Songwriters with their No. 1 plaques.
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) honored Nashville-associated writers whose songs topped the Billboard Airplay, Digital or Hot charts between April 2015 and July 2015 yesterday evening (Monday, Sept. 14). There were 83 songwriters and 20 songs recognized.
The Maggie Cavender award was also presented to Jo Walker-Meador, Layng Martine, Jr. and the late Billy Block. Block’s wife, Jill Block, received the award on his behalf. This is the first time NSAI has presented three recipients with the Maggie Cavender Award within the same year. The NSAI #1 Party was held at the Music Mill, NSAI’s headquarters on Music Row.
The NSAI #1 Party was sponsored by Klindt, Cole & Associates of Merrill Lynch Private Banking and Investment Group.
Pictured (L-R): Lee Thomas Miller, Jo Walker-Meador, and Bart Herbison.
Songs Recognized:
“Homegrown Honey,” Darius Rucker, Charles Kelley, Nathan Chapman, recorded by Darius Rucker
“Because He Lives (Amen),” Daniel Carson, Ed Cash, Bill Gaither, Gloria Gaither, Jason Ingram, Matt Maher, Chris Tomlin, recorded by Matt Maher
“Soul On Fire,” Tai Anderson, Brenton Brown, David Carr, Mark Lee, Matt Maher, Mac Powell, recorded by Third Day
“Take Your Time,” Sam Hunt, Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally, recorded by Sam Hunt
“Say You Do,” Matt Ramsey, Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen, recorded by Dierks Bentley
“Drinkin Class,” Josh Kear, David Frasier, Ed Hill, recorded by Lee Brice
“Raise ‘Em Up,” Jaren Johnston, Tom Douglas, Jeffrey Steele, recorded by Keith Urban f/ Eric Church
“A Guy Walks Into A Bar” Melissa Peirce, Jonathan Singleton and Brad Tursi, recorded by Tyler Farr
“Don’t It,” Jaren Johston, Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman, recorded by Billy Currington
“Smoke,” Michael Hobby, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite, recorded by A Thousand Horses
“Sippin’ On Fire,” Cole Taylor, Matt Dragstrem, Rodney Clawson, recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“Shoulders,” Ben Glover, Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, recorded by for King & Country
“Wild Child,” Josh Osborne, Kenny Chesney, Shane McAnally, recorded by Kenny Chesney w/ Grace Potter
“Love Me Like You Mean It,” Forest Glen Whitehead, Josh Kerr, Kelsea Ballerini, Lance Carpenter, recorded by Kelsea Ballerini
“Sangria,” Josh Osborne, JT Harding, Trevor Ronsen, recorded by Blake Shelton
“Little Toy Guns,” Carrie Underwood, Chris DeStefano, Hillary Lindsey, recorded by Carrie Underwood
“Love You Like That,” Brett Beavers, Canaan Smith, Jim Beavers, recorded by Canaan Smith
“Tonight Looks Good On You,” Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, recorded by Jason Aldean
“Girl Crush,” Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey, recorded by Little Big Town
Pictured (L-R): Lee Thomas Miller, Layng Martine, Jr., and Bart Herbison
Jill Block with sons Rocky and Grady Block, receiving the Maggie Cavender Award on behalf of the late Billy Block.
Music Biz’s Academic Partnership Program Adds 12 Colleges In First Year
/by Troy_Stephenson· Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee
· Berklee College of Music, Boston, Massachusetts
· Drexel University, Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
· Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan
· Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
· Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Murfreesboro, Tennessee
· Monmouth University, West Long Branch, New Jersey
· New Jersey City University (NJCU), Jersey City, New Jersey
· New York University (NYU), New York, New York
· University of Miami, Miami, Florida
· University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), San Antonio, Texas
· William Paterson University, Paterson, New Jersey
Music Biz is once again inviting students from Academic Partnership Program members to volunteer at Music Biz 2016. Last year, 15 students from Belmont and MTSU took the opportunity to do just that at Music Biz 2015. They learned valuable music industry lessons and skills, while connecting with top executives at all three major labels as well as top publishers, managers, artists, entrepreneurs, and startups.
