Randy Rogers Band
The indie acts are in the spotlight today.
Whether they are big-label veterans like Randy Rogers Band and Ray Price, or freshly-minted newcomers, they are all plying their trade via independent companies.
The Disc of the Day belongs to Jamie Floyd, whose superbly-written songs have attracted an excellent-sounding group of supporting studio players. Music this good deserves major-league support. Somebody sign this woman at once and give her a ton of money.
The DisCovery Award goes to a band called Ashland Belle, a country-rock group based in Buffalo, New York, with booking and p.r. in Nashville.
RANDY ROGERS BAND/San Antone
Writer: Keith Gattis; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: Pioneer Town Songs/Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI); Tommy Jackson/Thirty Tigers
-The new Randy Rogers Band CD drops next month. The set, titled Nothing Shines Like Neon, features celebrity guests like Alison Krauss, Jerry Jeff Walker and Jamey Johnson. But on this rolling, breezy lead-off track, the band is on its own. And sounding better than ever.
RAY PRICE/No More Songs to Sing
Writers: Robert Ellis Orrall/Roger Springer/Tony Ramey; Producer: Fred Foster; Publishers: Ten Ten/Orrall Fixation/ole Red Cape/Drop Tyne/BMG Sapphire/Fast Horse, ASCAP/BMI; Amerimonte
-Ray Price’s final album is packed with emotional performances. This wistful, end-of-life ballad is one of its highlights. A keepsake from one of the all-time greats.
JAMIE FLOYD/The Blade
Writers: Allen Shamblin/Marc Beeson/Jamie Floyd; Producers: Brad Hill & Jamie Floyd; Publisher: WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)/Erin’s Dream Music (ASCAP)/Crazy Blue Egg (ASCAP). All rights admin. by WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)/Built On Rock Music (ASCAP) (admin. by ClearBox Rights)/Jamie Floyd Music (SESAC); JFM
-This former Epic artist is on her own now, with her own publishing company and label. Her six-song EP is called Sunshine & Rainbows and features this powerful throbber that is the title of the current Ashley Monroe album. Floyd’s own rendition trembles with emotion and aches with longing. Awesome.
ASHLAND BELLE/Fastest Car
Writers: Jimmy Yeary/Zac Maloy; Producer: Zac Maloy; Publisher: EMI Blackwood Music Inc./Great Day At THiS Music/Beattyville Music, BMI & Leo Rosewater/Warner Chapell, ASCAP; Ashland Belle
-This band shows real promise. There is fire and energy in the instrumental work, and the lead singer bites into the rebel-love lyric with gusto. This rocks in all the right places.
KAREN TAYLOR-GOOD/Hope in the Garden
Writers: Karen Taylor-Good/Rachael Good; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Abe’s Garden
-Abe’s Garden is now open on Woodmont Boulevard in West Nashville as an Alzheimer’s and Memory Care Center of Excellence. This is the title tune of a CD compiling songs about this tragic disease. It’s a lovely piano ballad with strings. Support this worthy charity.
CHLOE COLLINS/All Over Again
Writer: Chloe Collins; Producer: Mikey Reaves; Publisher: Collins House, BMI; Collins House
-She’s 15, and she solo-wrote all five songs on her EP. This lead-off track and first single is an instantly catchy ditty about a no-regrets romance. I dig her conversational delivery and her down-to-earth lyrics. This gal has the goods.
IMAJ/Colorblind
Writers: Ron Grimes/IMAJ/Jennifer Lynn; Producers: IMAJ & Mills Logan; Publisher: Timeless Creations/Love IMAJ/Jennifer Lynn, BMI/SESAC; Thomas Triomphe
-It’s a message ballad about spreading love and not being racist. She sings well, but the song is weak and repetitive. In mid-song, a news-announcer voice butts in and then she starts talking about her philosophy. Which is sonically totally weird.
SHALO LEE/Hometown Girl
Writers: Shalo Lee/Owen Sartori; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Owen Sartori & Shalo Lee; SL
-Recorded in Minneapolis, this is a pop-flavored female “attitude” number with a cool guitar figure running through it. It’s not gritty enough to be Americana, rhythmic enough to be pop/rock or twangy enough to be mainstream country.
