It’s Star Time in today’s country edition of DISClaimer.
Luke Bryan, Billy Currington, Reba McEntire and Jason Aldean are all here with new tunes. The rockers ruled the listening session, with Frankie Ballad and Mo Pitney finishing in a dead heat for the Disc of the Day prize.
The DisCovery Award goes to youthful-sounding Bailey Bryan.
Bailey Bryan
BAILEY BRYAN/Own It
Writers: Bailey Bryan/Dennis Matkowsky/Casey Brown; Producer: Dennis Matowsky; Publishers: Kompass Kopyrights/Bailey Bryan/Karles/Kobalt/So Essential/Not Just Another Song, BMI/ASCAP/SESAC; 300/VAR (CDX)
– Punchy and perky. The up-to-date lyric drops lots of contemporary, youthful references and the bouncy beats just don’t quit. Plus, it’s cool that it stops dead in its tracks.
BILLY CURRINGTON/Do I Make You Wanna
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Zach Crowell/Matt Jenkins/Jerry Flowers; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: External Combustion/Songs of Southside Ind./WB/Atlas/Who Wants to Buy My Pub, ASCAP; MERCURY (CDX)
– An attractive come-on with a breezy tempo, a softly pleading vocal and a wafting audio atmosphere. Let’s face it, this guy just has an unerring knack for finding hit songs.
LUKE BRYAN/Fast
Writers: Luke Bryan/Rodney Clawson/Luke Laird; Producers: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Peanut Mill/Round Hill Works/Big Loud Proud Crowd/Farm Town/Songs of Universal/Creative Nation, BMI; Capitol (CDX)
-I like the way his voice is so high up in the mix that it sounds like he’s sitting next to you. It gives the record a relaxed, intimate quality that’s quite lovely. It also helps that the song is so well written.
MO PITNEY/Everywhere
Writers: Mo Pitney/Dean Dillon/Paul Overstreet; Producers: Dean Dillon/Paul Overstreet; Publishers: Mike Curb/Sixteen Stars/Tenorado/Music From Philbily, BMI; Curb (CDX)
– Mo shows that he knows his way around a tempo tune. This is a roll-the-window-down driver with a relentless rush of energy. His strong singing in the verses is joined by celestial harmony vocal work on the choruses. Loved it.
LAUREN ALAINA/Road Less Traveled
Writers: Lauren Alaina/Jesse Frasure/Meghan Trainor; Producer: busbee; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Lylas/Rio Bravo/Year of the Dog/MTrain/Words & Music, BMI/ASCAP; Mercury/19
– The message of this bopper is to be yourself and don’t follow the crowd. The “rebel heart” in the lyric is carried through in her bright, upbeat, soprano delivery. But it went on a little too long, and by the time it finally ended, I was kinda worn out.
JASON ALDEAN/Any Ol’ Barstool
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Broken Bow (ERG)
-You want to know how he feels since she left? Ask any ol’ barstool in this town. The lyric is nifty, and the track is very cool sounding.
MARK McKINNEY/Bridge
Writers: Mark McKinney/Cassie McKinney; Producers: Eric McKinney/Mark McKinney; Publishers: none listed; Texas Evolution
-Somewhat spare sounding. The sparsely instrumented production is matched by his stark vocal performance. Compared to what else is in today’s reviewing stack, it seems a little weak.
BRANTLEY GILBERT/The Weekend
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Andrew DeRoberts; Producers: Dann Huff; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Indiana Angel/BMG Gold/Lanercost, BMI/ASCAP; Valory Music
– It’s one of those spoke-sung things in the verses that then bursts into semi-melodic,shouted choruses. This is getting old.
FRANKIE BALLARD/You Accomp’ny Me
Writer: Bob Seger; Producer: Marshall Altman; Publisher: Gear, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-Back in the day, Frankie used to open shows for fellow Michigan music maker Bob Seger. So an homage to his mentor seems entirely appropriate. His churning guitar work and earnest vocal give this golden goodie new luster. It’s totally cool how it builds in intensity as it goes along.
REBA McENTIRE/Back To God
Writers: Dallas Davidson/Randy Houser; Producer: Reba McEntire/Doug Sizemore; Publishers: ole Big Business/Songs of Windswept Pacific/Burn 1 Baby/BMG, BMI; Rockin/Nash
– Reba’s new double-disc gospel set Sing It Now consists of classic tunes on Disc One. Disc Two contains newly penned religious numbers. This one instructs us to return to praying and working on salvation.