“The students, faculty, and staff of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University are extremely grateful for the many benefits, scholarships, and real-world opportunities that are made available through the Academic Partnership Program,” said Doug Howard, Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. “In addition, we applaud the Music Business Association for providing access to a variety of industry resources that support student and faculty research and compliment our academic mission of developing graduates with the critical thinking skills needed to lead and succeed in our unique and dynamic profession.”
To learn more about the Music Biz Academic Partnership Program, contact Evelyn Dichter at 856.596.2221 or evelyn.dichter@musicbiz.org or click here.
NSAI Celebrates Chart-Topping Songwriters
/by Jessica NicholsonSongwriters with their No. 1 plaques.
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) honored Nashville-associated writers whose songs topped the Billboard Airplay, Digital or Hot charts between April 2015 and July 2015 yesterday evening (Monday, Sept. 14). There were 83 songwriters and 20 songs recognized.
The Maggie Cavender award was also presented to Jo Walker-Meador, Layng Martine, Jr. and the late Billy Block. Block’s wife, Jill Block, received the award on his behalf. This is the first time NSAI has presented three recipients with the Maggie Cavender Award within the same year. The NSAI #1 Party was held at the Music Mill, NSAI’s headquarters on Music Row.
The NSAI #1 Party was sponsored by Klindt, Cole & Associates of Merrill Lynch Private Banking and Investment Group.
Pictured (L-R): Lee Thomas Miller, Jo Walker-Meador, and Bart Herbison.
Songs Recognized:
“Homegrown Honey,” Darius Rucker, Charles Kelley, Nathan Chapman, recorded by Darius Rucker
“Because He Lives (Amen),” Daniel Carson, Ed Cash, Bill Gaither, Gloria Gaither, Jason Ingram, Matt Maher, Chris Tomlin, recorded by Matt Maher
“Soul On Fire,” Tai Anderson, Brenton Brown, David Carr, Mark Lee, Matt Maher, Mac Powell, recorded by Third Day
“Take Your Time,” Sam Hunt, Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally, recorded by Sam Hunt
“Say You Do,” Matt Ramsey, Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen, recorded by Dierks Bentley
“Drinkin Class,” Josh Kear, David Frasier, Ed Hill, recorded by Lee Brice
“Raise ‘Em Up,” Jaren Johnston, Tom Douglas, Jeffrey Steele, recorded by Keith Urban f/ Eric Church
“A Guy Walks Into A Bar” Melissa Peirce, Jonathan Singleton and Brad Tursi, recorded by Tyler Farr
“Don’t It,” Jaren Johston, Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman, recorded by Billy Currington
“Smoke,” Michael Hobby, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite, recorded by A Thousand Horses
“Sippin’ On Fire,” Cole Taylor, Matt Dragstrem, Rodney Clawson, recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“Shoulders,” Ben Glover, Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, recorded by for King & Country
“Wild Child,” Josh Osborne, Kenny Chesney, Shane McAnally, recorded by Kenny Chesney w/ Grace Potter
“Love Me Like You Mean It,” Forest Glen Whitehead, Josh Kerr, Kelsea Ballerini, Lance Carpenter, recorded by Kelsea Ballerini
“Sangria,” Josh Osborne, JT Harding, Trevor Ronsen, recorded by Blake Shelton
“Little Toy Guns,” Carrie Underwood, Chris DeStefano, Hillary Lindsey, recorded by Carrie Underwood
“Love You Like That,” Brett Beavers, Canaan Smith, Jim Beavers, recorded by Canaan Smith
“Tonight Looks Good On You,” Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, recorded by Jason Aldean
“Girl Crush,” Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey, recorded by Little Big Town
Pictured (L-R): Lee Thomas Miller, Layng Martine, Jr., and Bart Herbison
Jill Block with sons Rocky and Grady Block, receiving the Maggie Cavender Award on behalf of the late Billy Block.
Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” Video Case Leads To Copyright Precedent
/by Jessica NicholsonPrince
Under a new ruling from a federal appeals court, Universal Music Group could be liable for attempting to take down a 29-second home video of a baby dancing to Prince‘s “Let’s Go Crazy.” In February 2007, Gallitzin, Pa., resident Stephanie Lenz uploaded the video featuring her then 13-month-old infant to YouTube. Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” was playing in the background. UMG sent YouTube a takedown notice under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), alleging the video infringed on the song’s copyright. Advocacy Group The Electronic Frontier Foundation represented Lenz, suing UMG on her behalf and arguing that Universal had misapplied the DMCA by inappropriately targeting a legal fair use.
