Gretchen Peters
Americana alert: Some of the genre’s top names are in today’s overview of current product — Buddy Miller, The Kennedys, Kate Campbell and Sierra Hull, for instance.
As good as their efforts are, the Disc of the Day unquestionably belongs to the divine Gretchen Peters.
The busker-style, good-time jazz of Woody Pines earns him a DisCovery Award. Cool billing. Cool music.
GRETCHEN PETERS/On A Bus To St. Cloud
Writers: Gretchen Peters; Producers:Doug Lancio, Gretchen Peters & Barry Walsh; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tunes/Purple Crayon, ASCAP: Scarlet Letter
-This Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member simply does not know how to make a sub-par recording. Her new one is even more breathtaking than usual. Titled The Essential Gretchen Peters, it is a double CD that is both a retrospective of her past work and a collection of formerly unreleased performances. The first CD includes this heart-stopping new rendition of a prayer-at-midnight tune previously popularized by Trisha Yearwood. Other highlights include the songwriter’s demo of “The Chill of an Early Fall,” an acoustic arrangement of “Independence Day,” her own versions of “The Secret of Life” and “If Heaven,” a Bryan Adams duet on “When You Love Someone” and a trio rendition of “Wild Horses” featuring Matraca Berg and Suzy Bogguss. Not to mention “When You Are Old,” “Blackbirds,” “Sunday Morning” and “When You Wish Upon a Star.” The woman is a goddess, people.
STONE CUPID/The Cardinal
Writer: Julie Christensen; Producers: Julie Christensen & Jeff Turmes; Publisher: Stone Cupid, BMI; Stone Cupid
-Stone Cupid is a five-piece East Nashville band that’s a vehicle for the songs of its leader, Julie Christensen. The CD’s title tune is a fascinating, dark slab of rock balladry with shuddering electric guitar and vocals that wail and snarl. Her punk roots are showing. Other writers on the collection include David Olney, Kevin Gordon and Leonard Cohen.
DAVID G. SMITH/First Love
Writer: none listed; Producer: Blue Miller; Publisher: none listed; DGS (track)
-This Nashville Americana veteran can always be counted on for excellent song craftsmanship. The new CD’s title tune is a hushed, aching meditation on a dying love. To put it bluntly, it’s a devastating minor masterpiece of grief. Elsewhere on the CD, you’ll find “In the Silence,” a ballad that tackles the tragedy of Alzheimer’s. The album’s cast includes such greats as Keb Mo, Jelly Roll Johnson, Mary Gauthier and Buddy Mondlock. Heartily recommended.
KATE CAMPBELL/Greensboro
Writers: none listed; Producer: Kate Campbell; Publisher: none listed; Large River (track)
-Campbell’s latest is titled The K.O.A. Tapes (Vol. 1). These are simple, living-room recordings, but her singular talent makes them eloquently listenable. Paul Simon’s “America,” Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee” and Skynyrd’s “Freebird” are here in unvarnished folk arrangements. Of her original songs, this portrait of the Civil Rights era stands out prominently. Lend her your ears, she’ll steal them away. I remain a committed fan.
WOODY PINES/Black Rat Swing
Writer: Ernest Lawlars; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Muddy Roots
-Bopping, boogie swinging, with deft guitar picking, slapped bass and spare percussion. These viper jazzbos are utterly charming, in a jaunty, busker kinda way.
Woody Pines on the set of “Black Rat Swing” video.
SIERRA HULL/Weighted Mind
Writers: none listed; Producer Bela Fleck; Publishers: none listed; Rounder (track)
-The title tune of the mandolin virtuoso’s new CD has a choppy avant-garde rhythm and an unusual atonal melody. Her straightforward soprano singing keeps the jazzy outing grounded. Adventurous listening.
BUDDY MILLER & NIKKI LANE/Just Someone I Used To Know
Writer: Jack Clement; Producer: Buddy Miller; Publishers: Glad/Songs of PolyGram, BMI, New West (track)
–Cayamo Sessions at Sea is billed as by “Buddy Miller and Friends.” His duet partners on the collection of classic country tunes include Lee Ann Womack, Kacey Musgraves, Lucinda Williams, Elizabeth Cook, Kris Kristofferson and Richard Thompson. He tackles this vintage Porter & Dolly hit with Nikki Lane, but his harmony vocal sounds a little tentative and unconfident to these ears.
