Chase Rice has announced that he is extending his JD And Jesus Tour into 2016. In addition to already announced opening acts Kelsea Ballerini and The Cadillac Three, Rice has tapped Dot Records’ Tucker Beathard, Arista Nashville’s Cam, EMI Records Nashville’s Haley Georgia and up-and-coming singer/songwriters Luke Combs, Jordan Davis and Cole Taylor to join him for select shows.
“There’s something really cool and different about every one of these artists that’s come out on tour with me,” said Rice. “Every one of them has their own sound, their own style that they’ve built and stuck with even as they’ve grown. We’ve built our show the same way – the people who come out and support us night after night know every word to every song. They know me, and they know they better come prepared to have a good time!”
Fans will have the opportunity to win a round trip and VIP admission for two to Rice’s Nov. 12 show at The Tabernacle in Atlanta, Ga. courtesy of Shazam and Head Down Eyes Up. For more details or to enter the sweepstakes, click here.
Upcoming dates for the JD and Jesus Tour are as follows:
Friday, Oct. 2 – Stage AE – Pittsburgh, Pa.
Saturday, Oct. 3 – Lifestyle Communities Pavilion – Columbus, Ohio
Sunday, Oct. 4 – Route 91 Harvest Festival – Las Vegas, Nev.
Thursday, Oct. 8 – Hard Rock Live – Orlando, Fla.
Friday, Oct. 9 – 440 Foundry Pavilion – Athens, Ga.
Saturday, Oct. 10 – Track 29 – Chattanooga, Tenn.
Thursday, Oct. 15 – The Egyptian Room at Old National Centre – Indianapolis, Ind.
Friday, Oct. 16 – Aragon Ballroom – Chicago, Ill.
Saturday, Oct. 17 – Masonic Auditorium – Cleveland, Oh.
Wednesday, Oct. 21 – Handy Park – Memphis, Tenn.
Thursday, Oct. 22 – Nutty Brown Café – Austin, Texas
Friday, Oct. 23 – Cowboys Dancehall – San Antonio, Texas
Thursday, Oct. 29 – 7 Flags Event Center – Clive, Iowa
Friday, Oct. 30 – Sokol Auditorium – Omaha, Neb.
Saturday, Oct. 31 – Freakfest – Madison, Wis.
Thursday, Nov. 5 – Myth Live Event Center – St. Paul, Minn.
Friday, Nov. 6 – The Rave – Milwaukee, Wis.
Saturday, Nov. 7 – The Fillmore – Detroit, Mich.
Thursday, Nov. 12 – The Tabernacle – Atlanta, Ga.
Friday, Nov. 13 – Iron City – Birmingham, Ala.
Saturday, Nov. 14 – The Ritz – Raleigh, N.C.
Sunday, Nov. 15 – Ribfest – St. Petersburg, Fla.
Wednesday, Nov. 18 – The Emporium – Patchogue, N.Y.
Thursday, Nov. 19 – Lowell Memorial Auditorium – Boston, Mass.
Friday, Nov. 20 – Terminal 5 – New York, N.Y.
Thursday, Dec. 3 – Comerica Theatre – Phoenix, Ariz.
Friday, Dec. 4 – Grizzly Rose – Denver, Colo.
Saturday, Dec. 5 – Grizzly Rose – Denver, Colo.
Friday, Dec. 18 – La Hacienda – Midland, Texas
Saturday, Dec. 19 – Midnight Rodeo – Amarillo, Texas
Thursday, Jan. 7 – The NorVa – Norfolk, Va.
Friday, Jan. 8 – The Fillmore – Philadelphia, Pa.
Saturday, Jan. 9 – Danforth Music Hall – Toronto, Ontario
Thursday, Jan. 14 – Fox Theatre – Oakland, Calif.
Friday, Jan. 15 – Riverside Municipal Auditorium- Riverside, Calif.
Saturday, Jan. 16 – The Wiltern – Los Angeles, Calif.
Monday, Jan. 18 – McDonald Theatre – Eugene, Ore.
Thursday, Jan. 21- Revolution Room – Boise, Idaho
Friday, Jan. 22 – The Paramount Theatre – Seattle, Wash.
Sunday, Jan. 24 – Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, B.C.
