Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams, Capitol CMG’s Jimi Williams and Casey McGinty, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, BMI Songwriter Phil Wickham, Seems Like Music’s Mark Nicholas, BMI Songwriter of the Year Chris Stevens, Sing My Songs’ Peter Kipley, BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill, BMI’s Phil Graham. Photo: Steve Lowry
Song of the Year: “This is Amazing Grace”
Christian Songwriter of the Year: Chris Stevens
Christian Publisher of the Year: Capitol CMG Publishing
Chris Stevens was one of the big winners last night (June 23) at BMI’s 2015 Christian Awards, taking home Songwriter of the Year honors. The annual awards ceremony at the PRO’s Nashville offices recognized the past year’s most-performed Christian rock, contemporary, inspirational, southern and urban gospel songs played on Christian radio.
The invitation-only event kicked off with Jason Crabb performing “He Knows What He’s Doing” off his upcoming album. Additionally, Kenna West and Michael Farren offered the award-winning track “Say Amen.”
“This is Amazing Grace” received the Song of the Year award. Penned by Phil Wickham, Josh Farro, and Jeremy Riddle, and published by Phil Wickham Music, Seems Like Music, and Sing My Songs, the track topped the Billboard Christian Airplay chart and was performed by Wickham during the evening’s festivities.
Grammy award-winning writer/producer/engineer Stevens received his third Christian Songwriter of the Year nod, having received the honor previously in 2010 and 2012. Stevens penned the hits “Beautiful Day,” “Overcomer,” and “Slip On By.”
Capitol CMG Publishing was named Christian Publisher of the Year as the publisher with the highest percentage of copyright ownership of the year’s most-performed songs. Capitol CMG published hits “All The People Said Amen,” “All You’ve Ever Wanted,” “Beautiful Day,” “Hope In Front Of Me,” “Overcomer,” “Slip On By,’ and “Your Grace Finds Me.”
“We’re thrilled to be able to honor these songwriters and composers,” noted Jody Williams, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations. “They’ve made the top Christian music of the past year, earning considerable airplay all while spreading a positive message.”
Williams and BMI Director, Writer/Publisher Relations Leslie Roberts served as the evening’s hosts.
A complete list of the 2015 BMI Christian Awards is available at www.bmi.com/christian.
BMI Honors Christian Music’s Best at Annual Awards Ceremony
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams, Capitol CMG’s Jimi Williams and Casey McGinty, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, BMI Songwriter Phil Wickham, Seems Like Music’s Mark Nicholas, BMI Songwriter of the Year Chris Stevens, Sing My Songs’ Peter Kipley, BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill, BMI’s Phil Graham. Photo: Steve Lowry
Song of the Year: “This is Amazing Grace”
Christian Songwriter of the Year: Chris Stevens
Christian Publisher of the Year: Capitol CMG Publishing
Chris Stevens was one of the big winners last night (June 23) at BMI’s 2015 Christian Awards, taking home Songwriter of the Year honors. The annual awards ceremony at the PRO’s Nashville offices recognized the past year’s most-performed Christian rock, contemporary, inspirational, southern and urban gospel songs played on Christian radio.
The invitation-only event kicked off with Jason Crabb performing “He Knows What He’s Doing” off his upcoming album. Additionally, Kenna West and Michael Farren offered the award-winning track “Say Amen.”
“This is Amazing Grace” received the Song of the Year award. Penned by Phil Wickham, Josh Farro, and Jeremy Riddle, and published by Phil Wickham Music, Seems Like Music, and Sing My Songs, the track topped the Billboard Christian Airplay chart and was performed by Wickham during the evening’s festivities.
Grammy award-winning writer/producer/engineer Stevens received his third Christian Songwriter of the Year nod, having received the honor previously in 2010 and 2012. Stevens penned the hits “Beautiful Day,” “Overcomer,” and “Slip On By.”
Capitol CMG Publishing was named Christian Publisher of the Year as the publisher with the highest percentage of copyright ownership of the year’s most-performed songs. Capitol CMG published hits “All The People Said Amen,” “All You’ve Ever Wanted,” “Beautiful Day,” “Hope In Front Of Me,” “Overcomer,” “Slip On By,’ and “Your Grace Finds Me.”
“We’re thrilled to be able to honor these songwriters and composers,” noted Jody Williams, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations. “They’ve made the top Christian music of the past year, earning considerable airplay all while spreading a positive message.”
Williams and BMI Director, Writer/Publisher Relations Leslie Roberts served as the evening’s hosts.
A complete list of the 2015 BMI Christian Awards is available at www.bmi.com/christian.
On The Cover: Michael Carter (June/July 2015)
/by Kelsey_GradyBryan has recorded 12 songs written by Carter, his longtime friend, lead guitarist and band leader, including the hit “Roller Coaster” (Carter/Swindell). Carter’s song “Move” will appear on Bryan’s Kill The Lights album (Aug. 7) one of the most anticipated releases of 2015.
