David Nail
As summer drags on relentlessly, we find relief in fresh country sounds.
Our vocal collaboration du jour is the awesome new single by David Nail featuring Brothers Osborne. Our most fabulous female is the brilliant Brandy Clark. Our surprise male winner is the wonderfully humorous performance by Billy Ray Cyrus. Give all three a Disc of the Day honor.
The DisCovery Award goes to Margo Price. She performed “Four Years of Chances” on The Tonight Show on Aug. 2 and introduced “Hurtin’ (On the Bottle)” and “Since You Put Me Down” on SNL earlier this year. All three are on her new Midwest Farmer’s Daughter vinyl album. Way to go, TV broadcasters.
CURTIS BRALY/Love You Down
Writers: Jeremy Bussey/Tom Tillman/Jayce Hein; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: none listed, SESAC/BMI, Go Time/Briley (track)
– His clinging to pitch for dear life. Despite his shaky vocal performance, the track pumps mightily behind him and the song is solid.
DAVID NAIL Featuring BROTHERS OSBORNE/Good At Tonight
Writers: TJ Osborne/John Osborne/Troy Verges/Barry Dean; Producers: Frank Liddell/Chuck Ainlay/Glenn Worf; MCA Nashville
– Thrilling. As you might expect, the voices are on fire with conviction. What is just as great is the fact that the song is a total barn burner, loaded with pounding percussion, churning electric guitars and passionate lyrics. Play it again.
WAYLON JENNINGS/Young Widow Brown
Writers: Waylon Jennings/Sky Corbin; Producers: Robby Turner; Publishers: Heart of the Hills/Trio/Fort Knox, no performance rights listed; Country Rewind
– Finding new Waylon music is always a good thing. He and a bunch of other country acts recorded a series of short, military-recruitment radio shows in 1970. These tapes have recently been rediscovered. Former Waylon band member Robby Turner put new instrumentation on the performances to bring them up to date. Most of the tunes on the resulting The Lost Nashville Sessions CD are early Waylon hits such as “Just to Satisfy You,” “Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line,” “Mental Revenge” and “Brown Eyed Handsome Man.” This tasty country rocker is more obscure, the tale of a man who inherits a lusty gal he can’t keep up with. Delightful.
BRANDY CLARK/Love Can Go To Hell
Writers: Brandy Clark/Scott Stepakoff; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: House of Sea Gayle/Highway 508/Clearbox Rights/Nettwerk One-A/Ten Ten, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
– I am on board with the fact that she’s a country songwriting genius. What is frequently overlooked is that she is also a singer of flawless phrasing, liquid tone and silky listenability. This lightly bopping, tinkling, twinkling outing about an ended relationship is audio ecstasy on every level. I am in love with this woman’s music.
SOUTHERN HALO/Rewind
Writers: Chancie Neal/Gerald O’Brien/Catt Gravitt; Producers: Catt Gravitt/Gerald O’Brien; Publishers: none listed; BMI/SESAC; Southern Halo
– Smiley. Sunshiny. Summery. Swaying.
CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Dirty Laundry
Writers: Zach Crowell/Ashley Gorley/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Atlas/External Combustion/Songs of Southside Independent/HillarodyRathbone/BMG, ASCAP; Arista/19 (track)
– That ain’t her shade of lipstick. She doesn’t drink the red wine that’s on his shirt. That’s not the smell of her perfume. He’s trying to sneak in late, again. You’re in trouble, pal. She’s pissed off and rocking.
RUSTY RIERSON/Something ‘Bout You
Writer: Kevin Welch; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Sony/ATV Cross Keys; RecordRanch
-This Kansas-bred country boy has a delivery that goes down easily. He has a natural warmth and an instantly likable sound. The rolling groove of this Kevin Welch song fits him like a glove. If there’s such a thing as a baby Strait, this guy is it.
MARGO PRICE/Four Years Of Chances
Writer: Margo Price; Producers: Alex Munoz/Matt Ross-Spang; Publisher: Peach Pit, SESAC; Third Man (track)
– It’s a slow build, starting with a stark little guitar figure and her plaintive, accusatory voice. The rhythm track picks up steam as the rest of the band comes creeping in. But no matter what is going on with the track, it’s her piercing, riveting delivery that commands the spotlight. A very cool little record.
