Adam Craig
Adam Craig is now getting ready for fans to know his voice as well as his songwriting, as the newest signing for BBR Label Group’s Stoney Creek Records imprint. The songwriter has penned songs including Love and Theft’s “Whiskey On My Breath” and Parmalee’s “Close Your Eyes,” along with cuts by Jason Aldean and Dustin Lynch.
“When I found out I was getting the Parmalee single, I thought, ‘I’ve got to go into Broken Bow and just thank them for allowing me to stay in town this long and keep my publishing deal,’” Craig said during a visit to MusicRow on Monday (July 18). “I went and sat down with Benny [Brown, CEO of BBR Music Group] and he was like, ‘OK, let’s hear some music.’ So I didn’t really know if I was pitching songs for other artists still or pitching myself. Then a week later he called asking if I wanted a record deal.”
That deal has been more than 12 years in the making for the Washington native. After playing in a band during his high school and college years, he made the move to Nashville on the advice of a Nashville producer who worked with Jake Owen.
Pictured (L-R): Adam Craig, MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson
“He was like, ‘If you are for real, you’ve got to move to Nashville. You’ve got to be present to win.’ So I quit school and moved across the United States.”
Once in Music City, he continued writing and honing his craft, and fell in with a circle of fellow talented songwriters, including Tyler Farr, Cole Swindell and Jon Pardi. He would go on to play guitar for Swindell when Swindell’s career took off.
“We had this thing back in the day called Saturday Song Day at his place,” Craig recalls of those days when the writers were all trying to make names for themselves. “We were fans of each other’s music, so we watched college football, drank lots of beer, and played each other’s demos all day. There were other people there. We joke about it now, but everyone is so busy now, it’s like, ‘How do we do that again?’ We didn’t realize how cool it was back then, but it was this cool moment.”
Adam Craig with MusicRow staff. Pictured (L-R): Troy Stephenson, Eric T. Parker, Craig Shelburne, Adam Craig, Sherod Robertson, Jessica Nicholson, and Molly Hannula.
When he’s not in the studio working alongside producer Derek George, Craig has been visiting radio stations across the nation, amassing several more of those cool moments as he brings his own music to radio and to fans.
During his visit to MusicRow, Adam Craig previewed three tracks, including his debut single, “Reckon, which was written by Jeremy Stover, Randy Montana and Derek George. He also sang “Just a Phase” and “Why Can’t She,” a tune he co-wrote in 2011 with Matt Rogers and Jon Nite.
“When I’ve played this around town, people would say, ‘Oh, that’s the cheating song.’ It’s not really a cheating song. It’s more of a ‘trying to get the girl back’ song. That’s what I love about our format. You can interpret somebody’s song however you want. Somebody comes up and has their story for that song. I love that part of it.”
“Reckon” goes for adds on Aug. 8.
Exclusive: Adam Craig Gets His Big Break After 12 Years In Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonAdam Craig
Adam Craig is now getting ready for fans to know his voice as well as his songwriting, as the newest signing for BBR Label Group’s Stoney Creek Records imprint. The songwriter has penned songs including Love and Theft’s “Whiskey On My Breath” and Parmalee’s “Close Your Eyes,” along with cuts by Jason Aldean and Dustin Lynch.
“When I found out I was getting the Parmalee single, I thought, ‘I’ve got to go into Broken Bow and just thank them for allowing me to stay in town this long and keep my publishing deal,’” Craig said during a visit to MusicRow on Monday (July 18). “I went and sat down with Benny [Brown, CEO of BBR Music Group] and he was like, ‘OK, let’s hear some music.’ So I didn’t really know if I was pitching songs for other artists still or pitching myself. Then a week later he called asking if I wanted a record deal.”
That deal has been more than 12 years in the making for the Washington native. After playing in a band during his high school and college years, he made the move to Nashville on the advice of a Nashville producer who worked with Jake Owen.
Pictured (L-R): Adam Craig, MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson
“He was like, ‘If you are for real, you’ve got to move to Nashville. You’ve got to be present to win.’ So I quit school and moved across the United States.”
Once in Music City, he continued writing and honing his craft, and fell in with a circle of fellow talented songwriters, including Tyler Farr, Cole Swindell and Jon Pardi. He would go on to play guitar for Swindell when Swindell’s career took off.
