Kristian Bush at Ocean Way studio in Nashville.
After reaching multi-platinum sales success as part of acclaimed country duo Sugarland, Kristian Bush has released his debut solo album, Southern Gravity. He’s been making the media rounds (see his performance on Conan below), and working the Top 20 single “Trailer Hitch” to country radio.
Though definitely a pinnacle in his two-decade career, his time with Sugarland is only part of this musician’s background. His songwriting has garnered six BMI Awards, and in 2011 he founded the music publishing company and songwriting collective Songs of the Architect, collaborating with Matt Nathanson, Lucy Hale and more.
As a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Bush’s career dates back to the early ‘90s when he released two lauded albums on Atlantic Records as part of folk-rock duo Billy Pilgrim.
Fast forward to 2004 when he and Jennifer Nettles exploded onto the country music scene as Sugarland, going on to surpass worldwide sales of 22 million albums, five No. 1 singles and countless trophies (Grammy, CMA, ACM, AMA, CMT).
Today as a solo act, Bush has reworked his team: moving from Mercury Records Nashville to Streamsound Records, from Gellman Management to Red Light Management, and tapping Jensen Sussman’s Sweet Talk Publicity.
What hasn’t changed is his knack for entertaining audiences and writing catchy country/pop hooks that attracted fans to Sugarland. Just check out the singalong chorus in “Trailer Hitch”: “I don’t know why everybody wanna die rich… you can’t take it with you when you go, never seen a hearse with a trailer hitch.”
Streamsound’s Byron Gallimore, veteran producer of Sugarland, executive produced Southern Gravity, while Bush and longtime friend/engineer Tom Tapley shared production duties.
Bush is headlining shows nationwide with his Put Your Soul In It tour and is teaming with Armed Forces Entertainment in May to perform for military bases in Japan and Hawaii. He is set for a 10 a.m. performance on Saturday, June 13 at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage during this year’s CMA Music Festival.
Kristian Bush visits The Talk on April 21.
Photo: Courtesy of Kristian Bush
Given Music Publishing Signs Smith
/by Troy_StephensonPictured (L-R): Mike Sebastian, VP/GM, Given Music Publishing; John Mullins, Director, Writer/Publisher Relations, SESAC; Denise Stevens, Partner, Loeb & Loeb LLP; Anthony Smith; Cindy Owen, Partner, Given Entertainment; Matthew Beckett, Attorney.
Given Music Publishing announced the signing of hit songwriter Anthony Smith to its roster. Smith has had songs recorded by such stars as Reba, Kenny Rogers, Vince Gill, Lonestar, Clay Walker, Rodney Atkins, and Chris Young. Young’s song “Tomorrow” was co-written by Smith and earned SESAC’s Song of the Year accolade in 2011.
“I’ve known Anthony for a number of years, but this is the first opportunity I’ve had to work with him,” said Mike Sebastian, VP/GM of Given Music Publishing. “Anthony has proven time and again he is a consistent hit songwriter and hard worker. I fully believe we will make a great team, and I look forward to all our success together.”
Smith also has producer credits on projects by Atlantic’s South Sixty-Five, Curb Records’ Trini Triggs and Curb/Asylum Records’ Rio Grand.
“I am very excited to be signing with the Given Music Publishing family and to have the opportunity to work with Mike Sebastian,” said Smith. “He’s a world-class publisher, they have a great group of writers and I’m delighted to become part of the team! I look forward to a great future together with them!”
Dierks Bentley To Headline Stars For Second Harvest at Ryman
/by Sarah SkatesJoining Bentley will be Charles Esten (“Deacon Claybourne”) and Lennon and Maisy Stella (“Maddie and Daphne Conrad”) from ABC’s Nashville.
Proceeds from the concert benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in their efforts to feed hungry people and solve hunger issues in our community.
