Charles Kelley will release The Driver, his first-ever solo album, on Capitol Records Nashville on Feb. 5. A member of Lady Antebellum, Kelley received a Grammy nomination for the project’s title track in the category of Best Country Duo/Group Performance, an honor shared with collaborators Dierks Bentley and Eric Paslay.
“At first, it was really weird to go in the booth and be like, ‘Where’s Hillary? Where’s Dave?’ But it was very exciting to be the leader in there and go, ‘This is it, I’m doing this,’” Kelley said. “It was the most fun I’ve had in the studio, because everything felt new again. It took me out of my comfort zone.”
Kelley recorded the project in producer Paul Worley’s studio. Guests include brother Josh Kelley on “Round in Circles,” Miranda Lambert on “I Wish You Were Here,” and Stevie Nicks on a cover of Tom Petty’s “Southern Accents.” With Nathan Chapman, Kelley also wrote “The Only One Who Gets Me” for and about his wife, Cassie.
“While so many of these songs are something I specifically can relate to, it really is all of our story,” added Kelley. “It is a pure musical left turn, to take myself out of my own head and bring in a fresh perspective when we go back in to make the next Lady Antebellum record.”
THE DRIVER TRACK LIST:
1. “Your Love” (written by Abe Stoklasa, Ashley Ray)
2. “The Driver feat. Dierks Bentley & Eric Paslay (Charles Kelley, Eric Paslay, Abe Stoklasa)
3. “Dancing Around It” (Charles Kelley, Abe Stoklasa, Daniel Tashian)
4. “Southern Accents feat. Stevie Nicks (Tom Petty)
5. “Lonely Girl” (Chris Stapleton, Jesse Frasure)
6. “The Only One Who Gets Me” (Charles Kelley, Nathan Chapman)
7. “Round In Circles” (Charles Kelley, Josh Kelley)
8. “I Wish You Were Here” feat. Miranda Lambert (Jedd Hughes)
9. “Leaving Nashville” (Abe Stoklasa, Donovan Woods)
RodeoHouston Reveals 2016 Lineup
/by Craig_ShelburneJason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Kenny Chesney are among the confirmed headliners for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in March.
The Band Perry will be the first performer of the annual concert series, which will launch on March 1. Keith Urban’s set will wrap the series on March 20. Other country artists on the lineup include Billy Currington, Brett Eldredge, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Cole Swindell, and Chris Young.
Tickets go on sale Saturday (Jan. 16) at 10 a.m. Rodeo ticket prices range from $10 to $86, plus applicable fees. Season ticket options start as low as $336 per seat, plus handling.
“The variety in this year’s entertainer lineup makes it one of the most exciting in RodeoHouston history! These stars, as a group, have won everything from Teen Choice and Latin Grammy awards to all of the country music honors,” said Joel Cowley, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “And with our family friendly ticket pricing, our fans can enjoy the full spectrum of entertainment at our legendary event.”
The RodeoHouston Lineup is below:
March 1: The Band Perry
March 2: Chris Young
March 3: Jason Aldean
March 4: Jason Derulo
March 5: Cole Swindell
March 6: Shawn Mendes
March 7: Miranda Lambert
March 8: Pitbull
March 9: Brett Eldredge
March 10: Luke Bryan
March 11: Darius Rucker
March 12: Billy Currington
March 13: Los Huracanes Del Norte/Banda Los Recoditos
March 14: Kenny Chesney
March 15: Kid Rock
March 16: Jake Owen
March 17: Florida Georgia Line
March 18: Little Big Town
March 19: Brad Paisley
March 20: Keith Urban
Nashville Student Tristan McIntosh Impresses Judges At ‘American Idol’ Auditions
/by Jessica NicholsonTristan McIntosh. Photo: americanidol.com
One of the highlights from Thursday night’s (Jan. 7) American Idol auditions came courtesy of a talented Nashville teenager. Tristan McIntosh, a 10th grader at Nashville School of the Arts, impressed the judges with her earnest, soulful rendition of Mickey Guyton’s “Why Baby Why,” accompanying herself on piano (McIntosh also plays guitar). The audition became emotional after Idol judge Harry Connick Jr. read an email from McIntosh’s mother, who has been stationed overseas in the military.