“We had this thing back in the day called Saturday Song Day at his place,” Craig recalls of those days when the writers were all trying to make names for themselves. “We were fans of each other’s music, so we watched college football, drank lots of beer, and played each other’s demos all day. There were other people there. We joke about it now, but everyone is so busy now, it’s like, ‘How do we do that again?’ We didn’t realize how cool it was back then, but it was this cool moment.”
Adam Craig with MusicRow staff. Pictured (L-R): Troy Stephenson, Eric T. Parker, Craig Shelburne, Adam Craig, Sherod Robertson, Jessica Nicholson, and Molly Hannula.
When he’s not in the studio working alongside producer Derek George, Craig has been visiting radio stations across the nation, amassing several more of those cool moments as he brings his own music to radio and to fans.
During his visit to MusicRow, Adam Craig previewed three tracks, including his debut single, “Reckon, which was written by Jeremy Stover, Randy Montana and Derek George. He also sang “Just a Phase” and “Why Can’t She,” a tune he co-wrote in 2011 with Matt Rogers and Jon Nite.
“When I’ve played this around town, people would say, ‘Oh, that’s the cheating song.’ It’s not really a cheating song. It’s more of a ‘trying to get the girl back’ song. That’s what I love about our format. You can interpret somebody’s song however you want. Somebody comes up and has their story for that song. I love that part of it.”
“Reckon” goes for adds on Aug. 8.
Nashville’s Moon Taxi Pulls Out Of Voter Registration Show In Ohio
/by Robert K OermannMoon Taxi
Nashville rock band Moon Taxi has dropped out of a voter registration concert in Cleveland, Ohio, on Monday (July 18). The planned concert coincides with the Republican National Convention currently underway there.
A nonpartisan organization called headcount.org is staging multi-artist shows in conjunction with both political parties’ conventions in Cleveland and Philadelphia. Grace Potter and Dawes will take part in the event during the Democratic National Convention next week.
According to jambands.com, the group feels that the show “is no longer a nonpartisan statement for us.” The band’s statement published on that site reads:
Moon Taxi performed at the Ryman Auditorium during the multi-act Dylanfest celebration of Bob Dylan’s 70th birthday on May 23. The band is scheduled to play its next full Nashville show as a Live on the Green concert on September 3.
Musicians On Call, Kelsea Ballerini Bring Songs To Phoenix Children’s Hospital
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Pete Griffin, President, Musicians On Call; Kelsea Ballerini; Julie Schwarz, Child Life Zone Coordinator, Phoenix Children’s Hospital
Kelsea Ballerini and Musicians on Call (MOC) visited Phoenix Children’s Hospital on Friday (July 22) to kick off the organization’s first children’s program in Phoenix. The launch also marks MOC’s 60th bedside performance program overall. A longtime MOC supporter, Ballerini performed for patients, families and caregivers in the hospital’s Zone area before visiting with patients who were unable to make it to the lobby.
Musicians on Call is a nonprofit that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. Their expansion to Phoenix Children’s Hospital is thanks in part to support from ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music.
“Musicians On Call is a truly inspiring organization and the smiles that they bring to patients and families is immeasurable. To be here, in Phoenix, and a part of the launch of a brand new program is a real honor,” said Ballerini.
“We’re so excited to have Kelsea here to support the launch of our 60th Bedside Performance Program and first Children’s program in Phoenix,” said Pete Griffin, Musicians On Call President. “Throughout the years Kelsea has been a huge supporter of ours. Kelsea’s fun music and energy always brighten the days of these patients.”
Bobby Osborne, 84, Launches PledgeMusic Campaign
/by Craig_ShelburneBobby Osborne
Bobby Osborne, a bluegrass pioneer with The Osborne Brothers, has launched a campaign with PledgeMusic to record a new album.
At the age of 84, the Opry star is the oldest living artist to utilize PledgeMusic, the premier crowd funding platform for musicians. The campaign concludes Sunday (July 24).
The album will be produced by Alison Brown (Grammy-winning composer and instrumentalist, 2015 IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award winner, and co-founder of Compass Records) and recorded at Compass Sound Studios in Nashville. Special guests will include Brown and Sierra Hull, who both filmed a performance of Osborne’s classic “Pain in My Heart” with him as part of the campaign.
