Brett Young performs for MusicRow staff. Photo: Molly Hannula
One of Big Machine Label Group’s newest signings, California native Brett Young draws from a blend of blue-eyed soul and country’s relatable lyrics for his own brand of music.
As a songwriter, Young inked a deal with Big Machine Music, and co-wrote every track on his self-titled EP, which released Feb. 12.
Young stopped by MusicRow to perform a trio of songs from his EP, including “In Case You Didn’t Know,” as well as current single “Sleep Without You,” which Young co-wrote with Justin Ebach and Kelly Archer.
“I was back visiting friends and family and I turned on pop music, just to see what was going on,” Young said. “Three songs in a row came on that were about a guy trying to sleep with a girl. I was like, ‘We get it. That song works, we get it.’ I started thinking about what a sweet twist on that would be. My mind went to this place where you are in a relationship for so long that whether you live together or not, you can’t really go to sleep without that good night phone call or text message. My parents have been together 36 years and my dad still, if my mom goes on a women’s retreat with the church, he’s restless at night because they are used to being together.”
Young shot the video for “Sleep Without You” in a beach house on the shores of Malibu, California. Shane Drake, who has worked with Kelly Clarkson, Paramore, Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw, directed the clip.
Young ended his acoustic preview with the intensely personal “You Ain’t Here To Kiss Me,” a song he co-wrote in the wake of a breakup with a longtime girlfriend. He penned the track with Tiffany Goss and Matt Alderman.
“I went back out to California for New Year’s Eve,” Young recalled. “I had been in Nashville for about a year at that point. And the girl I had been with for six years was still living in Los Angeles, so I went to spend the holidays with my family, but mostly to see her. I had been out there for seven days, and I still hadn’t seen her. So New Year’s Eve morning I woke up and the plan was to spend the day with her and her family, and all the excuses just kind of didn’t sit right with me.
“I called her and said, ‘Hey, I’m ring shopping. Why do I feel like we are on different pages here?’ She said, ‘No you shouldn’t be ring shopping.’ So the conversation turned to, ‘We don’t have to be in the exact same place, but after six years, shouldn’t we be there? And if we are not, why aren’t we?’ She goes, ‘Babe, can I call you back? I just pulled up for my hair appointment.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, you can, but I think I’m going to change my flight and go back to Nashville tonight.’ She said, ‘Don’t be dramatic, I’ll call you back.’
“Well, she called me back, but I was boarding my flight. There was a layover in Phoenix and it got delayed, so next thing I know, I’m on a half-empty plane at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Two days later I was at a writing appointment, I brought up what I had been going through, and this song just came out.”
In an EPK, Young said that transparent style of songwriting is exactly what he aims for, both as a writer and an artist. “I think the most important thing to me with my music, and with the songs and stories, is I want it to be real and honest, and I want it to be relatable to a really wide age range.”
Young is working with producer Dann Huff on his first full-length release for BMLG.
Brett Young (and BMLG’s Matthew Hargis) visit with MusicRow staff.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/10165951/IMG_6793_570.jpg380570Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2016-03-04 09:54:192016-03-04 09:54:19BMLG’s Brett Young Offers Blue-Eyed Soul, Transparent Songwriting On New EP
Chris Young Marks Third Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Pictured (L-R): Dan Cheney, Vice President & COO Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo; Joel Cowley, President & CEO Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo; Chris Young, Jack Lyons, Chairman of the Board Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo; Rob Beckham, WME
Chris Young wowed a crowd of 65,000 at his third time playing the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo last night (March 2) at NRG Stadium. The show, which capped off Armed Forces Appreciation Day and included a flag presentation by the United States Air Force, featured a standout performance with duet partner on his latest single, “Think Of You,” with Cassadee Pope.
Scotty McCreery Appears on Larry Gatlin’s Live Radio Show
Pictured (L-R): Scotty McCreery, producer/co-anchor Jonathan Shaffer, and Larry Gatlin. Photo: Scott Stem
Scotty McCreery was interviewed live by Larry Gatlin on WSM-AM’s The Gospel According to Gatlin on Monday (March 1). The radio show broadcast from the green room, backstage at the Opry House minutes before McCreery performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage. McCreery discussed his upcoming book Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward The Dream (in stores on May 3), songwriting, and more.
Nan Kelley and Devon O’Day Premiere on Afternoon Radio
Pictured (L-R): Chuck Wicks, Nan Kelley, Wade Hayes, Devon O’Day
650 AM WSM premiered Nashville Today, an all-new afternoon drive show hosted by industry veterans Nan Kelley and Devon O’Day, on Tuesday afternoon from 3-6 p.m. CT. Special in-studio visits include Chuck Wicks and Wade Hayes.
Fender Guitars Donates During Nashville Tour
Buddy Guy with Sophia Gulley and recipients from local organization, YEAH.
