Dave Cobb. Photo: Michael W. Bunch
Dave Cobb sat down with MusicRow at his Nashville home studio just one day before his big win at the 49th annual CMA Awards in early November. Although he was nominated as a producer for Chris Stapleton’s Traveller, Cobb’s prediction about the following day’s ceremony seemed clear: “There’s no way they’re going to give it to us!”
Of course, Stapleton ended up sweeping all three categories he was nominated in—including album of the year for the Cobb-produced Traveller. The acclaimed project has sold nearly 375,000 copies since the live ABC award show, with a total of 470,000 moved to date. On Monday (Dec. 7), Traveller received Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Best Country Album, while the title track will compete in the categories of Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song. Cobb also nabbed a Producer of the Year nomination.
A native of Savannah, Georgia, Cobb has also produced albums like A Thousand Horses’ Southernality, Jason Isbell’s Something More Than Free and Southeastern, in addition to Sturgill Simpson’s Metamodern Sounds in Country Music.
Read the full interview with Cobb in MusicRow’s 2016 Next Big Thing print issue.
On being a Nashville outsider:
I’ve always been an outsider in country but I feel like everybody has been really sweet and accommodating. They seem to be interested in these records in a good way.
When my [go-to session players] all got hired away from California and came here, I had to move too. They make me look really good. They aren’t a part of the Nashville establishment. Not that I don’t want to be a part of it, but I feel safe with those guys. It’s fun to work with them and I give a lot of credit for the sound to them. Of course
Vance Powell came in to engineer Stapleton’s record and Justin Niebank mixed Thousand Horses’ Southernality.
On his recording approach:
Most of my records are based around the singer. The band has to play to them. It may work for some people to record like a modern assembly line—cutting instruments separately—but I just like that live vocalist. At the end of the day, people listen to the singer more than anything else. Why not put them first? People also talk about how an artist may be so much better live than on the records. Why does it have to be any different? Someone told me a long time ago that records happen in the live room, not the control room. So I have that philosophy.
Records like “Wichita Lineman” send chills down my spine. I’m digging for that with every artist, whatever that is. If you get the track and groove right, the singer sings right. A lot of it is clearing the path for the singer so they can relax and enjoy themselves.
On his early influences:
My parents were Pentecostal so they listened to a lot of ‘50s, Elvis and the Oak Ridge Boys. My first loves though were the Beatles and The Rolling Stones. When I met Shooter [Jennings], he got me into “good country music”: Waylon [Jennings], his mother Jessi Colter and Paul Kennerley’s White Mansions [a 1978 concept album about the Civil War] changed my life. I kept digging and found Jerry Reed. I love country music that has heart and a rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Lately it’s been chasing anything of Alan Lomax’s field recordings, ‘30s prison gangs, front porch recordings, and mountain recordings.
All those Stones, Zeppelin, or Beatles records were made by figuring it out in the studio. That’s why I don’t like demos. When you hear a demo, you get used to how things are, as opposed to your gut reaction about finding the right tempo or adding parts. Those ideas begin to disappear the more you hear a demo.
Same way with pre-production because when you land on a riff for the first time, that’s when you play it with the most conviction. You can tell those ‘70s Waylon records were made just by figuring it out in the studio and figuring out when the vibe was right. I’m very much a student of those old albums. They’re more human.
On A Thousand Horses:
I did an EP for them in 2010 when they were on Interscope. Jeff Sosnow in A&R introduced me to them. We hit it off because we were all from the South. One of the guys is from Savannah too. It was like people from the same backyard goofing off in Los Angeles. I consider those guys like little brothers. We stuck together after Interscope and made some demos, which became Southernality.
On Jason Isbell:
The lyrics of the Drive-By Truckers song, “Outfit,” crushed me. I was really homesick for the South in California. When I got to Nashville, Jason’s manager, Traci Thomas connected us. That was a stroke of luck. Ryan Adams was supposed to produce him. That fell through and we were just fortunate enough to cut [2013’s] Southeastern in the middle of this incredible point in his songwriting.
