BMLG Records artist Brett Young, who topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart with “Sleep Without You” on Oct. 20, will release his self-titled debut album on Feb. 10, 2017.
His new single, “In Case You Didn’t Know,” will impact country radio on Jan. 9.
Young co-wrote 11 of the 12 tracks, including “Sleep Without You,” for the album recorded in Nashville with producer Dann Huff. Brett Young will be available for pre-order on Jan. 13, 2017.
BMLG Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta said, “I couldn’t be more proud of Brett and our great BMLG Records & Big Machine Music teams. A perfect example of artist, label and publishing working together and delivering a masterful record by a very promising new artist.”
“The first time I heard Brett’s voice it just stopped me in my tracks. It was so musical and unique. And a really great guy to boot! He just has it all,” said BMLG Records President Jimmy Harnen.
BRETT YOUNG Track List
*This is not the final track list order
“Sleep Without You” | Brett Young, Kelly Archer, Justin Ebach
“You Ain’t Here to Kiss Me” | Brett Young, Matt Alderman, Tiffany Goss
“Left Side of Leavin’” | Brett Young, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins
“In Case You Didn’t Know” | Brett Young, Tyler Reeve, Kyle Schlienger, Trent Tomlinson
“Like I Loved You” | Brett Young, Jesse Lee
“Beautiful Believer” | Brett Young, Jason Adamo, Annie Wildgen
“Back on the Wagon” | Brett Young, Jessi Alexander, Josh Thompson
“Memory Won’t Let Me” | Brett Young, Justin Ebach, Steven Dale Jones
“Olivia Mae” | Brett Young, Ben Caver
“Makin’ Me Say” | Cary Barlowe, Zach Crowell, Jon Nite
“Close Enough” | Brett Young, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins
“Mercy” | Brett Young, Sean McConnell
Artists Pay Tribute To Their Musical Heroes in New Grammy Book
/by Sarah SkatesThe 88 honorees featured in A Grammy Salute To Music Legends have made extraordinary contributions either as performers or behind the scenes as producers, engineers, songwriters, executives or technical innovators. They received the Special Merit Awards, which include the Lifetime Achievement Award, Trustees Award and Technical Grammy Award.
Some highlights include Quincy Jones honoring Michael Jackson, Miranda Lambert writing about Dolly Parton, Queen’s Brian May paying tribute to Doris Day, Carol Burnett writing on Julie Andrews, and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) writing about his friendship with the Grateful Dead. Additional honorees highlighted in the collection are The Beatles, David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, Carole King, Run DMC, Barbra Streisand, and many more.
David Konjoyan, Vice President of Creative Services at The Recording Academy, is Editor of the book. Jimmy Jam wrote the forward.
A Grammy Salute To Music Legends (Hal Leonard Books) will be released in January 2017 and retail for $29.99.
Kenny Chesney Adds Second Gillette Stadium Show For 2017
/by Jessica NicholsonKenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney loves Boston. The entertainer is now set to perform not one but two shows at Gillette Stadium in 2017, marking his only U.S. stadium shows for the year. Chesney previously announced a show on Aug. 25, 2017, and has now added a second show on Aug. 26, 2017.
Tickets for both shows will go on sale at 10 a.m. ET on Friday, Dec. 2 at ticketmaster.com.
“I can’t believe we’re doing two shows,” Chesney said. “I said I was going to take some time and lay low, but obviously a summer without Boston just isn’t the same. And when they came back asking about another show due to the response and said, ‘You’re already going to have the stage and everything in place…,’ what else could I say? So, this will be my only stadium play; but it will be two nights instead of one. And truly, Boston, I can’t wait… I can still hear the roar of our last show in my ears.”
Chesney performed to 121,399 fans at Gillette Stadium earlier this year to close his Spread The Love Tour.
Taylor Swift Gets Her Own DirecTV Now Channel
/by Jessica NicholsonTaylor Swift and AT&T are providing fans with previously unseen video content courtesy of Taylor Swift NOW, the entertainer’s own channel on DirecTV that will include concert performances, behind-the-scenes footage and more from Swift’s archives, as well as a specially curated video catalog.
Taylor Swift NOW is part of Swift’s exclusive deal with AT&T that was announced in October, when she also revealed she would perform at AT&T’s pre-Super Bowl 51 Saturday night celebration on Feb. 4 in Houston.
Taylor Swift NOW is set to include themed chapters and will get regular updates with videos and chapters for special events. This includes select songs from her upcoming performance at DIRECTV’s Super Saturday Night concert.
