Dierks Bentley
Following the announcement of his eighth studio album, BLACK, Dierks Bentley has introduced the project’s lead single, “Somewhere On A Beach,” as well as the cities slated as part of the U.S. leg of his 2016 Somewhere On A Beach Tour.
The trek will launch May 12 in Holmdel, New Jersey, at the PNC Bank Arts Center. Along for the ride are Randy Houser and Cam. Tickets can be purchased beginning Jan. 29 for select cities as part of Live Nation’s Country Megaticket at megaticket.com. In addition to 34 cities in the U.S. and three in Canada, Bentley’s Somewhere On A Beach Tour will visit the United Kingdom and Ireland.
“This album is about ALL phases of a relationship, including the breakups,” said Bentley. ”’Beach’ is a pretty blunt take on that wild rebound we’ve all had or maybe imagined having. The carefree attitude is exactly the spirit we wanted to bring out on the road this year. I’ve toured with Randy before, and he’s just a great dude−on stage and backstage. And I’ve gotten to know Cam a little over the last year, and she’s fun as hell too and so talented. It’s going to be a big summer for sure.”
2016 Somewhere On A Beach Tour Cities:
Dublin, Ireland
London, UK
Manchester, UK
Glasgow, UK
Holmdel, New Jersey
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cleveland, Ohio
Chicago, Illinois
Detroit, Michigan
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Bangor, Maine
Hartford, Connecticut
Boston, Massachusetts
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Cadott, Wisconsin
Walker, Minnesota
Columbus, Ohio
Manhattan, Kansas
North Platte, Nebraska
Fort Loramie, Ohio
Charlotte, North Carolina
Atlanta, Georgia
Tampa, Florida
Raleigh, North Carolina
Bristow, Virginia
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Cameras, Alberta, Canada
Duncan, British Columbia, Canada
Oro-Mendonte, Ontario, Canada
Syracuse, New York
Saint Louis, Missouri
Indianapolis, Indiana
Dallas, Texas
Houston, Texas
Mountain View, California
Irvine, California
San Diego, California
Eugene, Oregon
Boise, Idaho
Salt Lake City, Utah
(Openers vary on festival dates)
Weekly Register: Chris Stapleton’s ‘Traveller’ Settles In
/by Craig_ShelburneChris Stapleton’s Traveller is extending its trip atop the country albums chart. The acclaimed collection remains at No. 1 for the week ending Jan. 14, with 26K album sold, and 744K overall. Next week’s chart will reflect sales following his Jan. 16 performance on NBC’s Saturday Night Live.
Sam Hunt’s Montevallo moves up a spot to No. 2, with 8.5K sold. Within a few weeks, he is expected to officially surpass the million mark. Thomas Rhett’s Tangled Up rises to No. 3, with 6.5K sold.
Eric Church’s Mr. Misunderstood (6K) and Carrie Underwood’s Storyteller (6K) round out the Top 5.
Thomas Rhett
For digital track sales, Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man” tops the country tally, moving 54K, with 937K overall. Hunt’s “Break Up In A Small Town” shifts 37K to place second and officially surpassing a million units.
Luke Bryan and Karen Fairchild’s “Home Alone Tonight” rises a notch to No. 3 (30K), just ahead of Cam’s “Burning House” (26K) and Cole Swindell’s “You Should Be Here” (21K).
Trace Adkins’ “Jesus and Jones” debuts at No. 64, selling 3.4K. This is his debut on Wheelhouse Records, part of the Broken Bow label group.
On the overall chart, the late David Bowie debuts at the top with Blackstar, the album he completed and released just days before his passing on Jan. 10. Blackstar sold 181K (174K album only).
With 146.5K units for “Love Yourself” this week (and 1.2 million overall), Justin Bieber holds onto the top of the digital tracks chart for the second week.
2016 Country Radio Meet & Greet Lineup Reveals Rising Stars
/by Eric T. ParkerMusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, is proud to reveal two rising country performers for its 2016 Country Radio Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards: LOCASH (Reviver Records) and Erica Nicole (Go Time Records).
The invitation-only event will be held in Nashville in early February for MusicRow subscribing members, affiliates and country radio broadcasters just ahead of the 2016 Country Radio Seminar. Subscribe to MusicRow to receive your invitation.
