Dana Cooper
The annual Americana convention is upon us this week, so let’s listen to some of the genre’s current offerings.
As it should be, this stack of platters is dominated by singer-songwriters. The most outstanding of these are HoneyHoney, Dana Cooper, Joe Ely, Angela Easterling and Ted Russell Kamp.
Nashville veteran Cooper wins the Disc of the Day prize. Easterling captivated me and earned the DisCovery Award.
FAIRGROUND SAINTS/Can’t Control The Weather
Writers: Mason Van Valin; Producer: Matthew Wilder; Publisher: Van Valin, ASCAP; Verve (track)
-Sweet sounding, jaunty folk-pop featuring strumming guitars, bright horn bursts and sunny vocal harmonies. Trio is based in L.A.
TED RUSSELL KAMP/Boom Boom
Writers: Ted Russell Kamp/Jennifer Gibbons/John Schreffler; Producer: Ted Russell Kamp; Publishers: Terys the Silver/Peacock Choir/So Help Me, ASCAP; Pomo (track)
-He’s an in-demand bass player who has backed Shooter Jennings, Jessi Colter, Lee Roy Parnell, Tony Joe White and others. TRK also makes solo albums that get rave reviews, thanks to his gripping songwriting and raspy, soulful singing. His new one is titled The Low and Lonesome Sound. Like much of the collection, this track is stark and intimate, stripped down to just his heartbeat bass notes and drawling vocal. Ted will be playing all over town this week. He’s at The Tennessee Brew Works Thursday at 7 p.m., the East Side Performing Artists Co-op Friday at 2 p.m. and Drifters BBQ Friday at 9 p.m. You can also catch him playing bass with Calico at that band’s various showcases.
Angela Easterling
ANGELA EASTERLING/Hammer
Writers: Angela Easterling; Producers: Brandon Turner & Joe Pisapla; Publisher: De L’Est, ASCAP; De L’Est (track)
-This South Carolina singer-songwriter is surrounded by such Nashville talents as Will Kimbrough, Fats Kaplan and Joe Pisapia on her Common Law Wife CD. This loping, lead-off track shimmers with steel sighs and co-producer Brandon Turner’s soft harmony singing. Its lyrics were inspired by the late Pete Seeger. This lady has the goods, people.
JOE ELY/Wounded Creek
Writer: Joe Ely; Producer: Joe Ely; Publishers: Tornado Temple/BMG//Bumblebee, BMI; Rack ‘Em (track)
-The eternally great Joe Ely has a new collection called Panhandle Rambler. This is its dry, dusty first track, a story song of a ghostly roadside vision. You’ll hang on every line. The whole album is like that, evoking the desolation and solitude of his West Texas roots.
EMMYLOU HARRIS/Bury Me Beneath The Willow
Writers: traditional; Producer: Carl Jackson; Publisher: public domain; Legacy (track)
–Orthophonic Joy is a double CD of performances reviving the songs recorded at the 1927 “Bristol Sessions” that are regarded as “the big bang” of country music. Perfectly produced by the esteemed Carl Jackson, it includes such talents as Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Jesse McReynolds, Marty Stuart, Dolly Parton, Ashley Monroe, Brad Paisley, Keb’ Mo’, Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow. Here, Emmylou is accompanied by lively autoharp strumming on a Carter Family classic. I could have done without the lengthy historical narration between the songs. But song for song, this fund raiser for the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is a winner.
ANNE McCUE/Little White Cat
Writers: A. McCue; Producers: Anne McCue/Dusty Wakeman; Publishers: APRA; AM (track)
-I ran into this veteran Nashville folkie at a recent NARAS reception. Her latest is titled Blue Sky Thinkin’ and features this bopping, toe-tapping swing tune with the band answering her saucy vocals about a lucky day when a kitty crossed her path. The cast members — including Dave Pomeroy, Dave Alvin, Deanie Richardson, Jim Hoke and Dusty Wakeman — sound like they are having a ball. Anne’s Americana Convention showcase is at Douglas Corner on Thursday.
