Lee Brice Surprised With First Double-Platinum Honor
Lee Brice receives his first RIAA double-Platinum Award for “I Don’t Dance” (Curb Records, 2014) from Jonathan Lamy, EVP, Communications and Marketing, RIAA and Cara Duckworth Weiblinger, VP, Communications, RIAA. Photo: Daniel Swartz / Revamp.com
Lee Brice was surprised with his first double-Platinum award from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) marking more than two million sales and streams of his single “I Don’t Dance,” which released on Curb Records in 2014.
Jonathan Lamy, Executive Vice President, Communications and Marketing, RIAA, made the presentation prior to Brice’s American Made Tour stop at Fairfax, Virginia’s EagleBank Arena.
“Congratulations to Lee on his new status as a multi-Platinum artist. ‘I Don’t Dance’ is such an iconic song and we’re proud to help recognize its double-Platinum certification,” said Lamy. “It’s clear that Lee is a special artist, with every one of his seven singles certified Gold or higher. Seven for seven – that’s an impressive track record worth celebrating!”
Lee was recently recognized with a plaque reflecting the RIAA Diamond — more than 10 million in sales and streams — certification of Garth Brooks’ The Ultimate Hits, which included Lee’s single “More Than A Memory,” which he wrote with Kyle Jacobs and Billy Montana.
In addition to this career milestone, Lee recently celebrated the announcement of a third child — a little girl — who will be making her debut later this summer, plus a string of sold-out ‘American Made’ tour dates.
Pennington Entertainment Expands Roster
Hudson Moore
Hudson Moore has signed with artist management team Pennington Entertainment, led by Shawn Pennington. Moore joins Pennington Entertainment’s roster which includes Grammy-nominated duo Thompson Square, platinum-selling band Parmalee, iconic rock band Blues Traveler and The Hillbilly Way.
“Hudson is the real deal, the full package and one hell of an entertainer!” Pennington says. “His support from within the industry, and most importantly from his fans is far reaching! Team Pennington is stoked to be onboard!”
Songwriters Series Backstage Nashville Live! Launches At 3rd & Lindsley
The Nashville Entertainment Group and 3rd and Lindsley have partnered to offer a Saturday afternoon hit songwriters’ series that provides an authentic Nashville VIP Experience complete with bourbon tasting and signature cocktail specials. The weekly series, Backstage Nashville Live!, will kick off Saturday, Feb. 25 from 12:30-2:30 p.m.
The first event will feature Ray Stephenson (Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Merle Haggard), Gordon Kennedy (Change the World), and Danny Flowers (Eric Clapton, Don Williams, Emmy Lou Harris), as well as special guest Karla Davis from The Voice and American Idol.
Tickets are available online at 3rdandlindsley.com or by phone at 866-468-3401.
Triple 7 Public Relations Adds To Staff
Chloe Williams
Triple 7 Public Relations has added Chloe Williams to its staff. Williams will report to Tanya Taylor, who has led the company’s Nashville office since 2008.
A graduate of MTSU, Williams previously worked as an event assistant at Pickers Creek Winery where she booked bands for live musical performances, managed social media accounts and shared company information with visitors. Since joining Triple 7 PR in August 2016 as an intern, she realized her interest in handling publicity and brand building for the company’s expansive client roster.
The Nashville team currently handles PR campaigns for FOX’s MasterChef Junior, Amazon Prime Videos’ critically acclaimed series Bosch, HBO’s upcoming Nashville event for “Big Little Lies,” 51 Minds’ Broken Skull Challenge and I Love Kellie Pickler for CMT, Craig Wiseman’s annual “Stars for Second Harvest” event, and Chicken Soup for the Soul books and television series. The team also represents leading health and wellness campaigns for Jillian Michaels’ streaming fitness platform FitFusion, Dr. Gail Saltz, celebrity trainer Drew Logan and Yoga Medicine founder Tiffany Cruikshank.
Exclusive: Chris Young Talks Grammy Nomination And Mentoring Music’s Next Generation
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Young. Photo: David McClister
Chris Young’s career is in high gear right now, with an opening slot on Jason Aldean’s They Don’t Know Tour beginning in April. On Feb. 12, the singer/songwriter will vie for Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
His collaboration with Cassadee Pope, “Think Of You,” is nominated against recordings by Dierks Bentley and Elle King, Dolly Parton and Pentatonix, Kenny Chesney with Pink, and Brothers Osborne. The category notably includes three male/female duets.