KAREN RICHARDS/Ladies Man
Writer: Karen Richards; Producers: Frank Green/Jim Sanford; Publisher: none listed; Krystal Mac (track)
– Yikes. The echo chamber only emphasizes her shortcomings. And they are too numerous to list here.
BILLY RAY CYRUS/Hey Elvis
Writer: none listed; Producers: Brandon Friesen/Noah Gordon; Publishers: none listed; Blue Cadillac (track)
– Billy Ray’s upcoming Thin Line collection is loaded with celeb guests — Shelby Lynne, Joe Perry, Shooter Jennings and children Branson Cyrus and Miley Cyrus, for starters. This fantastically catchy, rocking track features Bryan Adams and Glen Hughes singing backup on its wildly clever lyrics. Its video, available on his website, is comprised of hilarious footage from his wacky CMT television sit com Still the King. Heartily recommended.
Canaan Smith Plans Sundown Ready Tour With Michael Tyler
/by Jessica NicholsonLast year, the singer-songwriter released his debut project Bronco and has earned a platinum single with his chart-topper “Love You Like That.”
“The inspiration for this tour came from life on the road and meeting fans who are fun-loving, ‘sundown ready’, just like me and my band,” says Smith. “Instead of taking time off, we couldn’t resist getting back out there with the fans.”
Reviver Records artist and peermusic songwriter Michael Tyler will join Smith on the tour. Tyler recently celebrated his first No. 1 hit as a songwriter with Dierks Bentley’s “Somewhere On A Beach” and released his own single “Crazy Last Night.” Read more about Tyler’s career history and family legacy in MusicRow‘s recent interview.
Sundown Ready Tour Dates
Oct. 7: Indianapolis, Ind.; 8 Seconds Saloon
Oct. 8: Medina, Ohio; Thirsty Cowboys
Oct. 14: Knoxville, Tenn.; Cotton Eyed Joe
Oct. 15: Raleigh, N.C.; City Limits Saloon
Oct. 20: Morgantown, W. Va.; Schmitt’s Saloon
Oct. 21: Jordan, N.Y.; Kegs Canalside Event Center
Oct. 22: Mt. Laurel, N.J.; Prospectors
Nov. 4: Columbus, Ohio; The Bluestone
Nov. 5: Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Rusty Spur Saloon
Nov. 10: Lincoln, Neb.; The Single Barrel
Nov. 11: Denver; The Grizzly Rose
Weekly Chart Report (9/2/16)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Marv Green Collects Three MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): THiS Music’s Anna Weisband, Marv Green, and MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson
Songwriter Marv Green visited the MusicRow office this week to accept three MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins.
Three tracks penned by Green topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart in 2014, including Sara Evans’ “Slow Me Down,” Chris Young’s “Who I Am With You,” and Tim McGraw’s “Shotgun Rider.” In May, Green extended his publishing deal with THiS Music and Warner/Chappell.
Since 2014, every artist and songwriter who achieves a No. 1 single on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart receives a coin.
In Pictures: Jason Aldean, Kip Moore, Eric Paslay
/by Eric T. ParkerInside Jason Aldean’s ACM Honors After Party
Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Nashville’s Mayor Megan Barry, Jason Aldean. Photo: Katie Kauss
Jason Aldean held a late-night party following the 10th Annual ACM Honors Tuesday (Aug. 30) at Nashville’s The Valentine. Aldean received the ACM Triple Crown Award at the taping, which celebrated his combined win as a new artist, male vocalist and entertainer for the organization. In addition to an acceptance speech, Aldean delivered a medley of “Dirt Road Anthem,” “Tattoos on This Town” and a new single, “A Little More Summertime.”
During Aldean’s private gathering, his friends and family gained a first-listen of his upcoming seventh studio album They Don’t Know (Broken Bow Records), available Sept. 9, the same day the ACM Honors air on CBS.