During the Experience Hendrix Tour event that happened on Monday (Feb. 29) in Nashville, Fender Guitars had the opportunity to donate a guitar to Sophia Gulley from the local organization, YEAH, to use for future programming. The stop brought Buddy Guy, Billy Cox, Zakk Wylde, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang, Dweezil Zappa and Eric Johnson to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/10165956/ChrisyoungHLSR.jpg380570Eric T. Parkerhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngEric T. Parker2016-03-04 08:55:062016-03-04 08:55:06In Photos: Chris Young, Scotty McCreery, WSM, Fender Guitars
The Americana Music Association Board of Directors has announced its newly appointed Executive Committee of the not-for-profit organization.
Cliff O’Sullivan of Rounder Label Group has been named President, while Amanda Hale of Vector Management will shift her role to Past-President. John Ingrassia of Vector Management will serve as President-Elect in the Association’s leadership succession plan.
The Grammy Museum’s Lynne Sheridan will continue to serve as Secretary. The two at-large Executive Committee members are Jonathan Levine of Paradigm Talent Agency and Garth Fundis of Slate Creek Records. Kurt Vitolo will continue in his role as Treasurer, and his firm, KV Financial Group PC, will act as the Association’s accounting firm.
These positions are held for one-year terms.
The Americana Music Association Board of Directors consists of 19 elected or appointed industry professionals. The 2016 Board includes, in addition to its Executive Committee members:
John Allen (New West Records) Dave Cobb (Producer / Low Country Sound) Carrie Colliton (Record Store Day) Tim Fink (SESAC) Mark Moffatt (Producer) Al Moss (Al Moss Promotion) Todd Ohlhauser (Mercy Lounge) Jessie Scott (Music Fog / Sun Radio) Drew Thurlow (Pandora) Rodney Crowell (artist representative) Mary Gauthier (artist representative) Buddy Miller (artist representative) John Beiter of Shackleford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP will continue to serve as the Association’s counsel.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10171147/Americana-logo.jpg187570Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2016-03-04 08:39:342016-03-04 08:39:34Americana Music Association Appoints New Executive Committee
CMT has announced its slate of original programming for 2016, including a new annual music event titled Concert of the Summer, as well as a second season order for I Love Kellie Pickler. In addition, the network is moving its annual CMT Artists of the Year event to October.
CMT also revealed the first round of casting for Million Dollar Quartet (working title), as well as the premiere dates for Still The King, The Dude Perfect Show and NASCAR: The Rise of American Speed at the network’s annual Upfront presentation held Thursday (March 3) at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York.
“Much like our hometown of Nashville, CMT embraces both tradition and change,” said Brian Philips, President of CMT. “This year, we are doubling our original programming to celebrate the bigger and broader country fan base. We’re crafting stories and characters that are multifaceted and unexpected.”
Drake Milligan and Kevin Fonteyne attend the 2016 Viacom Kids and Family Group Upfront on March 3, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Viacom)”
Coming this November, Million Dollar Quartet, produced by Thinkfactory Media’s Leslie Greif (Hatfields & McCoys) and directed by Oscar nominee Roland Joffé, is a coming-of-age story set in the unraveling world of 1950s Memphis where music and race collide, ultimately creating pop music’s first superstars.
After a nationwide casting call held at Elvis Presley’s high school alma mater in Memphis, CMT has cast Drake Milligan as young Elvis Presley, Kevin Fonteyne as Johnny Cash, and twins Christian Lees and Jonah Lees as cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart, respectively. Additional cast members will be announced at a later date. During the Upfront event, Fonteyne and Milligan performed together for the first time as Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.
The comedy Still The King debuts Sunday, June 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The series stars Billy Ray Cyrus, Joey Lauren Adams, Madison Iseman, Lacey Chabert, Leslie David Baker, Kevin Farley, Travis Nicholson and Jon Sewell. Still The King follows Vernon (Cyrus), a scandal-ridden, washed-up, one-hit-wonder who crashes back into the life of his ex and discovers he had a daughter he knew nothing about.
The network’s signature event, the 2016 CMT Music Awards, premieres Wednesday, June 8 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. This summer, CMT also teams up with one of country’s biggest stars to redefine the concert-going experience; giving fans an all access pass and an unforgettable look at one of the year’s most sought-after tickets with the inaugural music event, Concert of the Summer. In addition, CMT Artists of the Year premieres live on Wednesday, October 19 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
As previously announced, CMT will debut four new episodes of CMT Crossroads. Episodes feature Jason Derulo and Luke Bryan (summer), Nick Jonas and Thomas Rhett (summer), Cheap Trick and Jennifer Nettles (March 24 at 11 p.m. ET/PT), and Rob Thomas and Charles Kelley (late spring).
Having notched three critically acclaimed documentaries watched by more than 25 million viewers, CMT’s slate this year includes the three-night event NASCAR: The Rise of American Speed (May 8, 15, 22 at 10 p.m. ET/PT) as well as original documentaries The Bandit in August and Chicken People in November.
