Americana Music Association Adds To AmericanaFest Lineup
The Americana Music Association unveiled an additional 30+ artists to its 16th annual AmericanaFest lineup this week.
The festival will offer more than 170 official showcases across more than a dozen Music City venues including newly announced performances by Glen Hansard, Jewel, Hot Rize featuring Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers, Jay Farrar (performing songs from Son Volt’s “Trace”), Buddy Miller & Marc Ribot, JD McPherson, Parker Millsap, Joel Rafael, Nellie Clay, Madisen Ward & The Mama Bear and the Watkins Family Hour.
The 2015 AmericanaFest will take place Sept. 15-20 in Nashville.
Phil Vassar Teams With Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Phil Vassar
Country singer/songwriter Phil Vassar is showing his support of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with an official CMN Hospitals’ Miracle Band. By wearing this wristband, Vassar has joined celebrity spokeswoman Jennifer Lopez along with Lady Antebellum and Sir Paul McCartney, in showing a commitment to give kids every chance to live better and support the organization’s work and the families affected by childhood illness.
“I have two beautiful daughters and I can’t image my life without them,” says Vassar. “There are children all over the world who are suffering because they don’t have the resources to get the help they need. I’m so glad to be a part of this.”
Jimmy Fortune To Release ‘Hits & Hymns’
Country Music Hall of Fame singer-songwriter Jimmy Fortune will unveil some unique collaborations on his upcoming album, Hits & Hymns, out Oct. 23 on Gaither Music Group. Vince Gill, The Isaacs, Dailey & Vincent, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs, the Gaither Vocal Band and The Whites have all recorded for the project.
The album coincides with a special edition DVD, Jimmy Fortune: Hits & Hymns, hosted by Bill Gaither.
Erica Campbell, Sadie Robertson To Host Dove Awards
Erica Campbell
Sadie Robertson
The Gospel Music Association (GMA) has announced that singer-songwriter Erica Campbell, the five-time Grammy winner and WEtv star of the hit show “Mary Mary,” and New York Times best-selling author Sadie Robertson as the co-hosts for the 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards.
The Dove Awards will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 13, live from Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville, and will air exclusively on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 9 p.m. CT.
Additionally, the Song and Songwriter of the Year categories were announced.
Songwriter of the Year (Artist)
Bart Millard
Chris Tomlin
Lecrae Moore
Matt Maher
Phil Wickham
Songwriter of the Year (Non-Artist)
Benjamin Glover
David Arthur Garcia
Dianne Wilkinson
Jason Ingram
Seth Mosley
Song of the Year
“Come As You Are” – Crowder (writers) Ben Glover, David Crowder, Matt Maher
“Greater” – MercyMe (writers) Barry Graul, Bart Millard, Ben Glover, David Garcia, Mike Scheuchzer, Nathan Cochran, Robby Shaffer
“He Knows My Name” – Francesca Battistelli (writers) Francesca Battistelli, Mia Fieldes, Seth Mosley
“Hope In Front Of Me” – Danny Gokey (writers) Bernie Herms, Brett James, Danny Gokey
“How Can It Be” – Lauren Daigle (writers) Jason Ingram, Jeff Johnson, Paul Mabury
“Multiplied” – NEEDTOBREATHE (writers) Bear Rinehart, Bo Rinehart
“Overwhelmed” – Big Daddy Weave (writers) Michael Weaver, Phil Wickham
“This Is Amazing Grace” – Phil Wickham (writers) Jeremy Riddle, Josh Farro, Phil Wickham
“Thrive” – Casting Crowns (writers) Mark Hall, Matthew West
“We Believe” – Newsboys (writers) Matthew Hooper, Richie Fike, Travis Ryan
Performers Added to 9th Annual ACM Honors
/by Jessica NicholsonHonorees include Special Awards recipients Barry Adelman, Luke Bryan, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant (awarded posthumously), Eric Church, Tim DuBois, Loretta Lynn, Bob McDill and Alabama.