On Sturgill Simpson:
Shooter pointed Sturgill out at a concert, saying, “That’s the best singer in Nashville.” We met again a few days later and started going in the studio. I didn’t think twice about it—he has a natural gift.
On Chris Stapleton:
When I heard his voice, I was stopped in my tracks. He is the ultimate cool. There are songs on Traveller where he was literally just testing the mics. It’s frightening how good he is.
Exclusive: Dave Cobb, One Day Before the CMA Awards
/by Eric T. ParkerDave Cobb. Photo: Michael W. Bunch
Dave Cobb sat down with MusicRow at his Nashville home studio just one day before his big win at the 49th annual CMA Awards in early November. Although he was nominated as a producer for Chris Stapleton’s Traveller, Cobb’s prediction about the following day’s ceremony seemed clear: “There’s no way they’re going to give it to us!”
Of course, Stapleton ended up sweeping all three categories he was nominated in—including album of the year for the Cobb-produced Traveller. The acclaimed project has sold nearly 375,000 copies since the live ABC award show, with a total of 470,000 moved to date. On Monday (Dec. 7), Traveller received Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Best Country Album, while the title track will compete in the categories of Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song. Cobb also nabbed a Producer of the Year nomination.
A native of Savannah, Georgia, Cobb has also produced albums like A Thousand Horses’ Southernality, Jason Isbell’s Something More Than Free and Southeastern, in addition to Sturgill Simpson’s Metamodern Sounds in Country Music.
Read the full interview with Cobb in MusicRow’s 2016 Next Big Thing print issue.
On being a Nashville outsider:
I’ve always been an outsider in country but I feel like everybody has been really sweet and accommodating. They seem to be interested in these records in a good way.
When my [go-to session players] all got hired away from California and came here, I had to move too. They make me look really good. They aren’t a part of the Nashville establishment. Not that I don’t want to be a part of it, but I feel safe with those guys. It’s fun to work with them and I give a lot of credit for the sound to them. Of course
Vance Powell came in to engineer Stapleton’s record and Justin Niebank mixed Thousand Horses’ Southernality.
On his recording approach:
Most of my records are based around the singer. The band has to play to them. It may work for some people to record like a modern assembly line—cutting instruments separately—but I just like that live vocalist. At the end of the day, people listen to the singer more than anything else. Why not put them first? People also talk about how an artist may be so much better live than on the records. Why does it have to be any different? Someone told me a long time ago that records happen in the live room, not the control room. So I have that philosophy.
Records like “Wichita Lineman” send chills down my spine. I’m digging for that with every artist, whatever that is. If you get the track and groove right, the singer sings right. A lot of it is clearing the path for the singer so they can relax and enjoy themselves.
On his early influences:
My parents were Pentecostal so they listened to a lot of ‘50s, Elvis and the Oak Ridge Boys. My first loves though were the Beatles and The Rolling Stones. When I met Shooter [Jennings], he got me into “good country music”: Waylon [Jennings], his mother Jessi Colter and Paul Kennerley’s White Mansions [a 1978 concept album about the Civil War] changed my life. I kept digging and found Jerry Reed. I love country music that has heart and a rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Lately it’s been chasing anything of Alan Lomax’s field recordings, ‘30s prison gangs, front porch recordings, and mountain recordings.
All those Stones, Zeppelin, or Beatles records were made by figuring it out in the studio. That’s why I don’t like demos. When you hear a demo, you get used to how things are, as opposed to your gut reaction about finding the right tempo or adding parts. Those ideas begin to disappear the more you hear a demo.
Same way with pre-production because when you land on a riff for the first time, that’s when you play it with the most conviction. You can tell those ‘70s Waylon records were made just by figuring it out in the studio and figuring out when the vibe was right. I’m very much a student of those old albums. They’re more human.
On A Thousand Horses:
I did an EP for them in 2010 when they were on Interscope. Jeff Sosnow in A&R introduced me to them. We hit it off because we were all from the South. One of the guys is from Savannah too. It was like people from the same backyard goofing off in Los Angeles. I consider those guys like little brothers. We stuck together after Interscope and made some demos, which became Southernality.
