Bobby Bones and The Raging Idiots are set to release their first full-length album, The Critics Give It 5 Stars, on March 18, via Black River Entertainment.
The comedy group, comprised of Bobby Bones and Producer Eddie from iHeartMedia’s The Bobby Bones Show, brought in some top-shelf star power for the release. They recruited Charles Kelley, Carrie Underwood, Kelsea Ballerini, Brad Paisley, Lindsay Ell, and more for the project. Kelley joins on “She’s A 10, I’m A 2,” while Underwood appears on “We Can’t Stand Each Other.” Brad Paisley performs on “I Like You,” while Kelsea Ballerini lends her voice to the country rendition of “Starbucks!”
“Black River is pleased to be the home of great artists like Bobby Bones and The Raging Idiots,” said Black River Entertainment CEO Gordon Kerr. “Through the efforts of Bobby, Eddie and the other incredible artists who have come alongside them on this project, comedy music is alive and well in Nashville!”
“Every time someone buys our record, an angel get its wings,” adds Bobby Bones. “I’d buy 10 copies of this album. I’d go to the store and demand them right now! I haven’t listened to it yet, but I hear the critics love it.”
Bobby Bones, who recently nabbed his second ACM award for National On-Air Personality of the Year, co-wrote all the tracks on the album, which takes satirical and deliberate cues from today’s popular music, including the group’s lead track “If I Was Your Boyfriend,” the soon-to-be millennial-favorite “Netflix Love Song,” as well as offering fans two versions of the witty and instantly-infectious track “Starbucks!” depending on their personal genre preferences. The album also features some of Nashville’s top songwriters including Lee Thomas Miller and Kristian Bush. The music video for “If I Was Your Boyfriend” made its debut on CMT and is available now on iTunes.
Continuing in the charitable spirit that made The Raging Idiots a household name and raised over two million dollars for charities across America, a portion of the proceeds from “We Can’t Stand Each Other” with Carrie Underwood are being donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Additionally, fans can pre-order autographed copies of the entire album along with other unique merchandise offers at www.ragingidiots.com. A portion of the proceeds from each package will go to Musicians On Call.
THE CRITICS GIVE IT 5 STARS TRACK LIST:
1. She’s A 10, I’m A 2 with Charles Kelley
(Bobby Bones, Kristian Bush)
2. If I Was Your Boyfriend
(Bobby Bones, Michael Saenz, Mical Trejo)
3. We Can’t Stand Each Other with Carrie Underwood
(Bobby Bones, Lindsay Ell, Keifer Thompson)
4. How We Think Every Hip Hop Song Starts
(Bobby Bones, Eddie Garcia, Nick Autry)
5. Starbucks!
(Bobby Bones, Lee Thomas Miller, Nick Autry)
6. Starbucks! (Country Version with Kelsea Ballerini)
(Bobby Bones, Lee Thomas Miller, Nick Autry)
7. I Like You with Brad Paisley
(Bobby Bones, Lee Thomas Miller, Nick Autry)
8. Reenactments with Fake Luke Bryan
(Bobby Bones, Eddie Garcia, Nick Autry)
9. Red, White And Blue
(Bobby Bones, Michael Saenz, Lindsay Ell)
10. Netflix Love Song with Lindsay Ell
(Bobby Bones, Lindsay Ell)
11. Fishin’ With My Dad (Intro)
(Bobby Bones, Wynn Varble, David Lee)
12. Fishin’ With My Dad
(Bobby Bones, Wynn Varble, David Lee)
13. Everyday Is A Good Day
(Bobby Bones, Lindsay Ell, Kristian Bush)
Bobby Bones and The Raging Idiots Enlist Country Stars For First Full-Length Album
/by Jessica NicholsonBobby Bones and The Raging Idiots are set to release their first full-length album, The Critics Give It 5 Stars, on March 18, via Black River Entertainment.
The comedy group, comprised of Bobby Bones and Producer Eddie from iHeartMedia’s The Bobby Bones Show, brought in some top-shelf star power for the release. They recruited Charles Kelley, Carrie Underwood, Kelsea Ballerini, Brad Paisley, Lindsay Ell, and more for the project. Kelley joins on “She’s A 10, I’m A 2,” while Underwood appears on “We Can’t Stand Each Other.” Brad Paisley performs on “I Like You,” while Kelsea Ballerini lends her voice to the country rendition of “Starbucks!”