“I think there are a lot of great collaborations. That’s one of the reasons we are excited to be in that category because of those songs. It’s like, ‘That’s a huge song, and that’s a huge song.’ It’s been a good time for male/female duets right now,” Young says.
In the midst of promoting his current single, “Sober Saturday Night,” Young is also focused on giving back to others, through his recent alignment with Folgers. The Folgers Jingle Contest will offer aspiring singer-songwriters a chance to put their own spin on the iconic Folgers jingle, for a chance to win several prizes, including a mentoring session with Young.
“I loved the idea,” Young says. “It’s such an iconic jingle. Being able to have up and coming musicians take their spin on it and move forward with an idea like that is so cool.”
One grand prize winner will earn $25,000.
“When I was an up-and-coming musician there were multiple times when that would have been just life-changing money for me,” Young says of the grand prize. “I’m really excited about it.”
Young credits growing up in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, just south of Nashville, with providing him numerous mentors that helped him learn the craft.
“I met so many people that wrote with me while I was still trying to figure out how to even write a song. I got to watch singers and songwriters play that other people wouldn’t get to watch, just because I was close to Nashville. I have a long list of mentors.”
Young is dedicated to helping the next generation of artists. He recently launched an annual scholarship for recording industry students at his alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University.
“I don’t think I can do what I do every day without learning from a lot of people Music education is a huge part of that. This is my life and I love my job. I want to do all I can for people who are trying to come up in the music industry right now.”
Individuals can submit their videos for the Folgers Jingle contest through Feb. 27, 2017, at folgers.com.
Big Machine Label Group’s Kelly Rich To Exit Later This Month
/by Jessica NicholsonKelly Rich
Big Machine Label Group’s Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Interactive Kelly Rich will exit BMLG on Feb. 14 for an opportunity to be revealed in coming weeks. Rich has been with BMLG for 10 years.
BMLG Founder/President/CEO Scott Borchetta said, “Kelly and I have been working on and executing big marketing ideas since the late 90’s with Dreamworks Nashville. In late 2006, when Big Machine was just past its first year of operation, we jumped at the opportunity to hire Kelly to lead our sales and marketing team right as Taylor [Swift]’s debut album was being released. From that multi-million selling release to our latest Reba McEntire album release, Kelly has been a critical part of every win. While we can’t reveal her exciting new opportunity, I look forward to continuing to work very closely with Kelly on many, many more incredible marketing initiatives for Big Machine Label Group artists. As she is transitioning we are taking this opportunity to have our next sales and marketing people come in and learn from the best.”
“Every chapter of your life’s story must come to an end so that you can start the next. The Big Machine Label Group has been such an important part of my life these last 10 years and I will always remember and celebrate our victories. It truly takes a village and I know everyone on the BMLG team feels the same about the incredible impact we have made on the industry and the exciting history we have made together,” said Rich.
BMLG is looking to hire an executive with at least three years of record retail sales account experience (Target, Walmart, iTunes, etc.). Qualified applicants interested in applying can do so by emailing hr@bmlg.net.
After Feb. 14, Rich can be reached at kkautz12@gmail.com.
Eric Church Offers Fans Access To Virtual Concert Experience
/by Eric T. ParkerFans can now experience Eric Church’s sold-out, full-length 2016 Stagecoach Country Music Festival performance in virtual reality.
The 13-song set is available via vantage.tv, which offers 180 and 360-degree views from the audience and the stage itself using an eight-camera set up.
This on-demand experience can be purchased by fans for $19.99, or upgraded to include VR viewer bundle for $34.99 at vantage.tv. Virtual concert goers using either their iPhone or Android phone via Google Cardboard, or Samsung Gear VR can choose either the multiple camera director’s cut, front row of the concert, or a full 360 view.
Industry Ink: Lee Brice, Pennington Entertainment, Backstage Nashville Live, Triple 7 Public Relations
/by Jessica NicholsonLee Brice Surprised With First Double-Platinum Honor
Lee Brice receives his first RIAA double-Platinum Award for “I Don’t Dance” (Curb Records, 2014) from Jonathan Lamy, EVP, Communications and Marketing, RIAA and Cara Duckworth Weiblinger, VP, Communications, RIAA. Photo: Daniel Swartz / Revamp.com
Lee Brice was surprised with his first double-Platinum award from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) marking more than two million sales and streams of his single “I Don’t Dance,” which released on Curb Records in 2014.
Jonathan Lamy, Executive Vice President, Communications and Marketing, RIAA, made the presentation prior to Brice’s American Made Tour stop at Fairfax, Virginia’s EagleBank Arena.