DISClaimer: Frankie Ballard, Mo Pitney Tie In A Dead Heat
/by Robert K OermannIt’s Star Time in today’s country edition of DISClaimer.
Luke Bryan, Billy Currington, Reba McEntire and Jason Aldean are all here with new tunes. The rockers ruled the listening session, with Frankie Ballad and Mo Pitney finishing in a dead heat for the Disc of the Day prize.
The DisCovery Award goes to youthful-sounding Bailey Bryan.
Bailey Bryan
BAILEY BRYAN/Own It
Writers: Bailey Bryan/Dennis Matkowsky/Casey Brown; Producer: Dennis Matowsky; Publishers: Kompass Kopyrights/Bailey Bryan/Karles/Kobalt/So Essential/Not Just Another Song, BMI/ASCAP/SESAC; 300/VAR (CDX)
– Punchy and perky. The up-to-date lyric drops lots of contemporary, youthful references and the bouncy beats just don’t quit. Plus, it’s cool that it stops dead in its tracks.
BILLY CURRINGTON/Do I Make You Wanna
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Zach Crowell/Matt Jenkins/Jerry Flowers; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: External Combustion/Songs of Southside Ind./WB/Atlas/Who Wants to Buy My Pub, ASCAP; MERCURY (CDX)
– An attractive come-on with a breezy tempo, a softly pleading vocal and a wafting audio atmosphere. Let’s face it, this guy just has an unerring knack for finding hit songs.
LUKE BRYAN/Fast
Writers: Luke Bryan/Rodney Clawson/Luke Laird; Producers: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Peanut Mill/Round Hill Works/Big Loud Proud Crowd/Farm Town/Songs of Universal/Creative Nation, BMI; Capitol (CDX)
-I like the way his voice is so high up in the mix that it sounds like he’s sitting next to you. It gives the record a relaxed, intimate quality that’s quite lovely. It also helps that the song is so well written.
MO PITNEY/Everywhere
Writers: Mo Pitney/Dean Dillon/Paul Overstreet; Producers: Dean Dillon/Paul Overstreet; Publishers: Mike Curb/Sixteen Stars/Tenorado/Music From Philbily, BMI; Curb (CDX)
– Mo shows that he knows his way around a tempo tune. This is a roll-the-window-down driver with a relentless rush of energy. His strong singing in the verses is joined by celestial harmony vocal work on the choruses. Loved it.
LAUREN ALAINA/Road Less Traveled
Writers: Lauren Alaina/Jesse Frasure/Meghan Trainor; Producer: busbee; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Lylas/Rio Bravo/Year of the Dog/MTrain/Words & Music, BMI/ASCAP; Mercury/19
– The message of this bopper is to be yourself and don’t follow the crowd. The “rebel heart” in the lyric is carried through in her bright, upbeat, soprano delivery. But it went on a little too long, and by the time it finally ended, I was kinda worn out.
JASON ALDEAN/Any Ol’ Barstool
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Broken Bow (ERG)
-You want to know how he feels since she left? Ask any ol’ barstool in this town. The lyric is nifty, and the track is very cool sounding.
MARK McKINNEY/Bridge
Writers: Mark McKinney/Cassie McKinney; Producers: Eric McKinney/Mark McKinney; Publishers: none listed; Texas Evolution
-Somewhat spare sounding. The sparsely instrumented production is matched by his stark vocal performance. Compared to what else is in today’s reviewing stack, it seems a little weak.
BRANTLEY GILBERT/The Weekend
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Andrew DeRoberts; Producers: Dann Huff; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Indiana Angel/BMG Gold/Lanercost, BMI/ASCAP; Valory Music
– It’s one of those spoke-sung things in the verses that then bursts into semi-melodic,shouted choruses. This is getting old.
FRANKIE BALLARD/You Accomp’ny Me
Writer: Bob Seger; Producer: Marshall Altman; Publisher: Gear, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-Back in the day, Frankie used to open shows for fellow Michigan music maker Bob Seger. So an homage to his mentor seems entirely appropriate. His churning guitar work and earnest vocal give this golden goodie new luster. It’s totally cool how it builds in intensity as it goes along.
REBA McENTIRE/Back To God
Writers: Dallas Davidson/Randy Houser; Producer: Reba McEntire/Doug Sizemore; Publishers: ole Big Business/Songs of Windswept Pacific/Burn 1 Baby/BMG, BMI; Rockin/Nash
– Reba’s new double-disc gospel set Sing It Now consists of classic tunes on Disc One. Disc Two contains newly penned religious numbers. This one instructs us to return to praying and working on salvation.