Osborne carries on the bluegrass legacy with his high lonesome tenor vocals, yet plays the tradition forward in his role on the faculty at the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music in his hometown of Hyden, Kentucky.
Those who pre-order will also receive access to video stories with Osborne backstage at the Opry and live footage from the recording studio with some of the top players and singers in bluegrass. Best known for their recording of “Rocky Top,” the Osborne Brothers joined the Opry cast in 1964.
Rewards include signature picks and strings, a signed Bobby Osborne signature mandolin, a Grand Ole Opry backstage package, and a private concert with Osborne at the donor’s home or office.
Brown said, “One of the things that the bluegrass community does really well is to honor its elders. Bobby Osborne played a pivotal role in shaping the genre in its early days both through the classic songs he brought to the music like ‘Rocky Top’ as well as through the spirit of creativity and innovation that characterized the Osborne Brothers’ sound. Although he’s in his 7th decade as a recording artist, Bobby still has a lot to say musically. I’m delighted to be a part of an effort that will expand his recorded catalog and bring some new Bobby Osborne music to his fans.”
Recording will begin late summer and release date is slated for early 2017 on Compass Records.
Green Hills Music Group Signs Mary Haller To Publishing Deal
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Woody Bomar, Mary Haller, Sheree Spoltore. Photo: Jill Block
Boston songwriter Mary Haller has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Green Hills Music Group.
She was introduced to Green Hills president Woody Bomar by Sheree Spoltore, president of songwriter career development company Global Songwriters Connection.
Bomar said, “I met Mary a couple of years ago at a GSC event. I was impressed and started listening to her songs. We have already gotten a couple of cuts and I look forward to this exclusive relationship and a lot more success!”
Said Haller, “I am honored to be working with such a successful publisher. Woody understands songwriters and songwriting like no one else I know.”
Green Hills Music Group also markets the music of Bob Regan, Steve Mitchell, Danika Portz, Rich Karg, Bonnie Baker, Steve Williams and Georgia Middleman.
Kenny Rogers Wrapping Up Christmas Tours After 35 Years
/by Craig_ShelburneKenny Rogers will conclude 35 years of annual holiday shows with his final Christmas & Hits Tour this year.
The tour will begin on Nov. 25 in Independence, Missouri, and continue through Dec 23 in Westbury, New York. A very limited number of VIP ticket packages will be offered, allowing fans the opportunity to meet Rogers and receive one-of-a-kind memorabilia.
He will be joined by guest Linda Davis and will perform a mix of seasonal favorites and signature hits on the 16-city tour. Rogers will conclude his farewell tour, known as The Gambler’s Last Deal, in 2017.
“Christmas has always been a special time of year to me,” Rogers said. “The feeling I get performing on the Christmas tour is one of the things I’ll really miss about not being on the road. We will be sure to take extra time to cherish some moments on this last go around, and I hope as many people as possible will be able to join us in creating a new set of holiday memories.”
Vince Gill, Chris Stapleton, James Taylor Join All For The Hall In L.A.
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Stapleton and James Taylor will join Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill to perform at All for the Hall Los Angeles, a fundraiser for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The event will be held Tuesday, Sept. 27 at The Novo by Microsoft.
A limited number of VIP tables are on sale now and available for purchase at $5,000 and $10,000 levels. Event proceeds will support the Museum’s education programs.
In addition, the museum will join forces with Education Through Music-Los Angeles, a foundation that promotes the integration of music into the curricula of disadvantaged schools. The two institutions will provide the museum’s Words & Music educational experience for students at Dorris Place Elementary in Los Angeles. Later, the students will take the stage as the opening act at All for the Hall Los Angeles to debut an original song written for the evening. The students will write a song under the direction of Grammy-winning songwriter Liz Rose.
All for the Hall Los Angeles is produced by CAA’s Rod Essig, Vector Management’s Ken Levitan, Gary Overton, and BMI’s Jody Williams.
