Country Radio Broadcasters Honor Jeff Walker
The Country Radio Broadcasters organization has dedicated a memorial plaque to the late Jeff Walker. The plaque now hangs in the CRB office.
Pictured (L-R): Christy Walker-Watkins, Terri Walker, Jon Walker
Songwriters Allen Shamblin, Tom Douglas Release Second Video In New Series
Pictured (L-R): Tom Douglas, Allen Shamblin
“Legacy,” the second song and video in the four-song, four-music video project from award winning songwriters Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin and is now available for viewing at tomdouglasmusic.com. Shatter the Madness is an ambitious undertaking from two of music’s most prolific songwriters.
“In my lifetime, I’ve never seen our country and this world in such a desperate place,” Shamblin said. “Hope is under attack. The hard working people of this country look around and see things aren’t getting any better for them. They do everything right, but it seems the deck is stacked against them. What do you do with that outlook? How can you make it better when it feels like there’s no hope?”
“Politics and politicians have definitely gone to a very dark place in our country,” Douglas added. “It’s almost impossible to have a civil discussion about the candidates. And it is impossible for the candidates to have a civil discussion with each other. People are frustrated and seem to think that there’s nothing we can do to make it better. Allen and I share that frustration. That’s why we decided to do this project—we needed to add another, more hopeful voice to the conversation.”
The four songs (“The House That Built Me,” “Legacy,” “Good Man Gone Bad” and “Shatter the Madness”) follow one protagonist throughout the project, as he goes from happiness to despair and anger, eventually returning to love and hope. Each music video opens with a conversation between Allen and Douglas, discussing each song and the inspiration behind them. The songs and videos will also be released to iTunes as they premiere on the tomdouglasmusic.com website.
Berklee Releases 2016 Edition Of Music Careers In Dollars And Cents
The Boston music college Berklee has released the 2016 edition of Music Careers in Dollars and Cents, its comprehensive directory of salary ranges for U.S. music positions in performance, writing, business, audio technology, education, and music therapy. A new section, Digital/Streaming Media, details salaries for emerging career paths including social media specialist, director of content, search engine optimization specialist, licensing manager, and interaction experience/user interface designer.
Positions with six figure earning potential include orchestra musician and conductor, artist manager, music attorney, booking agent, concert promoter, video game audio director and audio tool developer, live sound (front of house engineer), and record producer and engineer.
For the full study, visit berklee.edu.
Dolly Parton, Sony Music Nashville Team For ‘Pure & Simple’ Album
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Doug Morris, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment; Dolly Parton; Danny Nozell, CEO, CTK Management.
Dolly Parton and Sony Music Nashville announced a joint venture for Parton’s new studio album, Pure & Simple. The album will release Aug. 19 on Dolly Records/RCA Nashville, and can be pre-ordered starting Friday (July 8).
“I may not be pure, but I’m as simple as they come! This new Pure & Simple project is really special to me because I’m taking my fans back to my roots. I feel like these songs have a pure, tender side and we didn’t go overboard with arrangements. I’m so glad we’ve teamed up with our friends at Sony to get this album out to the fans,” said Parton.
Doug Morris, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said, “Dolly Parton is a national treasure and an iconic singer/songwriter. We are thrilled to be expanding our successful relationship with her through this new global agreement. We are very proud to call her a member of the Sony Music family.”
“This is a special reunion for Dolly, RCA Nashville and for me personally,” commented Randy Goodman, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Nashville. “Our entire Sony Music Nashville team is elated. We have a firm foundation of Dolly’s incredible catalog of hits on RCA Nashville as well as Columbia Nashville.”
Track Listing for Pure and Simple:
Sony/ATV Music Publishing Renews Deal With Jaren Johnston
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Josh Van Valkenburg, Sony/ATV Nashville; Evyn Mustoe, ASCAP; Jaren Johnston; Tom Luteran, Abbey Adams, Hannah Williams, Troy Tomlinson, and Terry Wakefield, all of Sony/ATV Nashville.