ASCAP’s “I Create Music” Expo To Celebrate Nashville Songwriters
/by Jessica NicholsonSeventeen top hit songwriters and producers from all music genres will be among those who take the stage at this year’s ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO. Now in its 12th year, the expo will take place April 13–15 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles.
Desmond Child, Ashley Gorley, Darrell Brown, and Matt Jenkins are among those Nashville connections slated to take part.
Gorley, recipient of four ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year Awards, will lead an EXPO session at the 2017 conference.
Jenkins will serve as a panelist this year. Jenkins has earned four chart-topping hits, including the recent No. 1 singles ”Setting the World on Fire,” recorded by Kenny Chesney featuring Pink, and ”Song for Another Time,” recorded by Old Dominion.
Child will be in conversation with R&B star Aloe Blacc in one of the conference’s marquee events. Child has penned over 70 Top 40 singles throughout his career, working with the likes of Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, KISS and Cher. His credits include: “Livin’ On A Prayer,” “Dude Looks Like A Lady,” “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” and more.
“We are elated to have some of today’s top songwriters and producers joining us for this year’s ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO,” said ASCAP President Paul Williams. “Some have been creating music for a long time; others have just enjoyed the success of their first hit song. All will be excited and ready to share their personal experiences and hard-won knowledge with ASCAP EXPO attendees.” Williams, winner of three Grammys and an Oscar, will moderate the EXPO’s annual legislative panel and will provide EXPO attendees with wisdom from his 50-year songwriting career.
Throughout the three-day ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO, participants can attend creative and business-focused panels, workshops, master classes, keynotes, one-on-one sessions, networking events, state-of-the-art technology demonstrations and performances. The ASCAP EXPO provides music creators with an unforgettable and authentic experience, knowledge, tools, connections and a community of support and guidance they can’t find anywhere else.
For more, visit ascap.com/expo.
CMA Promotes Damon Whiteside To Chief Marketing Officer
/by Jessica NicholsonDamon Whiteside. Photo: CMA
The Country Music Association has promoted Damon Whiteside to Chief Marketing Officer. He previously served as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships.
As CMO, Whiteside’s new responsibilities will include oversight of the CMA Communications department, which will become more integrated with the overall strategic marketing teams. He will also continue to oversee CMA Marketing, which includes the Creative Services, Digital, Research, and Strategic Partnerships departments.
Reporting to Whiteside will be newly-created positions Vice President of Communications and Talent Relations and Vice President of Marketing Strategy. Whiteside will continue to report to CMA Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Trahern.
“Damon’s leadership in our marketing and partnership initiatives was key to the historic success of The 50th Annual CMA Awards,” said Trahern. “His efforts on behalf of the industry have enhanced CMA’s reputation for generating innovative marketing campaigns and creating partnerships. The experience and passion he brings to this expanded role will help us continue to build the CMA brand and grow country music around the world.”
“I am extremely proud and excited about this expanded role and opportunity to build on the huge accomplishments the dedicated team at CMA has been able to achieve these last three years thanks to the support and guidance of the CMA Board and Sarah Trahern,” stated Whiteside. “It is humbling to work every day in this amazing industry and city, and to be part of a revered organization like CMA and its historic landmark initiatives such as The 50th Annual CMA Awards and the ‘Forever Country’ project last year.”
In his first three years at CMA, Whiteside has been responsible for overseeing the development of marketing and media campaigns for CMA’s annual television properties and strengthening the partnership with CMA’s exclusive broadcast partner ABC Television Network and its parent, The Walt Disney Company. Additionally, Whiteside dedicated efforts to identify and build strategic partnerships with multi-platform media partners, digital companies, and Fortune 500 brands.
Notable accomplishments include his role in the year-long campaign for The 50th Annual CMA Awards and the groundbreaking “Forever Country” single and music video campaign; the launch of CMA Brand Marketing Summits in New York and London; growth across CMA digital platforms; the re-launch of CMA’s YouTube channel and content creation efforts; integrated media partnerships with top digital, radio, and cable television partners; re-branding of CMA Music Festival and Fan Fair X; supporting the CMA Board of Directors’ expansion of international efforts; and overall re-tooling of CMA Marketing, Research, and Strategic Partnerships teams to better serve the needs of the country music industry.