McIntosh expressed how she missed her mother, who then appeared from behind a curtain to surprise her daughter. The judges praised McIntosh’s voice and artistry, and let her mother do the honors of inviting the teen to the Hollywood audition rounds.
The video has garnered more than 21 million views on American Idol‘s official Facebook page.
Guyton also offered her support for McIntosh via a Facebook post, sharing, “TRISTAN! amazing to hear you sing #WhyBabyWhy on American Idol & be reunited with your mom!! You’re amazing, my love ❤ #IdolPremiere”
Watch the emotional audition below.
Memorial Service Set For Backroad Anthem Singer Craig Strickland
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto: Helen Strickland, Instagram.
A memorial service has been set for 29-year-old Craig Strickland, a singer for country group Backroad Anthem. The service will take place Tuesday, Jan. 12, at the Cross Church Pinnacle Hills Campus in Rogers, Arkansas, beginning at 6 p.m. CT.
The service will also stream online at the Cross Church website.
The Backroad Anthem singer was found dead on Monday, Jan. 4, one week after he and friend Chase Morland were reported missing following a duck hunting trip during a winter storm. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Strickland’s body was discovered in the Kaw Lake region north of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Morland was found dead on Dec. 28.
Warner Music Nashville Signs The Last Bandoleros
/by Jessica NicholsonDuring a show at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley on Thursday night (Jan. 7), Warner Music Nashville introduced its new band, The Last Bandoleros. The band includes Derek James (guitar/vocals), Diego Navaira (bass/vocals), and Jerry Fuentes (guitar/vocals). The Last Bandoleros are managed by Cherrytree Management’s Martin Kierszenbaum.
Navaira’s father is Grammy-winning Conjunto artist Emilio Navaira Sr., who recorded for Capitol Nashville as Emilio in the 1990s.
Pictured, (L-R): Kevin Herring, SVP Promotion; Scott Hendricks, EVP A&R; Zach Jones, drummer; Derek James, guitar/vocals, The Last Bandoleros; John Esposito, President & CEO, WMN; Diego Navaira, bass/vocals, The Last Bandoleros; Jerry Fuentes, guitar/vocals, The Last Bandoleros; Peter Strickland, EVP & GM, WMN; Lisa Ray, VP Brand Management; Chris Palmer, VP Promotion.
The Last Bandoleros perform for a standing-room-only crowd of invited industry members last night, Jan. 7, 2016, at 3rd & Lindsley. Warner Music nashville label head John Esposito and Producer/Exec. VP Scott Hendricks unveiled the company’s newest artist signing, calling the band “one of the most exciting artists we’ve ever had the privilege of working with” and touting their music as “unlike anything else.”
Industry Ink: New West Records, JB Squared Enterprises, Pro Music Academy, APA
/by Jessica NicholsonNew West Records Appoints Tom Osborn to VP of Marketing Role
Tom Osborn
Tom Osborn has been appointed VP of Marketing for New West Records. Osborn joins New West from Kobalt Label Services where he oversaw their worldwide music marketing initiatives. He will be based at the label’s new headquarters in Nashville.
Osborn has worked with Paul Simon, Fleetwood Mac, The Black Keys, The Flaming Lips, Noel Gallagher, The Milk Carton Kids and more. His career includes stints at Warner Bros. Records, Capitol Records, Anti-/Epitaph and Vagrant Records. A graduate from the University of Southern California with a Masters of Fine Arts, he has also worked at Mammoth Records, ARTISTdirect and Atlas/Third Rail.
“With his exemplary reputation, attitude and knowledge, I have every confidence that Tom will make me seem like a genius for hiring him,” said president John Allen.
“I am elated to be joining New West, as I am truly a fan of not only their stellar roster, but the amazing staff as well,” said Osborn. “New West’s remarkable legacy is not just a reflection of their past but of their future and I only hope to build upon that. To be a safe haven where artists can focus on their craft is truly an exceptional opportunity in this climate and I look forward to developing that reputation.”