On Jason Isbell:
The lyrics of the Drive-By Truckers song, “Outfit,” crushed me. I was really homesick for the South in California. When I got to Nashville, Jason’s manager, Traci Thomas connected us. That was a stroke of luck. Ryan Adams was supposed to produce him. That fell through and we were just fortunate enough to cut [2013’s] Southeastern in the middle of this incredible point in his songwriting.
On Sturgill Simpson:
Shooter pointed Sturgill out at a concert, saying, “That’s the best singer in Nashville.” We met again a few days later and started going in the studio. I didn’t think twice about it—he has a natural gift.
On Chris Stapleton:
When I heard his voice, I was stopped in my tracks. He is the ultimate cool. There are songs on Traveller where he was literally just testing the mics. It’s frightening how good he is.
DISClaimer: Rhonda Vincent Tops Holiday Music Releases
/by Robert K OermannThe holidays will be here before you know it, so here’s the first installment of DISClaimer’s seasonal music guide.
There are some dandy tracks here, notably from John Berry, Mickey Guyton, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and the duo of Kenny Rogers & Jennifer Nettles.
But nobody tops Rhonda Vincent. She has the uncontested Disc of the Day.
ROBBY JOHNSON/Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
Writers: John Lennon/Yoko Ono; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: none listed; CMR
-His vocal is clear and strong, and he gives this plenty of country heart.
ERIC HEATHERLY/Christmas To Me
Writers: Eric Heatherly; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Psychobilly, ASCAP; Town & Country
-It has an r&b groove and a bluesy vamp. A bump-and-grind for the holidays.
LESLIE COURS MATHER/Santa Baby (You’ll Be Mine)
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Lion Eyes
-Saucy sounding. Best line: “I’m about to make your sleigh bells ring.”
RHONDA VINCENT/Dreaming of Christmas
Writer: Rhonda Vincent; Producer: Rhonda Vincent; Publisher: Sally Mountain; BMI; UM (track)
-Vincent’s Christmas Time CD has four of her original tunes alongside eight holiday standards. This lilting ditty kicks off the set with scintillating fiddle, mandolin, dobro and guitar work, lovely harmonies and an instantly lovable melody. Check out her all-star “Twelve Days of Christmas” featuring Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, the Oaks, Ronnie Milsap, Larry Gatlin, Jeannie Seely, Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis, Bill Anderson, Charlie Daniels, Gene Watson and EmiSunshine. Hands down, the best new Yule CD of 2015.
CLAIRE PETRIE & T. GRAHAM BROWN/He Would Be King
Writers: James Larson/Roger True; Producer: Mark Moseley; Publisher: Woodgrain, ASCAP; Mosrite
-Claire wisely lets his mighty T-ness take the lead most of the time, since his charisma is unstoppable. The song is quite uplifting.
JAMES ROBERT WEBB/Wonderful Christmas
Writer: Paul McCartney; Producers: James Robert Webb/Daniel Kleindienst; Publisher: MPL, ASCAP; Bison Creek (CDX)
-This McCartney favorite lends itself quite nicely to a country arrangement. Webb sings with warmth, and the session musicians are superb. Nice job.
KENNY ROGERS & JENNIFER NETTLES/Here It Is Christmas/Baby It’s Cold Outside
Writers: Kenny Rogers/Frank Loesser; Producers: Kyle Lehning/Warren Hartman; Publishers: Lilonsmate/Wixen/Frank, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
– As usual, Rogers is tops as a duet partner. Nettles does her part with deliciously jazzy phrasing. The strings are nicely done, too. Jennifer Nettles hosted ABC’s Country Christmas special last week, and tonight she’s in the spotlight on NBC in the TV movie of Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors.”
DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER/It’s Christmas Time
Writers: Charlie & Ira Louvin; Producers: none listed; Publishers: Central Songs, BMI; Mountain Home
-Lordy, these men can harmonize. This gorgeous ballad is decorated with both superb singing and poetic dobro and twin-fiddle accents. Spine tingling.
