Chris Young released his fifth studio album, I’m Comin’ Over, on Friday, Nov. 13. The RCA Nashville album includes 11 tracks, with nine of them co-written by Young. The project includes his current single and title track “I’m Comin’ Over,” as well as “Sober Saturday Night” (a collaboration with Vince Gill), and the Cassadee Pope duet, “Think of You.” Pope will be Young’s special guest during his 2016 tour.
I’m Comin’ Over marks Young’s debut as a co-producer, having helmed the project alongside Corey Crowder.
Young recently discussed his new album and tour with MusicRow Publisher and Owner Sherod Robertson as part of MusicRow’s recent podcast. Listen to the podcast here.
Young will perform the project’s lead single and title track on NBC’s Today on Monday, Nov. 16 at 8:30 a.m. ET, and will also perform during the 10 a.m. ET hour with Kathie Lee & Hoda.
Big Loud Records artist Chris Lane released his debut EP Fix to all digital retailers. The EP’s title track has earned early airplay and is slated to impact country radio Dec. 7.
Working with producer Joey Moi, Lane rec0rded tracks from some of Nashville’s top songwriters, including Sarah Buxton, Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally, Luke Laird, Barry Dean, Ashley Gorley and more.
“The average country fan grew up the same way I did. And guys like Thomas Rhett, Sam Hunt and Florida Georgia Line did too: listening to all different kinds of music, especially dance, pop, and country,” Lane says. “The songs on my EP build on that and lend themselves to making people want to move. I cannot wait for fans to hear it!”
FIX EP Track Listing:
1. “Fix” (Sarah Buxton / Jesse Frasure / Abe Stoklasa)
2. “Cool” (Josh Osborne / Jesse Frasure / Trevor Rosen)
3. “For Her” (Matt Dragstrem / Kelly Archer / Sarah Buxton)
4. “Saturday Night” (Luke Laird / Shane McAnally / Ashley Gorley)
5. “Stolen Car” (Sarah Buxton / Kelly Archer / Daniel Tashian)
6. “Her Own Kind of Beautiful” (Rodney Clawson / Matt Dragstrem / Barry Dean)
Art Show To Feature Works By Roy W. Wunsch
/by Sherod RobertsonIndustry veteran Roy W. Wunsch paints at Studio Be. Photo: Clark Thomas
The “Color Me Happy” art show, featuring original paintings from industry veteran Roy W. Wunsch, is set for Sunday, December 6th, 5-8pm at Studio Be, located at 4908 B Charlotte Ave. in Nashville. This event is open to the public and valet parking will be provided.
The event is created and hosted by Cindy Wunsch Bowen, Roy’s daughter and a full-time artist. Her mission for the event is to give back to a meaningful organization, which is helping the lives of people with Alzheimer’s and their families. All proceeds go to Abe’s Garden, an Alzheimer’s and memory care center that offers residential and day care programs for those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.
MusicRow: How did the idea materialize for you to incorporate art into your relationship with Roy?
Cindy: Art is what I do and something my dad has always appreciated. It was my attempt to make a connection with him in this phase of life. After I worked with him for a few weeks and saw the spark in his eye, it was a no-brainer. I identified a space for him in my studio and we shook on it. We would be creative partners. He has more painting supplies on his desk than I do. It is an amazing and humbling experience to get to know a parent this way. When he knew he was going down this challenging path, he asked that we concentrate our efforts with him moving forward on works of service. He wanted us to use him in this way (whether he would be aware or not).
Artwork by industry veteran Roy W. Wunsch. Photo: Clark Thomas
MusicRow: What impact have you seen through this connection through art?
Cindy: Simply put, it is a healer in every way. It gives him something to be proud of. It gives him a sense of purpose. It gives him a language without words. I have witnessed him have unexplainable clarity while he is in the creative process. He has completed almost 75 paintings and they are extraordinary.
MusicRow: How did this lead to doing an art show?
Cindy: I decided in his desire to do “good works and acts of service,” that we should honor that. Honor it in a way that celebrates his courage and his kindness as he walks down this road. He knows and understands that this is happening and he has worked with lots of focus and enthusiasm to do art “for the show.” I do my best to reinforce him and tell him this is his second career and he chose it and we are in business together.
Perhaps my dad’s story will shed light on and provide insight to other families struggling with Alzheimer’s and other memory challenges.