On Monday (Sept. 14), the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (San Francisco)’s three-judge panel ruled that copyright holders are required to consider fair use before sending a takedown notification.
“Universal faces liability if it knowingly misrepresented in the takedown notification that it had formed a good faith belief the video was not authorized by the law, i.e., did not constitute fair use,” Judge Richard C. Tallman’s opinion reads. “Here, Lenz presented evidence that Universal did not form any subjective belief about the video’s fair use — one way or another — because it failed to consider fair use at all, and knew that it failed to do so.”
The Ninth Circuit stated a jury would need to decide whether UMG had formed a good faith belief that the video breached the fair use policy. Fair use allows portions of copyrighted material to be used for purposes of criticism, comment, research, or in other limited circumstances without a license from the copyright holder.
“Today’s ruling sends a strong message that copyright law does not authorize thoughtless censorship of lawful speech,” said Corynne McSherry, legal director for The Electronic Frontier Foundation.
A spokesman for the Recording Industry Association of America, Jonathan Lamy, said, “We respectfully disagree with the court’s conclusion about the DMCA and the burden the court places upon copyright holders before sending takedown notices.”
New Book Examines The Beatles’ Country Roots
/by Sarah SkatesBelmont University’s Don Cusic is releasing his new book The Beatles and Country Music.
In the book Cusic examines The Beatles’ earliest influences, including skiffle and folk music, as well as early rockabilly influences from Elvis, the Everly Brothers, Bill Haley and Carl Perkins. Early in their career, The Beatles performed country songs in Hamburg and at the Cavern in Liverpool.
When the group first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964, George Harrison was playing a Gretsch guitar—inspired by his love of Chet Atkins, who also played a Gretsch.
Gene Autry was one of Ringo’s biggest musical influences, according to the book. And Ringo sang the Buck Owens hit, “Act Naturally,” on an album by The Beatles. Ringo recorded his 1970 album Beaucoups of Blues in Nashville, which was produced by legendary Music City steel guitarist Pete Drake.
Drake also played on George Harrison’s album, All Things Must Pass and Harrison’s song “Behind That Locked Door.”
The book documents Paul McCartney’s 1974 Nashville recording sessions with local steel guitarist Lloyd Green.
Cusic writes about country artists who have recorded Beatles songs, including Chet Atkins, who also played on a McCartney song.
This is the 26th book by Cusic. He has written biographies of Eddy Arnold, Roger Miller, and Gene Autry. Other books include Elvis and Nashville, Baseball and Country Music, and Saved By Song: A History of Gospel and Christian Music.
The Beatles and Country Music is available here.
Kenny Chesney Preps 2016 with Lambert, Hunt, Old Dominion
/by Eric T. ParkerLess than three weeks after Kenny Chesney wrapped his highest-grossing tour ever ($114 million, reports Billboard), he is already making plans for next summer.
Chesney has tapped Miranda Lambert, Sam Hunt, and Old Dominion to join him on tour dates for 2016.
“Miranda is the real deal,” Chesney says. “She’s a songwriter, first, and a real vocalist. She’s put it all out there when she’s on stage, and I loved touring with her so much in 2009, I can’t believe it’s taken us this long to get her back out here – because I love every single thing about who she is as an artist and a person.
“The second I heard Sam’s demo for ‘Come Over,’ I knew he was onto something very unique,” continues Chesney, who cut the Hunt-written song. “Watching him develop as an artist, seeing his songwriting evolve – and knowing how he brings it when he gets onstage makes him a perfect act to come out with us. He’s fun, alive and all about the music.
“Old Dominion had a tough job this summer, and they got it done,” Chesney concludes. “They’re hit songwriters, but they’re also guys who’ve played in a lot of clubs – and know how to connect with people. I mean, not only are their songs solid, they’re great guys.”
Dates have not yet been announced.
Kip Moore To Headline Next Taping Of ‘Front And Center’
/by Troy_StephensonKip Moore
The Country Music Association and the critically-acclaimed music series “Front and Center” have announced Kip Moore along with Brett James and Jaren Johnston as the stars of the next songwriters series taping, to be held Sept. 21 at the Iridium in New York City.