COLIN LINDEN/Rich in Love
Writers: Colin Linden/Janice Powers; Producer: The Rotting Matadors; Publishers: Colin Linden/Stony Plain/Button Moulder, SOCAN; Stony Plain (track)
-This electric-guitar great splits his time between Nashville and his Canadian homeland. The title tune of his latest album is an echoey ballad that moans the blues with a slow, simmering burn. He’s a soul man, for sure.
DANA COOPER/No Second Coming
Writers: Dana Cooper; Producers: Dana Cooper/Thomm Jutz; Publishers: Dog Eared/Bluewater, SESAC; DC (track)
-This Nashville singer-songwriter has been making great albums since 1973. His 25th one is just out. Titled Building a Human Being, it features this cool, lightly rocking tune wherein a fed-up Jesus informs us, “I’m not taking your calls anymore” and “I’m not bleeding for you again.” Kim Carnes and Sally Barris are among the groovy backing vocalists. Highly recommended.
STEVE RILEY & THE MAMOU PLAYBOYS/Au Revoir Grand Mamou
Writers: Steve Riley; Producers: Chris Stafford, Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys; Publisher: JSRII, BMI; SR (track)
-This Cajun accordion player and his band are celebrating their 25th anniversary of music making with a CD titled Voyageurs. It begins with the pulsing energy of this mid-tempo tune of saying bye-bye to your hometown. Go ahead. Get up and bop around the room.
HONEYHONEY/Father’s Daughter
Writers: Suzanne Santo/Ben Jaffe; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: none listed; Rounder (track)
-HoneyHoney showcases at the Americana Convention on Thursday at Mercy Lounge. The duo’s new CD is titled III. It includes this downbeat atmospheric meditation with a string section embellishing lead vocalist Santo’s penetrating, sultry, captivating, rangy and passionate vocal performance. They are former Nashvillians now based in L.A. who returned to Music City to record their third album. The thread running through it is extraordinary song craftsmanship. Essential listening.
DISClaimer: Americana Takes Over Nashville
/by Robert K OermannDana Cooper
The annual Americana convention is upon us this week, so let’s listen to some of the genre’s current offerings.
As it should be, this stack of platters is dominated by singer-songwriters. The most outstanding of these are HoneyHoney, Dana Cooper, Joe Ely, Angela Easterling and Ted Russell Kamp.
Nashville veteran Cooper wins the Disc of the Day prize. Easterling captivated me and earned the DisCovery Award.
FAIRGROUND SAINTS/Can’t Control The Weather
Writers: Mason Van Valin; Producer: Matthew Wilder; Publisher: Van Valin, ASCAP; Verve (track)
-Sweet sounding, jaunty folk-pop featuring strumming guitars, bright horn bursts and sunny vocal harmonies. Trio is based in L.A.
TED RUSSELL KAMP/Boom Boom
Writers: Ted Russell Kamp/Jennifer Gibbons/John Schreffler; Producer: Ted Russell Kamp; Publishers: Terys the Silver/Peacock Choir/So Help Me, ASCAP; Pomo (track)
-He’s an in-demand bass player who has backed Shooter Jennings, Jessi Colter, Lee Roy Parnell, Tony Joe White and others. TRK also makes solo albums that get rave reviews, thanks to his gripping songwriting and raspy, soulful singing. His new one is titled The Low and Lonesome Sound. Like much of the collection, this track is stark and intimate, stripped down to just his heartbeat bass notes and drawling vocal. Ted will be playing all over town this week. He’s at The Tennessee Brew Works Thursday at 7 p.m., the East Side Performing Artists Co-op Friday at 2 p.m. and Drifters BBQ Friday at 9 p.m. You can also catch him playing bass with Calico at that band’s various showcases.
Angela Easterling
ANGELA EASTERLING/Hammer
Writers: Angela Easterling; Producers: Brandon Turner & Joe Pisapla; Publisher: De L’Est, ASCAP; De L’Est (track)
-This South Carolina singer-songwriter is surrounded by such Nashville talents as Will Kimbrough, Fats Kaplan and Joe Pisapia on her Common Law Wife CD. This loping, lead-off track shimmers with steel sighs and co-producer Brandon Turner’s soft harmony singing. Its lyrics were inspired by the late Pete Seeger. This lady has the goods, people.