“Black River is pleased to be the home of great artists like Bobby Bones and The Raging Idiots,” said Black River Entertainment CEO Gordon Kerr. “Through the efforts of Bobby, Eddie and the other incredible artists who have come alongside them on this project, comedy music is alive and well in Nashville!”
“Every time someone buys our record, an angel get its wings,” adds Bobby Bones. “I’d buy 10 copies of this album. I’d go to the store and demand them right now! I haven’t listened to it yet, but I hear the critics love it.”
Bobby Bones, who recently nabbed his second ACM award for National On-Air Personality of the Year, co-wrote all the tracks on the album, which takes satirical and deliberate cues from today’s popular music, including the group’s lead track “If I Was Your Boyfriend,” the soon-to-be millennial-favorite “Netflix Love Song,” as well as offering fans two versions of the witty and instantly-infectious track “Starbucks!” depending on their personal genre preferences. The album also features some of Nashville’s top songwriters including Lee Thomas Miller and Kristian Bush. The music video for “If I Was Your Boyfriend” made its debut on CMT and is available now on iTunes.
Continuing in the charitable spirit that made The Raging Idiots a household name and raised over two million dollars for charities across America, a portion of the proceeds from “We Can’t Stand Each Other” with Carrie Underwood are being donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Additionally, fans can pre-order autographed copies of the entire album along with other unique merchandise offers at www.ragingidiots.com. A portion of the proceeds from each package will go to Musicians On Call.
THE CRITICS GIVE IT 5 STARS TRACK LIST:
1. She’s A 10, I’m A 2 with Charles Kelley
(Bobby Bones, Kristian Bush)
2. If I Was Your Boyfriend
(Bobby Bones, Michael Saenz, Mical Trejo)
3. We Can’t Stand Each Other with Carrie Underwood
(Bobby Bones, Lindsay Ell, Keifer Thompson)
4. How We Think Every Hip Hop Song Starts
(Bobby Bones, Eddie Garcia, Nick Autry)
5. Starbucks!
(Bobby Bones, Lee Thomas Miller, Nick Autry)
6. Starbucks! (Country Version with Kelsea Ballerini)
(Bobby Bones, Lee Thomas Miller, Nick Autry)
7. I Like You with Brad Paisley
(Bobby Bones, Lee Thomas Miller, Nick Autry)
8. Reenactments with Fake Luke Bryan
(Bobby Bones, Eddie Garcia, Nick Autry)
9. Red, White And Blue
(Bobby Bones, Michael Saenz, Lindsay Ell)
10. Netflix Love Song with Lindsay Ell
(Bobby Bones, Lindsay Ell)
11. Fishin’ With My Dad (Intro)
(Bobby Bones, Wynn Varble, David Lee)
12. Fishin’ With My Dad
(Bobby Bones, Wynn Varble, David Lee)
13. Everyday Is A Good Day
(Bobby Bones, Lindsay Ell, Kristian Bush)
In Pictures: Kelsea Ballerini, Brandy Clark, Jennifer Nettles, LANco, Maggie Rose, Sam Grow
/by Jessica NicholsonKelsea Ballerini and the Black River Entertainment Promotion staff celebrate Ballerini’s second No. 1 single, “Dibs.”
Warner Bros. artist Brandy Clark makes a promo stop at KBEB in Sacramento, California, to talk her about her new single, “Girl Next Door.”
Pictured (L-R): Rick Young (WMN), Brandy Clark, KBEB PD JJ Ryan.
Big Machine Records recording artist Jennifer Nettles hangs backstage Tuesday night (2/23) at The Wiltern prior to taking the stage in Los Angeles for the CMT Next Women of Country Tour.
Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta, Jennifer Nettles and Gellman Management’s Gail Gellman. Photo:Big Machine Records
BMI and YEP hosted a showcase of burgeoning country songwriters this week at Exit/In. The storied location featured BMI songwriters Sam Grow, Maggie Rose and LANco, each bringing their signature mixes of country and rock to the stage. The BMI and YEP quarterly showcase highlights up and coming talent in the country genre, and has hosted acts such as Backroad Anthem, Brooke Eden and Emma White.
