Josh Turner
Josh Turner’s trademark deep vocals are in fine form on Deep South, his new album set for release March 10 on MCA Nashville.
On Thursday, Feb. 2, at Nashville’s Eugenia Hall studio, Turner previewed his first new music since 2012. It’s a project that blends today’s radio-ready country with the traditionalism that drew fans in the first place. Six albums into his career, the multi-Platinum singer looks like he hasn’t aged a bit.
Turner thanked his hero, Randy Travis, who was watching in the intimate crowd, adding that the icon was one of his biggest inspirations and also has “the best hair in country music.”
Performing with his band in-the-round, Turner invited songwriters who contributed to the new album to join him onstage for the stories behind the songs, many of which he was hearing for the first time.
Lead single “Hometown Girl” shows Turner veering into new territory, but not so far that he leaves longtime fans in the dust. He recalled the first time producer Kenny Greenberg played the song for him: “It was different for me, but it definitely felt like a hit.” (Indeed, the song is No. 6 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout chart.) Written by Daniel Tashian and Marc Beeson during a session at the Big Yellow Dog offices, the co-writers recounted Tashian handling most of the melody and Beeson parlaying his sharp wordsmith skills into a song inspired by a high school crush.
With multiple producers on Deep South, Turner’s longtime collaborator Frank Rogers worked studio magic on the title track. A solo-write by Turner, the fun song checks off all things Southern, from fried chicken to shuckin’ corn.
Al Anderson, Brandon Kinney and Ben Daniel talked about their sunny tune “Where The Girls Are.” After a stalled attempt at penning a Stevie Ray Vaughan-style song, they chased down a title inspired by Kinney’s preschooler son, who loves to chase girls.
Steven Dale Jones discussed his co-write with Justin Ebach and Brad Tursi, “Never Had A Reason.” A love song with lyrics about leaving notes on the counter, and happily staying home on Friday night, Jones said, “It’s about how love changes what you do and how you act.”
Turner said he loves the way it “evokes emotion,” and complimented Jones on being “a very thoughtful writer. No nonsense.”
Jonathan Singleton is one of Turner’s go-to songwriters, and with good reason, he is one of the pens behind the singer’s biggest hit to-date, “Why Don’t We Just Dance.”
On the upcoming album, Singleton contributed the cut “Southern Drawl,” written with Andrew Dorff, who passed away in December. Singleton came up with the idea about hearing the words “I love you,” in a “sweet, soft, slow, Southern drawl.” Turner recalled the first time he met wife Jennifer, and hoping that when he heard her speak a drawl would spill out.
While the song was an ideal match for Turner’s voice, there was one lyric he just couldn’t bring himself to sing. Originally composed with a line about “lips redder than Alabama Crimson,” the diehard Clemson Tigers fan changed the words to “Alabama sunset.”
Turner closed with “Why Don’t We Just Dance.” He said, “This song has sent a jolt of electricity through every crowd we’ve played it for.” That evening was no exception.
Deep South Track Listing:
1. Deep South
2. All About You
3. Hometown Girl
4. Beach Bums
5. Southern Drawl
6. Where The Girls Are
7. Never Had A Reason
8. Wonder
9. One Like Mine
10. Lay Low
11. Hawaiian Girl
Garth Brooks, Dierks Bentley, Chris Stapleton To Honor Don Williams On New Tribute Album
/by Lorie HollabaughA Don Williams tribute project, Gentle Giants: The Songs of Don Williams, has been assembled and produced by Williams ‘ longtime producer and friend Garth Fundis. The new project will feature an all-star lineup of artists including Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Brandy Clark, Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires, Alison Krauss, Lady Antebellum, Keb’ Mo’, Pistol Annies, John Prine, Chris and Morgane Stapleton and Trisha Yearwood honoring Williams and his five-decade legacy of music. Gems like “Good Ole Boys Like Me,” “Tulsa Time,” and “I Believe In You,” all appear on the new project.
The 11-track album is set for release May 26 on Slate Creek Records, in honor of Williams’ birthday the following day. Williams announced his retirement from performing last year, capping a career that includes two CMA Awards, two ACM Awards and 17 No. 1 hits. All artist performances on the album were donated in support of MusiCares, the charitable foundation created by The Recording Academy, which provides critical assistance for those in the music field in times of need. A majority of proceeds from the sale of the album will go to MusiCares.