Top Industry Execs Take Part In “Pie In Your Face Challenge” For LLS
/by Jessica NicholsonSome of Nashville’s top industry execs are stepping up to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Tennessee, and are willing to take a pie to the face to aid the cause. The fundraiser will take place in advance of the ‘Light The Night Walk,’ which is slated for Friday, Oct. 9 in Nashville.
Beginning Monday (Sept. 14) and running through 12 p.m. CT on Monday, Oct. 2, industry professionals will have the chance to donate funds in the name of the executive they would most like to see rank No. 1 in the “Pie in Your Face Challenge.” Weekly rankings will be available at pieinyourface.net and published each week in an ad in Billboard Country Update.
Donations made in the name of “Team Walkin’ Row’s 2015 Top Executives” will be donated to fund research and patient care for fellow Tennesseans fighting leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, Hodgkins’s Lymphoma, and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Team Walkin’ Row is also launching a national silent auction via Charity Buzz on Monday, Sept. 21. To donate items by Friday, Sept. 18, click here.
TEAM WALKIN’ ROW TOP EXECS – LLS’ PIE IN YOUR FACE CHALLENGE
· Scott Borchetta – BMLG
· Rob Beckham – WME
· Curt Motley – Paradigm
· Troy Tomlinson – Sony ATV
· Ben Vaughn – Warner Chappell
· Kos Weaver – BMG Music
· Jason Owen – Sandbox
· Fletcher Foster – Iconic Entertainment
· Mary Ann McCready – FBMM
· John Huie – CAA
· Pete Fisher – Grand Ole Opry
Chase Rice Extends His ‘JD And Jesus Tour’ Into 2016
/by Troy_StephensonChase Rice has announced that he is extending his JD And Jesus Tour into 2016. In addition to already announced opening acts Kelsea Ballerini and The Cadillac Three, Rice has tapped Dot Records’ Tucker Beathard, Arista Nashville’s Cam, EMI Records Nashville’s Haley Georgia and up-and-coming singer/songwriters Luke Combs, Jordan Davis and Cole Taylor to join him for select shows.
“There’s something really cool and different about every one of these artists that’s come out on tour with me,” said Rice. “Every one of them has their own sound, their own style that they’ve built and stuck with even as they’ve grown. We’ve built our show the same way – the people who come out and support us night after night know every word to every song. They know me, and they know they better come prepared to have a good time!”
Fans will have the opportunity to win a round trip and VIP admission for two to Rice’s Nov. 12 show at The Tabernacle in Atlanta, Ga. courtesy of Shazam and Head Down Eyes Up. For more details or to enter the sweepstakes, click here.
Upcoming dates for the JD and Jesus Tour are as follows:
Friday, Oct. 2 – Stage AE – Pittsburgh, Pa.
Saturday, Oct. 3 – Lifestyle Communities Pavilion – Columbus, Ohio
Sunday, Oct. 4 – Route 91 Harvest Festival – Las Vegas, Nev.
Thursday, Oct. 8 – Hard Rock Live – Orlando, Fla.
Friday, Oct. 9 – 440 Foundry Pavilion – Athens, Ga.
Saturday, Oct. 10 – Track 29 – Chattanooga, Tenn.
Thursday, Oct. 15 – The Egyptian Room at Old National Centre – Indianapolis, Ind.
Friday, Oct. 16 – Aragon Ballroom – Chicago, Ill.
Saturday, Oct. 17 – Masonic Auditorium – Cleveland, Oh.
Wednesday, Oct. 21 – Handy Park – Memphis, Tenn.
Thursday, Oct. 22 – Nutty Brown Café – Austin, Texas
Friday, Oct. 23 – Cowboys Dancehall – San Antonio, Texas
Thursday, Oct. 29 – 7 Flags Event Center – Clive, Iowa
Friday, Oct. 30 – Sokol Auditorium – Omaha, Neb.
Saturday, Oct. 31 – Freakfest – Madison, Wis.
Thursday, Nov. 5 – Myth Live Event Center – St. Paul, Minn.
Friday, Nov. 6 – The Rave – Milwaukee, Wis.
Saturday, Nov. 7 – The Fillmore – Detroit, Mich.
Thursday, Nov. 12 – The Tabernacle – Atlanta, Ga.
Friday, Nov. 13 – Iron City – Birmingham, Ala.
Saturday, Nov. 14 – The Ritz – Raleigh, N.C.
