Blake Shelton
I was going to take a break from mainstream country and review some other genre this week, but the stars had other plans. In the wake of the CMA Music Festival, a large crop of hillbilly headliners released new music. So I was compelled to scrap my agenda.
Swatting away all competitors, Blake Shelton rules the roost with the Disc of the Day. This fella really is the bomb. Since everyone here is a proven quantity, there is no DisCovery Award winner. Let me just say that the two records that came closest to matching Blake’s in song quality were the new singles by Darius Rucker and Pat Green.
BLAKE SHELTON/She’s Got A Way With Words
Writers: Wyatt Earp/Andy Albert/Marc Beeson; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: Western Legend/Downtown DL/Son of Ron, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
– Very cleverly written. And in case you haven’t noticed by now, this guy is one of the greatest country singers of our time. This is going straight to the top.
MAREN MORRIS/80s Mercedes
Writers: Maren Morris/busbee; Producers: Maren Morris/busbee; Publisher: none listed; Columbia (track)
– It ain’t all that “country,” but it sure is cool. Synth lines throb beneath her exuberant, youthful vocal about a babe out on the town.
JACK INGRAM/I’m Drinking Through It
Writers: Jack Ingram/Lori McKenna/Liz Rose; Producer: Jon Randall; Publishers: Beat Up Ford/Songs of Universal/Hoodie/Crazy Girl/Warner-Tamerlane, BMI; Rounder (track)
– His drawling performance is charming, and the song is a dandy. The only thing I didn’t like was the continuous bass rumble that assaulted me in one speaker. Somebody remix this.
JERROD NIEMANN & LEE BRICE/A Little More Love
Writers: Shane McAnally/Ross Copperman/Natalie Hemby/Kristi Neumann; Producers: Jimmie Lee Sloas, Jerrod Niemann & Lee Brice; Publishers: Smack Hits/Smack Songs/Kobalt/EMI Blackwood/Songs By Red Room/Happygownucke/Creative Pulse/These Are My Pulse/Hello Jerry, GMR/BMI/SESAC; Curb (CDX)
– I could put up with the country-rap verses if the song was more interesting. As it is, it’s just an endless loop of the same repeated phrases.
PAT GREEN/Day One
Writers: Shane McAnally/John Osborne/Matt Ramsey; Producers: Jon Randall Stewart, Justin Pollard & Gary Paczosa; Publishers: Universal/Smack Ink/Songs of Black River/One Little Indian Creek/RPM/Sonic Geo/HoriPro/Calhoun, ASCAP; Greenhouse (CDX)
– Nicely done. He counts down the days as he survives a breakup. His pleading delivery is accompanied by a sweet, spare, guitar-chiming track. Whoever is singing the tenor harmony part is flawless.
DARRYL WORLEY/Rainmaker
Writers: Darryl Worley/Jay Brunswick/Brock Berryhill; Producers: Jim “Moose” Brown, Billy Lawson & Brock Berryhill; Publishers: Myers/Worleybird/Spirit, ASCAP/BMI; Worleybird (CDX)
– Thunderstorm audio effects underscore his delivery of this sexy lyric.
BRAD PAISLEY & DEMI LOVATO/Without a Fight
Writers: Brad Paisley, Kelley Lovelace and Lee Thomas Miller; Producer: Brad Paisley and Luke Wooted; Publisher: none listed; Arista (ERG)
-They fuss and scrap, then make up. The big, pounding track tries to stir up excitement, but the song just isn’t that compelling.
DARIUS RUCKER/So I Sang
Writers: Darius Rucker/Rivers Rutherford/Tim James; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publishers:Universal Music Corp./Cadaja Publishing/ Universal Music Corp./Memphianna/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./T-Bird’s Music, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol Nashville
-I love this. He is just an ordinary guy, who excels at nothing much. Except for one thing: At every twist and turn in life, he sings his heart out. Resonant and moving.
