Reba and Brooks & Dunn at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Photo: Justin McIntosh
“I love getting to hang out with Ronnie and Kix. I love them with all my heart,” Reba tells MusicRow, as she prepares to return to the stage with Brooks & Dunn this month. The upcoming shows are part of their Together In Vegas residency at the Colosseum Caesars Palace. “They are two of my best friends and we have a good time on and off stage.”
The residency opened in 2015, and the pairing of the two superstar acts is as natural as it is spectacular. Brooks & Dunn served as Reba’s opening act in 1992, when the duo was just getting their first taste of success off the strength of singles like “Brand New Man,” “My Next Broken Heart,” and “Neon Moon.” By 1997, they were co-headliners, which resulted in the No. 1 single “If You See Him (If You See Her)” the following year. They collaborated again in 2009 on the hit, “Cowgirls Don’t Cry.”
Reba’s music has taken her around the world, but she says teaming with Brooks & Dunn and Caesars Palace offered a chance to entertain fans without the rigorous travel schedule. “I’ve been doing this 40 years. To get to be in one place for three weeks like we are in July—we are playing three shows a week, on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday for three weeks—I’m in my same dressing room, on the same stage. It’s heaven. I absolutely love it. We don’t have to load in, load out, it’s easier on my crew, easier on my band, and everybody loves it. The people here at Caesars are incredible. They are so hospitable, they take great care of us and we have become great friends.”
Reba’s entire team began work on the production in 2014. She said, “We rehearsed a long time in Nashville before bringing it to Las Vegas. Steve Cohen did a beautiful job on staging. It’s a functional, moving, beautiful lighting design and we just have a blast on it.”
To prepare, Reba watched two of Celine Dion’s residency shows at Caesars, as well as shows from Shania Twain and Bette Midler. “I was very overwhelmed at the size and enormousness of the stage,” says Reba. “But the way they designed the staging of it, it’s not that big of a feeling to me. It’s very cozy and warm.”
Reba and Ronnie Dunn at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Photo: Justin McIntosh
That cozy atmosphere also allowed Reba to opt for more relaxed stage attire. “Terry Gordon designed and created my outfits. I wear a lot of my boots from my Dillard’s line. We adorned them a little bit, put a few more rhinestones on them, but that was neat to get to wear my boots onstage.”
Reba says the most challenging part of creating the run of Vegas shows was deciding which hits to perform, and how to include as many as possible. “Putting the set list together took forever, because Ronnie and Kix have a huge catalog, and I’ve got a huge catalog, so just narrowing down the songs we want to play that we think the fans will like, that was the hardest part.”
Reba, Kix and Ronnie were not content with a segmented performance model where each artist sings their own set and leaves the stage. Instead, they begin and end their shows together. In between, it’s a collaborative undertaking, with each artist weaving in and out of the other’s songs. Reba says that spontaneity keeps her on her toes. “You never know what they are going to say or what they are going to do. These guys are not anybody that you can say, ‘OK, at this point, say this.’ They will look at you like, ‘OK, I’m going to tell you what I’m going to say when I say it.’”
She continues, “So I walk out each night ready for anything. Every night they hit me with a little zinger that I don’t know where that’s coming from. It’s just their personalities. They are witty and they are funny. They don’t have any barriers and they just go for it. It’s very refreshing to me because I’ve always been a little more strict and to the rules, and they are not, so it’s a good blend for both of us.”
Reba and Brooks & Dunn’s Together In Vegas residency continues through July 30, followed by shows on Nov. 30, Dec. 2, 3, 7, 9 and 10. A string of shows are slated for 2017, including dates on Feb. 22, 24, and 25; and March 1, 3, and 4.
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).
Nashville Artists Join Benefit Concert For Slain Dallas Officers
/by Craig_ShelburneSixteen artists have been confirmed for a July 27 benefit concert supporting the families of slain Dallas police officers.
Billed as Stars Behind the Stars, the event is produced by Kirt Webster and Scott Adkins of Webster Public Relations in association with Concho Minick of Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. Billy Bob’s Texas is donating the facility and providing staffing and marketing for the event.