Sunday, Nov. 15 – Ribfest – St. Petersburg, Fla.
Wednesday, Nov. 18 – The Emporium – Patchogue, N.Y.
Thursday, Nov. 19 – Lowell Memorial Auditorium – Boston, Mass.
Friday, Nov. 20 – Terminal 5 – New York, N.Y.
Thursday, Dec. 3 – Comerica Theatre – Phoenix, Ariz.
Friday, Dec. 4 – Grizzly Rose – Denver, Colo.
Saturday, Dec. 5 – Grizzly Rose – Denver, Colo.
Friday, Dec. 18 – La Hacienda – Midland, Texas
Saturday, Dec. 19 – Midnight Rodeo – Amarillo, Texas
Thursday, Jan. 7 – The NorVa – Norfolk, Va.
Friday, Jan. 8 – The Fillmore – Philadelphia, Pa.
Saturday, Jan. 9 – Danforth Music Hall – Toronto, Ontario
Thursday, Jan. 14 – Fox Theatre – Oakland, Calif.
Friday, Jan. 15 – Riverside Municipal Auditorium- Riverside, Calif.
Saturday, Jan. 16 – The Wiltern – Los Angeles, Calif.
Monday, Jan. 18 – McDonald Theatre – Eugene, Ore.
Thursday, Jan. 21- Revolution Room – Boise, Idaho
Friday, Jan. 22 – The Paramount Theatre – Seattle, Wash.
Sunday, Jan. 24 – Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, B.C.
Industry Pics: Kelsea Ballerini, Carrie Underwood, Steven Tyler, The Band Perry
/by Jessica NicholsonBlack River’s Kelsea Ballerini Surprises Country Radio
Black River Entertainment’s Kelsea Ballerini surprised radio broadcasters across America with the news that they are finalists for the CMA Broadcast Personality and/or Station of the Year.
Pictured (L-R): Jeff Stevens, ABC Radio Vice President and General Manager; Kelsea Ballerini; Andrew Kalb, ABC Radio Executive Director of Programming and News Coverage; Fletcher Foster, Iconic Entertainment Chief Executive Officer.
Carrie Underwood Showcases CALIA Line at New York Fashion Week
Carrie Underwood, along with Dick’s Sporting Goods, hosted a special presentation of her new CALIA by Carrie Underwood line, as the brand’s New York Fashion Week debut.
Carrie Underwood showcases a bag from her CALIA line.
Steven Tyler Performs For “Front and Center”
The critically-acclaimed music series “Front and Center” and the Country Music Association (CMA) had a special taping of the CMA Songwriters Series with Steven Tyler. Tyler, who is set to release his first-ever country album early next year, performed acoustically at the Melrose Ballroom for an exclusive “Front and Center” episode set to air in early 2016.
Joining him onstage were hit songwriters Nuno Bettencourt, Marti Frederiksen, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Lindsey Lee, and Eric Paslay.
Pictured (L-R): Lindsey Lee, Nuno Bettencourt, Steven Tyler, and Eric Paslay perform at the “Front and Center” taping of the CMA Songwriters Series Thursday at the Melrose Ballroom in New York. Photo: Bill Bernstein
The Band Perry Visits With Westwood One’s NASH Icon
Westwood One’s NASH Icon afternoon host Scott Gaines had some fun with the newly CMA-nominated The Band Perry during an invitation–only event in Dallas. They talked about new music and more during their playful time together.
Pictured (L-R): Neil Perry, Scott Gaines, Kimberly Perry, Reid Perry
CMT Documentary Explores The Many Sides of Johnny Cash
/by Jessica NicholsonBack row (L-R): Leslie Fram, SVP Music and Talent, CMT; Lewis Bogach, VP Series Production and Development, CMT; Ana Cristina Alvarez, fiancée of John Carter Cash; John Carter Cash, son of Johnny Cash; Brian Mansfield, Senior Music Writer, USA Today; Brian Philips, President, CMT; John Miller-Monzon, Director, News and Documentaries, CMT; Derik Murray, Executive Producer, Producer and Co-director, “Johnny Cash: American Rebel”
Front (L-R): Lou Robin, Johnny Cash manager and promoter for over 30 years; Karen Robin, wife of Lou Robin
“He was hard-headed and soft-hearted,” says John Mellencamp of the late legendary singer-songwriter Johnny Cash, in the upcoming CMT documentary Johnny Cash: American Rebel. The documentary will air Saturday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. CT, on the 12th anniversary of Cash’s death in 2003 at age 71. Indeed, the documentary aims to shed light on the numerous facets of Cash.