CASSADEE POPE/Summer
Writers: Cassadee Pope, Kelly Archer, Emily Shackelton; Producer: Corey Crowder; Publisher: Universal Music Corp./It’s the Coolest Publishing/Canal Music Publishing BV/Stars and Stripes and Maple Leaf Music/Downtown DMP Songs/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./Better Boat Music; ASCAP/BMI; Republic Nashville (ERG)
– His love burns like the sunshiny weather. Her bright vocal matches the lyric. The drummer is working overtime, but the rest of the instrumental track is pretty ordinary.
GARY ALLAN/Do You Wish It Was Me
Writers: Gary Allan/Jonathan Singleton/Andrew Dorff; Producers: Gary Allan/Greg Droman; Publishers: Crystal Beach/Super Big/Jett/Big Machine/Songs of Universal/Morendorffin, BMI/ASCAP; EMI (CDX)
– The steady driving track is just right for Gary’s impassioned delivery. A guy misses his gal fiercely and hopes desperately that she feels the same.
DISClaimer: Blake Shelton Has A Way With Hit Songs
/by Robert K OermannBlake Shelton
I was going to take a break from mainstream country and review some other genre this week, but the stars had other plans. In the wake of the CMA Music Festival, a large crop of hillbilly headliners released new music. So I was compelled to scrap my agenda.
Swatting away all competitors, Blake Shelton rules the roost with the Disc of the Day. This fella really is the bomb. Since everyone here is a proven quantity, there is no DisCovery Award winner. Let me just say that the two records that came closest to matching Blake’s in song quality were the new singles by Darius Rucker and Pat Green.
BLAKE SHELTON/She’s Got A Way With Words
Writers: Wyatt Earp/Andy Albert/Marc Beeson; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: Western Legend/Downtown DL/Son of Ron, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
– Very cleverly written. And in case you haven’t noticed by now, this guy is one of the greatest country singers of our time. This is going straight to the top.
MAREN MORRIS/80s Mercedes
Writers: Maren Morris/busbee; Producers: Maren Morris/busbee; Publisher: none listed; Columbia (track)
– It ain’t all that “country,” but it sure is cool. Synth lines throb beneath her exuberant, youthful vocal about a babe out on the town.
JACK INGRAM/I’m Drinking Through It
Writers: Jack Ingram/Lori McKenna/Liz Rose; Producer: Jon Randall; Publishers: Beat Up Ford/Songs of Universal/Hoodie/Crazy Girl/Warner-Tamerlane, BMI; Rounder (track)
– His drawling performance is charming, and the song is a dandy. The only thing I didn’t like was the continuous bass rumble that assaulted me in one speaker. Somebody remix this.
JERROD NIEMANN & LEE BRICE/A Little More Love
Writers: Shane McAnally/Ross Copperman/Natalie Hemby/Kristi Neumann; Producers: Jimmie Lee Sloas, Jerrod Niemann & Lee Brice; Publishers: Smack Hits/Smack Songs/Kobalt/EMI Blackwood/Songs By Red Room/Happygownucke/Creative Pulse/These Are My Pulse/Hello Jerry, GMR/BMI/SESAC; Curb (CDX)
– I could put up with the country-rap verses if the song was more interesting. As it is, it’s just an endless loop of the same repeated phrases.
PAT GREEN/Day One
Writers: Shane McAnally/John Osborne/Matt Ramsey; Producers: Jon Randall Stewart, Justin Pollard & Gary Paczosa; Publishers: Universal/Smack Ink/Songs of Black River/One Little Indian Creek/RPM/Sonic Geo/HoriPro/Calhoun, ASCAP; Greenhouse (CDX)
– Nicely done. He counts down the days as he survives a breakup. His pleading delivery is accompanied by a sweet, spare, guitar-chiming track. Whoever is singing the tenor harmony part is flawless.
DARRYL WORLEY/Rainmaker
Writers: Darryl Worley/Jay Brunswick/Brock Berryhill; Producers: Jim “Moose” Brown, Billy Lawson & Brock Berryhill; Publishers: Myers/Worleybird/Spirit, ASCAP/BMI; Worleybird (CDX)
– Thunderstorm audio effects underscore his delivery of this sexy lyric.