JOHNNY REED FOLEY/Hillbilly Rockstar
Writer: Johnny Reed Foley; Producer: Billy Chapin; Publisher: Johnny Reed Foley, BMI; Inferential
-Have I mentioned how much I dislike country rapping?
TWO MILES SOUTH/Anywhere But Here
Writers: Billy Chapin/Matt McKeown/Camryn Wessner; Publisher: Funkamongus, BMI; Producer: Billy Chapin
-This is a female duo comprised of 18-year-old twins. The whole bouncy, boppy thing sounds slightly flat.
CMA Songwriters Series Set For 10th European Show
/by Jessica NicholsonCharles Esten
The CMA Songwriters Series will return to the UK for its 10th European show on March 10 at indigo at The O2 in London. This CMA Songwriters Series installment will feature Charles Esten (of ABC’s Nashville), Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, Ashley Monroe, and Charlie Worsham.
Launched in 2005, the CMA Songwriters Series will enter its 12th year in 2016. In 2012, the Series made its European debut with shows in London, Dublin, and Belfast. Celebrating the craft of storytelling through song and the stories behind country music’s greatest hits, the series returned the following year with shows taking place in Ireland, London, and Paris. Since 2014, the CMA Songwriters Series has returned annually to London as part of Country 2 Country, the three-day country music festival at The O2 in London.
CMHoF Partners with Google for Williams Family Virtual Exhibition
/by Eric T. Parker©2015 Google, Google Cultural Institute
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (CMHoF) has teamed with Google‘s Cultural Institute project to feature its 2008–09 Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy exhibit, from the Hank Williams family, as part of 60 digital experiences from the world’s foremost cultural institutions.
The online display is available on mobiles, tablets and desktop computers, offering a unique, interactive online experience showcasing the best in dance, music, opera and more.
“Our mission is to collect, preserve and interpret the evolving history of country music,” said museum CEO Kyle Young. “The Hank Williams story is a multi-layered saga of triumph and tragedy, set in the hardscrabble South over several generations. Partnering with Google allows us to tell that story around the world, beyond the life of the Family Tradition exhibit. This collaboration is a game-changer.”
Amit Sood, director of the Google Cultural Institute, commented: “Our goal is to open up performing arts to all, to catch the eye of the curious and offer access to details that even die-hard fans have never seen before.”
Through rare and previously unavailable images provided by the Williams family, the CMHoF’s exhibit examines the ways in which American music continues to be influenced by Williams.
Other cultural arts centers participating include: American Ballet Theatre, Carnegie Hall, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Metropolitan Opera and many more.
‘Billboard’ Lists 50 Most Powerful Female Executives in Music
/by Craig_ShelburneNashville-based executives Marcie Allen, Lori Badgett, Julie Boos, Ali Harnell, Allison Jones, Cindy Mabe and Mary Ann McCready are featured in Billboard’s new ranking of the 50 most powerful women in the music business.
Allen is the president of MAC Presents and was recognized in the Branding category for work with clients like Southwest Airlines and Microsoft Windows. In addition, the Finance category cites Badgett (Senior VP/team leader, City National Bank), Boos (co-owner/VP/business manager, Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy) and Mary Ann McCready (President/co-founder/business manager, Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy) as leaders in their field.
Meanwhile, Harnell (Senior VP, AEG Live) is cited in the Live category for producing 180 shows in 2015, grossing $36 million. In the Labels category, key Nashville figures include Cindy Mabe (President, Universal Music Group Nashville), who guided the label to a 40 percent market share in 2015, as well as Allison Jones (Senior VP A&R, Big Machine Label Group), who is recognized for placing future hit songs with the label roster, which includes Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts.
Weekly Chart Report (12/4/15)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Garth Brooks Announces Four Concerts at Las Vegas Arena
/by Eric T. ParkerGarth Brooks
Garth Brooks will play four shows at the Las Vegas Arena over the 4th of July weekend as part of the Garth Brooks World Tour featuring Trisha Yearwood.
“Vegas HAS to be different. The city, the venue and the people demand it,” Brooks said. “With the help of the city, itself, this run of shows will be a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience.”
Brooks’ concerts are slated for Saturday, July 2 (7 p.m.); Sunday, July 3 (7 p.m., 10:30 p.m.); and Monday, July 4 (5 p.m.). Pre-sale begins Friday (Dec. 4) at 10 a.m. PT. Public on-sale begins December 11.