Artwork by industry veteran Roy W. Wunsch. Photo: Clark Thomas
Artwork by industry veteran Roy W. Wunsch. Photo: Clark Thomas
Industry Ink: MV2 Entertainment, CMA, Music Biz, SOLID, ASCAP
/by Jessica NicholsonDavid Fanning Joins MV2 Entertainment
Stoney Creek Records artist David Fanning has been added to MV2 Entertainment’s stable of songwriters. He joins a roster that includes Jay Allen, Robert Arthur, Terry McBride, and Mark and Cherie Oakley.
“I’m so excited to be a part of the MV2 family,” said Fanning. “It is such a creative environment where the sky is the limit. This is going to be a fun ride!!” Tony Harrell, MV2 General Manager shared, “I am so proud to have David as part of the MV2 team. David is such a diverse artist, writer and producer and I’m thrilled to have him on board.”
Pictured (L-R): Chris Alderman, Rough Hollow Management; Clay Myers, Creative Director, MV2;
David Fanning; Kendra Poling, Office Manager, MV2; Tony Harrell, General Manager, MV2.
Photo: MV2 Entertainment
CMA To Sponsor Music Biz 2016 Awards Breakfast
The Music Business Association (Music Biz) has announced that the Country Music Association (CMA) will sponsor the Music Biz 2016 Awards Breakfast on May 17, 2016, at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in Nashville. CMA will use the opportunity to highlight “The 50th Annual CMA Awards,” which will take place in November 2016. The CMA Awards got its start in October 1967 as an non-televised event hosted by Sonny James and Bobbie Gentry. The ceremony was broadcast on television for the first time the following year, making it the longest-running annual music awards program on network TV. A video and live performance are expected to be part of the Breakfast.
“Music Biz and CMA have been great partners for more than 40 years, collaborating closely on the CMA Awards merchandising campaigns, programming for our annual Music Biz convention, and the Give the Gift of Music campaign,” said James Donio, President of Music Biz. “We are thrilled to have them as a prominent sponsor in 2016 and are honored that they chose to kick off their 50th Anniversary celebration of ‘Country Music’s Biggest Night’ with us.”
SOLID To Host Awards Show Panel
SOLID will host an “After Workshop” panel of industry executives to discuss the elements of awards show logistics on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at ONE Cannery Row. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The panelists will include ACM CEO Bob Romeo, The Recording Academy South Regional Director of Membership and Industry Relations Susan Stewart, and Americana Music Association Executive Director Jed Hilly, with more speakers to be announced soon. Sweet Talk Publicity Owner/President Jensen Sussman will moderate.
The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP, email cassandra.lavoro@sonyatv.com.
ASCAP To Highlight Songwriters With “We Create Music” Show
Weekly Register: Chris Stapleton Remains Atop Overall Album Chart
/by Craig_ShelburneStill riding the wave of winning three CMA Awards earlier this month, Chris Stapleton remains No. 1 on the overall album sales chart with Traveller. He moved a combined 123.5K units (97K album only) to retain his position for the second week. Just behind him on the overall chart is Eric Church’s Mr. Misunderstood, with a combined 65K units (58K album only).
Tim McGraw’s Damn Country Music enters the overall chart at No. 5 with a combined 43K units. He lands at No. 3 on the country chart with 39K albums sold. Carrie Underwood’s Storyteller is No. 9 on the overall chart with a combined 33K units, as well as No. 4 on the country chart with 27K albums sold.
After grabbing a No. 1 hit with “Break Up With Him,” Old Dominion enters the country album chart at No. 5 with Meat and Candy (20.5 K). In addition, Josh Abbott Band’s Front Row Seat debuts at No. 9 (13K).
Stapleton is also No. 1 on the country digital single chart with “Tennessee Whiskey,” ringing in 118K singles this week. Thomas Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man” lands at No. 2 (58K), followed by Sam Hunt’s “Break Up in a Small Town” (No. 3, 35K), Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” (No. 4, 33K), and Luke Bryan’s “Strip It Down (No. 5, 30K).
Cam’s “Burning House” holds steady at No. 6 (29K), while Joey + Rory’s poignant “When I’m Gone” rises to No. 7 (27K), in response to singer Joey Lee Feek’s terminal illness. Stapleton’s “Traveller” (26K), Underwood’s “Smoke Break” (23K) and Church’s “Mr. Misunderstood” (22.5 K) complete the Top 10.