Pictured (L-R): Academy of Country Music’s Lisa Lee, Jason Aldean and CBS’ Jack Sussman. Photo: Katie Kauss
Kip Moore Entertains Hilton HHonors Members in Nashville
Kip Moore. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Hilton
Hilton HHonors members were treated to a special live performance showcasing MCA Nashville’s Kip Moore at Music City’s downtown Hilton on Wednesday (Aug. 31). Moore’s show marked the sixth of seven concerts planned by Live Nation for the hotel chain’s partners around the globe. Other artists that have been featured include Jason Derulo, Elle King, Halsey, Tegan and Sara, and Grimes. Gary Clark Jr. will wrap the series in Austin, Texas, on Oct. 28.
Kip Moore. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Hilton
Eric Paslay Launches #AngelsInThisTown Movement For New Single
Eric Paslay
EMI Nashville’s Eric Paslay revealed original angel wings from artist Kelsey Montague during a tour stop in Denver, Colorado, this past weekend in support of his latest single “Angels In This Town.”
The life-sized pair of wings—which includes images of guitars, microphones and the Nashville skyline, a nod to the 6’4″ singer’s home and career—will be available for fans to experience and take pictures with at each of Paslay’s tour stops in 2016. Paslay used Montague’s original street art at 11th Ave. South in Nashville as the backdrop artwork for the new single, which will be featured on his forthcoming sophomore album.
Montague, who began her own #whatliftsyou initiative, was inspired by Paslay’s “Angel Visits” during his tour stops, where he visits local “angels” at hospitals, fire houses, police stations, Girls and Boys Clubs. The #AngelsInThisTown movement will also feature a website (AngelsInThisTown.com), presented by Dexcom’s efforts to raise awareness and support surrounding type 1 diabetes, for fans can share heroes and positive stories from their own lives.
Eric Paslay
Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Cancelled Due To Tropical Storm Hermine
/by Jessica NicholsonCrew works hard to strike the stage as winds begin to blow.
Panama City Beach, Florida officials and the organizers for the 4th annual Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam have cancelled the popular music event, due to high winds and more than five inches of rain expected on Thursday night (Sept. 1). The three-day event was scheduled to welcome Eric Church, Brad Paisley, Jake Owen and more during Labor Day, Sept. 2-4.
Though the storm is expected to have passed Panama City Beach by Friday morning, there is not enough time to deconstruct the venue, secure the stage and festival tents, and then reconstruct the performance stage and venue. The construction of the festival village and performance stage takes nearly a week to erect. The festival is expected to return in 2017.
“Safety is the first concern for our visitors, country music fans and the festival organizers and sponsors,” said Panama City Beach Mayor Mike Thomas. “I truly appreciate all the planning and work that the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Producers, the Emergency Operations Center, PCB Police Chief Drew Whitman and city staff have done in preparation of having to make this difficult decision. We’re disappointed that we have had to cancel this weekend’s show, but hope all of the fans enjoy their weekend on the beach. We look forward to welcoming the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam back next year.”
“In 30 years of business, this is the first time I’ve even been a part of something like this,” said Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “The owners of Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam are devastated and deeply saddened but are also humbled by the enormous love and response from our fans and the city. Now we need to turn focus to the people who are in the direct line of the storm and pray for God’s direct protection over them. This doesn’t stop us or defeat us. We’ll see you in Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam 2017!”
All tickets purchased through official Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam ticket outlets are eligible for refunds. Fans also have the option of leaving their tickets in the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam ticket system and redeeming them at next year’s festival.
‘MusicRow’ Reporting Station WCOW-FM Lands 2 CMA Nominations
/by Troy_StephensonArnie Andrews and Ben Butler of WCOW-FM in LaCrosse, Wisconsin
WCOW-FM, a MusicRow reporting station in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, picked up two CMA Award nominations in broadcast categories on Wednesday (Aug. 31).
“Ben and Arnie” (Arnie Andrews and Ben Butler) received a nod for CMA Broadcast Personality, Small Market. In addition, WCOW-FM is on the ballot for CMA Radio Station of the Year, Small Market.
The winners will be notified in mid-October and will be acknowledged at The 50th Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 2 on ABC.