The Dude Perfect Show, whose trailer was released today to their 25 million fans, kicks off Thursday, April 14 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Known for their wildly popular trick shot and stunt videos, the series, from producer Rob Dyrdek (MTV’s Ridiculousness and Fantasy Factory), follows the five viral sensations as they open the doors to their mancave in Dallas, Texas, to showcase exactly how they cook up their next crazy idea. The debut season will feature appearances from Luke Bryan, Chris Paul, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Aaron Rogers and more.
On the heels of scoring CMT’s highest-rated series premiere since 2012 and highest with women since 2008, I Love Kellie Pickler from executive producer Ryan Seacrest returns for a second season in August, along with the 11th season of the fan-favorite Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, which is coming off its highest-rated season to date.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/10165954/cmt-logo-13.jpg223570Craig_Shelburnehttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngCraig_Shelburne2016-03-03 15:55:292016-03-03 15:55:29CMT Announces ‘Concert Of The Summer,’ More Original Programs
The CMA Songwriters Series returns to Austin to make its official South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival debut at the Paramount Theatre on March 19. The lineup consists of 2014 CMA Song of the Year Award winners Kacey Musgraves and Shane McAnally (“Follow Your Arrow”), and two-time CMA Awards nominee Josh Osborne.
“This trio of writers represents the highest echelon of talent for the current era of Country Music,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “CMA is excited to partner with another prestigious festival like South by Southwest and expose different audiences to the incredible songwriting talent in the country community.”
Tin Pan South Sets On-Sale Date For Fast Access Pass
Fast Access Passes for the Nashville songwriting festival Tin Pan South will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Tuesday (March 8) at TinPanSouth.com. The festival is set to run April 5-9, and the Fast Access Passes allow patrons to bypass the cover charge at the door and allow advance seating, space permitting. Quantities are limited, and last year’s passes sold out in record time.
Ten of Nashville’s top music venues are set to host more than 350 songwriters performing 92 shows throughout the week. New venues at Tin Pan South this year are The Country and Whiskey Rhythm Saloon. They join perennial favorites 3rd & Lindsley, Blue Bar, The Bluebird Café, Commodore Grille, Douglas Corner Café, Hard Rock Café Nashville, The Listening Room Café and Station Inn.
Opry Adds Second Show Featuring Loretta Lynn
Loretta Lynn. Photo: Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry has added a second show on March 26 to its spring lineup, as Opry member Loretta Lynn returns to country music’s most famous stage. Lynn’s first studio album in 12 years, Full Circle, will be released on Friday (March 4). Cole Swindell, Parker Millsap, and Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers are also scheduled to appear on March 26.
IBMA Enlists Rubin Media
Rubin Media owner Ronna Rubin is pleased to announce the addition of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) to the company’s client roster. Key projects will include the Wide Open Bluegrass Festival, World of Bluegrass conference, and IBMA Awards, to be held September 27 through October 1, in Raleigh, N.C.
The IBMA is the trade association that connects and educates bluegrass professionals, empowers the bluegrass community, and encourages worldwide appreciation of bluegrass music. It is based in Nashville, Tennessee.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/10165955/shane-musgraves-osborne_570.jpg380570Craig_Shelburnehttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngCraig_Shelburne2016-03-03 14:16:372016-03-03 14:16:37Industry Ink: CMA At SXSW, Tin Pan South, Grand Ole Opry, IBMA
Sheryl Crow will headline Nashville’s July 4 celebration, which will include six acts in concert on two stages at Ascend Amphitheater and The Green at Riverfront Park, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp announced on Thursday (March 3).
Crow’s concert will be followed by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra accompanying the fireworks show. Also sharing the bill are Maddie & Tae, Erin McCarley, and Andrew Combs. Ruby Amanfu will open the free concert at 5 p.m. by starting her set with the National Anthem.
“With two stages and six acts, our free July 4 concert will showcase the great talent and the diversity of genres creating and performing music in Music City,” said Ken Levitan, board chair of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and co-president of Vector Management.
“This exciting new location will be a great venue for attendees to see and hear all the free music, and it will open up Lower Broadway for those interested in viewing the spectacular fireworks show. We expect tens of thousands of visitors to enjoy our Independence Day festivities, filling up hotel rooms across Davidson County and generating economic activity that is good for the city,” Levitan added.
There will be two main stages – the Jack Daniel’s Stage at Ascend Amphitheater and the Music City Stage at The Green at Riverfront Park. The Green is the grassy park space behind Ascend Amphitheater in the new section of Riverfront Park. Multiple screens will be placed throughout the event sites. Festivities will also take place on July 3, starting at 3 p.m. All times and artists subject to change.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/10165955/July4thhero2_lowres-1.jpg380570Craig_Shelburnehttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngCraig_Shelburne2016-03-03 13:37:512016-03-03 13:37:51Nashville’s July 4 Event Offering Free Concerts On Two Stages
Little Big Town with Cookie Monster, Elmo and Grover. Photo: instagram.com/sesamestreet
Little Big Town visited the set of Sesame Street to perform with Count, Elmo, Cookie Monster and Grover. For years, the band has said in interviews that a guest appearance on Sesame Street is one of their biggest career goals.