The lineup includes Tanya Tucker, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mickey Gilley, Collin Raye, Janie Fricke, T. Graham Brown, T.G. Sheppard, Kelly Lang, The Bellamy Brothers, Johnny Lee, Gene Watson, Mark Wills, John Conlee, Ronnie McDowell, and Moe Bandy, with a special appearance from Randy Travis.
Advanced Aviation Team will provide private charter airfare to make it possible for artists to travel and participate in Stars Behind the Stars.
Tickets are $10 general admission, $20 reserved. All proceeds will go to Dallas Police Association’s Assist the Officer Foundation. The Assist the Officer Foundation provides immediate financial assistance to an officer’s family in the event of the death of an active officer.
In Pictures: Dierks Bentley, Elle King, ‘Skyville Live,’ Steven Tyler
/by Craig_ShelburneDierks Bentley, Elle King Discuss “Different For Girls”
Pictured (L-R): Cody Alan, Elle King, Dierks Bentley
Dierks Bentley and Elle King chatted with CMT’s Cody Alan about how the singers’ hit collaboration “Different For Girls” came together. In addition, Bentley talked about touring with Randy Houser, while King visited about touring with the Dixie Chicks. The full interview airs this week on CMT After MidNite and CMT Radio Live.
Skyville Live Features Cast of Nashville
Pictured (L-R): Mark Collie, Pam Tillis, JD Souther, Charles Esten, Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack. Photo: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images
A new episode of Skyville Live was filmed Wednesday night (July 13) in Nashville, featuring cast members of the series Nashville. Performers included Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, Charles Esten, Lennon & Maisy, Mark Collie, JD Souther and Pam Tillis. “I don’t know where there is better music in Nashville,” said Tillis, who has made guest appearances as herself on the show.
Maisy Stella and Lennon Stella of Lennon & Maisy. Photo: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images
Steven Tyler Buckles Up With Professional Bull Riders
Pictured: Steven Tyler (back row, center) poses with PBR riders Nevada Newman, Jess Lockwood, Cooper Davis, and Ryan Dirteater, with “Hold On (Don’t Let Go)” songwriters Jared Gutstadt and Poo Bear in front.
Steven Tyler’s new song, “Hold On (Won’t Let Go)” will be the new anthem for Professional Bull Riders (PBR) . The will be heard by fans at the beginning of each PBR event on CBS and CBS Sports, in arenas holding PBR events coast to coast, and throughout PBR’s advertising and marketing, including an upcoming social media campaign.
Tyler wrote the song with Poo Bear and Jared Gutstadt. The track appears on Tyler’s new album for Dot Records, We’re All Somebody From Somewhere.
“The toughest 8 seconds in sports is staying on the back and riding that bull,” said Tyler. “A musician’s whole career is judged in 8 seconds or less. Whether it’s a song on the radio or a performance, there’s no better anthem for the spirit of the game and the big win than ‘Hold On (Don’t Let Go)’.”
Artist Updates: Canaan Smith, Thompson Square, Jimmy Wayne
/by Jessica NicholsonCanaan Smith Launches ‘Smashing’ Charity Initiative
Canaan Smith
Mercury Nashville artist Canaan Smith has launched the charitable initiative Smash Cancer, which will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
On stage earlier this year and feeling the energy he shares with his fans, Smith had an impulse to smash something. He says, “I didn’t realize what was happening, all of a sudden I’m clutching this drum I just bashed.”
Smith now autographs the drums he smashes in concert and auctions them off after each show to raise money for the organization. Prior to its official launch, Smash Cancer has already raised nearly $20,000 for St. Jude and caught the attention of Guitar Center. The instrument retailer generously donated a considerable number of drum sets and guitars to the cause.