Referring to all nominees in the broadcast categories, Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer stated, “Much of the sustained success of our format and rise of country’s newest stars can be attributed to the passion and drive of these key radio professionals. They pioneer the grassroots efforts in communities across the nation to keep country music listeners excited and engaged with the genre.”
Ricky Skaggs Will Be Honored At ASCAP Country Music Awards
/by Craig_ShelburneASCAP will present Ricky Skaggs with its Founders Awards at the 54th annual ASCAP Country Music Awards on Oct. 31 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
The exclusive, invitation-only gala celebrates the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed country songs of 2015.
ASCAP President Paul Williams said: “For more than four decades Ricky Skaggs has been a musical force in bluegrass and country music. His incredible gifts as a musician combined with his boundless creativity and energy continue to fuel a passion for American roots music around the world. A national treasure, he has influenced generations of fellow music creators and we are honored to present him with the ASCAP Founders Award.”
The Founders Award is one of ASCAP’s highest honors and is presented to songwriters and composers who have made pioneering contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators. Each recipient is a musical innovator who possesses a unique style of creative genius, which will enrich generations to come.
Gator Harrison Named Sr. VP For iHeartMedia’s Nashville Market
/by Jessica NicholsonGator Harrison
Gator Harrison has been named Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia’s Nashville market, effective immediately. The six-station Nashville cluster includes WSIX-FM, WUBT-FM, WNRQ-FM, WNRQ-HD, WRVW-FM and WLAC-AM.
Harrison will report to RSVPP and iHeartCountry Brand Manager Rod Phillips. Harrison replaces Michael Bryan, who is pursuing another role within the company, according to iHeart spokesperson Kevin Wong.
Harrison will continue to serve as brand coordinator for the Nashville-based iHeartCountry team, which has more than 145 country broadcast radio stations across the U.S.
“We’re thrilled to have Gator join us and oversee programming in Nashville,” said Dan Endom, Region President for iHeartMedia Nashville. “Gator built his network and experience in the industry from the ground up and his proven track record makes him perfectly suited to lead our Nashville station brands’ programming.”
Harrison previously worked as the Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Chattanooga where he oversaw all aspects of on-air and online programming for the market’s five radio station brands.
“The Tennessee community has been great to me throughout my career, and I can’t wait to make them proud in Nashville,” said Gator. “iHeartMedia Nashville is home to six leading radio station brands that I can’t wait to work with and help them continue to connect with listeners every day.”
BMI Signs Songwriter Ben Haggard
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Newly signed BMI songwriter Ben Haggard and BMI’s Jody Williams pose for a photo in Williams’ office.
BMI continues the songwriting legacy of country music’s Haggard family with the signing of songwriter Ben Haggard.
Ben Haggard, the 23-year-old son of legendary country singer-songwriter and BMI Icon recipient Merle Haggard, stopped by the BMI Nashville office on Wednesday (Aug. 31) to officially sign as a BMI writer.
Ben has been on the road with his brother Noel, finishing out a slate of concerts Merle had been scheduled for before his death on April 7. Ben and Noel have opened for Willie Nelson, Jamey Johnson and the Oak Ridge Boys.
DISClaimer: David Nail, Brandy Clark, Billy Ray Cyrus Stand Out
/by Robert K OermannDavid Nail
As summer drags on relentlessly, we find relief in fresh country sounds.
Our vocal collaboration du jour is the awesome new single by David Nail featuring Brothers Osborne. Our most fabulous female is the brilliant Brandy Clark. Our surprise male winner is the wonderfully humorous performance by Billy Ray Cyrus. Give all three a Disc of the Day honor.
The DisCovery Award goes to Margo Price. She performed “Four Years of Chances” on The Tonight Show on Aug. 2 and introduced “Hurtin’ (On the Bottle)” and “Since You Put Me Down” on SNL earlier this year. All three are on her new Midwest Farmer’s Daughter vinyl album. Way to go, TV broadcasters.
CURTIS BRALY/Love You Down
Writers: Jeremy Bussey/Tom Tillman/Jayce Hein; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: none listed, SESAC/BMI, Go Time/Briley (track)
– His clinging to pitch for dear life. Despite his shaky vocal performance, the track pumps mightily behind him and the song is solid.