Luke Bryan Adds Second Stadium Date in Boston Due to Demand
Luke Bryan and fans at the Citi concert
Luke Bryan has added a second show on his Kill The Lights Tour at Boston’s at Gillette Stadium on July 15 (in addition to the previously announced July 16 date), due to demand for tickets. Shows will feature openers Little Big Town, Chris Stapleton and Dustin Lynch. The Boston dates are the first of six stadium dates taking place for the star this summer for a tour that stretches from March to October.
Eric Church Announces Two Nights at Colorado’s Red Rocks
Eric Church. Photo: Jill Trunell
Eric Church will perform a two-night solo stand at Red Rocks Amphitheater on August 9-10. The performances offer one of the few chances this year to see Church, who has mostly laid low since the conclusion of The Outsiders World Tour’s two-year run and the surprise release of new album Mr. Misunderstood last November. He’s only scheduled a few shows so far in 2016. Fan club pre-sale starts Friday (March 4) before becoming available to the public on March 11.
Marie Osmond Returns to Country Music With New Single
Marie Osmond has released “Music is Medicine” to country outlets on March 1. The title track is the latest off her April 15 album on Oliveme Records distributed by BDG/RED, featuring guest artists Marty Roe and John Rich. Osmond has enlisted veteran country/pop/latin producer Jason Deere for her first album since 2010,mixing it with additional guest artists Olivia Newton-John, SisQó (Dru Hill), and Alex Boyé.
She continues to tour the world, performing with her brother Donny at the Flamingo Hotel’s Donny & Marie Showroom in Las Vegas and serves as co-founder of the non-profit organization Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Restless Heart Records “Wichita Lineman”
Restless Heart will honor country legend Glen Campbell with the release of the group’s new single, “Wichita Lineman” (written by Jimmy Webb). Co-produced by Harry Smith and Restless Heart’s Dave Innis, the recording is the band’s first new music release in nearly three years. It is available for download at iTunes, Google Play and CD Baby.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/10165957/LBTsesamestreet.jpg380570Eric T. Parkerhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngEric T. Parker2016-03-03 12:53:492016-03-03 12:53:49Artist Updates: Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Marie Osmond, Restless Heart
Pictured (L-R): Ellen Bligh Truley, Cathy Grizzell
SESAC has announced the promotions of Ellen Bligh Truley to Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations, and Cathy Grizzell to Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Administration. Effective immediately, the promotions were announced Thursday (March 3) by John Josephson, Chairman and CEO of SESAC.
Truley will continue to oversee all marketing, advertising, sponsorships, publicity, event production and digital strategy for the music rights organization, as well as for Harry Fox Agency, Rumblefish and SESAC. In her expanded role, Truley will be instrumental in the formulation of SESAC’s future marketing and creative strategies as they expand across SESAC’s combined portfolio of businesses. Truley will work closely with the senior management teams in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, San Francisco, London, and Portland, Oregon, as well as SESAC headquarters in Nashville. She reports directly to Josephson.
As Senior Vice President, Grizzell’s responsibilities will expand across SESAC’s combined portfolio of businesses of SESAC Performing Rights, the Harry Fox Agency and Rumblefish. She will guide the overall administration, coordination, evaluation and operation of Human Resources, Benefits Administration and Facilities Management/Operations. Grizzell has played a key role in the strategic initiative to expand SESAC’s operations into its new state-of-the-art facility on Music Row, where she will continue to manage expanded facilities operations. She reports directly to Kelli Turner, SESAC’s Executive Vice President, Operations, Corporate Development, and Chief Financial Officer.
“I am pleased to announce these richly deserved promotions,” Josephson said. “Cathy and Ellen are proven leaders who have played key roles in SESAC’s transformation through the years and been instrumental to developing and executing tactics that have led to SESAC becoming the dynamic and successful Music Rights Organization it is today.”
Formerly Vice President, Corporate Relations, Truley is a 20-year veteran of SESAC, joining the company in 1996 as Advertising/Promotion Manager before being elevated to Senior Director, Corporate Relations and, then, Associate Vice President in 2008. Truley is the head communication liaison, spearheading the development and execution of all SESAC’s branding, which has led to partnerships with Delta Air Lines, Luxury Resorts & Hotels, Netflix, Maker’s Mark, Icelandic Glacial Water, Red Bull and ReverbNation. A Nashville native, Truley holds a B.A. degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Advertising/Journalism and is a member of the Recording Academy, Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music. She has been selected as one of Billboard’s Women In Music and also Nashville Business Journal’s Women of Music City for two consecutive years.