MICKEY GUYTON/Do You Want To Build A Snowman
Writers: Robert Lopez/Kristen Anderson-Lopez; Producer: Byron Gallimore; Publishers: Wonderland, BMI; Capitol (CDX)
-Swirling, echoey production backs a heavenly sweet vocal performance. Wistfully romantic.
JOHN BERRY/Blue Christmas
Writers: Billy Hayes/Jay W. Johnson; Producers: John Berry/Robin Berry; Publishers: Judy J Olmstead Trust/Universal Polygram, ASCAP; JB (CDX)
-Simple guitar, piano and brushed drums back him. And with a voice this splendid and a song this great, that’s all he needs. Masterful.
‘The Voice’: Cassadee Pope Returns, Sam Hunt To Season Finale
/by Sarah SkatesCassadee Pope on The Voice. Photo: Tyler Golden/NBC
The Voice recently welcomed the return of season three winner Cassadee Pope, and announced season finale guests including Sam Hunt.
On Tuesday (Dec. 8) Pope performed her new single “I Am Invincible” on the show. She also recently honored her former The Voice coach Blake Shelton with a tribute performance at the CMT Artists of the Year special. In 2016, she will tour with Chris Young and vie for Favorite Female Country Artist at the People’s Choice Awards, airing Jan. 6 on CBS.
On The Voice season finale, Sam Hunt will perform his current platinum-selling single, “Break Up in a Small Town,” from his debut album Montevallo. The telecast airs Tuesday, Dec. 15 (9-11 p.m. ET), and will also include guest stars Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Missy Elliott, and The Weeknd.
So far this season, the Monday and Tuesday editions of The Voice have combined to average a 3.7 rating in adults 18-49 and 13.3 million viewers overall, to keep NBC the top broadcast network in 18-49 on both nights, according to NBC.
Sam Hunt
Nashville Rockers The Wild Feathers Re-team With Jay Joyce
/by Sarah SkatesNashville-based rock band The Wild Feathers will release their second full-length album, Lonely Is A Lifetime, on March 11. The group reunited with hit-making producer Jay Joyce for the project coming via Warner Bros. Records.
The album features 11 tracks, including lead single, “Overnight.” See the video here.
Lonely Is A Lifetime was written in a cabin in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and in Barcelona, Spain. It was recorded in Nashville with award-winning producer Joyce (Cage the Elephant, Eric Church, Little Big Town), and was mixed by Dave Sardy (Oasis, Band of Horses).
Lonely Is A Lifetime is the follow-up to The Wild Feathers’ 2013 self-titled debut, which hit No.1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart.
Track listing for Lonely Is A Lifetime
Overnight
Sleepers
Goodbye Song
Don’t Ask Me To Change
Happy Again
Leave Your Light On
Help Me Out
Lonely Is A Lifetime
On My Way
Into The Sun
Hallelujah
Country Star Bonnie Lou Dies At Age 91
/by Robert K OermannBonnie Lou
Country and pop hit maker Bonnie Lou passed away in Cincinnati on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at age 91.
The singer, guitarist, yodeler and TV personality had two top-10 country hits in 1953, “Seven Lonely Days” and “Tennessee Wig Walk.” She made the transition to rockabilly music with 1955’s “Daddy-O” and other singles.
She starred on The Midwestern Hayride on both radio and television for decades and also had a number of local Cincinnati solo programs.
Bonnie Lou was born Mary Joan Kath on Oct. 27, 1924 in Towanda, Illinois. She was taught to yodel by her Swiss grandmother. The child began playing the violin at age 6, switched to guitar at age 11 and debuted on radio at age 13.
She appeared on WMBD in Peoria, then became a regular performer on WJBC in Bloomington, Illinois. Her first stage name was “Mary Jo, The Yodeling Sweetheart.” After graduating from high school, she appeared on WLS in Chicago and KMBC in Kansas City. At KMBC, she became a star of The Sagebrush Follies show as “Sally Carson.” The show was carried on the CBS radio network.