Taylor Swift NOW will be available on all AT&T video platforms, including DirecTV, DirecTV Now, and U-verse later this year. The channel will also be available through those platforms’ apps for streaming on-the-go. AT&T wireless customers can stream the content data free.
“Taylor Swift NOW is one of many exciting initiatives we have in store for Taylor’s fans and our customers as part of our exclusive multi-year deal,” said John Stankey, CEO, AT&T Entertainment Group. “We’re looking forward to working with Taylor as we develop exclusive original content that inspires her and her fans. We can’t wait to get Taylor Swift NOW into the hands of fans to stream everywhere.”
DirecTV Now launches Nov. 30, though an official launch date for Taylor Swift NOW has not been revealed.
SiriusXM Reportedly Agrees To Potential $99 Million Settlement With Flo & Eddie
/by Eric T. ParkerThe report also estimates a $45 to $59 million arrangement for a 10-year licensing deal for class members, expiring in 2028.
“That $25 million is just the baseline, according to a motion for preliminary approval of the settlement filed Monday,” reporter Ashley Cullins goes on to note. “Just how much that needle moves depends on what happens in the 2nd, 9th, and 11th Circuits when Sirius challenges its liability. By reserving the right to address the relationship of satellite music to the Commerce Clause, SiriusXM also has an eye on possible review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
“All together, pending a judge’s approval, SiriusXM could be looking at paying $99 million to independent musicians for the rights to perform ‘Happy Together’ and other older hits.”
As part of Nashville resident Mark Volman (Flo) and Howard Kaylan‘s (Eddie) 2014 summary judgement win, this month’s settlement was reached on the eve of a California federal trial.
“In exchange for a contingent payment of an additional $5 million to the Settlement Class and a 2 percent increase in the royalty rate otherwise owed, the Settlement provides that SiriusXM preserves its right to appeal the Court’s final judgment of liability on the performance right issue and Commerce Clause issue in this Action, but SiriusXM has also agreed that it will not appeal the Court’s class certification rulings,” states the motion. “[T]he parties also preserve their respective rights to proceed with the appeal of two related actions, the New York Action and the Florida Action.”
Sirius could pay an additional $15 million more if Flo & Eddie prevail on appeals in all three states.
A hearing on the motion for preliminary approval is set for Jan. 30. SiriusXM is represented by O’Melveny & Myers and Weil Gotshal & Manges. Flo & Eddie are represented by Gradstein & Marzano and Susman Godfrey.
The New York Times also reported, noting of another lawsuit by Flo & Eddie with Pandora.
‘CMA Country Christmas’ Experiences Ratings Jump
/by Sarah SkatesJennifer Nettles and Idina Menzel
Last night’s (Nov. 28) CMA Country Christmas television special attracted viewership that is 34 percent higher than its year-ago telecast. The program, hosted by Jennifer Nettles, averaged 7.8 million viewers and a 1.3 rating /4 share among adults ages 18 to 39.
From 8:00-10:00 p.m. ET, ABC’s annual telecast earned second place among the major broadcasters, behind NBC’s The Voice.
Last year’s airing of CMA Country Christmas averaged 5.8 million viewers and 0.9 rating/3 share.
The 2016 two-hour musical special featured Kelly Clarkson, Brett Eldredge, Amy Grant, Sarah McLachlan, Kacey Musgraves, Rascal Flatts, Jordan Smith, and more performing yuletide classics. Taped earlier this month at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, the show also featured one-of-a-kind collaborations, including Kelsea Ballerini with Joey Alexander, Brad Paisley with Chris Young, and Nettles taking the stage each with Andra Day, Loretta Lynn, Idina Menzel, and Trisha Yearwood.
Source: The Nielsen Company Fast Affiliate Live + Same Day Ratings, 11/28/16. Photos: ABC/Mark Levine
Chris Young
Jennifer Nettles and Trisha Yearwood
Brett Eldredge
Dan Hodges Music Signs Jason Wilkes
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Dan Hodges, DHM Owner/GM; Jason Wilkes; Michelle Attardi, DHM Creative Director
Dan Hodges Music LLC has signed Jason Wilkes to an exclusive songwriting deal. Wilkes, a Georgia native, is a former member of Christian bands Disciple and High Flight Society.
Dan Hodges says, “Jason has made a home within our staff of writers. His talents bring a new dimension to our team.”
DHM launched in 2008, and is a publisher on previous ASCAP Song of the Year “Good Directions,” recent Kelsea Ballerini chart-topper “Dibs,” and current releases on Keith Urban, Reba and Faith Hill.
Loretta Lynn Featured On New Podcast, Theatrical Production
/by Sarah SkatesLoretta Lynn through the years. Compiled by Songcraft.