Pictured: (L-R): LANco’s Tripp Howell and Chandler Baldwin, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, LANco’s Brandon Lancaster, BMI’s Perry Howard, Maggie Rose, LANco’s Jared Hampton, Sam Grow, YEP’s Andrew Cohen and LANco’s Eric Steedly.
Weekly Chart Report (2/26/16)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Waylon Jennings’ Eldest Son, Terry Jennings, Writes Book
/by Craig_ShelburneTerry Jennings was born when his father was 19 years old. When the younger Jennings was 15, he was a regular on the road with his father.
Advance copies of the book were sent with testimonials from Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and Keith Urban. The book is being published by Hachette Books. Jennings collaborated with author David Thomas on the book.
Press materials describe the book as “a strikingly honest, loving portrait of a unique father-son relationship that debunks myths and shares dozens of never-before-told stories.”
Today, Terry Jennings is the CEO and founder of Korban Music Group LLC, a music management and publishing company. He has also worked for booking agencies, publishing companies, and as a talent scout for major labels, including RCA Records. He lives near Waco, Texas.
Choreographed Fountains Coming To Music Row Roundabout
/by Eric T. ParkerImage Used Courtesy of Wet Design / Nashville Mayor’s Office.
The Music Row roundabout and Owen Bradley Park will be enhanced with three choreographed fountains by November 2017.
Plans for the project were revealed at a press conference on Thursday (Feb. 25) at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP Nashville office, in the Roundabout Plaza, overlooking the Musica statue.
The water features will include fountains that encircle Musica, an interactive fountain for children in adjacent Owen Bradley Park, and a fountain built into the median strip cascading along 17th Avenue. No musical interaction is planned.
Southern California company WET Design has been enlisted for the project. WET Design’s work include the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas, the Sochi Winter Olympic Games’ Olympic Cauldron in Russia, The Dubai Fountain and the fountain at New York City’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
Designed by local artist Alan LeQuire, Musica was revealed in 2003. Its nine bronze statues, topping 38 feet, represent muses of the arts and creativity. It is considered to be the largest bronze figure group in the United States. However, at the time it was unveiled, funding was not available for the fountains that were incorporated into the original design.
Image Used Courtesy of Wet Design / Nashville Mayor’s Office.
The announcement coincides with a fundraising initiative from The Fountains of Musica Foundation, led by songwriter Desmond Child and board president Andrée LeQuire.
“An important part of the project is taking care of its ongoing maintenance, so as a nonprofit board, we are seeking community support to build the fountains and create a maintenance fund,” Andrée LeQuire said. “The estimated total for the entire project of three fountains and ongoing maintenance is $10 million and we are working in cooperation with multiple Metro departments for its installation. Generous private contributions have made the procurement of WET’s design possible. Now our website has an easy donation process; donations big and small are essential to complete this exciting project.”
Teresa Powell-Caldwell, senior vice president at WET said, “WET unleashes the magic of water and nature’s other elements to create shared experiences of movement, light, and emotion that reconnect us with our world, our senses, and each other. Collaborating with the board and Alan LeQuire to transform his magnificent sculpture into an evocative kinetic experience based on our expertise in this area was a rewarding artistic endeavor for WET, which we hope in turn will enrich the lives of those who experience the Fountains of Musica. We thank you all for trusting us achieve your vision in designing an experience that further evokes the creativity bursting from Nashville’s historic Music Row.”
Caldwell also explained the reasoning behind using Owen Bradley Park in the plans. “We know that people are going to be drawn to this feature,” she said. “So we needed to provide a place for them to look at it that is not in the street or crowded around for a photo opportunity.”
“This journey began a little over two years ago when I met the LeQuires, who were parents at our kids’ school,” recalled Child. “That’s when I found out that it wasn’t finished. It was missing these gushing, gorgeous waters. Then the whole thing made sense to me, and it was one of those things that I had to try to make it happen. This city so deserves it.”
“It was one of our first pieces of public art here in Nashville,” said Mayor Megan Barry. “When public and private come together, this is what we can do that is really special.”
“In all of the world, people go towards the location that has motion and activity,” said Andrée LeQuire. “These three fountains with water and lights will put a pulse in the entire neighborhood.”
An official website with links to donate is available at fountainsofmusica.org.
Quick Facts
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