The print issue of MusicRow features an in-depth profile of Carter, who was named MusicRow Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year.
Click here to purchase a copy, or receive a free copy with a yearly subscription.
Winners Revealed For 27th Annual ‘MusicRow’ Awards
/by Sarah SkatesThe MusicRow Awards are voted on by subscribed members of the publication.
27th Annual MusicRow Awards Winners
Category 1
Producer of the Year—Jay Joyce (produced albums and/or tracks by Keith Urban, Eric Church, Little Big Town, Zac Brown Band, Thomas Rhett, Brothers Osborne, Cage The Elephant, Halestorm)
Category 2
Breakthrough Songwriter—Michael Carter (Sony/ATV, with writing credits on “Get Me Some of That,” recorded by Thomas Rhett; “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” recorded by Cole Swindell; “Roller Coaster,” recorded by Luke Bryan)
Category 3
Song of the Year—“Girl Crush” Writers: Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane, Songs of Crazy Girl, Songs of Universal, Hoodie, HillarodyRathbone, BMG; Recorded by Little Big Town (Capitol Nashville); Producer: Jay Joyce
Category 4
Breakthrough Artist of the Year—Sam Hunt (MCA Nashville)
Top 10 Album All-Star Musician Awards
Bass—Jimmie Lee Sloas
Drums— Greg Morrow
Engineer (tie)—Justin Niebank and Steve Marcantonio
Fiddle—Aubrey Haynie
Guitar—Ilya Toshinsky
Keyboards—Charles Judge
Steel—Russ Pahl
Vocals—Wes Hightower
Click to read exclusive event coverage by Bobby Karl.
MusicRow’s June/July 2015 print edition, available now, offers in-depth coverage of the award winners. The issue also features an interview with esteemed video producer Chandra LaPlume, an exploration of hologram technology, an article about Gary Allan‘s store The Label, and a look at new laws governing crowdfunding.
The MusicRow Awards is one of three annual events hosted by MusicRow Enterprises. The others include Rising Women on the Row and the CountryBreakout Awards.
IEBA Announces Agenda And Keynote Speaker For 2015 Conference
/by Troy_StephensonJeffrey Tambor
2015 Golden Globe winning actor Jeffrey Tambor will deliver the keynote address “Performing Your Life.” Tambor has performed in over 180 films and television shows including Arrested Development, The Larry Sanders Show, The Hangover, and There’s Something About Mary.
Grammy-nominated producer and DJ Morgan Page will lead a conversation on the establishment of EDM as a permanent fixture in live entertainment. Page will also perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Event Hall on Monday, Oct. 12.
Other panels will include Ticketmaster’s Brian Bowe’s discussion of live event upgrades and the multiple revenue optimization tools, and Etix CEO Joe Kustelski discussing capturing data and dollars through mobile.
The deadline to purchase pre-registration at the $599 rate ends on Friday, July 31. It will increase to $699 per person on Aug. 1. For more information and to register, click here.
Annual Conference Agenda At-A-Glance subject to change
Saturday, Oct. 10
3 PM Registration & Credential Desk opens
8 PM “Hit Play” Party / Membership Mixer in Omni’s Barlines
Sunday, Oct. 11
9 AM Registration & Credential Desk opens
11 AM Sunday Brunch
1 PM Award Winners Power Panel
2 PM Performances
3:25 PM Tailgate Party with halftime performances by Salt-N-Pepa and Sheila E.
7 PM APA Party
9 PM Paradigm Party
11 PM Night Cap Party with Ricky Gunn
Monday, Oct. 12
9 AM Registration & Credential Desk opens
9 AM Breakfast for Attendees
10 AM IEBA annual Membership meeting
10:30 AM Agents Power Panel
11:30 AM Buddy Lee Attractions Showcase
1 PM Working Lunch: Chat ‘N Chew Roundtable Discussions
2:30 PM Breakout Sessions: (Corporate 360, The New Era of Experiences, Buying and Producing EDM with Morgan Page, Promoters Alley)
6:30 PM Creative Artists Agency Party
8:30 PM The Agency Group Party
10:30 PM Universal Attractions Funk Break with WAR and The Family Stone
11 PM Electronic Set with Morgan Page
Tuesday, Oct.13
9 AM Registration & Credential Desk opens
9 AM Breakfast for Attendees
9:30 AM Breakout Sessions: (Casino Entertainment, Live Event Upgrades = Bigger Pay Days, The Mechanics of Talent Buying, Mobile Ticketing & Marketing: More Data & Dollars)
10:30 AM Agents Alley
1 PM Lunch for Attendees
2:30 PM Artist/Agent/Manager Panel
3 PM Keynote Presentation: “Performing Your Life” by Jeffery Tambor
4 PM Paradise Artists Party
6 – 8 PM Dinner Break
8 PM Honors & Awards Ceremony
9:30 PM WME Party (immediately following awards ceremony)
Morgan Page
Downtown Music Publishing Signs Sturgill Simpson
/by Sarah SkatesSturgill Simpson
Downtown Music Publishing has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson. The signing was announced today (June 23) by Downtown’s SVP Creative Services Jedd Katrancha. The agreement covers all of Sturgill’s studio albums including 2014’s Metamodern Sounds In Country Music (High Top Mountain/Thirty Tigers), which reached the top 10 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart.