Jay Bradley Launches JB Squared Enterprises
Bradley’s previous stops include Bigger Picture Group, Universal Records South and Premiere Radio Networks.
He can be reached at jaybradley@yahoo.com or jb2ent.com.
Pro Music Academy Prepares Master Class
SESAC VP Tim Fink and hit songwriter Brian White will take part in the Pro Music Academy’s Music Business Master Class in Nashville on Saturday (Jan. 9) from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Pricing is $99 for any one Master Class. All classes are available to all ages and all levels. For those outside of Nashville, Master Classes are available for viewing via Skype.
Pro Music Academy, LLC was founded by drummer and songwriter Chad Chapin. For more information or to register for a Master Class, call 615-200-0604 or visit promusicacademy.com.
APA Signs Taylor Hicks
Taylor Hicks
Taylor Hicks, winner of the fifth season of American Idol, has signed with APA, it was announced today by the agency’s Seth Rappaport. Hicks, who is currently in-studio finishing his latest album to be released this year, will be announcing upcoming tour dates soon.
In addition to headlining the Paris Casino in Las Vegas, as well as other Caesars Entertainment properties across the United States, Hicks has performed alongside an amazing variety of artists such as Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, Gladys Knight, Earth Wind & Fire, and The Allman Brothers. He also performed on Broadway in 2008, and in the national tour of the famed musical Grease in 2009, playing the Teen Angel role originated by Alan Paul.
Charles Kelley’s Solo Album Set For Feb. 5
/by Craig_ShelburneCharles Kelley will release The Driver, his first-ever solo album, on Capitol Records Nashville on Feb. 5. A member of Lady Antebellum, Kelley received a Grammy nomination for the project’s title track in the category of Best Country Duo/Group Performance, an honor shared with collaborators Dierks Bentley and Eric Paslay.
“At first, it was really weird to go in the booth and be like, ‘Where’s Hillary? Where’s Dave?’ But it was very exciting to be the leader in there and go, ‘This is it, I’m doing this,’” Kelley said. “It was the most fun I’ve had in the studio, because everything felt new again. It took me out of my comfort zone.”
Kelley recorded the project in producer Paul Worley’s studio. Guests include brother Josh Kelley on “Round in Circles,” Miranda Lambert on “I Wish You Were Here,” and Stevie Nicks on a cover of Tom Petty’s “Southern Accents.” With Nathan Chapman, Kelley also wrote “The Only One Who Gets Me” for and about his wife, Cassie.
“While so many of these songs are something I specifically can relate to, it really is all of our story,” added Kelley. “It is a pure musical left turn, to take myself out of my own head and bring in a fresh perspective when we go back in to make the next Lady Antebellum record.”
THE DRIVER TRACK LIST:
1. “Your Love” (written by Abe Stoklasa, Ashley Ray)
2. “The Driver feat. Dierks Bentley & Eric Paslay (Charles Kelley, Eric Paslay, Abe Stoklasa)
3. “Dancing Around It” (Charles Kelley, Abe Stoklasa, Daniel Tashian)
4. “Southern Accents feat. Stevie Nicks (Tom Petty)
5. “Lonely Girl” (Chris Stapleton, Jesse Frasure)
6. “The Only One Who Gets Me” (Charles Kelley, Nathan Chapman)
7. “Round In Circles” (Charles Kelley, Josh Kelley)
8. “I Wish You Were Here” feat. Miranda Lambert (Jedd Hughes)
9. “Leaving Nashville” (Abe Stoklasa, Donovan Woods)
‘American Saturday Night: Live From The Grand Ole Opry’ Gets National Release Date
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto: Chris Hollo.
The Grand Ole Opry’s first feature-length concert movie, American Saturday Night: Live From The Grand Ole Opry, will expand to additional Carmike Cinemas and other North American theaters for a special engagement beginning Feb. 12 on more than 200 screens.
The film provides a virtual front row seat and VIP all-access pass to full live performances and backstage conversations with Opry members Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, and Darius Rucker as well as The Band Perry and Brett Eldredge.