In early 1945, WLW’s Bill McCluskey hired her for that station’s Midwestern Hayride in Cincinnati and renamed her Bonnie Lou. She remained a star of that show until it folded in 1972. Both The Sagebrush Follies and The Midwestern Hayride were ensemble-cast, radio barn-dance programs like the Grand Ole Opry.
The Midwestern Hayride began broadcasting on local television in 1948. From 1952 to 1959 it aired as a network-TV summer replacement series on NBC, then ABC.
Signed by King Records in 1953, Bonnie Lou scored immediate hits with “Seven Lonely Days” and “Tennessee Wig Walk.” As was the case with other artists who recorded for King, her session instrumentalists were racially integrated.
In 1954. she aimed for the teen market with “Two-Step, Side-Step.” The song was written by Murry Wilson, who fathered future Beach Boys members Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson. The bouncy “Daddy-O” became Bonnie Lou’s biggest rockabilly hit in 1955. Other teen-oriented singles included “La Dee Dah,” “Little Miss Bobby Sox,” “No Rock and Roll Tonight,” “Teen Age Wedding,” “The Barnyard Hop” and “I Let the School Bell Ding-a-Ling.”
She later recorded for Todd, Wrayco and other labels. The Cincinnati company Fraternity Records issued her highly regarded rockabilly single “Friction Heat” in 1958. Among her albums are Bonnie Lou Sings, Daddy-O, It’s Christmas Time Again and Raining Down Happiness.
In addition to appearing on The Midwestern Hayride, Bonnie Lou starred on such Cincinnati TV shows as The Paul Dixon Show and The Fifty Fifty Club. Husband Milt Okun owned a furniture store, and she appeared in commercials for it for decades. In the 1980s, she became an Ohio country radio disc jockey.
Bonnie Lou is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Chase Bryant Ramps Up 2016 Tour Dates
/by Sarah SkatesChase Bryant. Photo: Joseph Llanes
Red Bow Records artist Chase Bryant has announced an initial list of tour dates for 2016, including both headlining shows and a special guest appearance on Kip Moore’s Wild Ones Tour.
Bryant is set for dates starting Jan. 15 in Morgantown, West Virginia, and running through July 30 in Duncan, British Columbia, with more to be announced soon.
The “Little Bit of You” singer is slated to perform at several major country music festivals including Tortuga Music Festival in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Country Jam USA in Grand Junction, Colorado and Country Thunder USA in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.
Bryant recently wrapped a run on superstar Tim McGraw’s Shotgun Rider Tour.
See below for an initial list of 2016 concerts, both new and previously announced.
1/15 – Schmitt’s Saloon – Morgantown, West Virginia
1/16 – Prospectors – Mt. Laurel, New Jersey
1/21 – Coyote Joe’s – Shelby Township, Michigan
1/22 – The Bluestone – Columbus, Ohio
1/23 – Dusty Armadillo – Rootstown, OHio
1/28 – The Eagles Ballroom – Milwaukee, Wisconsin*
1/29 – The Intersection – Grand Rapids, Michigan *
1/30 – Bogart’s – Cincinnati, Ohio *
1/31 – Wolf Den @ Mohegan Sun – Uncasville, Connecticut
2/4 – Hartman Arena – Park City, Kansas *
2/5 – Uptown Theatre – Kansas City, Missouri *
2/6 – 7 Flags Event Center – Clive, Iowa *
2/11 – Granada – Lawrence, Kansas
2/12 – Grizzly Rose – Denver, Colorado *
2/18 – Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace – Bakersfield, California
2/19 – The Brandin’ Iron – San Bernardino, California
4/7 – Country Thunder USA – Florence, Arizona
4/17 – Tortuga Music Festival – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
6/3 – Country Summer Festival – Santa Rosa, California
6/16 – Country Jam USA – Grand Junction, Colorado
7/16 – Craven Country Jamboree – Craven, Saskatchewan
7/21 – Country Thunder USA – Twin Lakes, Wisconsin
7/29 – Oregon Jamboree – Sweet Home, Oregon
7/30 – Sunfest Country – Duncan, British Columbia
* Denotes Wild Ones Tour appearance
ACM Lifting Lives Reveals Board of Directors for 2015-2016 Term
/by Jessica NicholsonACM Lifting Lives has revealed its board of directors for the 2015 – 2016 term, including newly elected Chairman Lori Badgett, President Ed Warm, Vice-President Debbie Carroll, Treasurer Dwight Wiles and Secretary Hannah Martin.
The ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors is made up of an equal number of ACM Board Members, referred to as representative directors, as well as leaders in non-profit and corporate affairs that aren’t ACM Board Members, referred to as public directors.
This year, there were eight representative director positions and five public director positions, elected/appointed by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors.
New representative directors include:
Paul Barnabee, Sony Music Nashville
Ross Copperman
Chris Farren, Combustion Music
Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry
Doc McGhee, McGhee Entertainment
Darin Murphy, CAA
Kimberly Schlapman
Butch Waugh
New public directors include:
Debbie Carroll, MusiCares
Lorie Lytle
Jerrod Niemann
Tree Paine, Premium PR
Dwight Wiles, Smith, Wiles & Co.
2015-2016 ACM LIFTING LIVES BOARD OF DIRECTORS (Complete List)
OFFICERS
Chairman Lori Badgett, City National Bank
President Ed Warm, Joe’s Bar
Vice-President Debbie Carroll, MusiCares
Treasurer Dwight Wiles, Smith, Wiles & Co.
Secretary Hannah Martin, ACM Lifting Lives
REPRESENTATIVE DIRECTORS
PUBLIC DIRECTORS
PAST CHAIRS
Bill Mayne, CRB (2015)
Bruce Bowman, Kaboom! (2014)
Mark Hartley, Fitzgerald Hartley (2013)
Gayle Holcomb, WME (2012)
Gospel’s Hemphill Family Loses Matriarch LaBreeska Hemphill
/by Robert K OermannLaBreeska Hemphill
LaBreeska Hemphill, the matriarch of the gospel singing family, The Hemphills, died Wednesday, Dec. 9, in Nashville at age 75.
Born in 1940 in Flat Creek, Alabama, a small coal-mining town, to Walter Erskine Rogers and Gussie Mae Goodman Rogers, LaBreeska entered the gospel field by singing with her family, the famed Happy Goodman Family, at the age of 9. She appeared with the group at The Ryman Auditorium during one of its monthly “all-night gospel sings.”
In 1957, LaBreeska married Joel Hemphill of West Monroe, LA and they became very active in the church Joel’s father pastored. Soon they began to travel and sing. Then Joel became the pastor of a church in Bastrop, LA.
In 1966, Joel and LaBreeska signed their first recording contract as a duet with Canaan Records, a division of Word Records. The Hemphills soon rose to prominence in the gospel field.
Fueled by the emotive, strong vocals of LaBreeska Hemphill, The Hemphills dominated the gospel-music charts in the 1970’s, ’80’s and ’90’s. The group earned six No. 1 hits, including its signature song, “He’s Still Working On Me.” It remained at No. 1 for eight consecutive months and was the gospel Song of the Year for 1981.
LaBreeska was also known for the hits “I Claim The Blood,” “Grandma’s Rocking Chair,” and “Unfinished Task.” The Hemphills have earned eight Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association.
In addition to her musical contributions, LaBreeska Hemphill was the author of four inspirational books.
“For over 50 years, my bride and companion, stood with me through ups and downs, joy and pain, tears and prayers, and I will miss her greatly,” said husband Joel Hemphill. “Although we have lost her earthly presence, I know I will see her again. I know where she’s headed, and that’s what counts! I love you, sweetheart, see you soon. You’ve finished well.”