The brand new, MGM/ASX-owned arena will open in April 2016. In addition to Brooks, the 20,000-seat venue has booked the Dixie Chicks for July 16 and George Strait for eight dates (April 22-23, Sept. 9-10 and Dec. 2-3, 2016, as well as Feb. 17-18, 2017). The venue is located next to New York-New York Hotel & Casino.
Hannah Ellis Signs to Word Music Publishing/Wordcountry
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Trevor Mathiessen, Word Publishing; Jonathan Mason, Creative Director, Word Worship; Beth Brinker, ASCAP, Creative Director; Scott Safford, Safford Motley; Hannah Ellis; Dale Mathews, VP, Word Publishing; Janine Appleton, Creative Director, Wordcountry; Joel Timen, Creative Director, Word Publishing; Kele Currier, ASCAP Membership; Rod Riley, CEO, Word Entertainment
Songwriter Hannah Ellis has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Word Music Publishing/Wordcountry.
She graduated from the University of Kentucky in December 2012 and moved to Nashville soon after. She is spotlighted in a commercial for the University that is airing now. She also appeared in Season 8 of The Voice.
“It feels good to be at a company with so many opportunities to create in all genres of music, but still very established in country music,” Ellis said. “To have a publisher who is passionate about what I’m passionate about where we have morning meetings each month as a family, some where we pray together, is more than I could have even hoped for when I started looking for a publishing deal.”
“I have known Hannah Banana (yes, I still call her that) since she was 18 years old. I’ve watched her work hard, and heard her grown so much musically since then. I believe in her not only as a writer, but an artist as well, and I can’t wait to see how this story continues to be written,” said Janine Appleton, Creative Director of Wordcountry.
NMPA Promotes Danielle Aguirre to EVP & General Counsel
/by Craig_ShelburneDanielle Aguirre
The National Music Publishers’ Association has announced that Danielle Aguirre has been promoted to Executive Vice President & General Counsel.
For the past year, Mrs. Aguirre has served as Senior Vice President for Business Affairs & General Counsel and during that time she has taken on a significant management role at NMPA.
“NMPA’s robust legal department is a direct result of the leadership and drive that Danielle has exhibited since she started here,” said NMPA President and CEO David Israelite. “Her expertise in the field is unrivaled and she continues to be a force for publishers and songwriters when it comes to combating piracy, taking on streaming companies and anyone who wants to infringe on creator’s rights. I am thrilled to recognize the work she has already done and where she intends to take NMPA in her new role.”
Previously, as NMPA’s SVP, Business Affairs & General Counsel, Aguirre managed all legal initiatives including litigation and Copyright Royalty Board proceedings, as well as handling business affairs such as the negotiation of model industry license agreements, and NMPA’s Anti-Piracy Program. She has also expanded the legal team to include a new VP for litigation.
Prior to joining NMPA, Mrs. Aguirre was an attorney at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison LLP in Washington, DC, where for nine years she litigated cases on behalf of corporate clients in federal and state courts, before arbitration panels and mediators, and in proceedings before federal agencies. She received her JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and her BA from Georgetown University, and is a member of both the New York and District of Columbia bars.
Cam Previews ‘Untamed’ By Performing At Her Party
/by Eric T. ParkerCam with her four-person band at the Dec. 2 album launch party in Nashville.
“What a great way to start your holiday shopping,” said Sony Nashville’s Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Randy Goodman when introducing Cam at her album launch party at The Cordelle in Nashville. The Arista Nashville/RCA Records artist’s debut album, Untamed, will mark Nashville’s only major label release in December when it hits shelves on Dec. 11.
During the evening, Cam performed her gold-selling “Burning House” (a No. 1 song on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart) in addition to the album’s title track, “Runaway Train,” “Village,” and “Half Broke Heart.” The performer stayed on stage with her four-person band while two album tracks played, including “Cold In California” and “Hungover on Heartache.”
“We were kind of kids raising kids with this album,” noted Cam. “We didn’t try to be different, we [actually] tried to sound like everyone else.”
Production for the 11-track project came from Jeff Bhasker and Tyler Johnson, in addition to Cam herself. All three have ties to the California music scene. Cam is a Lafayette, California, native while Johnson is now also located in Nashville. Further intertwining her crew, Johnson is engaged to Cam’s manager, Lindsay Marias.