Sony/ATV Music Publishing has renewed its publishing agreement with songwriter Jaren Johnston, who is also lead singer of The Cadillac Three.
Johnston’s catalog includes “Beachin’,” “Days of Gold” and “American Country Love Song” recorded by Jake Owen; “Meanwhile Back At Mama’s” and “Southern Girl” recorded by Tim McGraw; “You Gonna Fly” and “Raise ‘Em Up” recorded by Keith Urban with the latter featuring Eric Church; “Don’t It” recorded by Billy Currington; and “Sunshine and Whiskey” recorded by Frankie Ballard.
Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville President/CEO Troy Tomlinson stated, “Our team is thrilled to extend our long relationship with Jaren. We always consider it a privilege to represent a hit songwriter, but it is extra special when that writer truly is a part of the family. Jaren exemplifies that with his hard work, his personality, his attitude and his spirit of gratitude.”
Imagem Music US Signs Nashville Songwriter Carey Ott
/by Jessica NicholsonCarey Ott
Imagem Music US has signed Nashville-based singer/songwriter Carey Ott. The signing marks the first Nashville agreement for the company.
Ott’s music has appeared in shows, films and commercials, including Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Kyle XY, and campaigns for JCPenney, Coors Light and more. He also contributed a song to The Greencards‘ Grammy-nominated album Sweetheart of the Sun.
Ott’s self-published song “The Hard Way” has been recorded by Gary Allan. Ott has had cuts by Jack Tempchin, The Silver Seas, and Dualtone artist Rebecca Roubion.
Carey produces and engineers his own master recordings through his personal studio, Velvet Shoreline. Following three years with Dualtone/Cal IV (2005-2008), Ott is building his self-published catalog Long Story Short. He has worked with producers and artists such as Tempchin (The Eagles’ “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and “Already Gone”), Dylan Altman (Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Jake Owen), Iain Archer (Snow Patrol, Jake Bugg), Lincoln Parish (Cage The Elephant), Steve Albini (Pixies, Nirvana, Bush), Brian Deck (Iron & Wine, Counting Crows, Modest Mouse), Ray Kennedy (Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Ray Davies) and Chris Gelbuda (Meghan Trainor, Sabrina Carpenter, Billy Currington).
Kimberly Schlapman Extends Her Home Collection At Cracker Barrel
/by Craig_ShelburneLittle Big Town‘s Kimberly Schlapman will introduce her Oh Gussie! Summer collection on Thursday (July 7) at Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores across the country and online. The summer line follows the success of her fall/holiday line which debuted in October.
The Oh Gussie! Summer launch features 57 new kitchenware and home goods pieces with Schlapman’s signature feminine Southern style, and also some special new Paw Paw Pottery pieces that are replications of her father’s work behind the potters wheel. Staple pieces and fan favorites like the delicate dinner plates, vintage-inspired glassware, and gorgeous wood cutting boards will return this summer.
“I’m so excited to share my summer collection from Cracker Barrel with you,” Schlapman said. “It’s full of new cozy goodies for your kitchen and home that have me giddy with excitement. Some of my favorite new items include pink Lodge cast iron cookware, adorable mother-daughter rain boots, a lamp that’s reminiscent of one my favorite vintage lamps, and a wooden side table that is both convenient and beautiful. I believe you’ll love this collection as much as I do, and I hope it will add special warmth to your home.”
Schlapman will be visiting the Cracker Barrel in Fishers, Indiana (9700 N by Northeast Blvd) on Saturday, July 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to sign pieces from the new line, meet, and visit with fans. Little Big Town is performing in Indianapolis that night on Luke Bryan‘s Kill the Lights Tour.
TSA Precheck Enrollment For Music Industry Set For August
/by Jessica NicholsonThe event is intended for music industry/entertainment clients, and allows industry members and family members to register for U.S. Citizens Global Entry and TSA Precheck without traveling to the airport for the interview process or waiting in lines at participating airports. TSA sends dedicated agents just for the event.
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. There is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for the program, and participants may enter the United States by using automated kiosks located at select airports.