Simpson signed to Atlantic Records this year. He was named Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2014 Americana Music Awards, and nominated for Artist, Album, and Song at the 2015 Americana Music Awards. He is a heavily touring artist whose latest album appeared on best-of-2014 lists in The New York Times, Mojo, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and Nashville Scene.
“We are incredibly proud to represent Sturgill and his body of work,” said Katrancha. “To be a part of the cross-genre level of excitement surrounding Sturgill is a thrill, and we’re looking forward to working with him as he continues to grow and release new music.”
The signing of Sturgill Simpson to Downtown bolsters an already impressive roster of country and Americana artists represented by the company including Old Crow Medicine Show, Natalie Prass, Rosanne Cash, Fruition, and Brandy Clark.
Downtown Music Publishing has offices in New York, Amsterdam, London, Los Angeles and Nashville. Catalogs in Downtown’s portfolio include the works of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, celebrated film composer Hans Zimmer, singer/songwriter Randy Newman and the pop band One Direction.
Stars Lend A Hand at ACM Lifting Lives Camp
/by Sarah SkatesACM Lifting Lives Music Camp is in session this week in Nashville, with campers from across the country participating in a week of activities throughout Music City. The residential camp has the dual purpose of studying Williams syndrome while providing music enrichment through performance and education. It is a partnership between ACM’s Lifting Lives program and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.
Photos: Getty Images/Courtesy of ACM Lifting Lives
The Swon Brothers sang karaoke with the group at Winners club on Sunday.
JT Hodges participated in a line dancing competition at the Wildhorse on Saturday. Pictured (L-R): Lorie Lytle, ACM Lifting Lives Board Member and Music Camp Founder; Hannah Martin, Manager, ACM Lifting Lives; JT Hodges; Tiffany Moon, ACM EVP/Managing Director
Hunter Hayes visited the campers Monday during a recording session, where they recorded their original song, “Wherever You Go” with producer Ross Copperman at Ocean Way studio. The campers wrote the song Friday with Copperman and Heather Morgan.
Campers were treated to a special performance at Nashville’s famous Bluebird Café with ACM Award winner Scotty McCreery. Pictured (L-R): Beth Moore, Director of Community Development at Vanderbilt University; Tiffany Moon, ACM EVP/Managing Director; Scotty McCreery; Hannah Martin, ACM Lifting Lives Manager
Songwriters Heather Morgan and Ross Copperman worked with the campers. Pictured (L-R): Hannah Martin, Manager, ACM Lifting Lives; Lorie Lytle, ACM Lifting Lives Board Member and Music Camp Founder; Beth Moore, Director of Community Development at Vanderbilt University; Heather Morgan; Ross Copperman; Melita Rippy, VUMC Entertainment Industry Relations; Elizabeth Dykens, Ph.D., Annette Schaffer Eskind Professor and Director of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center; Lori Badgett, ACM Lifting Lives President.
Artist Pics: Canaan Smith Goes Gold, Nathan Chapman at Opry, Erica Nicole Day
/by Lorie HollabaughCanaan Smith Gets First Gold Plaque
Mercury Nashville’s Canaan Smith played to a sold-out crowd of 2,500 last night (June 22) in his hometown of Williamsburg, Va.
During the performance Mercury Nashville VP Promotion Damon Moberly presented Smith with a plaque for his RIAA gold-certified single “Love You Like That.” The song is climbing up country radio’s top 10, and has garnered almost 33 million combined streams (total streaming partners).
Canaan Smith receives plaque from Mercury Nashville VP Promotion Damon Moberly. Photo: Carl Ratajski
Nathan Chapman Wows Opry Crowd During Debut
Grammy-winning producer/songwriter Nathan Chapman made his Grand Ole Opry debut this week and received a standing ovation from the crowd. Chapman is preparing for the release of his new album, Revival, which he co-produced with wife Stephanie. The project is available on nathanchapman.com for a limited time before its official release later this year.
Nathan Chapman (r) makes his Opry debut and is welcomed by WSM AM’s Bill Cody.
Erica Nicole Day Declared in Iowa
Erica Nicole recently returned to her adopted hometown of Hampton, Iowa where she first launched her career. She received a key to the city and June 16 was deemed Erica Nicole Day.