Prior to CMA, Whiteside worked for numerous Disney-owned companies including Disney Music Group, Walt Disney Studios, Disney Channel, and Disney Consumer Products as well as forming Nomad Entertainment Group, a Music Management and Brand Marketing agency.
Reba Adds Second Show At Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville’s Ryman Auditorium will be filled with inspiring music and the unmistakable voice of Reba on Feb. 15, as the legendary entertainer has added a 2:30 p.m. matinee to the already sold-out 7:30 p.m. show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium that evening.
The dual performances mark Reba’s first time to headline a concert at the historic venue. Tickets go on sale Thursday evening (Jan. 26) at 6 p.m. CT through ryman.com and ticketmaster.com. Tickets are available online only.
Reba announced the second show via a social media video (see below).
Both sets will feature songs from Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope, Reba’s forthcoming album due Feb. 3 on Nash Icon Records and Capitol Christian Music Group. Everyone who attends the Ryman shows will receive a copy.
The double-disc collection features traditional hymns and contemporary tracks, in addition to collaborations with her sisters, mom, Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood and The Isaacs. Audiences will also be treated to several of Reba’s signature hits.
Reba recently released the new music video for the single, “Back To God.”
Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart Among Those To Incorporate TEA, SEA
/by Eric T. ParkerBillboard‘s Top Country Albums chart is among its genre charts set to consider not only traditional album sales but track equivalent albums (TEA), equating to 10 digital track sales for one album, and streaming equivalent albums (SEA), equating 1,500 on-demand song streams to one album sale.
As reported by the publication Thursday (Jan. 26), the new metrics will be put in place for the Tuesday, Jan. 31 chart (dated Feb. 11, for the week ending Thursday, Jan. 26).
Additionally, Billboard will continue publishing pure album sales charts for the genres but the move will ensure the top-ranked titles each week on the genre albums charts will align as the top titles of those genres on the Billboard 200.
“We’ve been thrilled with the reception to the Billboard 200 album consumption methodology and how it reflects album popularity in today’s world, where music is accessible on so many platforms,” says Silvio Pietroluongo, VP of charts and data development at Billboard. “The conversion of genre album charts to consumption reinforces how this approach has become the accepted measure of album success.”
“Nielsen Music is committed to setting the industry standard for music measurement and reporting,” continues Erin Crawford, SVP entertainment and GM music at Nielsen. “Music Connect recently introduced genre album consumption charts and we’re excited to work with Billboard as they further adopt this methodology. As the leading music measurement service on the market, Music Connect will continue to present all of Billboard’s consumption, streaming, sales and airplay charts.”
Sales and streaming data is compiled by Nielsen Music. Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music, Soundcloud, Slacker, Napster, Google Play, Groove Music and Medianet will all comprise the on-demand services reported.
This follows a successful 2014 move of the all-genre, Billboard 200 chart to a multi-metric ranking.
Billboard charts with updated consumption methodology:
Top Country Albums
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, plus:
-R&B Albums
-Rap Albums
Top Rock Albums, plus:
-Alternative Albums
-Hard Rock Albums
-Americana/Folk Albums
Top Latin Albums, plus:
-Latin Pop Albums
-Regional Mexican Albums
-Tropical Albums
-Latin Rhythm Albums
Top Dance/Electronic Albums
Top Gospel Albums
Top Christian Albums, plus:
-Christian/Gospel Albums
Soundtracks
Top Catalog Albums
Holiday Albums
Artist Updates: TJ Martell, Lee Brice, Gene Watson
/by Lorie HollabaughT.J. Martell Honors Gala Adds to Lineup
Lee and Sara Brice’s Baby News
Gene Watson Sets Nashville Show Next Month
Shane McAnally, Jason Owen Team For Monument Records
/by Jessica NicholsonJason Owen, Shane McAnally
Producer/songwriter Shane McAnally has teamed with artist manager Jason Owen to form the label, Monument Records, in collaboration with Sony Music, reports Hits Daily Double.
The venture’s first signings include Caitlyn Smith and Walker Hayes.
McAnally and Owen have brought former UMG Nashville Director of Marketing Katie McCartney to join as Sr. VP of Marketing and Label Operations for Monument. Additionally, Kelli Porter has been tapped as Manager, Marketing & Label Operations, reporting to McCartney. Formerly with UMG, Porter first served in distribution, then in the UMG Nashville marketing department over the course of four years.