Grizzell joined SESAC in 1981 in the General Licensing department in New York. She then moved into Licensing Administration, Broadcast Licensing and Collections and was instrumental in the computerization of the Licensing and Collection systems which improved licensee retention and income. In 1987, she played a key role in moving General Licensing and Licensing Administration to Nashville and focused on building those departments and continued to computerize and streamline processes. In the mid-1990s, Grizzell transferred to the Corporate side of the company, where she focused on employee relations and benefits, ultimately resulting in the development of the Human Resources department. Grizzell was promoted to Vice President, Human Resources, in 2006. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the Middle Tennessee Society of Human Resource Management (MT-SHRM), HR Leadership, the Recording Academy and the Country Music Association.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/10165957/ellen-cathy_570.jpg380570Craig_Shelburnehttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngCraig_Shelburne2016-03-03 11:47:312016-03-03 11:47:31SESAC Elevates Ellen Bligh Truley, Cathy Grizzell To SVP Roles
Whitney Daane, who served as Sr. VP, Creative, has exited her position at Kobalt Music Publishing.
Daane had overseen Kobalt’s Nashville operations since becoming the company’s first creative consultant in the U.S. in 2001. Her duties also included managing catalog acquisitions and new writer signings.
BMLG’s Brett Young Offers Blue-Eyed Soul, Transparent Songwriting On New EP
/by Jessica NicholsonBrett Young performs for MusicRow staff. Photo: Molly Hannula
One of Big Machine Label Group’s newest signings, California native Brett Young draws from a blend of blue-eyed soul and country’s relatable lyrics for his own brand of music.
As a songwriter, Young inked a deal with Big Machine Music, and co-wrote every track on his self-titled EP, which released Feb. 12.
Young stopped by MusicRow to perform a trio of songs from his EP, including “In Case You Didn’t Know,” as well as current single “Sleep Without You,” which Young co-wrote with Justin Ebach and Kelly Archer.
“I was back visiting friends and family and I turned on pop music, just to see what was going on,” Young said. “Three songs in a row came on that were about a guy trying to sleep with a girl. I was like, ‘We get it. That song works, we get it.’ I started thinking about what a sweet twist on that would be. My mind went to this place where you are in a relationship for so long that whether you live together or not, you can’t really go to sleep without that good night phone call or text message. My parents have been together 36 years and my dad still, if my mom goes on a women’s retreat with the church, he’s restless at night because they are used to being together.”
Young shot the video for “Sleep Without You” in a beach house on the shores of Malibu, California. Shane Drake, who has worked with Kelly Clarkson, Paramore, Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw, directed the clip.
“I went back out to California for New Year’s Eve,” Young recalled. “I had been in Nashville for about a year at that point. And the girl I had been with for six years was still living in Los Angeles, so I went to spend the holidays with my family, but mostly to see her. I had been out there for seven days, and I still hadn’t seen her. So New Year’s Eve morning I woke up and the plan was to spend the day with her and her family, and all the excuses just kind of didn’t sit right with me.
“I called her and said, ‘Hey, I’m ring shopping. Why do I feel like we are on different pages here?’ She said, ‘No you shouldn’t be ring shopping.’ So the conversation turned to, ‘We don’t have to be in the exact same place, but after six years, shouldn’t we be there? And if we are not, why aren’t we?’ She goes, ‘Babe, can I call you back? I just pulled up for my hair appointment.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, you can, but I think I’m going to change my flight and go back to Nashville tonight.’ She said, ‘Don’t be dramatic, I’ll call you back.’
“Well, she called me back, but I was boarding my flight. There was a layover in Phoenix and it got delayed, so next thing I know, I’m on a half-empty plane at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Two days later I was at a writing appointment, I brought up what I had been going through, and this song just came out.”
In an EPK, Young said that transparent style of songwriting is exactly what he aims for, both as a writer and an artist. “I think the most important thing to me with my music, and with the songs and stories, is I want it to be real and honest, and I want it to be relatable to a really wide age range.”
Young is working with producer Dann Huff on his first full-length release for BMLG.
Brett Young (and BMLG’s Matthew Hargis) visit with MusicRow staff.
Weekly Chart Report (3/4/16)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
In Photos: Chris Young, Scotty McCreery, WSM, Fender Guitars
/by Eric T. ParkerChris Young Marks Third Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Pictured (L-R): Dan Cheney, Vice President & COO Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo; Joel Cowley, President & CEO Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo; Chris Young, Jack Lyons, Chairman of the Board Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo; Rob Beckham, WME
Chris Young wowed a crowd of 65,000 at his third time playing the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo last night (March 2) at NRG Stadium. The show, which capped off Armed Forces Appreciation Day and included a flag presentation by the United States Air Force, featured a standout performance with duet partner on his latest single, “Think Of You,” with Cassadee Pope.
Scotty McCreery Appears on Larry Gatlin’s Live Radio Show
Pictured (L-R): Scotty McCreery, producer/co-anchor Jonathan Shaffer, and Larry Gatlin. Photo: Scott Stem
Scotty McCreery was interviewed live by Larry Gatlin on WSM-AM’s The Gospel According to Gatlin on Monday (March 1). The radio show broadcast from the green room, backstage at the Opry House minutes before McCreery performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage. McCreery discussed his upcoming book Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward The Dream (in stores on May 3), songwriting, and more.
