainty. The unusual chords on guitar and piano give the track an appealing off-balance quality.

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW/”Rainy Day Women #12 & 35″
Writer: Bob Dylan; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed
– The new CD by these Opry stars is a rousing, rollicking string-band re-imagining of Bob Dylan’s historic Blonde on Blonde Nashville LP. Recorded live, it kicks off with this terrifically energetic arrangement of the collection’s 1966 hit single. “Everybody must get stoned,” indeed.

 DAVID STARR/”The Head and the Heart”
Writer: David Starr; Publisher: David Starr, ASCAP; Producer: John Oates
– Wow. This folkie can really sing. This is classic, acoustic, songwriter/troubadour stuff that harkens back to the best of the James Taylor/Joni Mitchell era. I love the “heart” in his tenor tones. Produced in Nashville by the esteemed John Oates, this is the title tune of a EP that is unreservedly recommended.

ANGIE & THE DESERTERS/”Stay”
Writer: Guy Griffin; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jeff Huskins
– Very well executed. The mandolin-focused arrangement compliments her teardrop-notes delivery perfectly. Her slight vibrato adds to the intrigue. The group’s six-song EP is titled You.

SON VOLT/”Back Against The Wall”
Writer: Jay Farrar; Publisher: Grain Elevator, BMI; Producer: Jay Farrar
– These longtime Americana favorites continue their roots-rocking ways on the new Notes of Blue CD. This, the collection’s single, has a stripped-down, blue-collar Springsteen-ish vibe. Recorded in St. Louis, which group leader Jay Farrar calls home.

KELLY & ELLIS/”Anyone Who Isn’t Me Tonight”
Writer: C. Kelly; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Dave Rivers
– The “Kelly” in this duo is Nashville singer-songwriter Casey Kelly, whose hits include Tanya Tucker’s “Soon,” T.G. Sheppard’s “Somewhere Down the Line” and more. He recorded a pair of fine Elektra LPs back in the 1970s. His return to disc finds him still in mightily expressive voice as the duet partner of scintillating singer Leslie Ellis. They reprise his 1978 Kenny & Dottie hit in a lively, almost bluegrassy arrangement. Elsewhere on their acoustic CD The Long Road to You, they revive his 1985 George Strait classic “The Cowboy Rides Away” and the Cats show tune “Memory,” which she performed back in her Broadway days. How Nashville is this? The two met at an in-the-round show at The Bluebird Cafe.

 TOMMY EMMANUEL & STEVE WARINER/”Workin’ Man Blues”
Writer: Merle Haggard; Publisher: Sony ATV, BMI; Producer: Tommy Emmanuel
– The 14 tracks on Tommy Emmanuel Live at the Ryman are mostly dazzling guitar instrumentals (”Classical Gas,” “Blood Brother,” “Windy & Warm,” etc.). Steve Wariner provides vocal support on this Haggard cover, but it’s the team’s fleet-fingered guitar workout on it that will melt your mind. Stay tuned for the following track, “Eva Waits,” the only studio recording on the collection. It will haunt you.

DION/”Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound”
Writer: Tom Paxton; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Tom Wilson
– Kickin’ Child is the “lost” album by this Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame member. Recorded in 1965, it falls between his “Runaround Sue” and “Abraham, Martin & John” eras, but was shelved by Columbia because the label didn’t understand the transition he was undertaking. Now released for the first time, it sounds like the classic folk-rock that producer Wilson was creating with Simon & Garfunkel (”Sounds of Silence”) and Bob Dylan (”Like a Rolling Stone”) at the same time. In addition to Dion’s originals, the CD includes this classic Tom Paxton tune, plus an early cover of Dylan’s “It’s All Over Baby Blue.” As a lifelong Dion fan, I consider this an essential record.

 NELL ROBINSON & JIM NUNALLY BAND/”Baby Let’s Take The Long Way Home”
Writers: Nell Robinson/James Nunnally; Publisher: Jim Nunnally/Nell Robinson, BMI; Producer: Peter Berkow, Jim Nunally & Nell Robinson
– These folkies harmonize nicely together. The steel-dominated accompaniment is spare and simple. Pleasant, if not exactly life changing.