Moore co-wrote all three of his No.1 singles; every track on his latest album Wild Ones; and penned songs for Jake Owen and Thompson Square.
Both James and Johnston have written hit songs cut by artists including Dierks Bentley, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban and more.
“Front and Center” is the critically-acclaimed, original one-hour concert series that airs commercial-free on public television. Now in its sixth season, the show has presented an eclectic mix of Grammy, CMA, and American Music Award winners, rock icons, and multi-Platinum sellers including Bentley, Counting Crows, Goo Goo Dolls, Jack Johnson, Lady Antebellum, Cyndi Lauper, The Fray, Train, Urban, and more.
For more information on the “Front and Center” music series, visit frontandcenter.com.
Brett James
Jaren Johnston
Razor & Tie Welcomes Nashville’s Creative Professionals Into The Circle
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville’s creative community is reaping the benefits of a burgeoning number of professional spaces for working, creating and networking. Razor & Tie moved their Nashville publishing outpost to a new location in Nashville’s SoBro area earlier this year. The new space, The Circle at Razor & Tie, also serves a creative hub for songwriters, artists, and creative professionals.
The space is conveniently located at 511 8th Ave. S., near label Third Man Records and music venue Mercy Lounge. Razor & Tie’s co-owners Cliff Chenfeld and Craig Balsam‘s vision for the space is a multi-functional zone with an open floor plan, perfect for a myriad of uses, including co-writes, album release parties, song pitch meetings, and more.
Among the space’s amenities are a rehearsal room, six writing rooms, co-working and conference room areas, a lounge, kitchen and office space. The Circle at Razor & Tie offers a coffee bar and high speed wi-fi, and boasts exposed 20-foot ceilings as part of its contemporary design.
A range of membership levels are available to meet the varying needs of Nashville’s creative community. Full-time membership offers unlimited, 24/7 access. Team membership offers a 15 percent discount off the full-time membership rate for three or more people. Part-time membership offers access 10 days per month from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
A week-long trial is available for $50.
“We are excited to develop a new space in a hot new area of Nashville where we can continue to provide our writers and artists with the right ‘vibes’ to create great music,” said Balsam and Chenfeld at the space’s opening earlier this year.
For more information, visit circleatrazorandtie.com or call 615-915-1590.
MusicRowPics: Josh Thompson Previews His ‘Lost Record’
/by Jessica NicholsonWhen Wisconsin native Josh Thompson performed for the MusicRow staff he was greeted by a member of the Green Bay Packers.
After releasing his debut album in 2010, singer-songwriter Josh Thompson enjoyed the success of three Top 30 singles, including “Way Out Here,” “Beer on the Table” and “Won’t Be Lonely Long.”
His new album, Change: The Lost Record, Volume One, the first in a two EP series, was originally recorded in 2011 while Thompson was still signed to RCA Nashville. After parting ways with the label, Thompson held onto the songs, refashioning them into his new project, set for digital release Oct. 9 via partnership with ole Digital/The Orchard.
Thompson visited the MusicRow office to preview a few songs from the project, including “Work In The Mornin’,” “Same Ol’ Plain Ol’ Me,” and a track he calls the “leavin’ song” on the album, “Over Me.”
“I could have released it on another label, but I would have had to release it to them, so I kept it and decided to release it now,” said Thompson.
After his last record release, Turn It Up in 2014, Thompson has been cranking out the songs, writing an average of 80-120 songs per year. He penned Joe Nichols’ current single, “Freaks Like Me,” which he obliged MusicRow staffers with an acoustic rendition, before ending with a snippet of his 2013 hit “Cold Beer With Your Name On It.”
Thompson also recently teamed with band The LACS for the song “Tonight On Repeat.”
Josh Thompson and his team with MusicRow staff.
Industry Ink: CRS, Bobby Braddock, Change The Conversation, SOLID, Musicians Corner
/by Jessica NicholsonNominations Open For Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2016
Submissions received after the Nov. 17 deadline will be placed under consideration for the Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2017.
The inductees for 2016 will be announced at CRS 2016, which will take place Feb. 8-10 at the Omni Hotel in downtown Nashville. More information regarding the event will be made available in coming months.