Pictured (L-R:) Mayor Brooke S. Boehmler, Erica Nicole, MusicRow chart reporter Mike Betten, KLMJ
Ryman Hosts Free Community Appreciation Day This Sunday
/by Lorie HollabaughSelf-guided tours will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with presentation of a valid Tennessee ID at the Ryman box office and will include admission to the new theater experience “Soul Of Nashville,” which tells the Ryman’s history as legendary performances come to life on all sides of the room. The story of the historic building’s rebirth after near demolition is celebrated with a finale featuring Darius Rucker, The Fisk Jubilee Singers, Vince Gill, and Sheryl Crow.
Five new exhibits,“Workin’ on a Building,” “Showplace of the South,” “Mother Church of Country Music,” “Ryman Stage to Screen” and “Ryman Renaissance” will also be open and there will be free live music on the plaza outside the new Café Lula restaurant as well. And Nissan drivers who show a key or SunTrust clients who show a SunTrust-branded ATM or credit card at the Ryman gift shop will receive 10 percent off on their purchase during the special day.
“The community takes great pride in the Ryman,” said Sally Williams, Ryman Auditorium General Manager. “We’re grateful to Nissan and SunTrust for providing Tennesseans the opportunity to experience the Soul Nashville and our other new exhibits.”
Luke Bryan’s ‘Kick The Dust Up’ Tour Continues To Sell Out Stadiums
/by Troy_StephensonThe tour will continue to run through October. He is set to play back-to-back shows this week in Virginia Beach, VA and Washington, D.C.
Bryan’s fifth studio album, Kill The Lights, is set to be released on Friday, Aug. 7.
2015 “Kick The Dust Up Tour”:
6-24 Virginia Beach, VA Farm Bureau Live
6-25 Virginia Beach, VA Farm Bureau Live
6-26 Washington, D.C. Jiffy Lube Live
6-27 Washington, D.C. Jiffy Lube Live
6-28 *New York, NY FarmBorough Festival
7-9 *Durant, OK Choctaw Events Center
7-11 Nashville, TN Vanderbilt Stadium
7-16 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
7-17 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
7-18 Cincinnati, OH Paul Brown Stadium
7-20 Gilford, NH Bank of NH Pavilion at Meadowbrook
7-21 Gilford, NH Bank of NH Pavilion at Meadowbrook
7-22 Gilford, NH Bank of NH Pavilion at Meadowbrook
7-24 Indianapolis, IN Klipsch Music Center
7-25 Indianapolis, IN Klipsch Music Center
7-26 *Twin Lakes, WI Country Thunder Festival
7-30 Scranton, PA The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
7-31 Pittsburgh, PA First Niagara Pavilion
8-1 Pittsburgh, PA First Niagara Pavilion
8-15 *Brownsville, OR Bi-Mart Willamette Country Music Festival
8-21 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
8-22 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
8-26 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre
8-27 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre
8-29 San Francisco, CA Levi’s Stadium
9-3 Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
9-4 Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
9-5 Cleveland, OH FirstEnergy Stadium
9-11 Philadelphia, PA Susquehanna Bank Center
9-12 Philadelphia, PA Susquehanna Bank Center
9-17 Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
9-18 Tampa, FL MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
9-19 West Palm Beach, FL Coral Sky Amphitheatre
9-20 West Palm Beach, FL Coral Sky Amphitheatre
9-24 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
9-25 Raleigh, NC Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
9-26 Raleigh, NC Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
10-15 Sacramento, CA Toyota Amphitheatre
10-16 San Diego, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre
10-17 Irvine, CA Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre
10-18 Irvine, CA Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre
10-22 San Antonio, TX Alamodome
10-23 Dallas, TX Gexa Energy Pavilion
10-24 Dallas, TX Gexa Energy Pavilion
10-28 Chicago, IL United Center
10-29 Chicago, IL United Center
10-30 Detroit, MI Ford Field
*Festival / event dates (not “Kick The Dust Up Tour” date / line up)
‘CBS Sunday Morning’ Highlights Little Big Town
/by Sarah SkatesLittle Big Town on CBS Sunday Morning.
Little Big Town was the subject of a profile airing Sunday (June 21) on the award-winning news show, CBS Sunday Morning With Charles Osgood.
Recorded in late 2014 and 2015 in Nashville, the episode features an exclusive sit-down interview with the band and Anthony Mason. It focuses on the full story of Little Big Town and their 16 years together, including the recent success of platinum-selling single, “Girl Crush.”
The segment, titled ‘Little Big Town: A walking, breathing, living country song,’ also captures iconic moments from the foursome’s career including their induction into the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium as well as a visit to Wayne Kirkpatrick’s studio, where they first got their start together.
Click to see the program.