TAMMY JONES ROBINETTE & THE DRIVE/To Be A Kid Again
Writer: Tammy Jones Robinette; Producer: Mark Fain; Publishers: MJ&8, BMI; Rural Rhythm
-Enchanting, with a vocal performance straight from Southern Appalachia. The band includes such instrumental luminaries as Sam Bush, Rob Ickes, Ron Block and Aubrey Haynie, and you’ll find vocal support from the likes of Dale Ann Bradley, Jamie Dailey and Jimmy Fortune. Country with a bluegrass bent.
JIMMY AND THE MUSTANGS/Roll The Dice
Writer: Jimmy Haddox; Producers: Jimmy Haddox & Mark Youngersmith; Publishers: Mad Horse, ASCAP; JH (track)
-This roots rock ‘n’ roll band kicks off its Another Round CD with this horn-punctuated blues romp with more than a little rockabilly punch. Jitterbug music.
PETE KENNEDY/Union Square
Writer: Pete Kennedy; Producer: Pete Kennedy; Publisher: Parade of Echoes, BMI; The Kennedys
-Pete and his wife Maura comprise the enduring, 20th-anniversary Americana act The Kennedys. In the past year, they’ve issued a bonanza of music. There’s their group project, West (enthusiastically reviewed in this column last April) plus Maura’s highly recommended solo set titled Villanelle and, most recently, his song-cycle, extended love letter to New York City, Heart of Gotham. Pete leads his collection with this country rocker. It crackles to life with his soulful, hoarse vocal accompanied by jangling electric guitar and driving drumming (Pete plays all the instruments on the CD). By mid-song, you’re completely hooked. This set is a keeper.
Robby Johnson Keeps Looking Forward With New Album
/by Jessica NicholsonRobby Johnson visits with MusicRow staff.
Canadian-born country singer Robby Johnson has high hopes for his new album, Don’t Look Back, which was recorded at Nashville’s Ocean Way, under the direction of producer James Stroud. The project is being distributed by TuneCore.
“He was a great guy and wanted me to give my input, to make it not his album but Robby Johnson’s album,” the singer said during a visit to MusicRow this week. “And I just knocked on publishers’ doors and told them my story and that I was working with James. I went to the Bluebird and met with Shane McAnally.”
The product of all that hustling is Johnson’s new 13-song project, which features songs from several top Nashville writers and artist-writers, including Sam Hunt, Chris Young, Josh Osborne, Luke Laird, JT Harding, Mark Nesler, Ashley Gorley, Brett James, John Ozier, Mary Dodson and, yes, Shane McAnally. Johnson’s current single, “Hate Me Tonight,” was penned by Jason Massey, Ryan Griffin, and Mark Carson.
Johnson also employed star power in the studio, as Vince Gill lends his guitar prowess to “I Ain’t The Guy,” a track co-penned by Johnson, Juliana Cole, and Kellys Collins.
In 2014, Johnson landed a superb performance slot, singing his previous single “South Of Me” on The Late Show With David Letterman. “That was surreal,” recalls Johnson. “That led to me getting a green card, because I was in the process of getting a green card so I could stay here permanently and work. They waited until the day after the Letterman show, because you have to be an established artist [to get a green card]. For the booking on Letterman, it mentions they only take artists that are established.”
Johnson still performs frequently in Canada, and landed a plum performance gig last year on one of North America’s largest stages, opening for Keith Urban, Foo Fighters, Rolling Stones, and more. “There were three acts that evening,” Johnson recalls. “I was opening, and Keith Urban was closing the show. At 7 p.m. there were about 30,000 people already there. It was crazy because when I walked up the ramp, people were chanting ‘Robby, Robby’ and it was an amazing moment. I heard they’ve never had that many people at 7 p.m. for an opening act.”
Johnson returned the favor to his Canadian fans with the initial release of Don’t Look Back in Canada. The initial release was slated for January, but Johnson released physical copies early to a popular retailer in his home province of Quebec.
Though Johnson has his sights set on success in the American country music market, he says his drive to become an American country star is motivated by far more than personal ambition.
“If you want to do it for fame and red carpets, that’s not good,” Johnson says. “But if you do it because you want to create moments with people and share stories…that’s my story. I’ve been through rough times as a child and growing up. I know what some listeners go through, and they’ve lived even worse stories than mine. For me, I just want to be the soundtrack of their lives and let them know I’ve been through things too, and they are not alone.”