BRAD PAISLEY & DEMI LOVATO/Without a Fight
Writers: Brad Paisley, Kelley Lovelace and Lee Thomas Miller; Producer: Brad Paisley and Luke Wooted; Publisher: none listed; Arista (ERG)
-They fuss and scrap, then make up. The big, pounding track tries to stir up excitement, but the song just isn’t that compelling.
DARIUS RUCKER/So I Sang
Writers: Darius Rucker/Rivers Rutherford/Tim James; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publishers:Universal Music Corp./Cadaja Publishing/ Universal Music Corp./Memphianna/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./T-Bird’s Music, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol Nashville
-I love this. He is just an ordinary guy, who excels at nothing much. Except for one thing: At every twist and turn in life, he sings his heart out. Resonant and moving.
CASSADEE POPE/Summer
Writers: Cassadee Pope, Kelly Archer, Emily Shackelton; Producer: Corey Crowder; Publisher: Universal Music Corp./It’s the Coolest Publishing/Canal Music Publishing BV/Stars and Stripes and Maple Leaf Music/Downtown DMP Songs/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./Better Boat Music; ASCAP/BMI; Republic Nashville (ERG)
– His love burns like the sunshiny weather. Her bright vocal matches the lyric. The drummer is working overtime, but the rest of the instrumental track is pretty ordinary.
GARY ALLAN/Do You Wish It Was Me
Writers: Gary Allan/Jonathan Singleton/Andrew Dorff; Producers: Gary Allan/Greg Droman; Publishers: Crystal Beach/Super Big/Jett/Big Machine/Songs of Universal/Morendorffin, BMI/ASCAP; EMI (CDX)
– The steady driving track is just right for Gary’s impassioned delivery. A guy misses his gal fiercely and hopes desperately that she feels the same.
Industry Ink: Carnival Music, Compass Records
/by Craig_ShelburneDerik Hultquist Shares New Album At Carnival Brunch
Pictured (L-R): Courtney Gregg, Carnival Music; Derik Hultquist; Zach Bevill, Thirty Tigers; Frank Liddell, Carnival Music
Carnival Music and ASCAP hosted a listening brunch on Tuesday (June 14) for Derik Hultquist‘s album release, Southern Iron. The project will be released on Friday (June 17) by Carnival in partnership with Thirty Tigers.
LeAnn Bennett Joins Compass Records Staff
LeAnn Bennett
Compass Records Group has hired LeAnn Bennett for a newly-created position. She will manage licensing, royalty administration and pitching music for film and TV placement for the abel.
Bennett’s prior career stops include the Country Music Hall Of Fame and Museum, Orbison Records/Barbara Orbison Productions, and Capitol Records Nashville.
She is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist and graduated with a Bachelor of Music from Middle Tennessee State University in 1993.
Bennett may be reached at 615-320-7672 and leann@compassrecords.com.
Grammy Eligibility Rules Changed To Incorporate Streaming
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Recording Academy has shifted its rules to include streaming-only projects as eligible for Grammy consideration. For the next ballot, recordings must be available to the public as stand-alone purchases or streams between Oct. 1, 2015 and Sept. 30, 2016.
The Recording Academy previously considered general distribution to be “sales by label to a branch or recognized independent distributor, via the internet, or mail order/retail sales for a nationally marketed product.” However the news guidelines include streaming services, which are “paid subscription, full catalogue, on-demand streaming/limited download platforms that have existed as such within the United States for at least one full year as of the submission deadline.”
This would include Spotify (paid tiers), Apple Music, Tidal, Google Play, etc., while product released only to Pandora, which has no on-demand service, would not qualify.
The change was one of five changes outlined for next year’s Grammy Awards, which will be held Feb. 12.
For example, the number of categories in which Academy members may vote has decreased from 20 to 15, plus the four General Field categories, which include Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist.
The Best New Artist guidelines have also shifted toward streaming with the removal of the album requirement, a nod to how new artists release music. Under the new guidelines, an artist must have released a minimum of five tracks/singles, or one album, but no more than 30 singles/tracks, or three albums. A new artist may not have entered the category more than three times, including as a performing member of an established group, and must have achieved a breakthrough in the public consciousness during the eligibility period.