Thompson Square Headlines Buchholz Bowl
Pictured (L-R): L-R: Keifer Thompson, Lindsay Buchholz, Clay Buchholz, Shawna Thompson
Thompson Square helped raise $250,000 for the Clay Buchholz Foundation when they headlined the fourth annual Buchholz Bowl on July 7 at the House of Blues in Boston. This year’s proceeds will benefit Melmark New England, Family Reach Foundation, Pitching in for Kids and Christopher’s Haven. The duo shared the stage with comedian Josh Wolf as the host and were joined by country artists Wade Bowen and Kevin Fowler.
“We always love to go to Boston but this past visit was particularly special,” says Keifer Thompson. “We always jump at the opportunity to be a part of a good cause but now with our son Cooper, charities that help children in need, like the Clay Buchholz Foundation, really strike a chord with us. I’m glad we were able to be there and do our part.”
Created by Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz and wife Lindsay in March 2013, the foundation works with established and qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations to provides health, educational and sports opportunities to improve the lives of children in need.
Jimmy Wayne’s Book Surpasses 100K Sales
“I wrote Walk To Beautiful with best-selling author Ken Abraham after walking from Nashville to Phoenix to raise awareness for at-risk foster children,” says Wayne. “When I was 16, I was given a home by Bea and Russell Costner, and I wouldn’t be here today if not for their kindness and generosity.”
“Jimmy Wayne is an inspiration to all who meet him, and there have been so many that have now met him through the pages of Walk to Beautiful as well,” says Matt Baugher, Senior Vice President of Thomas Nelson and Publisher of W Publishing Group. “Jimmy is a tireless promoter for a healthy foster care system in this country and has done more to advance this great cause than almost any other individual in the last few years. This book is just one small part of that effort, and we’re honored to partner with him.”
Exclusive: Reba’s Ready For Anything With Brooks & Dunn
/by Jessica NicholsonReba and Brooks & Dunn at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Photo: Justin McIntosh
“I love getting to hang out with Ronnie and Kix. I love them with all my heart,” Reba tells MusicRow, as she prepares to return to the stage with Brooks & Dunn this month. The upcoming shows are part of their Together In Vegas residency at the Colosseum Caesars Palace. “They are two of my best friends and we have a good time on and off stage.”
The residency opened in 2015, and the pairing of the two superstar acts is as natural as it is spectacular. Brooks & Dunn served as Reba’s opening act in 1992, when the duo was just getting their first taste of success off the strength of singles like “Brand New Man,” “My Next Broken Heart,” and “Neon Moon.” By 1997, they were co-headliners, which resulted in the No. 1 single “If You See Him (If You See Her)” the following year. They collaborated again in 2009 on the hit, “Cowgirls Don’t Cry.”
Reba’s music has taken her around the world, but she says teaming with Brooks & Dunn and Caesars Palace offered a chance to entertain fans without the rigorous travel schedule. “I’ve been doing this 40 years. To get to be in one place for three weeks like we are in July—we are playing three shows a week, on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday for three weeks—I’m in my same dressing room, on the same stage. It’s heaven. I absolutely love it. We don’t have to load in, load out, it’s easier on my crew, easier on my band, and everybody loves it. The people here at Caesars are incredible. They are so hospitable, they take great care of us and we have become great friends.”
Reba’s entire team began work on the production in 2014. She said, “We rehearsed a long time in Nashville before bringing it to Las Vegas. Steve Cohen did a beautiful job on staging. It’s a functional, moving, beautiful lighting design and we just have a blast on it.”
To prepare, Reba watched two of Celine Dion’s residency shows at Caesars, as well as shows from Shania Twain and Bette Midler. “I was very overwhelmed at the size and enormousness of the stage,” says Reba. “But the way they designed the staging of it, it’s not that big of a feeling to me. It’s very cozy and warm.”
Reba and Ronnie Dunn at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Photo: Justin McIntosh
That cozy atmosphere also allowed Reba to opt for more relaxed stage attire. “Terry Gordon designed and created my outfits. I wear a lot of my boots from my Dillard’s line. We adorned them a little bit, put a few more rhinestones on them, but that was neat to get to wear my boots onstage.”