Ben Caver Signs To Black River Publishing
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Kelly Bolton, Catalog Manager, Black River Publishing; Dave Pacula, Creative Director, Black River Publishing; Ben Caver; Celia Froehlig, Vice President of Black River Publishing; Gordon Kerr, CEO, Black River Entertainment.
Vice President of Black River Publishing Celia Froehlig has announced the signing of Ben Caver to the Black River Publishing roster. Ben Caver grew up in Hoover, Alabama, and moved to Nashville after graduation to attend Belmont University. Prior to signing with Black River Publishing, Caver had business relationships with Sony/ATV, UMPG, and Patrick Joseph Music.
Caver penned “Relapse” for Carrie Underwood’s Storyteller project, “Aftermath” for Rascal Flatts’ Rewind, “I Remember You” for Trisha Yearwood’s Prizefighter album, and “‘Merica,” from Kenny Rogers’ You Can’t Make Old Friends.
Black River Publishing’s Creative Director Dave Pacula stated, “I am so excited to welcome Ben Caver to the family! We look forward to sharing great success with Ben as his undeniable songs and unmistakable voice continue to draw the attention of the industry’s top artists and executives.”
Caver added, “I am beyond thrilled to be joining the Black River Entertainment family! Dave Pacula has been a friend and mentor for several years, and I am so happy to be working with him again. Thank you Celia, Dave, and Kelly for what I believe is the beginning of something great!”
Promotion, Team Addition For Hart Street Management
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Duran
Nashville-based Hart Street Management has announced one promotion as well as an addition to its team.
Luke Duran is the newest member of the artist management team, as Management Director for Nashville and Los Angeles, working day-to-day with Hart Street’s management clients. The California native moved to Music City in 2014. His previous work has included developing websites for Sam Hunt and Lee Brice, and assisting in the daily management activities of Miami Horror and Viceroy.
“In the industry, passion plays such a large role in creating sustainable success, and the team of people I get to work with on a daily basis show no lack in that department,” says Duran. “I really couldn’t be more excited to kick down doors and make noise with the Hart Street team this year. Here’s to a great 2016.”
Hart Street Entertainment member Jessica Kwartler has also been promoted to Management Director for the New York and Texas markets. Her previous work includes time with Set List Agency and Tyler Sherritt Management.
Jessica Kwartler
First Round Of ACM Awards Performers Announced
/by Jessica NicholsonCam’s “Burning House” is up for Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Cam also garnered a nomination for New Female Vocalist of the Year. The video for “Burning House,” directed by Trey Fanjoy and produced by Trent Hardville, is nominated for Video of the Year. Cam is nominated twice in the Record of the Year category, as an artist and producer.
Meanwhile, Urban’s “Raise ‘Em Up” (ft. Eric Church) is up for Song of the Year
Underwood earned her 11th consecutive nomination in the Female Vocalist of the Year category. She has won this award four times, most recently in 2008 (presented in 2009).
Florida Georgia Line is nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year.
Chesney is nominated twice in the Vocal Event of the Year category (as an artist and producer), for “Wild Child” featuring Grace Potter. Chesney last won this award in 2007 (presented in 2008) for “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” with Tracy Lawrence, and Tim McGraw. In addition to Kenny Chesney’s ACM Awards performance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, as previously announced he will also be raced over to the Las Vegas Festival Grounds where he is headlining the last night of the 4th ACM Party for a Cause Festival.
This year’s ACM awards will be co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley.
Grand Ole Opry Releasing ‘Opry 9.0, Vol. II: Discoveries From The Circle’
/by Troy_StephensonOpry 9.0, Vol II: Discoveries From The Circle will be released on March 8 and will include memorable live Opry performances from Chris Janson, Lindsay Ell, and Mo Pitney.
Janson and Ell are scheduled to perform songs from the EP on the Opry on March 8. The pair will also sign copies of the EP in The Opry Shop following that night’s show. Pitney and Ell will perform and appear at an in-store signing on March 25.
“As the Opry continues to celebrate nine decades of great country music, we are also focused on the new artists who are shaping the genre’s future,” said Steve Buchanan, Opry Entertainment President and co-executive producer. “Each of the three artists featured in this volume of Opry 9.0 has a unique style that has stood out to fans in the crowd and has made fellow artists at the Opry take note.”