A private screening was held Thursday evening (Sept. 10) at Nashville venue Ruby. “It’s an in-depth study of the man through the eyes of those who knew him,” said Cash’s son, John Carter Cash, during the screening.
The documentary’s curious opening scene begins with home footage of Cash shooting at a crow. Upon seeing that he merely scored it, Cash allows the bird to nibble at his hand, before beginning to nurse the bird back to health. Other footage showcases Cash’s light-hearted sense of humor among family and friends. The scenes, a stark contrast to Cash’s somber onstage persona, are among many that highlight the at times mystifying yin and yang of the iconic Man in Black.
The documentary touches on the myriad of sides of Cash. The same singer that flipped off photographer Jim Marshall during a concert at San Quentin, went on to perform alongside preacher Billy Graham during Graham’s Crusades in the 1960s and 1970s. The documentary uses Cash’s hit songs, including “Hey, Porter” “I Walk The Line,” and “Folsom Prison Blues,” to chronicle the entertainer’s life from his days as a young boy in Dyess, Ark., to the rise and fall of his marriage to Vivian, to finding the love of his life in fellow singer-songwriter June Carter.
The two-hour special includes interviews with Cash’s children Rosanne and John Carter, as well as stepdaughter Carlene Carter. Willie Nelson, Mellencamp, Eric Church, Kid Rock, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard and others offer their perspectives and/or memories of the Man in Black.
After the private screening, USA Today Senior Writer Brian Mansfield moderated a Q&A session with John Carter Cash, as well as Johnny Cash’s manager and promoter for 30+ years, Lou Robin.
Robin’s tenure as Cash’s manager included Cash’s career-making performance at San Quentin State Prison, where At San Quentin was recorded live on Feb. 24, 1969. “I said, ‘At least I know we won’t have to sell tickets,’” Robin quipped of booking the performance. The album went on to be nominated for several Grammy Awards, and went platinum several times over.
In 1969, he sold more records than the rest of the artists on the Columbia label combined. That same year, The Johnny Cash Show premiered, which aired on ABC from 1969-1971. Cash’s independent spirit and stubborn determination propelled him to advocate for featuring an array of artists, including Pete Seeger, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, and more on his show.
The documentary doesn’t shy away from darker sides of Cash’s life, including his addiction to amphetamines, and the creative and professional drought he endured after being dropped from Columbia, and before teaming with Rick Rubin for the American Recordings series. The American Recording Series would spawn songs such as a cover of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt,” which earned Cash a Best Short Form Music Video Grammy in 2003.
“It’s a great overview of the mystery, because it’s hard to fully define the man,” summed John Carter Cash.
SESAC Purchase of HFA Officially Closes
/by Jessica NicholsonAs previously reported, SESAC entered into an agreement to acquire leading U.S. mechanical rights organization Harry Fox Agency (HFA), which had been owned by the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA). The New York Times reported at the time that the purchase price is upwards of $20 million.
“SESAC is pleased to announce that, following approval by the NMPA Board and membership, the acquisition of the Harry Fox Agency has been completed,” said Chairman and CEO of SESAC John Josephson. “The Harry Fox Agency (HFA) is the leading U.S. mechanical rights organization and this acquisition establishes SESAC as the only Music Rights Organization in the United States. SESAC will have the ability to offer singular licenses for the works of its affiliated writers and publishers that aggregate both performance and mechanical rights for those users interested in such an option. We look forward to driving greater efficiency in licensing for music users, as well as enhanced value for music creators and publishers.”
Pair of Music Row Real Estate Sells for $1.58 Million
/by Eric T. Parker1619 17th Avenue South and 1701 17th Avenue South.
Photos: Map Data © 2015 Google, Nashville Davidson County
A pair of buildings sitting at the top of Music Row’s 17th Avenue South have exchanged hands for a combined $1.58 million, reports The Tennessean.
Nashville real estate investor Treg Warner unloaded the properties to Music Row Holdings, LLC. The deal includes the 1925-built two-story structures (2,920-sq. ft. at 1619 17th Avenue South and 2,616-sq. ft. at 1701 17th Avenue South).