Studio Recording Awards (formerly MBI Awards) recipients include Chuck Ainlay, Tom Bukovac, Dan Dugmore, Jay Joyce, Greg Morrow, Michael Rojas, Ilya Toshinsky and Glenn Worf.
Industry Award winners include Ed Warm of Joe’s Live, Sally Williams of Ryman Auditorium, Country Thunder USA: East in Twin Lakes, WI, Hard Rock Live in Biloxi, MS, Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood, CA, Joe’s Bar in Chicago, IL, MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas, NV, Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN.
Luke Laird will be honored as Songwriter of the Year.
The 9th annual ACM Honors will be held Sept. 1 at the Ryman Auditorium.
Artist Updates: AmericanaFest, Phil Vassar, Jimmy Fortune, Dove Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonAmericana Music Association Adds To AmericanaFest Lineup
The festival will offer more than 170 official showcases across more than a dozen Music City venues including newly announced performances by Glen Hansard, Jewel, Hot Rize featuring Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers, Jay Farrar (performing songs from Son Volt’s “Trace”), Buddy Miller & Marc Ribot, JD McPherson, Parker Millsap, Joel Rafael, Nellie Clay, Madisen Ward & The Mama Bear and the Watkins Family Hour.
The 2015 AmericanaFest will take place Sept. 15-20 in Nashville.
Phil Vassar Teams With Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Phil Vassar
Country singer/songwriter Phil Vassar is showing his support of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with an official CMN Hospitals’ Miracle Band. By wearing this wristband, Vassar has joined celebrity spokeswoman Jennifer Lopez along with Lady Antebellum and Sir Paul McCartney, in showing a commitment to give kids every chance to live better and support the organization’s work and the families affected by childhood illness.
“I have two beautiful daughters and I can’t image my life without them,” says Vassar. “There are children all over the world who are suffering because they don’t have the resources to get the help they need. I’m so glad to be a part of this.”
Jimmy Fortune To Release ‘Hits & Hymns’
The album coincides with a special edition DVD, Jimmy Fortune: Hits & Hymns, hosted by Bill Gaither.
Erica Campbell, Sadie Robertson To Host Dove Awards
Erica Campbell
Sadie Robertson
The Gospel Music Association (GMA) has announced that singer-songwriter Erica Campbell, the five-time Grammy winner and WEtv star of the hit show “Mary Mary,” and New York Times best-selling author Sadie Robertson as the co-hosts for the 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards.
The Dove Awards will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 13, live from Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville, and will air exclusively on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 9 p.m. CT.
Additionally, the Song and Songwriter of the Year categories were announced.
Bart Millard
Chris Tomlin
Lecrae Moore
Matt Maher
Phil Wickham
Songwriter of the Year (Non-Artist)
Benjamin Glover
David Arthur Garcia
Dianne Wilkinson
Jason Ingram
Seth Mosley
Who Knew Event Partners With MTSU For Upcoming Session
/by Sarah SkatesStudents from the college will provide video and technical support, and the college’s $1.6 million mobile video lab will serve as an on-site control room.
The line up of guest speakers includes Lars Murray, Pandora VP of industry relations; Benji Rogers, Pres. and founder of Pledge Music; Steve Schnur, worldwide executive for music at video game giant Electronic Arts; Anastasia Brown, a well-known music supervisor, consultant, author and producer; Mike Butera, creator of Instrument 1, and Craig Havighurst, a noted music historian.
Set to perform are The Mulligan Brothers and Matthew Perryman Jones.
Lightning 100 radio personality Dan Buckley will emcee the event.
$10 tickets are on sale here.
Big Loud Records Appoints National Director of Promotion
/by Jessica NicholsonStacy Blythe
Big Loud Records has added Stacy Blythe as the newly launched label’s National Director of Promotion. Blythe will report directly to label President Clay Hunnicutt. Big Loud Records was founded by manager Seth England, producer Joey Moi, songwriter Craig Wiseman, and manager Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, along with Hunnicutt.
Blythe’s previous career stops include Category 5 Records, 1720 Entertainment and Stoney Creek Records. She most recently served as Republic Nashville’s Southeast Promotion Manager.