TRACK LISTING:
1. Chris Janson, “Buy Me A Boat”
2. Chris Janson, “Holdin’ Her”
3. Lindsay Ell, “All Alright”
4. Lindsay Ell, “Criminal”
5. Mo Pitney, “Clean Up On Aisle Five”
6. Mo Pitney, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes”
Lindsay Ell
Chris Janson
Mo Pitney
DISClaimer: Gretchen Peters, Woody Pines Top Americana Offerings
/by Robert K OermannGretchen Peters
Americana alert: Some of the genre’s top names are in today’s overview of current product — Buddy Miller, The Kennedys, Kate Campbell and Sierra Hull, for instance.
As good as their efforts are, the Disc of the Day unquestionably belongs to the divine Gretchen Peters.
The busker-style, good-time jazz of Woody Pines earns him a DisCovery Award. Cool billing. Cool music.
GRETCHEN PETERS/On A Bus To St. Cloud
Writers: Gretchen Peters; Producers:Doug Lancio, Gretchen Peters & Barry Walsh; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tunes/Purple Crayon, ASCAP: Scarlet Letter
-This Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member simply does not know how to make a sub-par recording. Her new one is even more breathtaking than usual. Titled The Essential Gretchen Peters, it is a double CD that is both a retrospective of her past work and a collection of formerly unreleased performances. The first CD includes this heart-stopping new rendition of a prayer-at-midnight tune previously popularized by Trisha Yearwood. Other highlights include the songwriter’s demo of “The Chill of an Early Fall,” an acoustic arrangement of “Independence Day,” her own versions of “The Secret of Life” and “If Heaven,” a Bryan Adams duet on “When You Love Someone” and a trio rendition of “Wild Horses” featuring Matraca Berg and Suzy Bogguss. Not to mention “When You Are Old,” “Blackbirds,” “Sunday Morning” and “When You Wish Upon a Star.” The woman is a goddess, people.
STONE CUPID/The Cardinal
Writer: Julie Christensen; Producers: Julie Christensen & Jeff Turmes; Publisher: Stone Cupid, BMI; Stone Cupid
-Stone Cupid is a five-piece East Nashville band that’s a vehicle for the songs of its leader, Julie Christensen. The CD’s title tune is a fascinating, dark slab of rock balladry with shuddering electric guitar and vocals that wail and snarl. Her punk roots are showing. Other writers on the collection include David Olney, Kevin Gordon and Leonard Cohen.
DAVID G. SMITH/First Love
Writer: none listed; Producer: Blue Miller; Publisher: none listed; DGS (track)
-This Nashville Americana veteran can always be counted on for excellent song craftsmanship. The new CD’s title tune is a hushed, aching meditation on a dying love. To put it bluntly, it’s a devastating minor masterpiece of grief. Elsewhere on the CD, you’ll find “In the Silence,” a ballad that tackles the tragedy of Alzheimer’s. The album’s cast includes such greats as Keb Mo, Jelly Roll Johnson, Mary Gauthier and Buddy Mondlock. Heartily recommended.
KATE CAMPBELL/Greensboro
Writers: none listed; Producer: Kate Campbell; Publisher: none listed; Large River (track)
-Campbell’s latest is titled The K.O.A. Tapes (Vol. 1). These are simple, living-room recordings, but her singular talent makes them eloquently listenable. Paul Simon’s “America,” Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee” and Skynyrd’s “Freebird” are here in unvarnished folk arrangements. Of her original songs, this portrait of the Civil Rights era stands out prominently. Lend her your ears, she’ll steal them away. I remain a committed fan.
WOODY PINES/Black Rat Swing
Writer: Ernest Lawlars; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Muddy Roots
-Bopping, boogie swinging, with deft guitar picking, slapped bass and spare percussion. These viper jazzbos are utterly charming, in a jaunty, busker kinda way.
Woody Pines on the set of “Black Rat Swing” video.
SIERRA HULL/Weighted Mind
Writers: none listed; Producer Bela Fleck; Publishers: none listed; Rounder (track)
-The title tune of the mandolin virtuoso’s new CD has a choppy avant-garde rhythm and an unusual atonal melody. Her straightforward soprano singing keeps the jazzy outing grounded. Adventurous listening.