“It has been my privilege to work frequently with Don through the years, and I’m proud to honor him with this new project,” Fundis said. “All of the artists on the album have been huge Don Williams fans for years. It makes the entire project very personal and very meaningful.”
Gentle Giants: The Songs of Don Williams Track Listing:
1. “Tulsa Time” – Pistol Annies
2. “I Believe in You” – Brandy Clark
3. “We’ve Got a Good Fire Goin'” – Lady Antebellum
4. “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend” – Dierks Bentley
5. “Amanda” – Chris Stapleton feat. Morgane Stapleton
6. “Till The Rivers All Run Dry” – Alison Krauss
7. “Love Is On A Roll” – John Prine feat. Roger Cook
8. “If I Needed You” – Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires
9. “Maggie’s Dream” – Trisha Yearwood
10. “Lord I Hope This Day is Good” – Keb’ Mo’
11. “Good Ole Boys Like Me” – Garth Brooks
Nashville-Based Artist Kirsten Arian Celebrates Song On ‘The LEGO Batman Movie’ Soundtrack
/by Jessica NicholsonKirsten Arian. Photo: Jessica Steddom & CeCe Dawson
Nashville-based pop artist Kirsten Arian‘s song “Invincible” will be featured on The LEGO Batman Movie soundtrack, released via WaterTower Music. The LEGO Batman Movie releases Feb. 10.
Arian co-wrote the track with Australian songwriter Lindsay Rimes, who also produced the song. “Invincible,” an electronic pop song filled with arcadey synths, becomes an anthem for the character Barbara Gordon as Batgirl.
“They were looking for a song that was empowering, strong and about bringing people together,” says Arian.
Los Angeles-native, Arian moved to Nashville in 2012 and has gone on to win the Music City Breakthrough competition before signing with RareSpark Media Group. Her album, Higher Than Heaven, was recorded at Nashville’s Blackbird Studio.
Arian will celebrate the release of “Invincible” at The High Watt in Nashville on Feb. 20.
Industry Ink: Rumblefish, Music Biz, CRS, Silverado Records, Rocketown
/by Jessica NicholsonRumblefish Teams With Grammy Awards To License On-Demand Listening Services
For the 10th consecutive year, Rumblefish has provided licensing research and clearance service for all Grammy-nominated tracks posted for voting member consideration. The time-sensitive process of researching more than 7,500 tracks to provide license clearance for approximately 4,000 songs in 76 diverse GRAMMY categories, ranging from pop to world music, was made possible by Rumblefish’s database, industry knowledge and extensive publisher relationships.
CRS To Launch Commencement Party
Pictured (Clockwise, from left): Crook & Chase, Caroline Jones, Macy Martin, Joe Denim, Jeremiah Richey, Matt Gary
Country Radio Seminar will launch its annual three-day, industry-only event by throwing its first commencement party, in collaboration with SunTrust Bank and Encore Technologies.
Award-winning TV and radio personalities, Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase of Crook & Chase, will host the event, which will be held on the seminar’s opening day, Feb. 22. Five artists are set to perform on the Encore Stage at the Omni, Level 2 Grand Terrace, from 12:15-2:45 p.m. Musical guests include Caroline Jones (12:15-12:45 p.m.), Macy Martin (12:45-1:15 p.m.), Matt Gary (1:15-1:45 p.m.), Jeremiah Richey (1:45-2:15p.m.), and Joe Denim (2:15-2:45 p.m.).
The CRS 2017 Kickoff Party will conclude prior to the CRS 2017 Opening Ceremonies.
Silverado Records Signs Crystal Yates
Crystal Yates
Silverado Records has signed singer-songwriter Crystal Yates for the second volume of their Silverado Signature Songwriter Series. Hailing from McKinney, Texas, Yates is touring heavily in the state and can be found Sunday mornings leading worship at some of the nation’s largest churches.
Yates was the national winner of the 2014 Texaco Country Showdown. She’s released two previous EPs.
The Silverado Signature Songwriter Series, which recently kicked off its first volume with Nashville-based songwriter Zack Dyer, showcases tracks from country music songwriters. The second volume, featuring Yates, is currently in production and is scheduled to be released this Spring.
Facebook’s Fred Beteille Extends Role As Music Business Association’s Chairman
Fred Beteille
The Music Business Association (Music Biz) has announced that Fred Beteille, who recently joined Facebook from YouTube, continues in his role as Chairman of the organization’s Board of Directors. Beteille is a Product Manager on Facebook Live.