Info according to Nielsen Soundscan
The Dixie Chicks World Tour Coming To Nashville in 2016
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Dixie Chicks will return to Nashville for a headlining show at the Bridgestone Arena as part of their upcoming 54-concert DCX MMXVI World Tour in 2016. The tour will hit Nashville on Wednesday, Aug. 17. Pre-sale tickets will be available beginning Nov. 17 for tour club and VIP packages. Public on sale starts Nov. 21.
The most recent album from Dixie Chicks members Natalie Maines, Emily Robison and Martie Maguire came in 2006 with Taking The Long Way, which earned a Grammy for Album of the Year. The single, “Not Ready To Make Nice,” earned both Song and Record of the Year honors.
Sisters Robison and Maguire formed the duo Court Yard Hounds, releasing projects in 2010 and 2013. Maines launched a solo album in 2013.
The trio’s return to touring will launch April 16 in Belgium. Beginning in June, the tour will come stateside, launching the U.S. leg in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June. 1.
Other U.S. cities on the tour include Seattle, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Dallas, Kansas City, Houston, Tampa, Fla., Charlotte, N.C., Minneapolis and more.
For tickets, visit www.dcxtourclub.com
Country Thunder Wisconsin Adds Three Headliners
/by Craig_ShelburneFlorida Georgia Line
Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen and Chris Young have been confirmed as headliners at Country Thunder Wisconsin, which will take place July 21-24 in Twin Lakes, Wis.
Chris Young. Photo: David McClister
Young will perform on Thurs., July 21, following sets by Dallas Smith, Chase Bryant and Ryan Hurd. Florida Georgia Line will headline Fri., July 22, capping a day that also features Parmalee, The Cadillac Three and The Bellamy Brothers.
Jake Owen.
Owen will appear on Sat., July 23, along with Chris Janson, Joe Diffie, and Tucker Beathard. As previously announced, Eric Church will be the festival’s final performer on Sun., July 24. Thomas Rhett, A Thousand Horses and Terri Clark will round out the Sunday lineup.
Country Thunder Wisconsin won the 2015 ACM Award for Festival of the Year.
Lee Brice Will Play All 50 States in 2015
/by Craig_ShelburneLee Brice is expected to be the only country artist to perform in all 50 states in 2015.
Brice will hit the milestone on Sunday (Nov. 15) with a concert at Brewhouse Music & Grill in Rome, Ga. The concert sold out minutes after it was announced.
The goal was set a few months ago when one of Brice’s bandmates pointed out how close they were to performing in all 50 states. Brice immediately called his management team and booking agent to line up shows in the remaining states.
“I’m so excited about this. As soon as I realized how close we were, I just had to make it happen,” he said.
Guthrie Trapp Giving Guitar Lessons Via ArtistWorks
/by Craig_ShelburneGuthrie Trapp
Electric country guitarist Guthrie Trapp has partnered with ArtistWorks, an interactive learning that connects high-profile professional musicians with amateurs.
A Nashville resident, Trapp has played alongside Garth Brooks, Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton, Lyle Lovett, Randy Travis, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, George Jones, and more.
As sole provider of the patented Video Exchange Learning platform, ArtistWorks provides the space for Trapp to teach electric country guitar via HD video lessons.
These lessons include direct feedback for subscribing students. Utilizing simple web cams, smartphones, tablets or video cameras, students are able to submit practice videos and then receive individualized video feedback and guidance from Trapp.
“I’m as proud of this course as I am of anything I’ve ever done. Can’t wait to share it with y’all,” said Trapp. “If you’ve ever wanted to dive deep into how I approach the guitar, this is the best way to do it. I covered so much ground in these videos, and there will be lots more to come.”
For more information, visit artistworks.com.
Chris Young, Chris Lane Release New Projects
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Young released his fifth studio album, I’m Comin’ Over, on Friday, Nov. 13. The RCA Nashville album includes 11 tracks, with nine of them co-written by Young. The project includes his current single and title track “I’m Comin’ Over,” as well as “Sober Saturday Night” (a collaboration with Vince Gill), and the Cassadee Pope duet, “Think of You.” Pope will be Young’s special guest during his 2016 tour.
I’m Comin’ Over marks Young’s debut as a co-producer, having helmed the project alongside Corey Crowder.