Watch the trailer for the project below.
Artist Updates: Chris Stapleton, Thomas Rhett, Cam, Brandy Clark
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Stapleton Headed To Saturday Night Live
Chris Stapleton will kick off 2016 as the Jan. 16 musical guest on NBC’s Saturday Night Live with guest host Adam Driver.
Released by Mercury Records Nashville, Stapleton’s gold-certified Traveller is nominated for Album of the Year and Best Country Album at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. Stapleton also received nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance (for the album’s title track) at the Grammy Awards, which will be broadcast live on CBS from L.A.’s Staples Center on Monday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT.
Thomas Rhett Burns Up All-Genre BBC Radio 2 Chart
Thomas Rhett‘s “Crash and Burn” lights up the all-genre BBC Radio 2 chart with his first single released in the UK, earning a slot ahead of releases by Coldplay and One Direction.
“Crash and Burn” boasts nearly 10 million impacts across all UK stations to date, adding international acclaim to the single’s platinum-selling status already earned in the US.
“Crash and Burn” is featured on Rhett’s Valory Music Co. album Tangled Up.
Cam To Make Debut Appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Arista Nashville/RCA Records singer/songwriter Cam hit No. 1 in December with her Platinum-certified country smash, “Burning House,” and the Best Country Solo Performance Grammy nominee will perform the song in her debut appearance on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday, Jan. 11.
Featuring “Burning House,” the singer’s Untamed album released on Dec. 11.
Brandy Clark Introduces Artwork For New Single
Brandy Clark, known for songs including “Stripes” and co-writing songs including “Mama’s Broken Heart” (Miranda Lambert) and “Better Dig Two” (The Band Perry), will release the single “Girl Next Door” on Jan. 22.
Clark recently shot an accompanying music video for “Girl Next Door.”
New Year, New Look! Weekly Chart Report (1/8/16)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row Coming To Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville will soon be home to Dierks Bentley‘s latest Whiskey Row establishment, when the country bar opens in Music City in 2017. Whiskey Row will be located at 400 Broadway, on the northwest corner of 4th and Broadway, close to the Ryman Auditorium. The 14,500 square foot building is currently home to Tatyana’s Boutique.
The future home of Nashville’s Whiskey Row location was built in the late 1800s, and boasts a musical history as the longtime home Gruhn’s Guitars.
The Nashville location will mark the first Whiskey Row outside of Bentley’s home state of Arizona, following openings in Scottsdale and Tempe. The country bar will offer patrons menu items made from scratch in house, using responsibly sourced meats and locally farmed produce, along with more than 50 beers on tap and a unique selection of signature “cocktails on tap,” craft cocktails from the tap that are then customized with a mixer of guests’ choice. Whiskey Row Nashville will also have three different stages for live music.
“Lower Broadway’s honky-tonks are the stomping grounds of countless artists past to present chasing this crazy dream of playing music,” says Bentley. “It’s home of the bars where I cut my teeth night after night, usually running up a beer tab bigger than the tips I made covered. It’s pretty full-circle to think that we’re getting the chance to open one of my bars, backing right up to the Ryman Auditorium, where other artists will look back on as the place they got their start too.”
An investment partnership led by Michael Hayes and Brandon Kuvara of C. B. Ragland Company acquired the location at 400 Broadway from Brenda and Ruble Sanderson.
“This is the best corner in the lower Broadway Honky Tonk District,” said Hayes, President/COO of C. B. Ragland Company. “We plan a significant overhaul of the historic building to animate and activate the upper floors and rooftop with a new restaurant and music venue to compliment the entertainment district.”
“We are excited to announce that we have executed a lease with Management Company Riot Hospitality Group to open a Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row early 2017,” said C. B. Ragland Company managing broker Kuvara.
“We have loved being here the last three years,” said Tatyana’s President and founder Jan Glaser, “but have found with the significant growth in the tourist market, it has been difficult to serve our local customer base. We hope to find a new location soon and look forward to a strong future in Nashville.”