JOE ELY/Wounded Creek
Writer: Joe Ely; Producer: Joe Ely; Publishers: Tornado Temple/BMG//Bumblebee, BMI; Rack ‘Em (track)
-The eternally great Joe Ely has a new collection called Panhandle Rambler. This is its dry, dusty first track, a story song of a ghostly roadside vision. You’ll hang on every line. The whole album is like that, evoking the desolation and solitude of his West Texas roots.
EMMYLOU HARRIS/Bury Me Beneath The Willow
Writers: traditional; Producer: Carl Jackson; Publisher: public domain; Legacy (track)
–Orthophonic Joy is a double CD of performances reviving the songs recorded at the 1927 “Bristol Sessions” that are regarded as “the big bang” of country music. Perfectly produced by the esteemed Carl Jackson, it includes such talents as Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Jesse McReynolds, Marty Stuart, Dolly Parton, Ashley Monroe, Brad Paisley, Keb’ Mo’, Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow. Here, Emmylou is accompanied by lively autoharp strumming on a Carter Family classic. I could have done without the lengthy historical narration between the songs. But song for song, this fund raiser for the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is a winner.
ANNE McCUE/Little White Cat
Writers: A. McCue; Producers: Anne McCue/Dusty Wakeman; Publishers: APRA; AM (track)
-I ran into this veteran Nashville folkie at a recent NARAS reception. Her latest is titled Blue Sky Thinkin’ and features this bopping, toe-tapping swing tune with the band answering her saucy vocals about a lucky day when a kitty crossed her path. The cast members — including Dave Pomeroy, Dave Alvin, Deanie Richardson, Jim Hoke and Dusty Wakeman — sound like they are having a ball. Anne’s Americana Convention showcase is at Douglas Corner on Thursday.
COLIN LINDEN/Rich in Love
Writers: Colin Linden/Janice Powers; Producer: The Rotting Matadors; Publishers: Colin Linden/Stony Plain/Button Moulder, SOCAN; Stony Plain (track)
-This electric-guitar great splits his time between Nashville and his Canadian homeland. The title tune of his latest album is an echoey ballad that moans the blues with a slow, simmering burn. He’s a soul man, for sure.
DANA COOPER/No Second Coming
Writers: Dana Cooper; Producers: Dana Cooper/Thomm Jutz; Publishers: Dog Eared/Bluewater, SESAC; DC (track)
-This Nashville singer-songwriter has been making great albums since 1973. His 25th one is just out. Titled Building a Human Being, it features this cool, lightly rocking tune wherein a fed-up Jesus informs us, “I’m not taking your calls anymore” and “I’m not bleeding for you again.” Kim Carnes and Sally Barris are among the groovy backing vocalists. Highly recommended.
STEVE RILEY & THE MAMOU PLAYBOYS/Au Revoir Grand Mamou
Writers: Steve Riley; Producers: Chris Stafford, Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys; Publisher: JSRII, BMI; SR (track)
-This Cajun accordion player and his band are celebrating their 25th anniversary of music making with a CD titled Voyageurs. It begins with the pulsing energy of this mid-tempo tune of saying bye-bye to your hometown. Go ahead. Get up and bop around the room.
HONEYHONEY/Father’s Daughter
Writers: Suzanne Santo/Ben Jaffe; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: none listed; Rounder (track)
-HoneyHoney showcases at the Americana Convention on Thursday at Mercy Lounge. The duo’s new CD is titled III. It includes this downbeat atmospheric meditation with a string section embellishing lead vocalist Santo’s penetrating, sultry, captivating, rangy and passionate vocal performance. They are former Nashvillians now based in L.A. who returned to Music City to record their third album. The thread running through it is extraordinary song craftsmanship. Essential listening.
No. 1 Party: ASCAP, BMI Toast Canaan Smith’s ‘Love You Like That’
/by Sarah Skates(L-R): Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Jim Beavers, Canaan Smith, Brett Beavers, Jimmy Robbins, BMI’s Bradley Collins, BMG’s Kos Weaver.