Pictured (L-R): Erica Nicole, LOCASH.
The gathering will also reveal the CountryBreakout Award winners, tallied from chart performance on the MusicRow chart in 2015. Profiles of the yet-to-be announced winners will be included in the 2016 Country Radio print issue for MusicRow.
“With so many of us growing up in secondary markets and having been greatly influenced by radio in those markets, it’s a thrill to honor the artists and songwriters who have reached the most airplay on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout chart,” says MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. “I am also looking forward to showcasing the musical talents of Erica Nicole and LOCASH in front of the radio industry at this year’s event and seeing everyone come out for a great time.”
Print magazines will be available during Country Radio Seminar. MusicRow subscribers will receive their copies by mail. Additional issues can be purchased at MusicRow.com and at the publication’s 17th Avenue headquarters.
Opening ceremonies for Country Radio Seminar (CRS) will begin on Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. This year’s conference will take place through Feb. 10 at the Omni Hotel.
About performers for MusicRow‘s 2016 Country Radio Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards
LOCASH (Reviver Records): Chris Lucas and Preston Brust of LOCASH celebrated the final MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart No. 1 of 2015 with “I Love This Life,” the title track from the band’s 6-track EP. As the first single from a new label deal and name change (from LoCash Cowboys), “I Love This Life” landed on iTunes’ list of the best country songs of 2015. In addition to co-writing the single, the duo also helped write Keith Urban’s “You Gonna Fly” and Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah.” LOCASH wrapped a run of shows in Las Vegas during Wrangler National Finals Rodeo late last year and sang the National Anthem at the Indianapolis Pacers game before a New Year’s Eve show.
Erica Nicole (Go Time Records): Erica Nicole received her first Top 10 record on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart with “I’m Making Mine.” With the 2015 single, Nicole became MusicRow‘s first female independent artist to achieve three consecutive Top 20 records. She has opened shows for such artists as Miranda Lambert, Eric Church and Brad Paisley and performed the National Anthem at Fenway Park (New York Mets) and CitiField (Boston Red Sox). The Georgia native has been working with producer Kent Wells (Dolly Parton) on her full-length release. In late 2015, Erica Nicole headlined the I’m Making Mine Tour and guest-hosted the TV program, Country Fix.
Free iTunes Radio Stations Will Be Discontinued
/by Jessica NicholsoniTunes Radio will end its free, ad-supported streaming services this month. Apple announced the shift in an email to customers dated Jan. 15.
An Apple spokesperson told BuzzFeed News:
Launched in 2013, iTunes Radio was available in the U.S. and Australia. Once the change goes into effect, Beats 1 will Apple’s only free music offering.
Dierks Bentley Announces New Radio Single, Tour Cities
/by Jessica NicholsonDierks Bentley
Following the announcement of his eighth studio album, BLACK, Dierks Bentley has introduced the project’s lead single, “Somewhere On A Beach,” as well as the cities slated as part of the U.S. leg of his 2016 Somewhere On A Beach Tour.
The trek will launch May 12 in Holmdel, New Jersey, at the PNC Bank Arts Center. Along for the ride are Randy Houser and Cam. Tickets can be purchased beginning Jan. 29 for select cities as part of Live Nation’s Country Megaticket at megaticket.com. In addition to 34 cities in the U.S. and three in Canada, Bentley’s Somewhere On A Beach Tour will visit the United Kingdom and Ireland.
“This album is about ALL phases of a relationship, including the breakups,” said Bentley. ”’Beach’ is a pretty blunt take on that wild rebound we’ve all had or maybe imagined having. The carefree attitude is exactly the spirit we wanted to bring out on the road this year. I’ve toured with Randy before, and he’s just a great dude−on stage and backstage. And I’ve gotten to know Cam a little over the last year, and she’s fun as hell too and so talented. It’s going to be a big summer for sure.”