Nan Kelley and Devon O’Day Premiere on Afternoon Radio
Pictured (L-R): Chuck Wicks, Nan Kelley, Wade Hayes, Devon O’Day
650 AM WSM premiered Nashville Today, an all-new afternoon drive show hosted by industry veterans Nan Kelley and Devon O’Day, on Tuesday afternoon from 3-6 p.m. CT. Special in-studio visits include Chuck Wicks and Wade Hayes.
Fender Guitars Donates During Nashville Tour
Buddy Guy with Sophia Gulley and recipients from local organization, YEAH.
During the Experience Hendrix Tour event that happened on Monday (Feb. 29) in Nashville, Fender Guitars had the opportunity to donate a guitar to Sophia Gulley from the local organization, YEAH, to use for future programming. The stop brought Buddy Guy, Billy Cox, Zakk Wylde, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang, Dweezil Zappa and Eric Johnson to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Americana Music Association Appoints New Executive Committee
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Americana Music Association Board of Directors has announced its newly appointed Executive Committee of the not-for-profit organization.
Cliff O’Sullivan of Rounder Label Group has been named President, while Amanda Hale of Vector Management will shift her role to Past-President. John Ingrassia of Vector Management will serve as President-Elect in the Association’s leadership succession plan.
The Grammy Museum’s Lynne Sheridan will continue to serve as Secretary. The two at-large Executive Committee members are Jonathan Levine of Paradigm Talent Agency and Garth Fundis of Slate Creek Records. Kurt Vitolo will continue in his role as Treasurer, and his firm, KV Financial Group PC, will act as the Association’s accounting firm.
These positions are held for one-year terms.
The Americana Music Association Board of Directors consists of 19 elected or appointed industry professionals. The 2016 Board includes, in addition to its Executive Committee members:
John Allen (New West Records)
Dave Cobb (Producer / Low Country Sound)
Carrie Colliton (Record Store Day)
Tim Fink (SESAC)
Mark Moffatt (Producer)
Al Moss (Al Moss Promotion)
Todd Ohlhauser (Mercy Lounge)
Jessie Scott (Music Fog / Sun Radio)
Drew Thurlow (Pandora)
Rodney Crowell (artist representative)
Mary Gauthier (artist representative)
Buddy Miller (artist representative)
John Beiter of Shackleford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP will continue to serve as the Association’s counsel.
CMT Announces ‘Concert Of The Summer,’ More Original Programs
/by Craig_ShelburneCMT has announced its slate of original programming for 2016, including a new annual music event titled Concert of the Summer, as well as a second season order for I Love Kellie Pickler. In addition, the network is moving its annual CMT Artists of the Year event to October.
CMT also revealed the first round of casting for Million Dollar Quartet (working title), as well as the premiere dates for Still The King, The Dude Perfect Show and NASCAR: The Rise of American Speed at the network’s annual Upfront presentation held Thursday (March 3) at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York.
“Much like our hometown of Nashville, CMT embraces both tradition and change,” said Brian Philips, President of CMT. “This year, we are doubling our original programming to celebrate the bigger and broader country fan base. We’re crafting stories and characters that are multifaceted and unexpected.”
Drake Milligan and Kevin Fonteyne attend the 2016 Viacom Kids and Family Group Upfront on March 3, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Viacom)”
Coming this November, Million Dollar Quartet, produced by Thinkfactory Media’s Leslie Greif (Hatfields & McCoys) and directed by Oscar nominee Roland Joffé, is a coming-of-age story set in the unraveling world of 1950s Memphis where music and race collide, ultimately creating pop music’s first superstars.
After a nationwide casting call held at Elvis Presley’s high school alma mater in Memphis, CMT has cast Drake Milligan as young Elvis Presley, Kevin Fonteyne as Johnny Cash, and twins Christian Lees and Jonah Lees as cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart, respectively. Additional cast members will be announced at a later date. During the Upfront event, Fonteyne and Milligan performed together for the first time as Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.
The comedy Still The King debuts Sunday, June 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The series stars Billy Ray Cyrus, Joey Lauren Adams, Madison Iseman, Lacey Chabert, Leslie David Baker, Kevin Farley, Travis Nicholson and Jon Sewell. Still The King follows Vernon (Cyrus), a scandal-ridden, washed-up, one-hit-wonder who crashes back into the life of his ex and discovers he had a daughter he knew nothing about.
The network’s signature event, the 2016 CMT Music Awards, premieres Wednesday, June 8 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. This summer, CMT also teams up with one of country’s biggest stars to redefine the concert-going experience; giving fans an all access pass and an unforgettable look at one of the year’s most sought-after tickets with the inaugural music event, Concert of the Summer. In addition, CMT Artists of the Year premieres live on Wednesday, October 19 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Having notched three critically acclaimed documentaries watched by more than 25 million viewers, CMT’s slate this year includes the three-night event NASCAR: The Rise of American Speed (May 8, 15, 22 at 10 p.m. ET/PT) as well as original documentaries The Bandit in August and Chicken People in November.