By now, we all know that Canaan Smith is “a fishin’ in the dark Nitty Gritty boy.” So last night (Sept. 15) ASCAP and BMI hosted a party at Cabana in Nashville to salute the hit with that catchy lyric—“Love You Like That.” Smith co-wrote the Gold-certified single with Brett Beavers and Jim Beavers.
It’s been a big week for the rising Mercury Nashville star, who also made his national television debut on NBC’s Today where he performed follow-up single “Hole In A Bottle,” and announced his first headlining tour which visits Nashville’s Exit/In on Nov. 12.
At Cabana, Mike Sistad did the honors for ASCAP and in keeping with tradition, presented Smith a guitar to commemorate his first chart-topper.
The singer-songwriter has been building a career for several years, scoring the Love And Theft hit “Runaway” and cuts by Jason Aldean and Cole Swindell.
“We’re here to celebrate past success and future triumph,” said UMG Nashville’s Mike Dungan. He praised Smith’s “unbelievable positive attitude and work ethic.” He saluted the Mercury Nashville promo team saying, “I’ve never seen an effort like this before.” Indeed, it took “Love You Like That” 54 weeks to get to No. 1. Everyone who took the mic also thanked the UMG staff.
Smith recounted that years ago he poured through the liner notes of his favorite albums and kept noticing Brett Beaver’s name on some of his favorite songs, like Dierks Bentley’s 2005 hit “Settle For A Slowdown.” Fast forward a decade later and he is celebrating a No. 1 co-produced by Beavers and Jimmy Robbins. “This is such a special moment for me,” said Smith, who gave engraved decanters to his team members to mark the occasion.
BMG Nashville’s Kos Weaver was there in two different capacities: as a publisher on the song and as Smith’s manager. Weaver said, “I can’t think of anyone who helped Canaan grow more as an artist than Brett.” He also saluted Smith’s versatility and positive attitude.
Robbins was celebrating his first No. 1 as a producer, adding to his tally of five No. 1s as a songwriter. Weaver said, “I don’t think I’ve seen anyone heat up as fast as Jimmy.” The songwriter also has credits on the current singles by Tim McGraw and Chase Rice.
Brothers Brett Beavers and Jim Beavers have a track record of so many hits that BMI’s Bradley Collins proclaimed them the Mannings of Music Row, while their proud parents watched in the crowd. And Brett entertained by playing a video clip of them as kids in 1981.
Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg saluted Jim, “Thank you for caring as much today as the first time you walked on the stage.”
Big Deal Music’s Dale Bobo said he gets excited every time Brett sends in a new song, and that the work tapes are usually so good they don’t wait for a demo to start pitching the song. Since Brett loves skateboarding, Big Deal presented him a custom board from Nashville’s own Salemtown Board Co. Brett is also a co-writer on Smith’s “Hole In A Bottle” and the current Aldean single.
Also making presentations were Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox, CMA’s Brandi Simms, and Country Aircheck’s Lon Helton. The whole crowd celebrated with a shot of whiskey from our new Canaan Smith shot glasses, thanks to UMG.
(L-R): Mike Dungan, UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO; Royce Risser, UMG Nashville SVP Promotion; Canaan Smith; Damon Moberly, Mercury Nashville, VP Promotion
Music City Walk of Fame To Induct Lambert, Cropper, Wendell, and Cash
/by Jessica NicholsonMiranda Lambert, Steve Cropper and E.W. “Bud” Wendell will receive stars on the Music City Walk of Fame during a ceremony on Oct. 6, 2015 at 2 p.m. in Nashville’s Walk of Fame Park. The late Johnny Cash will also be honored with a star during the induction ceremony.
“These inductees to the Music City Walk of Fame represent the best of Nashville’s music industry, from the gritty and soulful guitar work of Steve Cropper to Miranda Lambert’s powerful singing and songwriting and Bud Wendell’s visionary leadership of the Grand Ole Opry and Gaylord Entertainment,” Mayor Karl Dean said. “And of course Johnny Cash was and still is nothing short of an icon, one of the very finest artists ever to grace our city’s studios and stages. The city of Nashville is proud and honored to be able to recognize each of them for their many accomplishments.”