“When we started Big Loud Records, we dreamed of having someone of Stacy’s caliber on our team,” shares BLR’s Hunnicutt. “Now it’s happened and we could not be happier. We know that Stacy will play an integral role in the growth of our artists and company.”
Blythe adds, “I am beyond honored that Clay, Seth, Craig, Joey and Chief have invited me to be a part of building Big Loud Records from the ground up. Upon hearing the music that the label is set to release, I instantly knew that I had to be involved in delivering it to our friends at country radio. I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to embark on this new journey surrounded by the passion and creativity that this team possesses.”
Beginning Sept. 15, Blythe can be reached by email at stacy@bigloudrecords.com or by phone at 615-887-9860. Additional Big Loud Records team members will be announced in coming months.
Carrie Underwood Reveals ‘Storyteller’ Album Cover
/by Jessica NicholsonCarrie Underwood will release her latest album, Storyteller, on Oct. 23, propelled by the project’s first single, “Smoke Break.” The track was co-written by Underwood, Hillary Lindsey, and Chris DeStefano.
Underwood revealed the album’s cover in an online feature on EW.com, and debuted the music video for “Smoke Break” earlier this week. The clip was directed by Randee St. Nicholas, who shot Underwood’s video for “Blown Away.”
“I feel like [Storyteller] is just really relatable,” Underwood told EW.com. “There’s going to be a lot of songs on the album that people can listen to and be like ‘I totally get what you’re trying to say.’ Each album so far has had its own look, its own feel, its own sound, and this upcoming album is definitely no exception.”
Underwood surprised the Sony Music Nashville staff earlier this week by dropping by to say thanks to the entire company for their contributions in launching “Smoke Break.”
Pictured (L-R): Christy Garbinski, Promotion Representative, Sony Music Nashville; Olivia Laster, Specialist, Promotion, Arista Nashville; R.G. Jones, Director, Promotion/Strategy & Analysis; Rusty Sherrill, Regional Promotion Manager, Arista Nashville; Andy Elliott, Director, National Promotion, Arista Nashville; Carrie Underwood; John Sigler, Director, National Promotion, Arista Nashville; Steve Hodges, EVP, Promotion & Artist Development, Sony Music Nashville; Lesly Tyson, VP, Promotion, Arista Nashville.
The Hobbs Sisters – “Boomerang”
/by Molly_HannulaThe Hobbs Sisters bring a killer combination of big voices, twin sister harmonies and high-energy performance to the stage. Whether headlining shows in the Pittsburgh tri-state area or opening for national country acts, they are making a name for themselves as singers, songwriters and entertainers.
The sisters have opened for many national acts including Lady Antebellum, Brett Eldredge, The Swon Brothers and Aaron Tippin. In 2014, they shared the stage with Jana Kramer, Maddie & Tae, Cassadee Pope and Rae Lynn as part of Y108’s Girls with Guitars event in Pittsburgh.
Sibling harmony is the defining feature of The Hobbs Sisters’ sound in both their live performance and the songs they write. Their second album, Love Hangover, was released on June 10 and features five harmony-driven original songs. The new single, “Boomerang”, highlights their signature vocals and unique country sound.
www.thehobbssisters.com
www.facebook.com/thehobbssisters
www.twitter.com/thehobbssisters
Listen to “Boomerang”
Sam Hunt, Chris Janson and More Added to Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2015
/by Jessica NicholsonClockwise from top left: Sam Hunt, the Peach Pickers, Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, DJ Rock.
Luke Bryan will bring his seventh annual “Bayer Presents Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2015” to eight cities this fall, and he’s bringing some friends along for the ride. Joining Bryan on the tour will be Sam Hunt, the Peach Pickers, Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, and DJ Rock. Tickets for the first two concerts in Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Lexington, Ky., are sold-out.
A portion of the ticket proceeds are granted for local college scholarships (“Luke Bryan Farm Tour Scholarship”) to students from a farming family within the communities the tour plays. Last year’s tour played before 110,000 fans during the eight city run.