Goodman introduced three RCA New York leaders who were instrumental in Cam’s signing: Peter Edge, RCA CEO; Tom Corson, RCA President/COO; and Tatiana Rodriguez, RCA A&R/Operations. “Peter was really the guy who signed Cam and walked her in our life. When I started in July, Peter was my immediate idol after inheriting all this. I get to officially and publicly say thank you to him tonight,” Goodman said.
Edge recalled meeting Bhasker and Johnson in a tiny studio to hear beginning stages of “Uptown Funk” (which Bhasker co-produced) in addition to “Burning House.” “We were really excited we got to be there that day and went to see [Sony Music CEO] Doug Morris right after,” said Edge. “Thank you Nashville, you have been an incredible partner—this is just the beginning!”
Goodman concluded the hour-long presentation saying, “Cam doesn’t water it down. It is an honor to work with her. She sets a new bar.”
Pictured (L-R): Taylor Lindsey, Director, A&R, Sony Music Nashville; Cam; Sony Music Nashville’s Jim Catino (VP, A&R); and Randy Goodman (Chairman & CEO). Photo: Alan Poizner
Pictured (L-R): Olivia Laster, Specialist, Promotion, Arista Nashville; Luke Jensen, Manager, Regional Promotion; Andy Elliott, Director, National Promotion, Arista Nashville; consultant Joe Patrick; Arista Nashville’s VP, Promotion Lesly Simon; Cam; Michael Bryan, Sr. VP, Programming, iHeartMedia/Nashville; Steve Hodges, EVP, Promotion & Artist Development; Abi Fishbone, Director, Regional Promotion, Arista Nashville. Photo: Alan Poizner
Artist Updates: Jerrod Niemann, Maddie & Tae, Lindsay Ell
/by Eric T. ParkerJerrod Niemann and Logan’s Roadhouse Kick Off Donation Spree
Jerrod Niemann
Jerrod Niemann teamed with Logan’s Roadhouse in November to present $5,000 via live video feed to Fort Smith Kimmons’ Junior High School Band in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The donation comes from Niemann’s Free the Music USA and the restaurant chain’s recently-launched music grant program. Niemann founded the non-profit to support music education. This event kicks off the first of many donations that will be made across the country to support qualifying music education programs K-12.
Earlier this year, Niemann was named the official spokesperson and mentor for Logan’s Roadhouse/ASCAP’s Music City Live! Tour, a national country tour promoting unsigned songwriter-artists. Niemann will also serve as a mentor to these emerging acts, who will be showcased at specially selected Logan’s Roadhouse locations throughout the country, beginning in summer 2016.
Maddie & Tae Launch Vanderbilt Children’s Campaign
Maddie & Tae join Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and the Nashville Predators in launching the “Shine Bright” campaign in Middle Tennessee. Photo: Joe Howell / Vanderbilt
Maddie & Tae joined Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and the Nashville Predators on Wednesday (Dec. 2) to launch “Shine Bright,” a letter-writing campaign within Middle Tennessee launched through the end of January.
The BMLG duo serves as artist ambassadors for the program with their single “Fly” featured throughout the campaign, which will host booths at various events and locations where people may write “Words That Shine.” The campaign encourages Children’s Hospital patients, their families and the hospital’s staff. For a full list of dates and locations to write letters, visit ShineBright.org.
Lindsay Ell Visits MTSU with Label Staff and Agent
Lindsay Ell visits MTSU.
The Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) chapter of CMA EDU hosted a panel for Lindsay Ell on Nov. 23 in addition to participation with BBR Label Group’s JoJamie Hahr (Vice President of Promotions) Shaina Botwin (Digital Marketing Manager) and William Morris Agency’s Abby Wells. The four women shared their stories and offered advice for future industry professionals and artists. Ell also performed.
DISClaimer: Randy Rogers Band, Ray Price and Ashland Belle
/by Robert K OermannRandy Rogers Band
The indie acts are in the spotlight today.
Whether they are big-label veterans like Randy Rogers Band and Ray Price, or freshly-minted newcomers, they are all plying their trade via independent companies.
The Disc of the Day belongs to Jamie Floyd, whose superbly-written songs have attracted an excellent-sounding group of supporting studio players. Music this good deserves major-league support. Somebody sign this woman at once and give her a ton of money.