The newest group of inductees will receive the 67th, 68th, 69th and 70th stars, following the induction last week of award-winning recording artists Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks, along with Mayor Dean. Inductees are recognized for their significant contributions to preserving the musical heritage of Nashville and for contributing to the world through song or other industry collaboration.
“Thank you so much to the City of Nashville and Music City Walk of Fame for this honor and privilege,” Lambert said. “I am proud to join a heritage of other female inductees, such as Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, Emmylou Harris and Martina McBride. This is a milestone moment that I will cherish forever. I want to congratulate my fellow inductees, Steve Cropper, E.W. “Bud” Wendell and the legendary Johnny Cash – just saying his name alongside mine, takes my breath away.”
Cropper has co-written classics including “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” with friend Otis Redding. He is also an accomplished producer, working with the likes of Wilson Pickett, John Mellencamp and John Prine. As a guitar player, he toured with Neil Young and Jimmy Buffett. He was also an original member of the Blues Brothers Band. Cropper has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Wendell has served as vice president of WSM and general manager of the Grand Ole Opry and Opryland theme park. He ultimately served as president and CEO of Gaylord Entertainment, overseeing the launch of the Nashville Network, acquisition of Country Music Television, expansion of the Opryland Hotel, renovation of the Ryman Auditorium and opening of the Wildhorse Saloon.
Cash is among the few artists to sell more than 90 million records. The country music icon is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has earned 17 Grammy awards, including in 2004 for Best Short Form Video for his cover of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt.” Cash’s induction is special recognition by the Music City, Inc. foundation to include Music City legends in the Walk of Fame who have made monumental contributions to the music industry in Nashville.
“This group of inductees represents the diverse genres of music that are thriving in Nashville, plus a hospitality executive in Bud Wendell who had the vision for what Nashville could become as a destination built around the great music that is made here,” said Ken Levitan, Chairman of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp Board of Directors. “You have country music’s reigning Female Vocalist of the Year in Miranda Lambert to a songwriter and guitar man like Steve Cropper whose contributions to soul music in the 1960s are timeless works to the incomparable Johnny Cash.”
Opry News: 90th Birthday Bash, Country Cares For St. Jude Kids, Opry Debuts
/by Kelsey_GradyGrand Ole Opry To Celebrate 90th Birthday Bash in October
Carrie Underwood. Photo: Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry® presented by Humana® is set to celebrate its 90th birthday on Oct. 2 & 3 with a weekend full of Opry shows, plus the Opry’s birthday cake, a special birthday concert, backstage tours, Free Opry Plaza Parties, and more. Little Big Town, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Joe Diffie, Lorrie Morgan, Old Crow Medicine Show, and more will appear Friday night followed by Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, Charles Esten, The Oak Ridge Boys, and more Saturday.
The Oak Ridge Boys will perform during a special Opry Birthday Concert at 1:00 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Grand Ole Opry House.
The Plaza in front of the Opry House will be bustling with food, fun, and a free music stage throughout the weekend, with JT Hodges scheduled to play the stage Friday evening. NASHVILLE is scheduled to salute the Opry Saturday when stars of ABC’s Nashville– Charles Esten, Sam Palladio, Chris Carmack, and Aubrey Peeples—celebrate with Plaza performances, headlining a day full of free music in the Plaza.
Recently, the Grand Ole Opry celebrated the Country Cares for St. Jude Kids® during a special show last night as part of this month’s “Cause For Applause.” Performers included Martina McBride, Randy Owen, Steve Wariner, Chris Janson, Del McCoury Band, Henry Cho, Love and Theft and Bill Anderson.
Grand Ole Opry Shows That Country Cares
The Grand Ole Opry® celebrated the Country Cares for St. Jude Kids® during a special show last night as part of this month’s “Cause For Applause.” Performers included Martina McBride, Randy Owen, Steve Wariner, Chris Janson, Del McCoury Band, Henry Cho, Love and Theft and Bill Anderson.
Country Cares for St. Jude Kids® co-founder Randy Owen and Opry announcer Bill Cody with St. Jude patients Ally, Mack and Harper (l to r) onstage at the Opry’s celebration of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids.