Young recently discussed his new album and tour with MusicRow Publisher and Owner Sherod Robertson as part of MusicRow’s recent podcast. Listen to the podcast here.
Young will perform the project’s lead single and title track on NBC’s Today on Monday, Nov. 16 at 8:30 a.m. ET, and will also perform during the 10 a.m. ET hour with Kathie Lee & Hoda.
Big Loud Records artist Chris Lane released his debut EP Fix to all digital retailers. The EP’s title track has earned early airplay and is slated to impact country radio Dec. 7.
Working with producer Joey Moi, Lane rec0rded tracks from some of Nashville’s top songwriters, including Sarah Buxton, Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally, Luke Laird, Barry Dean, Ashley Gorley and more.
Industry Pics: ole, AIMP, Scotty McCreery
/by Jessica Nicholsonole’s April Geesbreght Performs For Sony Pictures Entertainment
ole singer-songwriter April Geesbreght recently visited the Sony Pictures Entertainment office in Los Angeles, where she performed three songs for the office’s full staff for consideration in Sony’s upcoming film and TV projects.
Pictured (L-R): Emily Mueller, Creative Manager, ole; Jaison Trece, Executive Director, Music Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment; April Geesbreght, songwriter, ole;Shelly Bunge, EVP, Music, Sony Pictures Entertainment; Tony Scudellari, VP, TV Music Creative – Sony Pictures Entertainment; John Ozier, GM, Creative, ole.
AIMP Welcomes Publishers For ‘Publishing-The New A&R?’ Panel
AIMP and Fifth Third Bank welcomed a full house for the recent ‘Publishing-The New A&R?’ Panel, held at ASCAP’s Connie Bradley Board Room and moderated by Marc Driskill. Panelists included Michael McAnally Baum (SMACKsongs), Ree Guyer Buchanan (Wrensong), Rusty Gaston (THiS Music), John Ozier (ole), and Kos Weaver (BMG), who discussed their companies’ label projects and key components of creating a successful release.
Pictured: Row One: Ree Guyer Buchanan, Michael McAnally Baum, Kos Weaver, Rusty Gaston, John Ozier; Row Two: Michael Martin (ASCAP), Randy Wachtler (Warner/Chappell Production Music), Denise Nichols (AIMP Secretary/Primacy Firm), Marc Driskill (AIMP Exec. Director/Sea Gayle), Brad Peterson (5/3 Bank)
Scotty McCreery: On The Set
Scotty McCreery worked with music video director Roman White and McCreery’s manager John Lytle on the set of McCreery’s new music video “Southern Belle,” which released earlier this week. The song is the first single from the Mercury Nashville/19/Interscope recording artist’s new album, due in 2016.
Pictured: director Roman White; Scotty McCreery; McCreery’s manager John Lytle of Lytle Management. Photo: Eric Adkins
Sister Band SHEL Joins KCA Artists
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): John Everhart (Agent, KCA), Hannah Holbrook (SHEL: Keyboard, Vox), Dianna Maher (SHEL’s Manager & Publisher, Moraine Music Group), Alannah Rudd (Responsible Agent, KCA), Liza Holbrook (SHEL: Percussion, Drums, Beatboxing, Vox), Keith Case (Owner, KCA), Sarah Holbrook (SHEL: Fiddle, Vox), Eva Holbrook (SHEL: Mandolin, Vox), Alessandra Young (Agent Asst., KCA)
SHEL, a folk-influenced group of four sisters, has joined the roster of KCA Artists.
Their upcoming sophomore LP will be released on Dave Stewart’s new label, Dave Stewart Entertainment, in the spring. Stewart is co-producing the project with Brent Maher and SHEL.
The co-founder of Eurythmics, Stewart has produced many artists such as Stevie Nicks, Mick Jagger, Gwen Stefani, Katy Perry, and Joss Stone.
“I’m delighted SHEL and KCA will now be working together. Both the company and the band have such integrity and pioneering spirit, which in today’s marketplace is a rare combination. They are, as they say, a perfect fit,” Stewart said.
SHEL is the acronym for the four sisters’ names: Sarah on violin, Hannah on keyboards, Eva on mandolin, and Liza on drums, djembe and beatboxing.
Raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, SHEL has spent the last couple years touring to support their 2012 debut release. In addition, their songs have been featured in numerous television shows, films (The Best of Me) and commercials.