The DisCovery Award goes to a band called Ashland Belle, a country-rock group based in Buffalo, New York, with booking and p.r. in Nashville.
RANDY ROGERS BAND/San Antone
Writer: Keith Gattis; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: Pioneer Town Songs/Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI); Tommy Jackson/Thirty Tigers
-The new Randy Rogers Band CD drops next month. The set, titled Nothing Shines Like Neon, features celebrity guests like Alison Krauss, Jerry Jeff Walker and Jamey Johnson. But on this rolling, breezy lead-off track, the band is on its own. And sounding better than ever.
RAY PRICE/No More Songs to Sing
Writers: Robert Ellis Orrall/Roger Springer/Tony Ramey; Producer: Fred Foster; Publishers: Ten Ten/Orrall Fixation/ole Red Cape/Drop Tyne/BMG Sapphire/Fast Horse, ASCAP/BMI; Amerimonte
-Ray Price’s final album is packed with emotional performances. This wistful, end-of-life ballad is one of its highlights. A keepsake from one of the all-time greats.
JAMIE FLOYD/The Blade
Writers: Allen Shamblin/Marc Beeson/Jamie Floyd; Producers: Brad Hill & Jamie Floyd; Publisher: WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)/Erin’s Dream Music (ASCAP)/Crazy Blue Egg (ASCAP). All rights admin. by WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)/Built On Rock Music (ASCAP) (admin. by ClearBox Rights)/Jamie Floyd Music (SESAC); JFM
-This former Epic artist is on her own now, with her own publishing company and label. Her six-song EP is called Sunshine & Rainbows and features this powerful throbber that is the title of the current Ashley Monroe album. Floyd’s own rendition trembles with emotion and aches with longing. Awesome.
ASHLAND BELLE/Fastest Car
Writers: Jimmy Yeary/Zac Maloy; Producer: Zac Maloy; Publisher: EMI Blackwood Music Inc./Great Day At THiS Music/Beattyville Music, BMI & Leo Rosewater/Warner Chapell, ASCAP; Ashland Belle
-This band shows real promise. There is fire and energy in the instrumental work, and the lead singer bites into the rebel-love lyric with gusto. This rocks in all the right places.
KAREN TAYLOR-GOOD/Hope in the Garden
Writers: Karen Taylor-Good/Rachael Good; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Abe’s Garden
-Abe’s Garden is now open on Woodmont Boulevard in West Nashville as an Alzheimer’s and Memory Care Center of Excellence. This is the title tune of a CD compiling songs about this tragic disease. It’s a lovely piano ballad with strings. Support this worthy charity.
CHLOE COLLINS/All Over Again
Writer: Chloe Collins; Producer: Mikey Reaves; Publisher: Collins House, BMI; Collins House
-She’s 15, and she solo-wrote all five songs on her EP. This lead-off track and first single is an instantly catchy ditty about a no-regrets romance. I dig her conversational delivery and her down-to-earth lyrics. This gal has the goods.
IMAJ/Colorblind
Writers: Ron Grimes/IMAJ/Jennifer Lynn; Producers: IMAJ & Mills Logan; Publisher: Timeless Creations/Love IMAJ/Jennifer Lynn, BMI/SESAC; Thomas Triomphe
-It’s a message ballad about spreading love and not being racist. She sings well, but the song is weak and repetitive. In mid-song, a news-announcer voice butts in and then she starts talking about her philosophy. Which is sonically totally weird.
SHALO LEE/Hometown Girl
Writers: Shalo Lee/Owen Sartori; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Owen Sartori & Shalo Lee; SL
-Recorded in Minneapolis, this is a pop-flavored female “attitude” number with a cool guitar figure running through it. It’s not gritty enough to be Americana, rhythmic enough to be pop/rock or twangy enough to be mainstream country.
JOHNNY REED FOLEY/Hillbilly Rockstar
Writer: Johnny Reed Foley; Producer: Billy Chapin; Publisher: Johnny Reed Foley, BMI; Inferential
-Have I mentioned how much I dislike country rapping?
TWO MILES SOUTH/Anywhere But Here
Writers: Billy Chapin/Matt McKeown/Camryn Wessner; Publisher: Funkamongus, BMI; Producer: Billy Chapin
-This is a female duo comprised of 18-year-old twins. The whole bouncy, boppy thing sounds slightly flat.