Seth Alley Makes Opry Debut
Seth Alley took the stage for his Grand Ole Opry debut Saturday night (9/12). Legendary Opry member Bill Anderson introduced the Sparta, TN native, sharing a bit of trivia with the crowd: Seth is the great, great nephew of fellow Opry member Benny Martin.
“I grew up about an hour and a half away and I always dreamt of doing music for a living. My grandfather would say, ‘Wake up boy you ain’t playing the Opry any time soon.’ Now he’s sitting back here behind me – what do you think of this, Pa?” laughed Seth. “It is really a dream come true for me to be up here on this stage.”
Pictured (L-R): Maverick’s Clarence Spalding, Seth Alley and Grand Ole Opry’s Pete Fisher. Photo: Chris Hollo
Waterloo Revival Makes Opry Debut
Waterloo Revival shared a milestone moment as they made their Grand Ole Opry debut (9/8). The rising duo – comprised of George Birge and Cody Cooper – introduced themselves to the audience opening with their debut single “Hit The Road,” which details their musical journey from their hometown of Austin to Music City. They also performed heart-wrenching ballad “That Damn I Didn’t Give” as well as their latest Big Machine Records offering “Bad For You,” which is currently climbing the charts at Country radio.
Pictured (L-R): TKO Artist Management’s TK Kimbrell, Waterloo Revival’s Cody Cooper and George Birge, Grand Ole Opry’s Bill Cody, TKO Artist Management’s Mark Sissel and Big Machine Records’ Jack Purcell. Photo: Chris Hollo
RIAA Divvies Gold & Platinum Awards for August 2015
/by Eric T. ParkerThe RIAA has certified 64 Digital Single Awards and 6 Album Awards for the month of August 2015.
Of those that hit the million-mark, Sam Hunt‘s single “Take Your Time” has reached double platinum, while his “House Party” has reached platinum. Carrie Underwood‘s “Blown Away” has reached triple platinum while her 2005 and 2007 singles, “All American Girl” and “Before He Cheats,” have reached double and five times platinum, respectively. Her 2012 single “See You Again” and 2005 single “Wasted” both hit platinum sales.
Maddie & Tae have touched the million mark with “Girl In A Country Song.” Tim McGraw has reached platinum status for “Shotgun Rider” and “Meanwhile Back At Mama’s.” Cole Swindell has touched a million with “You Ain’t Worth The Whiskey.”
Maddie & Tae celebrate the platinum single status at their album release party in Nashville in 2015. Pictured (L-R): Back: Dot Records’ Michelle Kammerer, Kris Lamb, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Dot Records’ Chris Stacey, Bernadette Gibbons; Front: Dot Records’ Mallory Allgood, Maddie Marlow, Tae Dye, Dot Records’ Brooke Nixon. Photo: Getty Images for Dot Records
Taylor Swift‘s 2008 album Fearless has touched seven times platinum while her recent singles “Bad Blood” and “Blank Space” have reached a respective three and seven times platinum. Meghan Trainor‘s “All About That Bass” has hit nine times platinum while her “Dear Future Husband” reached double platinum.
AdShare Names Selby As President, Opens Music Row Office
/by Jessica NicholsonJim Selby
Global social media monetization service AdShare has named Jim Selby as president of the Los Angeles-based company.
Selby is a former CEO of Naxos and ole exec, and will be based in AdShare’s new Music Row office in Nashville. AdShare is located at 1102 17th Ave. S., Suite 401.
Part of Selby’s duties at AdShare will include overseeing the recently launched VidaPrimo with co-founders Seth Ingram and Brian Kupchik.
AdShare’s offerings include providing full service YouTube monetization for existing YouTube Partners. Over 150 major media clients employ AdShare to monetize their brands and more than two million of their copyrights online.
AdShare is an autonomous subsidiary of GoDigital Media Group (GDMG).
MSO To Launch Social Media Division
/by Jessica Nicholson“This year marks the 20th anniversary of MSO–we just want to keep evolving,” says Mitch Schneider, President of MSO. “We became aware of Michael Brandvold via some mutual clientsand we admire the social digital strategies for his clients. We’re all excited about this union and how it will strengthen the profiles of our artists, events and brands.”