Nashville On the Move realtors had previously occupied the former property.
1619 17th Avenue South
1701 17th Avenue South
Ben Folds Celebrates New Album With Secret Show
/by Sarah SkatesBen Folds performs at Grand Victor Sound.
Ben Folds celebrated the release of his new album today (Sept. 11) by performing a Lightning 100 secret show at his studio on Music Row, Grand Victor Sound at Historic RCA Studio A.
The project, So There, includes Folds’ critically acclaimed “Concerto For Piano and Orchestra.” It is available on New West Records.
Earlier this week, Folds also appeared on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert to perform Sly & The Family Stone’s “Everyday People” in a supergroup alongside Mavis Staples, Brittany Howard, Buddy Guy, Derek Trucks, Aloe Black and others.
Folds will be making the rounds in Nashville, where he will visit Grimey’s for an in-store performance and Q&A today. He plays Live on the Green tomorrow (Sept. 12), and has tour dates scheduled through December.
Courtesy of Lightning 100’s Instagram.
Sony Music Nashville Shifts Cliff Blake From Arista To Columbia
/by Troy_StephensonCliff Blake
Industry veteran Cliff Blake has recently been named Director, Northeast Regional Promotion for Sony Music Nashville’s Columbia imprint.
Norbert Nix, Vice President, Promotion for Columbia says, “We are fortunate and proud to have Cliff join the Columbia Nashville team, and look forward to excessive critical mass together!”
Blake was most recently Director, Regional Promotion for the label group’s Arista Nashville imprint. Based in Dover, N.H., Blake officially begins his new role on Monday, Sept. 14. He previously spent more than five years as part of the Columbia Nashville promotion team beginning in 2006.
Blake says, “This is all about the Sony Music Nashville family. I’m excited to move over to Columbia, and of course I wish continued kick-ass success to my friends at Arista!”
A New Hampshire native, Blake’s extensive industry background spans 25 years in broadcasting, followed by nearly 20 years in the record industry, during which he has been a five-time nominee for Regional Promotion Director of the Year.
Canadian Country Music Assoc. Presents Industry Awards
/by Sarah SkatesTebey performs at the CCMA jndustry awards.
The Canadian Country Music Association announced winners in 14 industry categories today (Sept. 11). These honors were presented during the first of four awards ceremonies set to take place over the coming days as part of Country Music Week 2015 in Halifax, NS.
“Congratulations to all of this afternoon’s CCMA Award winners. There’s no finer acknowledgement than that which comes from one’s peers. All of today’s winners should feel a sense of pride in knowing that today’s accomplishment comes directly from the voting membership of the CCMA—fellow industry professionals,” said Don Green, President of the CCMA.
ALBUM DESIGN OF THE YEAR
Ramble
(Design Team: Brandon Heard (Mediavandals), Photography: Ashley Champagne, Artist: The Boom Chucka Boys)
BOOKING AGENCY OF THE YEAR Invictus Entertainment Group
COUNTRY CLUB OF THE YEAR Boots & Bourbon Saloon – Toronto, ON
COUNTRY FESTIVAL, FAIR, OR EXHIBITION OF THE YEAR Boots and Hearts Music Festival – Bowmanville, ON
COUNTRY MUSIC PROGRAM OR SPECIAL OF THE YEAR Canadian Country Spotlight – Media BemBem Inc.
MANAGEMENT COMPANY OF THE YEAR Invictus Entertainment Group
MUSIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET
Scott Phillips – CKRY – FM, Calgary, AB/CISN-FM, Edmonton, AB
MUSIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM OR SMALL MARKET
Paul Ferguson – CHCQ – FM, Belleville, ON
MUSIC PUBLISHING COMPANY OF THE YEAR ole
ON-AIR PERSONALITY(S) OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET
CISN in the Mornings with Chris, Jack & Matt – CISN Country 103.9
ON-AIR PERSONALITY(S) OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM OR SMALL MARKET
The Casey Clarke Show with Roo Phelps – CIGV-FM, Country 100.7
RECORD PRODUCER(S) OF THE YEAR Joey Moi (Album: Lifted, Artist: Dallas Smith)
RECORD COMPANY OF THE YEAR MDM Recordings Inc.