Bayer Presents Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2015
Sept. 30-Ft. Wayne, Indiana M&J Farms Peach Pickers, Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, DJ Rock
Oct. 1-Lexington, Kentucky Talon Farm & Winery Peach Pickers, Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, DJ Rock
Oct. 2-Knoxville, Tennessee Maple Lane Farms Peach Pickers, Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, DJ Rock
Oct. 3-Columbia, South Carolina Culler Farms Peach Pickers, Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, DJ Rock
Oct. 7-Starkville, Mississippi Holtcamp Farms Sam Hunt, Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, DJ Rock
Oct. 8-Tuscaloosa, Alabama Twin Creeks Farm Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, DJ Rock
Oct. 9-Macon, Georgia Midway at Central City Park Sam Hunt, Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, DJ Rock
Oct. 10-Valdosta, Georgia MJ Taylor Farms Sam Hunt, Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, DJ Rock
(dates & cities subject to change)
The Bayer Presents Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2015 is also sponsored by Samsung, Red Gold, Cabela’s, Citi, Miller Lite, and ATG (Alliance Tire Group). Parking starts at 2 p.m. and gates for the shows will open at 5 p.m. so fans are encouraged to come early and enjoy the “Red Gold Tailgate Party.”
‘Winston Dog Celebrates Dogs And Music’ With Nashville Party
/by Kelsey_GradyPictured (L-R): Stephanie Cox, Renee Bell and Celia Froehlig
Winston Dog boutique owner and former music executive Renee Bell recently launched a signature CD entitled, Winston Dog Celebrates Dogs and Music. The album consists of 11 songs written, performed and published by members of the Nashville music community. On Tuesday, Aug. 18, she invited the songwriters from the album to a private CD release party at Winston Dog boutique in Nashville. Everyone gathered in the boutique to snack on hors d’oeuvres from Bacon and Caviar Catering, listen to the album and celebrate the release of the CD. “Having worked in the music industry for more than 30 years, it felt very natural to do something with Winston Dog and music while in the process of jumpstarting our mission to give back to the do animal community,” said Bell. “I am consistently amazed by the generosity of the music community. Each writer and publisher provided the songs for this album as gratis to help our fur babies in need.”
Pictured (L-R): Jon Mabe, Connie Harrington, Lance Carpenter.
The album release party was hosted to thank the publishers, songwriters and the music community for rallying around Winston Dog and joining on its mission to help pups in need. Since opening in June, Winston Dog has donated proceeds to Tiny But Mighty, Nashville Humane Association, and soon to add Agape Animal rescue and Clover for Rover.
Pictured (L-R): Whitney Daane, Travis Meadows and Renee Bell
Albums can be purchase at Winston Dog Boutique. The cost is $10 and 100% of proceeds will benefit various pet charities. Winston Dog is located at 4015 Hillsboro Pike Ste. 310 and is open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 12pm-6pm. For more information click here.
Hirings: BMLG, New Heartland Group, Latigo Shore Music, South X Sea
/by Jessica NicholsonElizabeth Santana
BMLG Hires Director of Southeast Promotion
Elizabeth Gregg Santana has been named Director of Southeast Promotion for the BMLG roster. Effective Sept. 7, Santana will begin promoting the label’s roster of artists including Florida Georgia Line, The Band Perry, Cassadee Pope and A Thousand Horses. She fills a role vacated by Stacy Waugh, who will leave BMLG in early September to pursue other opportunities.
“Liz has worked simultaneously with the media and a wide range of clients to connect artists and radio at events across the southeast to raise awareness and funds for some outstanding organizations,” said Big Machine Label Group Vice President Promotion Matthew Hargis. “This makes her the perfect candidate for this position as the music business continues to evolve and broaden.”
“I look forward to bringing my years of experience to Republic Nashville/The Big Machine Label Group from my prior business. I have worked hand in hand with so many of the great radio stations in the Southeast and look forward to meeting everyone!” said Santana.