LaBreeska Hemphill is also survived by children Joel Hemphill Jr. (Joey), Trent Hemphill (Hemphill Brothers Coach Company) and Candy Hemphill Christmas (The Bridge Ministry / Resting Place Church), by sister Jane Burks, brother Buddy Rogers and a number of grandchildren.
BMI Teams With Artist Growth To Capture Artists’ Self-Reported Tour Data
/by Troy_StephensonPerforming rights organization BMI has partnered with Artist Growth to utilize AG Accel to capture artists’ self-reported tour data.
BMI will use AG Accel to better identify and spotlight their existing affiliates whose careers are beginning to show signs of traction. The announcement comes recently after Artist Growth teamed up with Caroline and SONY to identify new artists outside their networks.
“Entering into this agreement with Artist Growth is the next logical step in the integration of the app with our BMI Live program,” says Jody Williams, Vice President, Writer-Publisher Relations Nashville. “We believe in the Artist Growth format and now there is a way for us to continue to monitor the success of BMI affiliated bands and artists in a way that previously did not exist. Now, when we are asked by industry gatekeepers which up and coming writers are buzzworthy, we can use the data to quantify this to other industry members.”
“It’s time that a formal process exists to provide artists with a direct channel to share their achievements with potential partners. BMI is at the center of the songwriting universe and we are proud to be working with them to ensure that artists have an outlet for proper recognition. Everyone should have the opportunity to get in front of investors, sponsors, and potential industry partners and BMI is helping us to expand this resource to new frontiers. We’re passionate about bringing this network to the industry, and believe that it will become an indispensable way for artists to connect with partners.”
Artist Growth previously partnered with BMI in 2012 for a ‘first of its kind’ software integration to streamline live performance royalty submissions for musicians through BMI Live, an innovative program designed to pay royalties to songwriters for live performances in bars, clubs, restaurants and other music venues. Through that partnership, BMI members signed up for BMI Live are able to submit their set lists for royalty payments as soon as they leave the stage via their Artist Growth app.
Artist Action: Kelsea Ballerini, Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood, Craig Morgan
/by Sarah SkatesBallerini Brings In Christmas
Kelsea Ballerini performed “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” at the 2015 National Christmas Tree Lighting, held Dec. 3 at the White House in Washington, D.C. The event, hosted by Reese Witherspoon, featured a star-studded lineup with performances by David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, Fall Out Boy and Tori Kelly. President Obama and his family flipped the switch on the tree. The event will air on PBS throughout December. Find broadcast times or view the special on demand at www.thenationaltree.org.
Kelsea Ballerini at the National Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 3 in Washington, DC. Photo: Paul Morigi for the National Park Foundation.
Yearwood Back For Seventh Season
Trisha Yearwood returns with the seventh season of her Emmy-winning® series, Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, premiering Saturday, Jan. 2 at 10:30 a.m. ET/PT. The 13-episode season will feature a trip to the Country Music Hall of Fame, a down-home dinner with Reba McEntire, a Graceland visit honoring Elvis Presley and a Habitat for Humanity build. In the premiere episode, Yearwood is honored with the ASCAP Voice of Music Award. Tour her Nashville kitchen and go behind-the-scenes at FoodNetwork.com/Trisha.
Trisha Yearwood keeps cooking up fun on the seventh season of her show.
Morgan Partners With Line-X
Craig Morgan has partnered with Line-X as a spokesman for the leader in high performance protective coatings and truck accessories. The Black River Entertainment recording artist will help tell the real-life stories of Line-X’s uses for military, automotive, industrial, nautical and other applications. The partnership includes marketing initiatives related to his tour, content creation and digital campaigns.
Morgan will also receive the 2015 AutoZone Liberty Bowl’s Outstanding Achievement Award and star in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl’s halftime spectacular on Jan. 2, 2016 in Memphis.
Craig Morgan
It’s A Blackstock Christmas
Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock decked out their clan for a Game of Thrones–themed holiday card. The singer shared the card on her Instagram account. Pictured with the couple are daughter River Rose, and Seth and Savannah, Blackstock’s children from a previous marriage.