The Dude Perfect Show, whose trailer was released today to their 25 million fans, kicks off Thursday, April 14 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Known for their wildly popular trick shot and stunt videos, the series, from producer Rob Dyrdek (MTV’s Ridiculousness and Fantasy Factory), follows the five viral sensations as they open the doors to their mancave in Dallas, Texas, to showcase exactly how they cook up their next crazy idea. The debut season will feature appearances from Luke Bryan, Chris Paul, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Aaron Rogers and more.
On the heels of scoring CMT’s highest-rated series premiere since 2012 and highest with women since 2008, I Love Kellie Pickler from executive producer Ryan Seacrest returns for a second season in August, along with the 11th season of the fan-favorite Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, which is coming off its highest-rated season to date.
Industry Ink: CMA At SXSW, Tin Pan South, Grand Ole Opry, IBMA
/by Craig_ShelburneCMA Songwriters Series Going To SXSW
Pictured (L-R): Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves, Josh Osborne
The CMA Songwriters Series returns to Austin to make its official South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival debut at the Paramount Theatre on March 19. The lineup consists of 2014 CMA Song of the Year Award winners Kacey Musgraves and Shane McAnally (“Follow Your Arrow”), and two-time CMA Awards nominee Josh Osborne.
“This trio of writers represents the highest echelon of talent for the current era of Country Music,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “CMA is excited to partner with another prestigious festival like South by Southwest and expose different audiences to the incredible songwriting talent in the country community.”
Tin Pan South Sets On-Sale Date For Fast Access Pass
Ten of Nashville’s top music venues are set to host more than 350 songwriters performing 92 shows throughout the week. New venues at Tin Pan South this year are The Country and Whiskey Rhythm Saloon. They join perennial favorites 3rd & Lindsley, Blue Bar, The Bluebird Café, Commodore Grille, Douglas Corner Café, Hard Rock Café Nashville, The Listening Room Café and Station Inn.
Opry Adds Second Show Featuring Loretta Lynn
Loretta Lynn. Photo: Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry has added a second show on March 26 to its spring lineup, as Opry member Loretta Lynn returns to country music’s most famous stage. Lynn’s first studio album in 12 years, Full Circle, will be released on Friday (March 4). Cole Swindell, Parker Millsap, and Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers are also scheduled to appear on March 26.
IBMA Enlists Rubin Media
The IBMA is the trade association that connects and educates bluegrass professionals, empowers the bluegrass community, and encourages worldwide appreciation of bluegrass music. It is based in Nashville, Tennessee.
Nashville’s July 4 Event Offering Free Concerts On Two Stages
/by Craig_ShelburnePhoto: Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Sheryl Crow will headline Nashville’s July 4 celebration, which will include six acts in concert on two stages at Ascend Amphitheater and The Green at Riverfront Park, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp announced on Thursday (March 3).
Crow’s concert will be followed by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra accompanying the fireworks show. Also sharing the bill are Maddie & Tae, Erin McCarley, and Andrew Combs. Ruby Amanfu will open the free concert at 5 p.m. by starting her set with the National Anthem.
“With two stages and six acts, our free July 4 concert will showcase the great talent and the diversity of genres creating and performing music in Music City,” said Ken Levitan, board chair of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and co-president of Vector Management.
“This exciting new location will be a great venue for attendees to see and hear all the free music, and it will open up Lower Broadway for those interested in viewing the spectacular fireworks show. We expect tens of thousands of visitors to enjoy our Independence Day festivities, filling up hotel rooms across Davidson County and generating economic activity that is good for the city,” Levitan added.
There will be two main stages – the Jack Daniel’s Stage at Ascend Amphitheater and the Music City Stage at The Green at Riverfront Park. The Green is the grassy park space behind Ascend Amphitheater in the new section of Riverfront Park. Multiple screens will be placed throughout the event sites. Festivities will also take place on July 3, starting at 3 p.m. All times and artists subject to change.
Artist Updates: Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Marie Osmond, Restless Heart
/by Eric T. ParkerLittle Big Town Visits Sesame Street
Little Big Town with Cookie Monster, Elmo and Grover. Photo: instagram.com/sesamestreet
Little Big Town visited the set of Sesame Street to perform with Count, Elmo, Cookie Monster and Grover. For years, the band has said in interviews that a guest appearance on Sesame Street is one of their biggest career goals.
Luke Bryan Adds Second Stadium Date in Boston Due to Demand
Luke Bryan and fans at the Citi concert
Luke Bryan has added a second show on his Kill The Lights Tour at Boston’s at Gillette Stadium on July 15 (in addition to the previously announced July 16 date), due to demand for tickets. Shows will feature openers Little Big Town, Chris Stapleton and Dustin Lynch. The Boston dates are the first of six stadium dates taking place for the star this summer for a tour that stretches from March to October.