“I am excited to be providing the social media services to the Mitch Schneider Organization,” says Brandvold. “MSO’s history stands on its own.”
The social media services provided will include, but aren’t limited to: creating a digital strategy that encompasses social media networks; coordinating with and supporting PR, radio, merchandise/e-commerce, record label and tour promotion efforts; the creation of content strategies and management of social networks; and developing a plan to engage with existing fans and acquiring new fans.
David Friedman Joins UMG Nashville
/by Sarah SkatesDavid Friedman
Universal Music Group Nashville announced today that David Friedman has joined the company as Vice President of Promotion. He fills the role previously held by Katie Dean, who was recently named VP of Promotion for MCA Nashville. Friedman will help facilitate national radio promotion for all four label imprints which includes Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville and Mercury Nashville.
“For as long as I can remember I have wanted to work with David,” says Royce Risser, UMG Nashville SVP of Promotion. “His experience and relationships with country radio make him the perfect fit for our team at UMG. I am absolutely ecstatic to have him join us.”
“I can’t begin to describe how excited I am to join such an all-star team at UMG Nashville and to work with their amazing artist roster,” exclaims Friedman. “Capitol Nashville is where I got my start in promotion sixteen years ago so it’s a bit of a homecoming for me. Many thanks to Royce and the entire promotion staff for this wonderful opportunity!”
After starting his career at Capitol Records Nashville, Friedman spent the last 15 years at Sony Music Nashville, first with Arista Nashville and most recently with Columbia Nashville.
A graduate of Emory University, the Pennsylvania native lives in Nashville with his wife, Amy, and their two children.
David can be reached at David.Friedman@umusic.com.
Artist Pics: Chris Young, Brad Paisley, Cassadee Pope
/by Kelsey_GradyChris Young Headlines Sold-Out Show
RCA Records Nashville artist Chris Young headlined a sold-out show at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire Monday (9/14). His I’m Comin’ Over World Tour is sold-out for the duration of the European run, including nine headlining shows in England, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Sweden and Switzerland.
Pictured (L-R): Rob Beckham/WME, Chris Young, Steve Homer/Live Nation UK, Anna-Sophie Mertens/Live Nation UK. Photo: Monarch Publicity
Brad Paisley’s Country Nation College Tour Plays To Over 65,000 Fans
This past weekend Brad Paisley continued his celebration of the 2015 college football season by taking his Country Nation College Tour presented by Zaxby’s to IMG College partner universities and providing free entertainment for the campus community. He played to capacity crowds at the University of Texas, Baylor University and the University of Arkansas for a total of over 65,000 for the tour – so far.
Photos: Ben Enos
Cassadee Pope Brings “Invincible” To Ohio
Scoring the most added single at Country radio last week with “I Am Invincible,” Cassadee Pope continues to introduce her new music. During her show in Ohio on Thursday night (9/10) at W.O. Wrights Grill & Pub, Pope encouraged her fans to join in the fun on stage with WHKO Dayton Morning Show’s Frye Guy.
Pictured (L-R): Cassadee Pope poses with WHKO Dayton Morning Show’s Frye Guy with and some “invincible” fans at W.O. Wrights Grill & Pub. Photo: WHKO
Nielsen: 75 Percent Listen Online, Radio Still Leads Discovery
/by Sarah Skates75% of Americans listen to music online in a typical week, up nearly 12% from last year. While Americans streamed more than 164 billion on-demand tracks across audio and video platforms in 2014, they streamed 135 billion in the first half of 2015 alone, up more than 90% from the same period last year.
Music listening is becoming more mobile, with 44% report using smartphones to listen to music in a typical week, a 7% increase over last year. Listening on desktop computers decreased.
Radio continues to be the No. 1 source of music discovery in the U.S, with 61%. Word of mouth is also important, particularly for teens (65%).
Twelve percent of respondents say they discover music through live events, up more than 70% from last year. Americans spend more than half of their music related expenditures on events each year, and 50% of Americans say they’ve attended a live event in the last year.
Eleven percent of Americans have attended a music festival in the past 12 months, with Millennials comprising 44% of all festival goers.
More from Nielsen here.