Reba says the most challenging part of creating the run of Vegas shows was deciding which hits to perform, and how to include as many as possible. “Putting the set list together took forever, because Ronnie and Kix have a huge catalog, and I’ve got a huge catalog, so just narrowing down the songs we want to play that we think the fans will like, that was the hardest part.”
Reba, Kix and Ronnie were not content with a segmented performance model where each artist sings their own set and leaves the stage. Instead, they begin and end their shows together. In between, it’s a collaborative undertaking, with each artist weaving in and out of the other’s songs. Reba says that spontaneity keeps her on her toes. “You never know what they are going to say or what they are going to do. These guys are not anybody that you can say, ‘OK, at this point, say this.’ They will look at you like, ‘OK, I’m going to tell you what I’m going to say when I say it.’”
She continues, “So I walk out each night ready for anything. Every night they hit me with a little zinger that I don’t know where that’s coming from. It’s just their personalities. They are witty and they are funny. They don’t have any barriers and they just go for it. It’s very refreshing to me because I’ve always been a little more strict and to the rules, and they are not, so it’s a good blend for both of us.”
Reba and Brooks & Dunn’s Together In Vegas residency continues through July 30, followed by shows on Nov. 30, Dec. 2, 3, 7, 9 and 10. A string of shows are slated for 2017, including dates on Feb. 22, 24, and 25; and March 1, 3, and 4.
Nashville Band Goodbye June Aligns With Interscope For EP
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville rock band Goodbye June has released a new track, “Darlin’,” via Cotton Valley Music/Interscope Records, with an EP to follow. The track is being featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist.
The band collaborated with producer Paul Moak, known for his work with The Weeks and Joy Williams of Civil Wars. A full-length debut is set for 2017. Other tracks they’ve released are “Man of the Moment” and “Oh No.”
Goodbye June will be promoted by Interscope’s new Nashville office. The band previously inked a deal with Nashville-based label Cotton Valley Music in 2012.
Growing up, cousins Landon Milbourn, Brandon Qualkenbush, and Tyler Baker had longtime plans of forming a band. When Baker’s brother was killed in a car accident in June 2005, it served as a catalyst for the trio to chase their dreams now, rather than later.
“It wasn’t until after Shane passed away that we decided to finally make this happen, and to focus on writing music that felt really meaningful to us,” notes Qualkenbush.
Interscope’s Nashville roster also includes soulful rock artist Billy Raffoul, and pop/country singer Elizabeth Huett.
Nicholas Sparks Teams With Songwriter For Upcoming Novel
/by Craig_ShelburneNicholas Sparks
Nicholas Sparks’ next novel will include a song written by JD Eicher as part of its storyline. Eicher released his album, The Middle Distance, on Nashville-based Rock Ridge Music in May. Based in Ohio, Eicher is also managed by Rock Ridge Music.
Best known as the author of The Notebook, Sparks will release the book Two by Two on Oct. 4. Meanwhile, Eicher wrote and produced a song titled “Two by Two,” which was inspired by the book. The song “Two by Two” is also incorporated into the narrative of Sparks’ novel, described in press materials as “a poignant tale of rediscovered love and the power of family, with the story of one man’s journey to rebuild his life as the single parent of a six-year old daughter.”
The soundtrack will include four songs and will be available to fans for free via one of the author’s websites starting Sept. 6 through Dec. 6. The set also includes a re-recorded version of “Not Afraid” from The Middle Distance and remasters of previously released songs “Love Is Gonna Find You” and “The Last Love Song.”
Sparks says, “It’s been so stimulating creatively, and rewarding at a personal level, to collaborate with JD on the Two By Two soundtrack project. I know my readers will flock to his music because he intuitively understands the characters and relationships at the heart of this story—he is a master of complex emotion.”
“The opportunity to collaborate with Nicholas on the Two By Two project has been a great honor and very exciting for me,” says Eicher. “I love the challenge of writing a song for a particular purpose, and diving into the Two By Two story and its themes was an inspiring and rewarding process. I am beyond grateful to have the chance to work with such a gifted storyteller!”
JD Eicher