2016 Somewhere On A Beach Tour Cities:
Dublin, Ireland
London, UK
Manchester, UK
Glasgow, UK
Holmdel, New Jersey
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cleveland, Ohio
Chicago, Illinois
Detroit, Michigan
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Bangor, Maine
Hartford, Connecticut
Boston, Massachusetts
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Cadott, Wisconsin
Walker, Minnesota
Columbus, Ohio
Manhattan, Kansas
North Platte, Nebraska
Fort Loramie, Ohio
Charlotte, North Carolina
Atlanta, Georgia
Tampa, Florida
Raleigh, North Carolina
Bristow, Virginia
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Cameras, Alberta, Canada
Duncan, British Columbia, Canada
Oro-Mendonte, Ontario, Canada
Syracuse, New York
Saint Louis, Missouri
Indianapolis, Indiana
Dallas, Texas
Houston, Texas
Mountain View, California
Irvine, California
San Diego, California
Eugene, Oregon
Boise, Idaho
Salt Lake City, Utah
(Openers vary on festival dates)
ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO Offers Nashville Expertise
/by Craig_ShelburneNashville songwriters Desmond Child, Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley and Brett James will participate in the 2016 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO in Los Angeles in April.
Child will host the event’s Center Stage writers-in-the-round on April 28, as well as an attendee song feedback session. In addition, DeStefano will participate in a hands-on Hit Producer panel and perform at the conference’s closing Writers Jam.
Meanwhile, Gorley will take part in the EXPO’s Master Sessions. In addition, James will join the annual Hit Songwriters panel that features modern top hitmakers from across the charts including Dave Bassett (Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song”), Jacob “JKash” Kasher (Maroon 5’s “Sugar”), and Poo Bear (Justin Bieber’s “What Do You Mean”).
Others signing on for the EXPO are songwriters Bonnie Baker (Reba McEntire’s “My Sister”) and songwriter/producer Forest Glen Whitehead (Kelsea Ballerini’s “Love Me Like You Mean It”).
The event will be held April 28-30 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel.
650 AM WSM’s ‘Coffee, Country & Cody’ Coming to TV
/by Craig_ShelburneCoffee, Country & Cody, the long-running morning show on Nashville’s 650 AM WSM, will be simultaneously broadcast as a television series on The Heartland Network starting on Feb. 1.
Heartland is a division of Luken Communications, which offers diverse, family-friendly programming. Its networks reach approximately 80 percent of all U.S. households through over-the-air, cable and satellite television. The Luken network portfolio also includes Rev’n, Retro TV, TUFF TV, PBJ, The Family Channel and Frost Great Outdoors (FGO).
Currently in its 22nd year, Coffee, Country & Cody is hosted by Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry emcee Bill Cody, along with his producer and sidekick, Charlie Mattos. The show broadcasts from the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.
“We are honored to join the Heartland Network. I believe that consumers are yearning for genuine and authentic entertainment,” said Chris Kulick, WSM General Manager. “I know that 650 AM WSM listeners and Heartland viewers will embrace the warmth of one of the most sincere personalities in the world, Bill Cody.”
Matthew Golden, Luken’s Vice President of Programming, said, “WSM and Heartland are dedicated to preserving the legacy of the legends of country music, both classic and contemporary. I can’t think of any show that would speak more directly to the core of the Heartland audience.”
Heartland officially debuted in 2013 with programming comprised of syndicated and first-run shows, as well as digitally-restored content. The program lineup includes Reflections with host Keith Bilbrey, Bluegrass Ridge, Country Fix, Country Standard Time, Music City Tonight, Texas Music Scene, Gaither Gospel Hour, classic episodes of Crook & Chase and several popular music video blocks.
New Songwriter Networking Series Begins Thursday
/by Craig_ShelburneA networking and performance series for songwriters, titled The Hippie Chick Twang Java Jam, will launch on Thursday (Jan. 21) at 6:30 p.m. Presented by Hippie Chick Twang Music Publishing and Media, the series will take place on the third Thursday of each month at Just Love Coffee at 1528 Demonbreun St.
Songwriters looking for co-writers, artists looking for songs, musicians looking for band opportunities, and studios, stylists, and any industry support looking to connect with talent should bring business cards for the organized networking segments. The event will feature hit songwriters, new writers, and reserved slots for open mic.
The inaugural Java Jam will feature Hippie Chick Twang’s Kim McLean and Jake Neumar, as well as Dean Miller and other songwriters.
Hippie Chick Twang will also be developing teams and signing songwriters for their non-profit division called Music Does Good. Networking and performances will culminate in an all-person jam to close the night.