Elected Music Biz Chairman in 2014, Beteille has promoted the expansion of the organization’s membership base and its role as the forum for dialog across all aspects of the music industry, from creation to the consumer. He supported the move of the annual Music Biz event to Nashville in 2015, which has stimulated a 50 percent increase in attendance in two years.
Michael W. Smith Celebrates Donation To Rocketown
Michael W. Smith with Charlotte and Lauren Uribe
Michael W. Smith accompanied Nashville-based Lauren Uribe (age six) and Charlotte Uribe (age four) to flip on the lights of Rocketown’s outdoor basketball court, allowing kids at the facility to play ball even after the sun sets. The pair of sisters and their family made a donation to the youth outreach facility, enabling the lights to be purchased.
“I hope all the boys and girls have fun playing basketball,” shared Lauren, a first-grader at Battle Ground Academy and daughter of media executives George & Margaret Uribe.
Kids can do a variety of activities at Rocketown including sports and recreation like skate boarding, football and basketball. Rocketown is also known for their arts enrichment programs with opportunities in the youth-led music recording studio, improv acting classes, and music and vocal lessons. All programs are free of charge and open to students in 5-12 grade.
RIAA Gold And Platinum January Certifications Announced
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Aldean is among the artists receiving Gold and Platinum RIAA certifications for January 2017. Aldean received double-platinum certifications for sales on his Wide Open and My Kinda Party albums. Several artists achieved gold status with their singles during the month of January as well, including Aldean for “Lights Come On,” Cole Swindell for “Middle Of A Memory,” and Granger Smith for “Backroad Song.”
Multi-Platinum (2X):
Wide Open – Jason Aldean
My Kinda Party – Jason Aldean
Gold Album:
Little Bit Of Life – Craig Morgan
How Country Feels – Randy Houser
Thompson Square – Thompson Square
Move – Third Day
Multi-Platinum Single:
“Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy” Big & Rich
Platinum Single:
“Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy” – Big & Rich
“From The Ground Up” – Dan + Shay
“Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” – Chris Tomlin
Gold Single:
“Middle Of A Memory” – Cole Swindell
“Backroad Song” – Granger Smith
“Lights Come On” – Jason Aldean
Ken Ehrlich To Continue With The Annual Grammy Awards Through 2020
/by Jessica NicholsonKen Ehrlich
Grammy Awards executive producer Ken Ehrlich has extended his long-term commitment to The Recording Academy through 2020. Ehrlich, who is currently executive producing the upcoming 59th Annual Grammy Awards, began working on the telecast nearly 40 years ago, when he produced the 22nd GRAMMY Awards in 1980 for Pierre Cossette Productions.
It was on that night that he paired Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand to perform “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” in what would soon become known as a Grammy Moment. His signature touch, Ehrlich’s Grammy Moments continued in the ensuing years, with pairings such as Eminem and Elton John; Prince and Beyoncé; and Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, and Joe Walsh. Today, Grammy Moments are an anticipated hallmark of Music’s Biggest Night®, helping make it one of the most-watched entertainment specials in television history.
“Ken is not just a producer, but a true creative visionary who summons the power of live music and television in a way that allows him to transport audiences, both in the house and in their living rooms,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “He has played a critical role in shaping the GRAMMY Awards over the past 37 years, and we’re proud to announce our continued partnership, and excited to see what he’ll do next.”
“Every year, Ken manages to come up with amazing pairings, great production surprises, and an uncanny ability to cover the breadth of our diverse musical landscape, and we are excited about the prospect of continuing to call on Ken for those moments,” added Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music and Live Events, CBS Entertainment. Since 1973, the CBS Television Network has been the television home of the GRAMMY Awards.
In addition to the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast, Ehrlich has also produced a number of tribute specials presented by The Recording Academy, AEG Ehrlich Ventures, and CBS: Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life—An All-Star GRAMMY Salute, The Beatles: The Night That Changed America—A GRAMMY Salute, and Sinatra 100—An All-Star GRAMMY Concert. Continuing that tradition, Ehrlich is currently producing a tribute to the iconic Bee Gees, Stayin’ Alive: A GRAMMY Salute To The Music Of The Bee Gees, which takes place on Feb. 14, just two days after the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
Taking place at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and hosted by television personality and performer James Corden, the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
The Grammy Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, Ben Winston is a producer, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers.