BUDDY MILLER & NIKKI LANE/Just Someone I Used To Know
Writer: Jack Clement; Producer: Buddy Miller; Publishers: Glad/Songs of PolyGram, BMI, New West (track)
–Cayamo Sessions at Sea is billed as by “Buddy Miller and Friends.” His duet partners on the collection of classic country tunes include Lee Ann Womack, Kacey Musgraves, Lucinda Williams, Elizabeth Cook, Kris Kristofferson and Richard Thompson. He tackles this vintage Porter & Dolly hit with Nikki Lane, but his harmony vocal sounds a little tentative and unconfident to these ears.
TAMMY JONES ROBINETTE & THE DRIVE/To Be A Kid Again
Writer: Tammy Jones Robinette; Producer: Mark Fain; Publishers: MJ&8, BMI; Rural Rhythm
-Enchanting, with a vocal performance straight from Southern Appalachia. The band includes such instrumental luminaries as Sam Bush, Rob Ickes, Ron Block and Aubrey Haynie, and you’ll find vocal support from the likes of Dale Ann Bradley, Jamie Dailey and Jimmy Fortune. Country with a bluegrass bent.
JIMMY AND THE MUSTANGS/Roll The Dice
Writer: Jimmy Haddox; Producers: Jimmy Haddox & Mark Youngersmith; Publishers: Mad Horse, ASCAP; JH (track)
-This roots rock ‘n’ roll band kicks off its Another Round CD with this horn-punctuated blues romp with more than a little rockabilly punch. Jitterbug music.
PETE KENNEDY/Union Square
Writer: Pete Kennedy; Producer: Pete Kennedy; Publisher: Parade of Echoes, BMI; The Kennedys
-Pete and his wife Maura comprise the enduring, 20th-anniversary Americana act The Kennedys. In the past year, they’ve issued a bonanza of music. There’s their group project, West (enthusiastically reviewed in this column last April) plus Maura’s highly recommended solo set titled Villanelle and, most recently, his song-cycle, extended love letter to New York City, Heart of Gotham. Pete leads his collection with this country rocker. It crackles to life with his soulful, hoarse vocal accompanied by jangling electric guitar and driving drumming (Pete plays all the instruments on the CD). By mid-song, you’re completely hooked. This set is a keeper.
The Road To Roo Reveals 16 Bands For Preliminary Round
/by Craig_ShelburneThe Road to Roo, presented by BMI and hosted by Lightning 100, has announced the bands that have been chosen for the preliminary round.
The 16 bands were chosen from more than 250 applicants by a group of judges from Lightning 100 and BMI. Fans can check out the bands at preliminary round showcases to be held at Acme Feed & Seed, with eight bands performing March 3 at 7 p.m., and eight bands playing on March 10 at 7 p.m.
Showcase attendees will be able to vote for their favorite band to advance to the next round of the competition, so fans are encouraged to arrive early and get a ballot.
The 16 bands are: OJR, Daphne and the Mystery Machines, Stagolee, Omega Swan, Cosmic Coast, Kid Freud, CAPPA, Shane Piasecki, Carey, Trenton, KiND, BRUNS, The Cold Stares, Jess Nolan, Roots of a Rebellion, and Heavy Sole.
Eight advancing bands will play at the city semifinals, to be held March 16 at Exit/In and March 22 at the Basement East, both at 8 p.m.
Four bands will advance to play March 31 at 3rd & Lindsley at 8 p.m. and the final band will advance to the Tennessee state finals at Mercy Lounge on April 4 at 9 p.m.
Artist Photos: Carrie Underwood, Aubrie Sellers, LOCASH, Kane Brown, Jennifer Nettles
/by Eric T. ParkerCarrie Underwood Welcomes CMA Backstage
Pictured (L-R): Damon Whiteside, Carrie Underwood, and Sarah Trahern. Photo: Matt Sperling
Carrie Underwood visited backstage with Country Music Association (CMA) executives Damon Whiteside, Senior VP of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships and Sarah Trahern, Chief Executive Officer/CMA. The country star performed a sold-out performance in Philadelphia this week on her The Storyteller Tour: Stories In The Round. Read more at MusicRow.com about Underwood and select promotion staff insights into her latest record.