To perform at one of the monthly events or to get more information about The Hippie Chick Twang Java Jam, contact Devon O’Day at devonoday@msn.com or call (615) 400-5140.
Favorite Country Dance Club Songs Of 2015 Revealed
/by Craig_ShelburneAndy Grammer’s “Honey, I’m Good.” and Blake Shelton’s “Sangria” topped the list of country dance favorites in 2015, according to Marco Club Connection’s annual ranking of country dance club songs.
Andy Grammer
“Honey, I’m Good.” was a major pop hit that received a significant boost among country fans when Eli Young Band released a collaborative version of the song with Grammer to country radio and dance venues. Shelton’s “Sangria” and Luke Bryan’s “Kick The Dust Up” ranked No. 2 and No. 3 respectively.
The Nashville-based Marco Club Connection surveys a panel of nearly 250 club owners, DJs and dance instructors from across the country to compile its rankings every December. Overall votes by the panel determine each song’s placement on the list.
The list was a mixture of new and established artists with Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” placing as the sixth most popular song among dancers, while newcomers Sam Hunt, A Thousand Horses and Mo Pitney all had their first placement on the annual list.
Zac Brown Band was the only artist to be represented twice in the Top 10 with “Homegrown” and “Beautiful Drug” coming in at No. 8 and No. 10.
The results of the 2015 Top 10 Country Dance Club Hits are:
1. “Honey, I’m Good.” – Andy Grammer
2. “Sangria” – Blake Shelton
3. “Kick The Dust Up” – Luke Bryan
4. “House Party” – Sam Hunt
5. “Crash and Burn” – Thomas Rhett
6. “Girl Crush” – Little Big Town
7. “Boy & A Girl Thing” – Mo Pitney
8. “Homegrown” – Zac Brown Band
9. “Smoke” – A Thousand Horses
10. “Beautiful Drug” – Zac Brown Band
View a complete archive of Marco Club Connection’s Top 10 Country Dance Club Hits.
Reba McEntire Joins Hearts Of Hope For Nashville Rescue Mission
/by Craig_ShelburneReba McEntire and singer-songwriter Caroline Kole are confirmed for the Hearts of Hope event benefitting the Nashville Rescue Mission. The event will take place on Feb. 13 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Boone Convocation Center at Trevecca Nazarene University.
The lunch will celebrate homeless and hurting women in Nashville by making them the guests of honor on the day before Valentine’s Day. Tickets are available at a suggested minimum donation of $100. A meal will be provided. Purchasing information is available at the Nashville Rescue Mission website.
“I think everybody should support the Mission because folks need help,” McEntire stated at last year’s event. “It’s a part of our community, and as neighbors we need to get in there and volunteer and see how we can help them out, and get them back on their feet.”
George Jones’ Bandit Records Catalog Acquired By Concord Bicycle Music
/by Craig_ShelburneGeorge Jones’ recordings for his label imprint Bandit Records have been acquired by Concord Bicycle Music. The assets were obtained from Jones’ widow, Nancy Jones, according to a Concord Bicycle statement.
The master recordings included in the deal include 2001’s The Rock, 2005’s The Gospel Collection and Hits I Missed…And One I Didn’t, 2006’s Kickin’ Out The Footlights Again (with Merle Haggard), and 2008’s duets collection Burn Your Playhouse Down. The catalog also contains various Roy Acuff track masters and assorted George Jones compilations.
In a separate transaction, Concord Bicycle Music has also acquired the catalog of Americana label HighTone Records from Shout! Factory. The transaction includes master recordings from Buddy Miller, The Blasters, and many others.
“Concord Bicycle Music is proud to be the new home for these fantastic and historic recordings,” said Steven Salm, Chief Corporate Development Officer, Concord Bicycle Music. “HighTone and Bandit represent an important niche in the American independent music culture and fit perfectly within our existing catalog.”
“The HighTone and Bandit catalogs exemplify a deeply rooted and evocative part of America’s musical heritage,” added Sig Sigworth, SVP Catalog Management & Development, Concord Bicycle Music. “We’re proud to add these stellar works to Concord Bicycle Music’s already extraordinary collection of country, folk, blues and Americana master recordings.”