“We are looking for very specific artists,” says Monument Records’ co-president Jason Owen, told Hits Daily Double, “ones who are genreless and are superstars, ones who connect, aren’t fluff and aren’t forgettable. That’s the stuff we’re going to sign: something where everyone goes, ‘We love this, but don’t know what to do with this…’ We do.”
“I think a focus on singer/songwriters is key,” said McAnally. “I’ve always believed an artist that doesn’t ‘fit’ anywhere actually fits everywhere. We won’t be limited by perceived genres. We will make music, then let it find its home—because I find that accommodating a particular genre can water down the process of an artist’s evolution.”
McAnally will continue to write and produce for artists beyond the Monument imprint.
The imprint’s staff will be based in Owen’s Sandbox management office in Nashville, where Owen continues guiding the careers of Little Big Town, Faith Hill, Charlie Worsham, Dan+Shay, Seth Ennis, and more.
The label takes the name of Fred Foster’s label, which was home to Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton, and many of Willie Nelson’s early recordings. The original Monument opened in the 1950s and closed in 1990.
Owen found the name on an early Little Big Town promotion photo.
“It was such an iconic, strong name,” Owen said. “When I saw that, I called Julie Swidler to see if Monument could be cleared. It had history. It represented the best of music, not genres—and it stands for something that’s going to last for ages, not just the latest trend or moment, which is what Shane and I are working to create with this label’s artists and music.”
Kevin Savigar Achieves Gold With Kelsea Ballerini
/by Lorie HollabaughKevin Savigar was recently honored by his publisher Deluge Music with a gold plaque for his work on Kelsea Ballerini’s debut CD The First Time. Savigar co-wrote the track “Stilettos” with Forest Glen Whitehead and Ballerini for the project.
Based in Los Angeles, the accomplished session keyboardist, composer, songwriter, and producer has contributed to a wide range of recordings for artists like Rod Stewart, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, John Mellencamp, Pat Benatar, Willie Nelson, Randy Newman, and Peter Frampton.
Big Loud Shirt/Big Loud Mountain Signs Jamie Moore
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Big Loud Mountain Partner and Artist Manager Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, Big Loud Shirt’s Jordan Kolodka, Big Loud Mountain Partner and Artist Manager Seth England, Big Loud Mountain Partner and Record Producer Joey Moi, Jamie Moore, Big Loud Mountain Partner and Songwriter Craig Wiseman, Big Loud Shirt’s Hannah Wilson and Matt Turner
Big Loud Mountain/Big Loud Shirt has signed songwriter/producer Jamie Moore to a publishing deal.
Originally from the Florence/Muscle Shoals area of Alabama, Moore’s breakout success came in 2016 as a co-writer on Florida Georgia Line’s hit, “May We All.” He has also had cuts on Carrie Underwood’s Storyteller album, Chris Lane’s Girl Problems CD, the Swon Brothers’ self-titled album, and several projects by TobyMac, among others. Moore is also a four-time Grammy nominee.
“It’s been our mission to build a forward thinking music company,” said Big Loud Mountain Partner Seth England. “A big part of that is surrounding ourselves with the next wave of creators in this town and Jamie Moore was at the top of the list for us to bring into the Big Loud Family. We couldn’t be happier that he is here and we look forward to watching him flourish for years to come.”
“I’m really excited to move into this new phase of my career,” shared Moore. “I’m very fortunate and blessed to be a part of such a great team. Here we go!”
Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott Reveals LaBellum Fashion Line
/by Jessica NicholsonLady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott is set to reveal her new fashion collection, LaBellum, exclusively on HSN in April, as part of the retailer’s month-long Music City Nashville event. Scott will appear on the shopping network on April 20 and 21 and her collection will be available on HSN.com starting April 1.
The 22-piece collection is composed of fringe wraps, peasant tops, acid washed denim, studded moto jackets, faux suede vests, lace tops, and accessories, including a belt and crossbody. The assortment ranges from $49.90 for a hi low Knit Tank with Lace Detail to $169.90 for a Beaded Canvas Jacket.
“Fashion is such a fun expression of yourself, so I’m really excited,” said Scott. “HSN has completely embraced my ideas and has helped bring to life a line that hopefully every woman will love. I’ve already started wearing some of my favorite pieces and can’t wait to share the entire collection!”
“We’re excited to share with our customers, the spirit of Music City Nashville and all that lies within,” stated Bill Brand, President of HSN. “Hillary’s collection, LaBellum, truly brings to life the essence of her Nashville roots, along with her effortless and flattering style.”