Aubrie Sellers Mingles at Ryman
Pictured (L-R): Ed Green, Aubrey Sellers, and JR Schumann. Photo: Kevin Grace
Aubrie Sellers recently performed at the Ryman Auditorium and mingled backstage with Ed Green, VP of Promo at Red Light and JR Schumann from Sirius/XM. Sellers’ debut album, New City Blues, is available now.
LOCASH Takes Today
LOCASH on Today.
LOCASH appeared on NBC’s TODAY Show yesterday morning (Feb. 24). The Reviver Records duo, Chris Lucas and Preston Brust, debuted their MusicRow No. 1 single, “I Love This Life.” Today (Feb. 25), they are slated to debut their brand new single “I Know Somebody” (written by Ross Copperman, Jeremy Stover and Rhett Akins) on FOX & Friends in addition to making their late-night television debut on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! March 16.
Kane Brown Films Debut Video
Pictured (L-R): Steve Lamar (Exec Producer, Lamar Bros TV), Kane Brown, Scott McDaniel (VP, Creative Services, SMN), Martha Earls (Kane Brown Manager/ EFG Management), David Poag (Director).
RCA Records Nashville/Zone 4 recording artist Kane Brown poses for a photo at his sold-out show in in Charlotte, North Carolina at Coyote Joe’s where he filmed a music video for his debut single, “Used To Love You Sober.”
Jennifer Nettles Talks CMT Tour with Cody Alan
Pictured (L-R): Jennifer Nettles, Cody Allan.
CMT Hot 20 host Cody Alan recently caught up with Jennifer Nettles at her CMT 2016 Next Women of Country Tour stop in Beaver Creek, Colorado. The tour includes Brandy Clark and special guests Lindsay Ell and Tara Thompson for over 30 dates across the USA and Canada. The CMT Hot 20 Countdown episode from the tour airs this Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27 and 28 at 9 a.m. ET/PT. Tour tickets can be purchased here.
Jim Ed Norman Receives Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Bob Kingsley; Kenny Rogers; Pete Fisher, VP/GM, Grand Ole Opry;
Jim Ed Norman; Don Henley
Music industry veteran Jim Ed Norman was honored with the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award for his impact on country music during an event held Wednesday night (Feb. 24) at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
The honor was a well-kept surprise for Norman, who was recognized both as the leader of successful record companies and for his leadership in the industry. As president of Warner Bros. Nashville for more than two decades, Norman played a key role in the careers of Faith Hill, Blake Shelton, Randy Travis, Travis Tritt, and Dwight Yoakam, among many others. He is now CEO of The Curb Group, overseeing the careers of Lee Brice, Wynonna, Natalie Grant and more.
Lee Brice
The evening benefitted the Opry Trust Fund, which for 50 years has supported members of the country music community in need.
Among the artists who participated in the evening through performances, appearances and taped messages were Big & Rich, Lee Brice, Crystal Gayle, Mickey Gilley, Jeff Hanna, Don Henley, Gary Morris, Michael Martin Murphey, Pinkard & Bowden, Mo Pitney, Kenny Rogers, TG Sheppard and a special surprise appearance by Randy Travis.
Pictured (L-R): Jim Ed Norman, Randy Travis, Kyle Lehning
The inaugural celebration honored Bob Kingsley in 2014. Due to the overwhelming response of that evening, the night’s beneficiary opted to make it an annual event wherein one individual would be honored on the stage of the Opry. The award, given to Joe Galante in 2015, recognizes the most deserving individuals across the country music industry, including record labels, radio, and media.
Crystal Gayle
Norman moved to Nashville in 1983 to run A&R for Warner Bros. & Reprise Records. A year later, he became the label group’s president. He stayed with the label group through 2004. He is a founding member of Leadership Music; was President of Nashville’s W.O. Smith School; was instrumental in launching a music business program at the University of Hawaii in conjunction with the Curb School of Music Business at Belmont University; and is a Senior Fellow at The Curb Center at Vanderbilt University.
Big & Rich
Martina McBride Talks “Reckless” New Single, First Nash Icon Album
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Molly Hannula, Craig Shelburne, Troy Stephenson, Robert K. Oermann, Martina McBride, Sherod Robertson, Jessica Nicholson, Eric T. Parker
One of country music’s strongest female vocalists Martina McBride will return this spring with all new music, in her first project for Nash Icon Records. It’s her 13th album overall and a follow-up to 2014’s R&B covers collection Everlasting (Kobalt Label Services).