An
upcoming Nashville theatrical production focuses on the life of country icon Loretta Lynn. Additionally, the revered singer is featured in a just-released podcast.
Studio Tenn presents “The Loretta Legacy: A Tribute to the Coal Miner’s Daughter” on March 31 and April 1 at the Ryman Auditorium. The shows are part of the 2016/17 season.
Single ticket sales for the remaining season will be available for purchase Dec. 2. Tickets for “The Loretta Legacy” can be purchased at ryman.com or by calling (615) 889-3060. Details at studiotenn.com.
••••
Grammy-nominated writer and researcher Scott B. Bomar and ASCAP award winning songwriter Paul Duncan have released the 50th episode of their bi-weekly podcast, Songcraft: Spotlight on Songwriters, featuring an in-depth conversation with Lynn.
The conversation includes Lynn discussing why we’ll never hear all the verses she wrote for “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” what she told Jack White about songwriting that he didn’t “get,” what she really thinks about Willie Nelson, how she reacted when her songs stirred up controversy, and why she doesn’t give career advice.
BMLG Artist Brett Young’s Debut Album To Release In February
/by Jessica NicholsonBMLG Records artist Brett Young, who topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart with “Sleep Without You” on Oct. 20, will release his self-titled debut album on Feb. 10, 2017.
His new single, “In Case You Didn’t Know,” will impact country radio on Jan. 9.
Young co-wrote 11 of the 12 tracks, including “Sleep Without You,” for the album recorded in Nashville with producer Dann Huff. Brett Young will be available for pre-order on Jan. 13, 2017.
BMLG Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta said, “I couldn’t be more proud of Brett and our great BMLG Records & Big Machine Music teams. A perfect example of artist, label and publishing working together and delivering a masterful record by a very promising new artist.”
“The first time I heard Brett’s voice it just stopped me in my tracks. It was so musical and unique. And a really great guy to boot! He just has it all,” said BMLG Records President Jimmy Harnen.
BRETT YOUNG Track List
*This is not the final track list order
“Sleep Without You” | Brett Young, Kelly Archer, Justin Ebach
“You Ain’t Here to Kiss Me” | Brett Young, Matt Alderman, Tiffany Goss
“Left Side of Leavin’” | Brett Young, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins
“In Case You Didn’t Know” | Brett Young, Tyler Reeve, Kyle Schlienger, Trent Tomlinson
“Like I Loved You” | Brett Young, Jesse Lee
“Beautiful Believer” | Brett Young, Jason Adamo, Annie Wildgen
“Back on the Wagon” | Brett Young, Jessi Alexander, Josh Thompson
“Memory Won’t Let Me” | Brett Young, Justin Ebach, Steven Dale Jones
“Olivia Mae” | Brett Young, Ben Caver
“Makin’ Me Say” | Cary Barlowe, Zach Crowell, Jon Nite
“Close Enough” | Brett Young, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins
“Mercy” | Brett Young, Sean McConnell
George Jones Museum Gets New Ownership
/by Jessica NicholsonThe group purchased the building and operating businesses as well as the George Jones Museum memorabilia and a Master License to the George Jones name, image and likeness. They have partnered with Good Time Design CEO Ty Hauter. Hauter and his team will manage operations for the restaurant, bar, event space and museum.
Possum Holdings principals are comprised of investors committed to preserving and promoting the legacy of George Jones, including principal Paul Jankowski. Jankowski is president of New Heartland Group, which focuses on research and insights, brand strategy, content creation, digital marketing and more.
“George Jones is one of the most iconic figures in country music history. Not only did the real estate intrigue us, but expanding the Jones legacy fueled our interest in building a world class brand,” said Jankowski. “We will offer an authentic Nashville experience, focusing on live music and quality food for tourists and locals alike.”
At four stories, the recently renovated 46,000 square-foot space consists of a restaurant/bar, the George Jones museum, an event space and rooftop bar.
“I poured my heart and soul into building a premier destination for George’s fans in a way that he would have loved,” said George Jones’ wife Nancy. “I look forward to continuing to meet George’s fans and am so thankful for all the people who have visited the museum over the last year and a half.”
Maren Morris Adds Second Nashville Show To The Hero Tour 2017
/by Jessica NicholsonMaren Morris has added a second Nashville show to her The Hero Tour 2017, after the first show slated for April 5 at Nashville’s Cannery Ballroom sold out in three minutes. The second show is set for April 4 at the Cannery Ballroom.
It was also announced that Morris will launch the tour in New York City’s Bowery Ballroom on Feb. 2.
Tickets for the newly announced shows in New York City and Nashville both go on sale Dec. 2, 2016 at noon.