RECORD COMPANY PERSON OF THE YEAR Mike Denney – MDM Recordings Inc.
RECORDING STUDIO OF THE YEAR Barrytone Studios – St. Clements, ON
RETAILER OF THE YEAR iTunes Canada
VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Stephano Barberis
(Video: Undressed, Artist: Bobby Wills; Video: Boat On The Water, Artist: Aaron Pritchett; Video: I Only Smoke When I Drink, Artist: Small Town Pistols)
Tomorrow (Sept. 12) brings the CCMA Gala Dinner & Awards, including the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame presentations, and the CCMA All-Star Band Awards.
Country Music Week culminates on Sunday, Sept. 13 at the 2015 CCMA Awards Show at the Scotiabank Centre. Hosted by Jessi Cruickshank, the show broadcasts on CBC-TV at 8:00 p.m. local time (8:30 NT) with an encore airing on CMT (Canada) at 10:00 p.m.
Brett Eldredge Showcases Songs and Soul at Album Preview Party
/by Jessica NicholsonBrett Eldredge previews his album Illinois at Ocean Way Studios.
WMN/Atlantic Records artist Brett Eldredge welcomed industry members yesterday (Sept. 10) on the eve of album release day for his sophomore project, Illinois.
Artist and label held an album listening party at Nashville’s Ocean Way Studios, where the majority of the album was recorded. The reigning CMA New Artist of the Year, known for his warm, r&b-tinged voice, garnered three chart-topping hits from his debut project Bring You Back, including “Beat of the Music,” “Don’t Ya” and “Mean To Me.” Its sonically cohesive, polished followup seems a confident, natural progression.
WMN CEO/president John Esposito predicted that Eldredge would very soon see his fourth consecutive No. 1 hit with his current chart-climber “Lose My Mind.” Clocking in at two minutes and 38 seconds, Eldredge noted it’s the shortest song he’s ever written. Eldredge co-wrote several tracks on the new 12-song set, including “Fire,” “Just A Taste,” “Lose It All,” and the title track.
In introducing what he called “probably my favorite song on the record,” Eldredge said, “I started hearing about people getting engaged to ‘Mean To Me’.” Prior to a concert at Kansas Motor Speedway, a reporter asked Eldredge what he ultimately wanted to do with his music. “I thought about how I want to be that song that leaves a mark on peoples’ lives.” He told songwriter Scooter Carusoe, just prior to taking the stage, “I wanna write a song called, ‘Wanna Be That Song.'” Three months later, Carusoe reminded him of the idea, and they co-wrote the track with writer Ross Copperman, who is also a co-producer on the album.
“Sometimes songs come back from the dead,” Eldredge quipped while introducing the infectious “Drunk On Your Love.” “Well, it wasn’t dead, but it took a nap. We wrote it back in 2012.” At the time, Eldredge was neighbors with Hayley Stommel, who married Florida Georgia Line member Tyler Hubbard earlier this year. “They asked to used the demo of the song in their wedding video. They put that video out of their wedding and used a bit of the song, and we knew people would be asking about it. So we had to hurry to update it and included it on the album.”
The album is not without its share of heartbreak songs, most notably the Bill Anderson co-write “Lose It All.” “I love a good heartbreak song,” commented Eldredge. “I’ve always idolized Bill Anderson. The song is about looking back at how bad you effed it up.”
Though only his sophomore project, Illinois highlights an artist comfortable with the array of styles his smooth voice can authentically cover. The project offers more nods to r&b and ’70s rock than traditional country. He welcomes current tourmate Thomas Rhett on the ’70s vibe of “You Can’t Stop Me,” and takes risks with the hard rock riffs and distorted lead vocal on “Shadow.” Even the creation of “Shadow” was less than traditional. “We started with a beat-box, a vocal, and a stapler I grabbed off a desk to use for percussion,” said Eldredge.
After playing the album, Eldredge offered an acoustic, live rendition of “Drunk On Your Love.”
Eldredge ended the party by having the crowd record a singalong version of the chorus to “Drunk On Your Love.” But first, attendees got a little shot of bravery via an interesting alcoholic combination of whiskey and pickle juice. Eldredge gave thanks to the label, his co-writers, the album’s producers, and everyone in the industry who has made his career what it is thus far.
Illinois releases today (Sept. 11).