Santana is a graduate of the University of Florida where she earned a degree in Public Relations. She most recently worked as a PR consultant in Palm Beach, Fla., and for the American Cancer Society. She can be reached at liz.santana@bmlg.net and will be based in Orlando, Fla.
New Heartland Group Appoints Managing Director
Shari Dennis
Brand building and consumer engagement agency New Heartland Group has added Shari Dennis in the role of Managing Director. Dennis has over 25 years of agency experience at well-known advertising and marketing firms. At New Heartland Group, she will lead agency growth initiatives, staff development and bring senior-level strategic thinking to all accounts. Dennis will serve as senior account leader and assist the account management team with high-level strategic counsel to better service their clients.
“We are thrilled to welcome Shari to the NHG team. Her experience in building highly successful account teams and streamlining agency operations is exactly what we need to continue to serve our great client roster,” said New Heartland Group President Paul Jankowski. “More important than her experience however, is her passion for building brands and helping her team grow professionally.”
She has held senior-level positions in agencies of varying sizes, from founding her own agency to working at large, global agencies such as BBDO. She has worked with a broad array of clients, ranging from AT&T to Capital One to Procter & Gamble. Dennis was most recently EVP Director of Brand Development, Account Management at The Buntin Group.
Latigo Shore Music Adds Creative Director
Christina Wiltshire
Latigo Shore Music publishing company has added Christina Wiltshire to the position of Creative Director. Latigo is represented by the early catalog of hit songwriter, Andrew Dorff, along with active writer, Jeston Cade.
As Creative Director, Wiltshire will develop new writers, set up co-writes, as well as evaluate and pitch songs to producers, artists, A&R execs, and film/television music supervisors.
Wiltshire previously served as Creative Coordinator at Patrick Joseph Music.
South X Sea Expanding East Nashville Offices
Originally founded in Seattle, the South x Sea merchandising division was launched to print t-shirts for touring bands, before adding corporate, high school, and collegiate divisions. In addition to merchandising, South x Sea also has new ventures in the music industry, including an independent record label and music publishing division.
Those interested in applying for a position can submit resumes to kirk@southbysea.com.
Industry Pics: Frankie Ballard, LOCASH, Art of the Game
/by Jessica NicholsonFrankie Ballard Celebrates No. 1 Single
Frankie Ballard gives a No. 1 sign as his latest single “Young & Crazy” becomes his third consecutive No. 1 song. His debut album Sunshine & Whiskey has also yielded the chart-toppers “Helluva Life” and “Sunshine & Whiskey.”
Pictured (L-R): Co-manager Christian Svendsen, W.A.Y Entertainment; Ballard and Danny Montana of WIL-St. Louis.
LOCASH Honors SirusXM’s John Marks
Reviver Records’ Gator Michaels and David Ross presented SiriusXM’s John Marks with a plaque commemorating LOCASH’s latest single, “I Love This Life,” reaching No. 1 on The Highway’s Hot 45 Weekend Countdown.
“This means a TON to us,” said LOCASH’s Chris Lucas. “It’s unbelievable. Our fans, they’re diehard fans, man…they’re great. We owe them for everything in our career and for getting us to this point. We’ve always dreamed about getting a No. 1. I know our team, Reviver Records, is going nuts right now! We thank you guys.”
Pictured (L-R): Gator Michaels, SVP Promotion, Reviver Records; John Marks, Sr. Director of Country Programming, SiriusXM, David Ross, President and CEO, Reviver Records.
Fraser’s ‘The Art of the Game’ Celebrates 15 Years
Doug Fraser
Doug Fraser‘s The Art Of The Game, Inc., is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Founded in 2000, the company specializes in crafting national event marketing and brand campaigns, incorporating live music, visual art, live television, and more into its events.
In 2015, the company has provided musical talent for events including Super Bowl XLIX’s NFL Experience Presented by GMC and the NFL Super Bowl XLIX Game Day Fan Plaza, and MLB’s 2015 Monday Night Baseball Opening Night on ESPN. The company currently maintains offices in Franklin, Tenn., and Atlanta, Ga.