Eric Church Announces Two Nights at Colorado’s Red Rocks
Eric Church. Photo: Jill Trunell
Eric Church will perform a two-night solo stand at Red Rocks Amphitheater on August 9-10. The performances offer one of the few chances this year to see Church, who has mostly laid low since the conclusion of The Outsiders World Tour’s two-year run and the surprise release of new album Mr. Misunderstood last November. He’s only scheduled a few shows so far in 2016. Fan club pre-sale starts Friday (March 4) before becoming available to the public on March 11.
Marie Osmond Returns to Country Music With New Single
Marie Osmond has released “Music is Medicine” to country outlets on March 1. The title track is the latest off her April 15 album on Oliveme Records distributed by BDG/RED, featuring guest artists Marty Roe and John Rich. Osmond has enlisted veteran country/pop/latin producer Jason Deere for her first album since 2010, mixing it with additional guest artists Olivia Newton-John, SisQó (Dru Hill), and Alex Boyé.
She continues to tour the world, performing with her brother Donny at the Flamingo Hotel’s Donny & Marie Showroom in Las Vegas and serves as co-founder of the non-profit organization Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Restless Heart Records “Wichita Lineman”
Restless Heart will honor country legend Glen Campbell with the release of the group’s new single, “Wichita Lineman” (written by Jimmy Webb). Co-produced by Harry Smith and Restless Heart’s Dave Innis, the recording is the band’s first new music release in nearly three years. It is available for download at iTunes, Google Play and CD Baby.
SESAC Elevates Ellen Bligh Truley, Cathy Grizzell To SVP Roles
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Ellen Bligh Truley, Cathy Grizzell
SESAC has announced the promotions of Ellen Bligh Truley to Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations, and Cathy Grizzell to Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Administration. Effective immediately, the promotions were announced Thursday (March 3) by John Josephson, Chairman and CEO of SESAC.
Truley will continue to oversee all marketing, advertising, sponsorships, publicity, event production and digital strategy for the music rights organization, as well as for Harry Fox Agency, Rumblefish and SESAC. In her expanded role, Truley will be instrumental in the formulation of SESAC’s future marketing and creative strategies as they expand across SESAC’s combined portfolio of businesses. Truley will work closely with the senior management teams in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, San Francisco, London, and Portland, Oregon, as well as SESAC headquarters in Nashville. She reports directly to Josephson.
As Senior Vice President, Grizzell’s responsibilities will expand across SESAC’s combined portfolio of businesses of SESAC Performing Rights, the Harry Fox Agency and Rumblefish. She will guide the overall administration, coordination, evaluation and operation of Human Resources, Benefits Administration and Facilities Management/Operations. Grizzell has played a key role in the strategic initiative to expand SESAC’s operations into its new state-of-the-art facility on Music Row, where she will continue to manage expanded facilities operations. She reports directly to Kelli Turner, SESAC’s Executive Vice President, Operations, Corporate Development, and Chief Financial Officer.
“I am pleased to announce these richly deserved promotions,” Josephson said. “Cathy and Ellen are proven leaders who have played key roles in SESAC’s transformation through the years and been instrumental to developing and executing tactics that have led to SESAC becoming the dynamic and successful Music Rights Organization it is today.”
Formerly Vice President, Corporate Relations, Truley is a 20-year veteran of SESAC, joining the company in 1996 as Advertising/Promotion Manager before being elevated to Senior Director, Corporate Relations and, then, Associate Vice President in 2008. Truley is the head communication liaison, spearheading the development and execution of all SESAC’s branding, which has led to partnerships with Delta Air Lines, Luxury Resorts & Hotels, Netflix, Maker’s Mark, Icelandic Glacial Water, Red Bull and ReverbNation. A Nashville native, Truley holds a B.A. degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Advertising/Journalism and is a member of the Recording Academy, Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music. She has been selected as one of Billboard’s Women In Music and also Nashville Business Journal’s Women of Music City for two consecutive years.
Grizzell joined SESAC in 1981 in the General Licensing department in New York. She then moved into Licensing Administration, Broadcast Licensing and Collections and was instrumental in the computerization of the Licensing and Collection systems which improved licensee retention and income. In 1987, she played a key role in moving General Licensing and Licensing Administration to Nashville and focused on building those departments and continued to computerize and streamline processes. In the mid-1990s, Grizzell transferred to the Corporate side of the company, where she focused on employee relations and benefits, ultimately resulting in the development of the Human Resources department. Grizzell was promoted to Vice President, Human Resources, in 2006. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the Middle Tennessee Society of Human Resource Management (MT-SHRM), HR Leadership, the Recording Academy and the Country Music Association.
Whitney Daane Exits Kobalt Music Publishing
/by Sherod RobertsonWhitney Daane, who served as Sr. VP, Creative, has exited her position at Kobalt Music Publishing.
Daane had overseen Kobalt’s Nashville operations since becoming the company’s first creative consultant in the U.S. in 2001. Her duties also included managing catalog acquisitions and new writer signings.
She can be reached at whitney.daane@gmail.com.