The Country Radio Hall of Fame was founded in 1974 to recognize outstanding individuals working in the broadcast industry, who are promoting the country music format. The Hall of Fame has two categories: Radio and On-Air Personality. The CRB President’s Award and the Artist Career Achievement are also recognized during the event.
Bobby Braddock To Share Stories From New Memoir
Hosted by museum staff member Jay Orr, Braddock will share some of the colorful stories that fill the pages of his second memoir—this one chronicling his remarkable songwriting career. Braddock will read selections from his book, and he will have a piano nearby, to illustrate the talk with music.
Change The Conversation To Hold Next Meeting on Sept. 17
Change the Conversation is the coalition formed in 2014 by music industry veterans Leslie Fram, Tracy Gershon and Beverly Keel to increase the opportunities for females in the country music industry by commissioning research, raising awareness and providing networking and mentoring opportunities for women.
The event, which will be held at the venue Ruby at 6 p.m., is free and has limited seats available. Seats must be reserved in advance by contacting eileentilson@me.com.
SOLID Accepting New Membership Applications
A party for potential New Members is set at Sambuca on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 6-8pm. Everyone who is interested in getting involved next year is encouraged to meet and mingle with current members and board members.
Musicians Corner To Hold Les Paul Tribute Sept. 19
Bassist and President of the Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257, Dave Pomeroy, is the musical
director and bandleader of the show, which will feature many of Nashville’s guitarists playing the
music of Les Paul, music inspired by Les Paul, and music played on Les Paul guitars.
Performers include Duane Eddy, John Jorgenson, Guthrie Trapp, Emily West, Derek Wells and Ryan Wariner. The backing band will include Pomeroy, Charlie Morgan, Jimmy Wallace, and Jim Hoke. For more information, visit musicianscorner.com.
Lady Antebellum Owns The Night During Nashville Show
/by Kelsey_GradyLady Antebellum brings their headlining show to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Lady Antebellum owned the night Friday (Sept 11), as they played their first-ever headlining show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena as part of their Wheels Up Tour. Taking off with dramatic smoke and lasers to complement the Fleetwood Mac–like energy of “Long Stretch Of Love,” Lady A members Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, and Dave Haywood flawlessly flowed through a set that took the crowd on an emotional ride through the past nine years they’ve been together.
Cruising into a crowd (and beer vendor) favorite, “Hey Bartender,” the trio had the crowd drinking and dancing in full swing throughout the arena before slowing it down with their No. 1 hit “American Honey.” The Capitol Nashville group gave a nod to the writers on this song, specifically Cary Barlowe, who was present.
They continued full speed with “Freestyle” and “Our Kind Of Love,” only to pull on the emotional strings once again as everything went silent, except for Haywood in the spotlight playing the piano opening to “Just A Kiss.” As the song continued with a night-themed backdrop of a full moon and stars, Scott took time to humbly thank the crowd, saying, “Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, this is such a bucket list moment for us, thank you!”
Running through the crowd during “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore,” and onto a center platform, Lady A broke it down to a special acoustic performance of “One Great Mystery,” as well as “Dancing Away With My Heart,” and a cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.” In honor of Sept. 11, dedicated a special a cappella version of “Hello World” to all servicemen and women. As Haywood came slowly in with the guitar and Kelley took a strong vocal lead, he exclaimed, “It’s a special day and it’s also my birthday. This means the world to us.”
The show continued back onto the main stage as they moved from anthem “Downtown” into a fierce rendition of Shania Twain’s “Any Man Of Mine,” which brought everyone to their feet as Scott strutted down the runway. During the Nathan Chapman-produced “Compass,” show opener Hunter Hayes joined on banjo, with Chapman on guitar. Hayes soon after reappeared, sporting a Preds jersey, along with fellow show opener Sam Hunt in an American flag tank, to help close the show as Lady A rocked Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way.”
The trio returned for an encore with smoke and silhouette lighting to capture a powerful version of their title track “747.” Continuing with fan favorites “Need You Now,” and “We Owned The Night,” the Wheels Up Tour touched down with dramatic close, a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.”
Opener Hunt started off the show with a high-energy set, moving around the premise of the floor seats and hugging fans along the way. Hayes kept the energy alive playing up and down the stage and engaging the audience to sing and dance to Walk The Moon’s “Shut Up And Dance.”