TSA Precheck allows low-risk travelers to experience faster, more efficient screening at participating U.S. airport checkpoints for domestic and international travel.
For more information on registering, visit appointmentgroup.com.
Songwriter Larry McCoy Signs with HoriPro Entertainment Group
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R) SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, HoriPro’s Courtney Crist and Lee Krabel, McCoy, HoriPro’s Butch Baker and Tim Stehli, SESAC’s Dennis Lord. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Larry McCoy, a co-writer of Thomas Rhett’s “Make Me Wanna,” has signed with HoriPro Entertainment Group for representation. McCoy is also affiliated with SESAC. He celebrated the signing with a visit to the PRO’s new offices, joined by the HoriPro team.
McCoy is an accomplished singer, songwriter and musician and has played guitar and provided background vocals for Brian White, Joe Diffie, Ray Stevens and Eddie Money. McCoy co-wrote “Make Me Wanna” with Bart Butler and Thomas Rhett.
Chely Wright To Release New Album, ‘I Am The Rain’
/by Jessica NicholsonChely Wright. Photo: Matthew Rodgers
Chely Wright is set to release her first album in five years, and eighth studio album overall, I Am The Rain, on MRI/Sony. The project will release to stores and online retailers on Sept. 9.
The Kickstarter-funded project includes her newest single “What About Your Heart,” and was recorded at Los Angeles’ Sunset Sound studio with producer/artist Joe Henry.
Emmylou Harris provides backing vocals on “Pain,” while Henry and longtime friend Rodney Crowell were co-writers on “At the Heart of Me.” Wright also offers a rendition of Bob Dylan’s classic “Tomorrow Is a Long Time,” featuring backing vocals from indie-folk duo The Milk Carton Kids.
In 1995, Wright was named the ACM’s Top New Female Vocalist, and followed with several hit singles, including “Shut Up and Drive,” “Single White Female,” “Jezebel,” and more. In 2010, she release her memoir Like Me, and became an advocate for the LGBT community.
The following year saw the release of the documentary Wish Me Away, which detailed Wright’s private struggle with her very public decision to come out as gay, as well as the aftermath of that decision. The feature-length film earned unanimous applause, was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award in Outstanding Documentary, and a dozen top festival awards including the Grand Jury Prize as Best Documentary at the 2011 Los Angeles Film Festival. In addition, Wish Me Away‘s 2012 Showtime broadcast received a News and Documentary Emmy Award nomination in the category of Outstanding Informational Programming – Long Form.
I Am The Rain Track Listing:
Industry Ink: CRB, Jeff Walker, Tom Douglas, Berklee Career Salaries Study
/by Jessica NicholsonCountry Radio Broadcasters Honor Jeff Walker
The Country Radio Broadcasters organization has dedicated a memorial plaque to the late Jeff Walker. The plaque now hangs in the CRB office.
Pictured (L-R): Christy Walker-Watkins, Terri Walker, Jon Walker
Songwriters Allen Shamblin, Tom Douglas Release Second Video In New Series
Pictured (L-R): Tom Douglas, Allen Shamblin
“Legacy,” the second song and video in the four-song, four-music video project from award winning songwriters Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin and is now available for viewing at tomdouglasmusic.com. Shatter the Madness is an ambitious undertaking from two of music’s most prolific songwriters.
“In my lifetime, I’ve never seen our country and this world in such a desperate place,” Shamblin said. “Hope is under attack. The hard working people of this country look around and see things aren’t getting any better for them. They do everything right, but it seems the deck is stacked against them. What do you do with that outlook? How can you make it better when it feels like there’s no hope?”
“Politics and politicians have definitely gone to a very dark place in our country,” Douglas added. “It’s almost impossible to have a civil discussion about the candidates. And it is impossible for the candidates to have a civil discussion with each other. People are frustrated and seem to think that there’s nothing we can do to make it better. Allen and I share that frustration. That’s why we decided to do this project—we needed to add another, more hopeful voice to the conversation.”