“Congratulations to Lee on his new status as a multi-Platinum artist. ‘I Don’t Dance’ is such an iconic song and we’re proud to help recognize its double-Platinum certification,” said Lamy. “It’s clear that Lee is a special artist, with every one of his seven singles certified Gold or higher. Seven for seven – that’s an impressive track record worth celebrating!”
Lee was recently recognized with a plaque reflecting the RIAA Diamond — more than 10 million in sales and streams — certification of Garth Brooks’ The Ultimate Hits, which included Lee’s single “More Than A Memory,” which he wrote with Kyle Jacobs and Billy Montana.
In addition to this career milestone, Lee recently celebrated the announcement of a third child — a little girl — who will be making her debut later this summer, plus a string of sold-out ‘American Made’ tour dates.
Pennington Entertainment Expands Roster
Hudson Moore
Hudson Moore has signed with artist management team Pennington Entertainment, led by Shawn Pennington. Moore joins Pennington Entertainment’s roster which includes Grammy-nominated duo Thompson Square, platinum-selling band Parmalee, iconic rock band Blues Traveler and The Hillbilly Way.
“Hudson is the real deal, the full package and one hell of an entertainer!” Pennington says. “His support from within the industry, and most importantly from his fans is far reaching! Team Pennington is stoked to be onboard!”
Songwriters Series Backstage Nashville Live! Launches At 3rd & Lindsley
The first event will feature Ray Stephenson (Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Merle Haggard), Gordon Kennedy (Change the World), and Danny Flowers (Eric Clapton, Don Williams, Emmy Lou Harris), as well as special guest Karla Davis from The Voice and American Idol.
Tickets are available online at 3rdandlindsley.com or by phone at 866-468-3401.
Triple 7 Public Relations Adds To Staff
Chloe Williams
Triple 7 Public Relations has added Chloe Williams to its staff. Williams will report to Tanya Taylor, who has led the company’s Nashville office since 2008.
A graduate of MTSU, Williams previously worked as an event assistant at Pickers Creek Winery where she booked bands for live musical performances, managed social media accounts and shared company information with visitors. Since joining Triple 7 PR in August 2016 as an intern, she realized her interest in handling publicity and brand building for the company’s expansive client roster.
The Nashville team currently handles PR campaigns for FOX’s MasterChef Junior, Amazon Prime Videos’ critically acclaimed series Bosch, HBO’s upcoming Nashville event for “Big Little Lies,” 51 Minds’ Broken Skull Challenge and I Love Kellie Pickler for CMT, Craig Wiseman’s annual “Stars for Second Harvest” event, and Chicken Soup for the Soul books and television series. The team also represents leading health and wellness campaigns for Jillian Michaels’ streaming fitness platform FitFusion, Dr. Gail Saltz, celebrity trainer Drew Logan and Yoga Medicine founder Tiffany Cruikshank.
Shust, Story, Zschech to Release New CCM Projects This Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughAaron Shust is releasing a new record for Centricity Music, Love Made A Way. The 11-song project, produced by Nathan Nockels (Matt Redmond, Chris Tomlin), includes both familiar worship anthems and powerful new songs like Shust’s latest single “You Redeem,” which is currently top 40 at Christian radio and rising.
Shust features vocalists such as Matt Hammitt, Christy Nockels, Grayson|Reed’s Molly Reed and For All Season’s Emily Hamilton on the new album, and listeners will recognize classic praise songs such as “Ever Be,” “Cornerstone” and Shust’s career staple “My Savior My God,” but performed like never before— an intentional decision on Shust’s part.
“This was a chance to take some of the songs we play live every night and freshen up the recordings,” he says. “But I also wanted to write new songs and offer new thoughts, new praises and new worship.”
The new album is scheduled for release March 10.
Love Made A Way Track Listing:
1. Heartbeat (with Matt Hammitt)
2. My Hope Is In You (with April Geesbright)
3. Belong
4. You Redeem (with Matt Hammitt)
5. Ever Be (with Emily Hamilton of For All Seasons)
6. God of Brilliant Lights
7. Cornerstone (with Jillian Linklater)
8. Death Was Arrested (With Christy Nockels)
9. Resurrecting (with Molly Reed of Grayson|Reed)
10. My Savior My God (with Christy Nockels)
11. Lead On (King Eternal)
“Open Hands is something I’ve been learning on so many different levels,” shares Story. “The crazier life gets, the more this idea of ‘open hands’ became the theme that God was teaching me. Worship in its very core begins with surrender. That’s how we really show God that He’s worth it all.”