Josh Turner Previews New Album ‘Deep South’
/by Sarah SkatesJosh Turner
Josh Turner’s trademark deep vocals are in fine form on Deep South, his new album set for release March 10 on MCA Nashville.
On Thursday, Feb. 2, at Nashville’s Eugenia Hall studio, Turner previewed his first new music since 2012. It’s a project that blends today’s radio-ready country with the traditionalism that drew fans in the first place. Six albums into his career, the multi-Platinum singer looks like he hasn’t aged a bit.
Turner thanked his hero, Randy Travis, who was watching in the intimate crowd, adding that the icon was one of his biggest inspirations and also has “the best hair in country music.”
Performing with his band in-the-round, Turner invited songwriters who contributed to the new album to join him onstage for the stories behind the songs, many of which he was hearing for the first time.
Lead single “Hometown Girl” shows Turner veering into new territory, but not so far that he leaves longtime fans in the dust. He recalled the first time producer Kenny Greenberg played the song for him: “It was different for me, but it definitely felt like a hit.” (Indeed, the song is No. 6 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout chart.) Written by Daniel Tashian and Marc Beeson during a session at the Big Yellow Dog offices, the co-writers recounted Tashian handling most of the melody and Beeson parlaying his sharp wordsmith skills into a song inspired by a high school crush.
With multiple producers on Deep South, Turner’s longtime collaborator Frank Rogers worked studio magic on the title track. A solo-write by Turner, the fun song checks off all things Southern, from fried chicken to shuckin’ corn.
Al Anderson, Brandon Kinney and Ben Daniel talked about their sunny tune “Where The Girls Are.” After a stalled attempt at penning a Stevie Ray Vaughan-style song, they chased down a title inspired by Kinney’s preschooler son, who loves to chase girls.
Steven Dale Jones discussed his co-write with Justin Ebach and Brad Tursi, “Never Had A Reason.” A love song with lyrics about leaving notes on the counter, and happily staying home on Friday night, Jones said, “It’s about how love changes what you do and how you act.”
Turner said he loves the way it “evokes emotion,” and complimented Jones on being “a very thoughtful writer. No nonsense.”
Jonathan Singleton is one of Turner’s go-to songwriters, and with good reason, he is one of the pens behind the singer’s biggest hit to-date, “Why Don’t We Just Dance.”
On the upcoming album, Singleton contributed the cut “Southern Drawl,” written with Andrew Dorff, who passed away in December. Singleton came up with the idea about hearing the words “I love you,” in a “sweet, soft, slow, Southern drawl.” Turner recalled the first time he met wife Jennifer, and hoping that when he heard her speak a drawl would spill out.
While the song was an ideal match for Turner’s voice, there was one lyric he just couldn’t bring himself to sing. Originally composed with a line about “lips redder than Alabama Crimson,” the diehard Clemson Tigers fan changed the words to “Alabama sunset.”
Turner closed with “Why Don’t We Just Dance.” He said, “This song has sent a jolt of electricity through every crowd we’ve played it for.” That evening was no exception.
Deep South Track Listing:
1. Deep South
2. All About You
3. Hometown Girl
4. Beach Bums
5. Southern Drawl
6. Where The Girls Are
7. Never Had A Reason
8. Wonder
9. One Like Mine
10. Lay Low
11. Hawaiian Girl
Weekly Register: Brantley Gilbert’s ‘Devil’ Top Seller of The Week
/by Lorie HollabaughBrantley Gilbert claims the top spot on the Top Country Albums chart this week with his latest project, The Devil Don’t Sleep, at 66K albums sold. Lauren Alaina‘s Road Less Traveled debuts in the No. 2 position with 9.7K, while Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller continues to remain in the Top 5 with 8.1K sold for the week. Rounding out the Top 5 are Garth Brooks‘ Ultimate Collection with 7.2K, and Keith Urban‘s Ripcord at 5.7K.
Album sales are still down overall by 23.5 percent and overall digital sales are also down 25.8 percent. Country albums sales are looking a bit better this week only down 11.5 percent, while country digital sales are down 22.8 percent.