The category of Best Blues Album has been split into two categories: Best Traditional Blues Album and Best Contemporary Blues Album.
Meanwhile, the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration has been renamed Best Rap/Sung Performance, and now recognizes solo and collaborative performances that contain elements of R&B and rap in its melody and song. The new definition includes recordings by solo artists who blur the lines between rapping and singing.
“The Grammys aren’t just peer-awarded, they’re peer-driven. Throughout the year, members of the music community come to us asking to make changes to the Awards process, and we work with them to figure out how those changes might work,” said Bill Freimuth, Senior Vice President of Awards for The Recording Academy. “I’m proud of this year’s changes because they’re a testament to the artists, producers, and writers – the people who rolled up their sleeves to shape the proposals and, in turn, the future of the Grammys. It’s exactly what they should be doing. It’s their award.”
Songwriter Pete Sallis Signs To Demolition Music
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Jon D’Agostino, President, Demolition Music; Pete Sallis
Demolition Music Publishing has signed songwriter Pete Sallis. His songwriting credits include Ronnie Dunn’s “Once” and Maddie & Tae’s “Shut Up and Fish.”
According to Demolition president Jon D’Agostino, “Signing Pete was a no brainer! He’s a writing machine with the experience, drive, talent, and attitude that’s unmatched as far as I’m concerned. He’s already had some very impressive cuts in his career and some major hits are right around the corner for sure!!”
Pictured (L-R): Demolition writers Adam Searan and Drew Smith; Jon D’Agostino, President, Demolition Music; Pete Sallis; songplugger Shane Barrett
Alexander Palmer Signs With BMI, Accepts MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coin
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams, BMI songwriter Alexander Palmer and BMI’s Bradley Collins
Alexander Palmer is one of the newest songwriters signed to BMI. He visited the Nashville office on Tuesday (June 14) to celebrate his achievement. Palmer was born in Germany and now resides in Los Angeles. He received his first No. 1 country single as a co-writer of Dierks Bentley’s “Somewhere on a Beach. Palmer has also worked with Iggy Azalea, Jason Derulo and Chris Brown.
In addition, Palmer dropped by the MusicRow office on Monday to collect his first MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coin, in recognition of “Somewhere on a Beach.” Every artist and songwriter who reaches No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart receives the coin. “Somewhere on a Beach” was written by Michael Tyler, Jaron Boyer, Alexander Palmer, Dave Kuncio and Josh Mirenda.
Alexander Palmer
In Pictures: Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum Celebrates CMA Music Festival
/by Jessica NicholsonBlake Shelton performs at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The Country Music Hall of Fame saw its share of artists throughout the week of CMA Music Festival with performances, interviews, and exhibit celebrations.
On Monday, June 6, the museum kicked off the week with a special interview and performance by Blake Shelton in support of the new exhibition Blake Shelton: Based on a True Story, supported by SunTrust.
Prior to an autograph signing at the museum on Thursday (June 9), Dierks Bentley made a surprise appearance in the exhibition Dierks Bentley: Every Mile a Memory.
That same day, singer/songwriter Cam surprised fans with an acoustic performance in the museum’s ACM Gallery, where her Opry debut dress is now on display.
Others appearing at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum throughout the week included Gary Allan, Bill Anderson, Brandy Clark, CMT’s Next Women of Country, Dan + Shay, Mickey Guyton, Brenda Lee, Scotty McCreery, Oak Ridge Boys, Charley Pride, RaeLynn, Aubrie Sellers and more.
All photos by Kelli Dirks, CK Photo and Rick Diamond, Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Participants in the CMT’s Next Women of Country pose for a photo backstage at the CMA Theater. Pictured (L-R): Tara Thompson, Lauren Alaina, CMT’s Leslie Fram, Brooke Eden, Clare Dunn, Margo Price, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Abi Tapia.