Black Box Hires Adam Zinke As VP, Digital, For New Nashville Office
/by Jessica NicholsonAdam Zinke
Music marketing agency Black Box has opened a Nashville outpost and has hired Adam Zinke as VP, Digital, to lead the operation. Zinke is a former Sr. Director of Interactive Marketing for Warner Music Nashville.
Los Angeles-based Black Box has a client roster of more than 70 artists, including Andra Day, AWOLNATION, Best Coast, Bridgit Mendler, Brooke Candy, Death Cab For Cutie, Janelle Monae, Jason Mraz, Jidenna, and The Wombats. They also rep Nashville-based band MONA, who are signed with Bright Antenna Records.
“Black Box is focused on artist development and branding in today’s music business. Opening an office in Nashville in less than a year of our L.A. launch, with Adam at the helm of our digital operations, is an exciting moment for us,” said Black Box Founder & CEO Livia Tortella.
Black Box General Manager Brian Popowitz adds, “Adam’s track record and reputation is in a class of its own and will be an important part of building the premiere modern music marketing agency that can create a business out of authenticity and the artist-to-fan relationship.”
He can be reached at adam@blackbox.la.
Kane Brown Will Headline Tour Presented By Monster Energy, Outbreak Presents
/by Craig_ShelburneKane Brown
RCA Nashville artist Kane Brown will launch a headline tour presented by Monster Energy and Outbreak Presents in the fall. The 30-date tour will begin Nov. 3 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and conclude Jan. 21 in Houston. Not all dates have been announced.
For his Ain’t No Stopping Us Now Tour, Brown was handpicked by Outbreak Presents, which is known for presenting emerging artists across all genres in top venues at a reasonable price. Past headliners include Kendrick Lamar, Macklemore, Iggy Azalea, Cole Swindell, and Fetty Wap.
“I’m so excited to announce that we are doing the Ain’t No Stopping Us Now Tour with Monster Energy and Outbreak,” Brown said. “This fall tour is going to be bigger and better than anything we’ve done so far and I can’t wait for all the fans out on the road to see the show.”
“Kane Brown is a man of his time and we look forward to continuing the trajectory of sold out shows on what will be his biggest headlining tour to date,” adds Steven Ljubicic, General Manager at Outbreak Presents.
Brown has already established himself as a social media force with “Used To Love You Sober” and his Chapter 1 EP. He will release a new country single, “Thunder in the Rain,” in August.
Weekly Register: Florida Georgia Line Make “Smooth” Debut
/by Jessica NicholsonFlorida Georgia Line Photo: Jim Wright
Florida Georgia Line hold the No. 1 and No. 3 spot on this week’s country digital tracks chart.
The duo has the top country debut this week, with “Smooth” landing at No. 3 country and No. 31 overall. The track sold 22K, and is the follow-up to “H.O.L.Y.”, which is still atop the country digital tracks chart. “H.O.L.Y.” moved 61K this week, for a total of 859K after 11 weeks.
At No. 2 on the country tracks chart is Kelsea Ballerini‘s “Peter Pan,” with 23K sold. “Different For Girls,” by Dierks Bentley with Elle King, moved 21K for a No. 4 rank. Jon Pardi‘s “Head Over Boots” lands at No. 5 this week, with 19K.
On the tracks sales rankings, Justin Timberlake‘s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” remains at No. 1, selling 92K this week. After 10 weeks, “Can’t Stop the Feeling” has sold more than 1.6 million units.
Overall track sales declined 25.4 percent YTD, while country digital track sales have declined 23.6 percent year to date
The country rankings have no Top 10 debuts, though Mark Chesnutt‘s Tradition Lives debuts at No. 22 (1.8K). Kree Harrison‘s This Old Thing debuts at No. 28 with just over 900 units.
Overall album sales declined 15 percent YTD, while overall digital album sales declined 20.2 percent. Country album sales decreased 7.9 percent, while country digital album sales decreased 14.6 percent YTD.
On the overall chart, accounting for streams and sales, Drake‘s Views returns to No. 1 (92K units/18K album only), but the Top 10 sees three debuts. Schoolboy Q‘s Blank Face LP debuted at No. 2 (74K/52K album only), while Chevelle‘s North Corridor debuted at No. 8 (32.5K/31K album only), and Switchfoot‘s Where The Light Shines Through debuted at No. 10 (29K/27K album only).