The four songs (“The House That Built Me,” “Legacy,” “Good Man Gone Bad” and “Shatter the Madness”) follow one protagonist throughout the project, as he goes from happiness to despair and anger, eventually returning to love and hope. Each music video opens with a conversation between Allen and Douglas, discussing each song and the inspiration behind them. The songs and videos will also be released to iTunes as they premiere on the tomdouglasmusic.com website.
Berklee Releases 2016 Edition Of Music Careers In Dollars And Cents
The Boston music college Berklee has released the 2016 edition of Music Careers in Dollars and Cents, its comprehensive directory of salary ranges for U.S. music positions in performance, writing, business, audio technology, education, and music therapy. A new section, Digital/Streaming Media, details salaries for emerging career paths including social media specialist, director of content, search engine optimization specialist, licensing manager, and interaction experience/user interface designer.
Positions with six figure earning potential include orchestra musician and conductor, artist manager, music attorney, booking agent, concert promoter, video game audio director and audio tool developer, live sound (front of house engineer), and record producer and engineer.
For the full study, visit berklee.edu.
Eric Paslay Partners With Dexcom To Share Diabetes Experiences
/by Jessica NicholsonEric Paslay
Singer-songwriter Eric Paslay has teamed with Dexcom, Inc., which provides continuous glucose monitoring for patients with diabetes.
Paslay, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 10, will share his personal experience with diabetes, as well as how proper glucose management has allowed him to live a full life. Paslay will attend and perform at the Children with Diabetes Friends for Life international conference on Wednesday (July 6) in Orlando, where he will speak with families and children impacted by diabetes.
“When I’m on the road with a crazy schedule, it’s very hard to keep a regular routine, let alone watch what I’m eating and stay on top of my blood glucose levels,” said Paslay. “What’s really amazing about the Dexcom CGM is that I’m no longer surprised while I’m on stage—I can see my levels go up and down and take action. My tour manager also monitors my levels with the Follow app and tells me in my earpiece if they are going high or low, so I can take steps to get back in check. As a musician and an individual living with diabetes, I can’t say enough good things about the impact CGM has made on my personal and professional life.”
Kacey Musgraves, Meghan Trainor Join Tribute Single For GLAAD, Orlando Shooting Victims
/by Jessica NicholsonKacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves, Ty Herndon and Meghan Trainor are among the musical artists set to honor the victims of the June 12 shootings in Orlando, with the release of the tribute single “Hands.” The track was penned by Warner/Chappell writers Justin Tranter and Julia Michaels, as well as BloodPop. “Hands” was produced by BloodPop, Mark Ronson and Tranter.
The star-studded collaboration also includes Mary J Blige, Jason Derulo, Selena Gomez, Halsey, Imagine Dragons, Adam Lambert, Jennifer Lopez, P!nk, Nate Ruess, Troye Sivan, Britney Spears, and Gwen Stefani.
The collaboration was released Wednesday (July 6) via GLAAD and Interscope Records, exclusively to iTunes. Proceeds from sales in the United States will benefit Equality Florida Pulse Victims Fund, the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida and GLAAD.
“The second I heard about this horrible tragedy where so many of my LGBTQ brothers and sisters lost their lives, I immediately got on a plane to Orlando to volunteer my help anyway I could,” said “Hands” writer and producer Tranter. “Putting this charity single together is just a way for me, and everyone involved to keep volunteering our help and promote peace and love in the world.”
“This senseless tragedy is a call to all of us to stand together and face down hatred, intolerance and violence…and having grown up a short drive from Orlando, it really brings it right to my doorstep,” commented John Janick, Chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M. “We all know music has the power to heal, and I’m honored and grateful to be a part of whatever our business can do to help.”
“The horrific attack on the LGBT community in Orlando has left us devastated, but not defeated,” said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “As we continue to mourn the crushing loss of 49 Americans, the majority of whom were Latin and whose lives were lost to hate, we stand resolved in paying tribute to their memory, supporting the victims and families, and working together to achieve full acceptance once and for all.”