Open Hands Track Listing:
01 Death Was Arrested
02 Open Hands
03 You Came Running
04 Give You Faith
05 For The Love Of My King
06 Awake My Soul (1000 Tongues)
07 Whisper
08 Every Word You Breathe
09 Majesty
10 Extraordinary
11 Grace Abounds
Worship leader, author, and pastor Darlene Zschech is releasing a new CD, Here I Am Send Me, globally on March 3 on Integrity Music. Recorded live with her team at Hope Unlimited Church on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia, the album is Zschech’s first project following a life-changing cancer diagnosis in 2014. The album features 11 new songs penned with guest writers like Martin Smith, Paul Baloche, Jenn Johnson and Leeland Mooring.
“‘Here I Am Send Me’ was written following the revelation I received from Genesis 22, which is when Abraham responds to God in worship by saying ‘Hineni,’ meaning, ‘here I am Lord, whatever you ask, before you ask, my answer is yes’,” says Zschech. “None of us know how many days we have. Whatever days I have—and I’m declaring a ripe old age—I want to live them intentionally. I want to live the love of Christ… Everywhere we go, we take the presence of the Lord, we take His presence and His hope, His extravagant love. It’s a journey. I’m not there yet, but that’s the journey that I am embracing.”
Here I Am Send Me Track Listing:
1. You Are Great (Darlene Zschech, Martin Smith)
2. You Will Be Praised (Darlene Zschech, Paul Baloche, Jenn Johnson)
3. Daylight (Darlene Zschech, Beth Gleeson)
4. Kingdom Come (Darlene Zschech, Thomas Macken)
5. First Love (Luke Taylor, Sarah Potts)
6. Love And Wonder (Zoe Zschech, Bonnie Gray)
7. Your Eyes (Darlene Zschech, Andy Macken, Thomas Macken)
8. Emmanuel (Darlene Zschech, Andy Macken)
9. Beloved (When I Survey) (Darlene Zschech, Leeland Mooring, Casey Moore)
10. Here I Am Send Me (Darlene Zschech, Andy Macken)
11. Go (Darlene Zschech, Andy Macken)
Little Big Town Adds Ryman Auditorium Residency Dates
/by Jessica NicholsonDue to high demand, Little Big Town has expanded its highly-anticipated Ryman Residency, “Little Big Town at the Mother Church,” with additional dates including July 28, July 29, and Nov. 27. Additional dates will be announced later in the year.
Little Big Town’s residency, the only year-long artist residency in the Ryman Auditorium’s 125-year history, was first announced alongside Nashville Mayor Megan Barry and Ryman Auditorium General Manager Sally Williams in November. Previously announced dates include Feb. 24-25, May 19-20, and Sept. 15-16. Each show will feature different support acts and surprise special guests, with opener Brent Cobb scheduled on Feb. 24 and Ashley Monroe scheduled on Feb. 25.
Tickets and special two-day packages for the newly-announced shows will go on sale Friday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. CT via ticketmaster.com and ryman.com and will be available online only. Pre-sale tickets will be available via littlebigtown.com/tour starting Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. CT. Tickets for the concerts will be $90.50, $60.50 and $50.50. Each ticket purchased to see Little Big Town at the Ryman includes one physical album of Little BigTown’s new album, The Breaker, scheduled to be released on Feb. 24, 2017.
Valory Music Co. Signs Delta Rae
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Back Row – BMLG SVP A&R Allison Jones, Valory National Director Promotion Ashley Sidoti and SVP Promotion George Briner, Delta Rae’s Mike McKee, BMLG COO Andrew Kautz, Delta Rae’s Eric Holljes, BMLG VP A&R Julian Raymond, Delta Rae’s Manager Adam Schlossman. Front Row – Delta Rae’s Ian Holljes and Brittany Holljes, BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta, Delta Rae’s Liz Hopkins and Grant Emerson
The Valory Music Co. has signed North Carolina band Delta Rae to its roster. Liz Hopkins and Brittany Holljes front the six-piece band, whose harmonies are rounded out with Holljes’ brothers Eric (vocals, piano) and Ian (vocals, guitar) as well as Mike McKee (percussion) and Grant Emerson (bass). Delta Rae chose their moniker from a mythical story the Holljes siblings’ mother wrote about a Southern girl of the same name who summons the Greek gods to earth.
BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta commented, “The level of talent in Delta Rae goes to ’11’…There are no better singers or musicians anywhere and we’re so proud to add Delta Rae to the mighty Valory Music Co. artist roster.”
“We are thrilled to be part of the BMLG family!” shared Holljes on behalf of the band. “It’s a privilege to be working with Scott Borchetta and The Valory Music Co. We’re getting ready to release our best album yet and can’t wait for y’all to hear the warm, southern magic we’ve been crafting for you.”
A regular on the festival circuit since forming in 2009, Delta Rae’s larger-than-life performances earned coveted spots at Bonnaroo, Tortuga Music Festival, Austin City Limits, Hangout Fest, SXSW and Lollapalooza in addition to sold-out headlining tours. The band has received national attention with features in NPR, Washington Post and the New York Times as well as inclusion in Forbes‘ 30 Under 30 list.
When they are not on the road, brothers Ian and Eric hone their songwriting skills, generating a majority of the band’s writing credits as well as co-writing songs for notable acts like Rascal Flatts (“I Have Never Been To Memphis”) and Mike Posner (“Cooler Than Me”). Delta Rae is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on their forthcoming album.
Delta Rae join Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett, Justin Moore, Reba, Eli Young Band and Tara Thompson on the Big Machine Label Group imprint.
Borman Entertainment Elevates Two on Digital Team
/by Lorie HollabaughLucia Kaminsky
Borman Entertainment has promoted Lucia Kaminsky and Sarah D’Hilly on the company’s digital team. The move comes after Cameo Carlson, former Head of Digital and Business Development at Borman, announced her plans to launch mtheory Nashville.
Kaminsky joined the team last year as Director of Digital and has now been upped to Head of Digital. She began her career with Walt Disney Entertainment in Brazil and has held positions as Project Coordinator for The Recording Academy/Memphis Chapter and Strategic Partnerships at Warner Music Nashville. In her new role, she will continue to advocate on behalf of the Borman roster for new and partner programs via Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, Google, Tidal, Facebook, and Snapchat and will also oversee content and business development.
Sarah D’Hilly has been elevated to Director of Digital Marketing, where she will oversee content strategy and digital press for the Borman roster. Previously serving as Fan Engagement Manager, D’Hilly has spent the last several years developing social media and eCommerce campaigns. She began her career with internships at Big Machine Label Group and New York-based boutique marketing company, People’s Revolution.
“Lucia and Sarah are a reflection of our investment in digital strategy and direct-to-fan engagement and have shown great commitment to our artists and mission. The channels of music discovery are ever evolving and I’m proud to continue our long history of mentoring and empowering the passionate while remaining at the forefront of marketing and technology,“ expressed Borman.
Sarah D’Hilly
The Band Perry To Release First Pop Album
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Band Perry. Photo: Steven Klein
The Band Perry is set to release the trio’s first pop album, My Bad Imagination, on Interscope Records later this year.
The trio just released the first track from the project, “Stay In The Dark.” Produced by Benny Cassette (John Legend, Kanye West), the single marks a bold move for The Band Perry, known for their hits including “If I Die Young” and “DONE.”
For “Stay In Dark” the band fulfilled a career long dream of working with fashion photographer Steven Klein who is best known for shooting the likes of Kate Moss, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Rhianna, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, campaigns for Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Balmain, Louis Vuitton, McQueen and more. The Band Perry were styled by creative director Nicola Formichetti who is currently the creative director for Diesel and has held similar positions at Mugler and Uniqlo.
The Band Perry will make their debut appearance on NBC’s Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon this Tuesday, Feb. 7, for their first live performance of “Stay In The Dark.” Questlove from The Roots will be joining them on drums.
“In the literal sense ‘Stay in the Dark’ is about getting close to the one you love, closing the curtains and escaping from the wilds of the world together for the night,” said Reid Perry. “For us though it has so many meanings, and we’re looking forward to see how our fans find themselves in it.”
“As we’ve been thinking about our transition from our last two albums to this one, I’ve interpreted lyrics more as metaphor with ‘I just want to stay in the dark’ meaning I want to stay romantic, imaginative and naïve,” said Kimberly Perry. “I want to believe in what I can’t see. I want to keep walking forward. Chances and bold moves are always the ones that carry you the furthest in life – and for most of us we’ve got to ignore the naysayers and just take the leap.”
“Creatively ‘Stay In The Dark’ brings forward some of the elements we’ve always been known for as The Band Perry, while introducing our fans to all the new sounds we’ve been working with,” added Neil Perry.
Weekly Chart Report (2/3/17)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.