Sam Hunt
In digital track sales rankings, Sam Hunt‘s “Body Like A Back Road” comes roaring in at 53K for the week, while Little Big Town‘s ‘Better Man” commanded 25K. Jon Pardi‘s “Dirt on My Boots” sold 20K to take third place for the week, while Keith Urban “Blue Ain’t Your Color” with 18K, and Reba‘s “Back to God” with 14K rounded out the Top 5.
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill‘s new collaboration, “Keep Your Eyes On Me,” from the movie The Shack, debuts at No. 21 on the country digital tracks rankings. The track sold 7.6K in its debut week.
Information provided by Nielsen Soundscan.
In Case You Missed It: Luke Bryan Represents Nashville With Classy Super Bowl Performance
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Bryan represented Nashville well during Super Bowl 51 on Sunday evening (Feb. 5), with an understated, steady rendition of the national anthem at Houston’s NRG Stadium.
Prior to Bryan’s performance, performers Phillipa Soo, Renee Elise Goldsberry and Jasmine Cephas Jones, who originally portrayed the Schuyler Sisters as part of the Broadway hit Hamilton, offered a rendition of “America The Beautiful.”
The New England Patriots would go on to beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28.
Big Machine Label Group, Bell Media Forge New Media Alliance
/by Lorie HollabaughBig Machine Label Group head Scott Borchetta is expanding his reach for the company globally with a just-announced new partnership with Bell Media. Together Bell and BMLG will discover and develop new talent around the world via a new TV format that will showcase up-and-coming musicians on a national and international stage. The multifaceted entertainment initiative between Bell Media and BMLG will cultivate talent through new television, radio, recording and live concert projects.
Bell Media is Canada’s leading content creation company with assets in television, radio, advertising, and digital media. The company owns 30 television stations led by CTV, Canada’s highest-rated television network, 30 specialty channels, and four pay TV services, including The Movie Network and Super Écran. Bell is also Canada’s largest radio broadcaster with 215 music channels including 105 radio stations in 54 markets across the country which are all part of the iHeartRadio brand and streaming service.
“Bell Media has a track record of success in live music production, extensive platforms, and leading promotion of homegrown talent in many areas,” said Borchetta. “Together, our strengths make us strong partners to lift this global project off the ground.”
“Bell Media builds upon its commitment to artist development with this new initiative, and with whom better to align than the best in the business, Scott Borchetta,” said Randy Lennox, President, Broadcasting and Content, Bell Media.
Exclusive: Chris Young Talks Grammy Nomination And Mentoring Music’s Next Generation
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Young. Photo: David McClister
Chris Young’s career is in high gear right now, with an opening slot on Jason Aldean’s They Don’t Know Tour beginning in April. On Feb. 12, the singer/songwriter will vie for Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
His collaboration with Cassadee Pope, “Think Of You,” is nominated against recordings by Dierks Bentley and Elle King, Dolly Parton and Pentatonix, Kenny Chesney with Pink, and Brothers Osborne. The category notably includes three male/female duets.
“I think there are a lot of great collaborations. That’s one of the reasons we are excited to be in that category because of those songs. It’s like, ‘That’s a huge song, and that’s a huge song.’ It’s been a good time for male/female duets right now,” Young says.
In the midst of promoting his current single, “Sober Saturday Night,” Young is also focused on giving back to others, through his recent alignment with Folgers. The Folgers Jingle Contest will offer aspiring singer-songwriters a chance to put their own spin on the iconic Folgers jingle, for a chance to win several prizes, including a mentoring session with Young.
“I loved the idea,” Young says. “It’s such an iconic jingle. Being able to have up and coming musicians take their spin on it and move forward with an idea like that is so cool.”
One grand prize winner will earn $25,000.
“When I was an up-and-coming musician there were multiple times when that would have been just life-changing money for me,” Young says of the grand prize. “I’m really excited about it.”
Young credits growing up in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, just south of Nashville, with providing him numerous mentors that helped him learn the craft.
“I met so many people that wrote with me while I was still trying to figure out how to even write a song. I got to watch singers and songwriters play that other people wouldn’t get to watch, just because I was close to Nashville. I have a long list of mentors.”
Young is dedicated to helping the next generation of artists. He recently launched an annual scholarship for recording industry students at his alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University.
“I don’t think I can do what I do every day without learning from a lot of people Music education is a huge part of that. This is my life and I love my job. I want to do all I can for people who are trying to come up in the music industry right now.”
Individuals can submit their videos for the Folgers Jingle contest through Feb. 27, 2017, at folgers.com.