On Friday (Feb. 26), McBride will give fans a first listen to the new music with the debut single “Reckless.” An accompanying video is slated for release in the next few weeks.
McBride stopped by MusicRow today (Feb. 24) to offer an early listen to the upbeat, uplifting tune “Reckless,” which McBride called a song about gratitude for people who stand by those they love. She also discussed her plans for the upcoming project.
Musical “Comfort Food”
“My main mindset was to find great songs,” McBride says of selecting songs for the upcoming album. “I know that sounds cliché, but really… I always go into a record not having any hard and fast rules. I knew I wanted it to sound kind of rootsy and organic, though the first single is kind of not that. I tried, all through the record, to keep it a certain sound. And then I found ‘Reckless’ and it didn’t sound like anything else on the record.
John [McBride] reminded me that [McBride’s 1997 album] Evolution had tons of sounds on it. It wasn’t just one thing. So it reminds me of that record in a way, just in that there are some things that are more country-leaning than I’ve done in the past, or more like ‘Blessed,’ with a pop-country sound. Doing this record, it feels like something that is familiar, that my fans will listen to and go, ‘Oh, that sounds like her.’ This isn’t veering off from that at all. It’s going to be like comfort food.”
A Songwriter’s Champion
Nashville singer-songwriter Sarah Buxton is a co-writer on “Reckless” (along with Heather Morgan and Zach Crowell) and also sang the demo. “It’s good to see who’s really coming into their own, like Sarah Buxton right now is writing her ass off,” says McBride. “We’ve got three cuts [of Buxton’s] on the record, and the first single [“Reckless”]. It’s fun to see her blossoming. When you see people work really hard, it’s fun to see it come together.”
On Artistry and Song Choices
“What I think are the best song choices might not be the best song choices to somebody else,” says McBride. “I think that’s what makes an artist, because you are drawn to certain things. When I hear a song as an artist, it’s nothing but instinct. I hear a song and I really love what it says, I think it’s written really smart, and it has a good melody. When you listen to as many songs as we do for a record, the ones that are really great stand out. One will come along that stands above the rest.”
“Reckless” Ambition
For McBride, “Reckless” was one of those songs that stood out. In fact, McBride was so passionate about the song that she was determined to record it, even when Lady Antebellum had already put “Reckless” on hold. McBride reached out to Lady A’s Charles Kelley, who told her if she was so passionate about the song, that she should be the one to record it.
(Fun Fact: Lady A had a similar moment with their hit song “Downtown,” which was originally on hold for Miranda Lambert. Kelley reached out to Lambert, who graciously allowed them to record the song.)
On Nashville’s Songwriting Community:
“I think our songwriting community is going through a transition. I feel that, anyway when I’m out looking for songs. They are straddling that line between writing for radio and [thinking] maybe there is another way. That maybe there is something coming around the corner that is different. That’s interesting too, because I feel that. It’s exciting as an artist to feel the writing community kind of transitioning, and having the faith and heart to say, ‘I’m writing because this is what I have to write, not because this might be a hit on radio.’ It’s exciting like it used to be. I’ve been here a long time so I’ve got relationships with publishers and songwriters, and I encouraged them to send me stuff.”
No “Issue Songs”
“Someone asked me during an interview, ‘Are there any issue songs on this record?’ and I was like, ‘No,’ because I never go out looking for those kinds of songs. They just come to me. With this album, it’s more like every song has a universal appeal. It’s about life—love stories, redemption, and encouragement. I always have that thread of hope through everything I do. I feel like it’s one of those records where people are going to be able to relate their own story to every single song.”
McBride’s “Dream Team”
Mega producers Nathan Chapman and Dann Huff signed on to produce McBride’s upcoming project together. “It’s like a dream team,” says McBride. “It’s interesting how it came about. I didn’t expect it. I went to each of them separately to do four or five cuts on the record, but let them know I was also talking to Dann or I was talking to Nathan. They both said at separate times, ‘I wish we could just do it together,’ and I was like, ‘Far be it from me to stand in your way. Your wish is coming true.’ They complement each other and are both super gifted musicians and producers. I feel like I’m in really good hands with the music.”