DAVID NAIL Featuring BROTHERS OSBORNE/Good At Tonight
Writers: TJ Osborne/John Osborne/Troy Verges/Barry Dean; Producers: Frank Liddell/Chuck Ainlay/Glenn Worf; MCA Nashville
– Thrilling. As you might expect, the voices are on fire with conviction. What is just as great is the fact that the song is a total barn burner, loaded with pounding percussion, churning electric guitars and passionate lyrics. Play it again.
WAYLON JENNINGS/Young Widow Brown
Writers: Waylon Jennings/Sky Corbin; Producers: Robby Turner; Publishers: Heart of the Hills/Trio/Fort Knox, no performance rights listed; Country Rewind
– Finding new Waylon music is always a good thing. He and a bunch of other country acts recorded a series of short, military-recruitment radio shows in 1970. These tapes have recently been rediscovered. Former Waylon band member Robby Turner put new instrumentation on the performances to bring them up to date. Most of the tunes on the resulting The Lost Nashville Sessions CD are early Waylon hits such as “Just to Satisfy You,” “Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line,” “Mental Revenge” and “Brown Eyed Handsome Man.” This tasty country rocker is more obscure, the tale of a man who inherits a lusty gal he can’t keep up with. Delightful.
BRANDY CLARK/Love Can Go To Hell
Writers: Brandy Clark/Scott Stepakoff; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: House of Sea Gayle/Highway 508/Clearbox Rights/Nettwerk One-A/Ten Ten, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
– I am on board with the fact that she’s a country songwriting genius. What is frequently overlooked is that she is also a singer of flawless phrasing, liquid tone and silky listenability. This lightly bopping, tinkling, twinkling outing about an ended relationship is audio ecstasy on every level. I am in love with this woman’s music.
SOUTHERN HALO/Rewind
Writers: Chancie Neal/Gerald O’Brien/Catt Gravitt; Producers: Catt Gravitt/Gerald O’Brien; Publishers: none listed; BMI/SESAC; Southern Halo
– Smiley. Sunshiny. Summery. Swaying.
CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Dirty Laundry
Writers: Zach Crowell/Ashley Gorley/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Atlas/External Combustion/Songs of Southside Independent/HillarodyRathbone/BMG, ASCAP; Arista/19 (track)
– That ain’t her shade of lipstick. She doesn’t drink the red wine that’s on his shirt. That’s not the smell of her perfume. He’s trying to sneak in late, again. You’re in trouble, pal. She’s pissed off and rocking.
RUSTY RIERSON/Something ‘Bout You
Writer: Kevin Welch; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Sony/ATV Cross Keys; RecordRanch
-This Kansas-bred country boy has a delivery that goes down easily. He has a natural warmth and an instantly likable sound. The rolling groove of this Kevin Welch song fits him like a glove. If there’s such a thing as a baby Strait, this guy is it.
MARGO PRICE/Four Years Of Chances
Writer: Margo Price; Producers: Alex Munoz/Matt Ross-Spang; Publisher: Peach Pit, SESAC; Third Man (track)
– It’s a slow build, starting with a stark little guitar figure and her plaintive, accusatory voice. The rhythm track picks up steam as the rest of the band comes creeping in. But no matter what is going on with the track, it’s her piercing, riveting delivery that commands the spotlight. A very cool little record.
KAREN RICHARDS/Ladies Man
Writer: Karen Richards; Producers: Frank Green/Jim Sanford; Publisher: none listed; Krystal Mac (track)
– Yikes. The echo chamber only emphasizes her shortcomings. And they are too numerous to list here.
BILLY RAY CYRUS/Hey Elvis
Writer: none listed; Producers: Brandon Friesen/Noah Gordon; Publishers: none listed; Blue Cadillac (track)
– Billy Ray’s upcoming Thin Line collection is loaded with celeb guests — Shelby Lynne, Joe Perry, Shooter Jennings and children Branson Cyrus and Miley Cyrus, for starters. This fantastically catchy, rocking track features Bryan Adams and Glen Hughes singing backup on its wildly clever lyrics. Its video, available on his website, is comprised of hilarious footage from his wacky CMT television sit com Still the King. Heartily recommended.