RaeLynn performs at a songwriter session at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Abi Tapia backstage with Mickey Guyton before a songwriter session at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Dan+Shay pose at their autograph signing at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Scotty McCreery autographs a copy of his new book Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward the Dream for a fan at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Black River Entertainment Adds Jacob Davis To Artist Roster
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Robert Filhart, ASCAP; Rick Froio, EVP, Black River Entertainment; T.D. Ruth, attorney; Jacob Davis; Lauren Kilgore, attorney; Gordon Kerr, CEO, Black River Entertainment
Black River Entertainment CEO Gordon Kerr has announced the signing of Jacob Davis to the Black River Records artist roster.
One month from the day Davis signed his deal with Black River Publishing (on May 10), the singer-songwriter held a private fan club party at Nashville’s Sound Stage studios, where he was interrupted by a fan with a special gift. While Kerr was introducing Davis, the fan insisted Kerr give a gift-wrapped box to the singer-songwriter. Inside was a recording contract with Black River Entertainment, which Davis signed in front of his fan club members.
“I was absolutely thrilled to be part of this moment with Jacob!” said Kerr. “We know there is a lot of hard work ahead of us, but honestly, this is going to be fun!”
“I’ve worked hard for some time now to find the right team, with the right label, and I’m honored to now be able to call Black River Entertainment my home,” said Davis.
Watch the record deal signing below:
Guy Clark To Be Honored With Tribute Concert At Ryman Auditorium
/by Jessica NicholsonGuy Clark
Musicians and friends of Guy Clark will honor the late singer-songwriter with a tribute concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday, Aug. 16, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Joe Ely, Vince Gill, Jack Ingram, Jerry Jeff Walker and others will perform in tribute to the legendary songwriter.
Texas-born Clark died on May 17 after a long illness.
Clark released more than 20 albums, and has had his compositions recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker, Jimmy Buffett, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, Rodney Crowell and more. In 2014, Clark earned a Grammy honor for Best Folk Album, for My Favorite Picture Of You. He is also a Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame member and an ACM Poet’s Award honoree.
Proceeds from the event will go to charity; tickets will go on sale Friday, June 17 at noon via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, ryman.com, Ryman box office or by calling 800-745-3000.
Big Machine Label Group Signs Ryan Follese
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured, Back Row (L-R): Malcolm Mimms, EVP/General Counsel, BMLG; Matthew Morgan, agent, CAA; Andrew Kautz, COO, BMLG; Manager John Hamlin, Allison Jones, SVP A&R, BMLG; Jordan Keller, attorney; Matthew Hargis, VP Promotion, BMLG. Front Row, (L-R): Scott Borchetta, President/CEO, BMLG; Ryan Follese; Jimmy Harnen, EVP, BMLG. Photo: Seth Hellman
Big Machine Label Group has added former Hot Chelle Rae frontman, singer/songwriter and musician Ryan Follese to its artist roster. Currently in the studio with producers Cameron Montgomery and Dann Huff, Follese is expected to release new music soon.
He is being managed by John Hamlin at Switched On Entertainment.
Ryan is the son of established songwriters Keith Follese (Tim McGraw’s “Something Like That”/Faith Hill’s “The Way You Love Me”) and Adrienne Follese (Martina McBride’s “I Love You”/Lady Antebellum’s “Long Gone”).
The 29 year-old’s foray into the country format follows years fronting Hot Chelle Rae and penning their multi-platinum No. 1 hit “Tonight Tonight.”
Florida Georgia Line Returns To Sweet Talk Publicity
/by Craig_ShelburneFlorida Georgia Line
Florida Georgia Line is back on the roster of Sweet Talk Publicity, the indie PR company headed by Jensen Sussman.
Sussman began representing the duo in 2012, prior to their signing to Republic Nashville, and was part of the launch team for their breakout single, “Cruise.”
Los Angeles-based True Public Relations announced their representation of the duo in June 2015.
The Sweet Talk Publicity artist roster also includes Kelsea Ballerini, Kristian Bush, Craig Campbell, Chris Carmack, Chris Lane and Dustin Lynch.