The “Nashville Cast VIP Experience” tickets will go on sale Friday, May 1 at 10 a.m. for $250. The VIP tickets include premium seating, a meet and greet with Charles Esten, Lennon and Maisy and other performers, as well as a special gift bag. There are only 58 available with an 8 per person limit.
Concert tickets are now on sale for general admission ($35) and preferred seating ($55), plus applicable service charges.
To purchase VIP or general admission tickets visit Ryman.com.
MusicRowPics: Josh Goodlett
/by Jessica NicholsonJosh Goodlett
Indiana resident and rising artist Josh Goodlett says he learned his top-notch work ethic through years of being raised on a farm in Taylorsville, Ky. He recalls driving a tractor by age 3. Citing his stepfather, a former marine, as an influence, Goodlett says, “I’ve never been a stranger to hard work.”
These days, Goodlett is pouring as much passion and hard work into his burgeoning music career. He played over 100 shows in Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee in the past year, and is working on an upcoming studio project. He’s also father to four sons and one daughter, ages 8-14.
During a recent visit with MusicRow staffers, Goodlett performed a brief acoustic set. He launched the performance with “I Don’t Usually Do This,” which will be on his upcoming album. He also offered an acoustic cover of Conway Twitty’s “Goodbye Time.”
Goodlett closed his brief set with his current single “Why Ya Gotta Be That Way.”
The radio add date for the single is May 4, the same day that Goodlett will embark on a radio tour, bringing his music to programmers across the country.
Goodlett recently released the song’s accompanying music video, which was produced and directed by Bobby E. Boyd. The two-day video shoot took place at Chase’s Dance Hall in Hendersonville, Boyd Where Prohibited Studios in Nashville, as well as the Music City Star train station and Two Rivers Park, both in Donelson.
“That was my first time doing a music video,” recalls Goodlett. “It was a 16-hour day, but I think I got the hang of it by the end,” he quipped.
MusicRow Staff with Josh Goodlett
Jon Pardi To Release Digital EP
/by Troy_StephensonThe B Sides will feature unreleased songs that were considered for his debut album, Write You A Song. Pardi co-produced and co-wrote all of the songs on The B Sides.
Even though these songs did not make the cut for his album, Pardi plays many of them in his live shows. He is currently on the Alan Jackson Keepin’ It Country Tour. For tour dates, news and more, visit www.JonPardi.com.
The B Sides, 2011-2014 track listing:
1. Fightin’ The Fool (Jon Pardi, Bart Butler, Davy Ulbrich)
2. Over My Head (Jon Pardi, Trent Summar, Gary Nicholson)
3. Drinkin’ With Me (Jon Pardi, Britton Cameron, Doug Kahan)
4. Back on the Backroads (Jon Pardi, Davy Ulbrich, Rich McCready)
5. Rainy Night Song (Jon Pardi)
6. Borrowed Time (Jon Pardi, Keith Follese, Adrienne Follese)
Hank Jr. Inks With Nash Icon
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (L-R): BMLG’s John Zarling, Vector Management’s Ken Levitan, Nash Icon Records’ Jim Weatherson, Hank Williams, Jr., BMLG’s Jackie Campbell. Photo: Randi Radcliff
Hank Williams Jr. has officially signed to Nash Icon Records, a joint venture label between the Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) and Cumulus. He joins the distinct voices of Reba, Martina McBride and Ronnie Dunn on the label which launched in 2014.
“Country music singers have always been a real close family and today the Nash Icon family has added me as a new member. I have done shows with Ronnie Dunn, recorded a hit record with Reba and absolutely love Martina McBride,” said Williams. “I am writing songs better than ever and am signed with a label that is already making history … it’s an exciting time!”
Williams is working on his 37th album, which is expected to be released later this year. It is the follow up to his 2012 Old School New Rules release. He also has a rigorous tour schedule through the fall. See dates at hankjr.com.
“We are all absolutely thrilled and honored to have Hank Jr. join us at Nash Icon Records. His passion for making new music has never been stronger and creatively he is on fire!” exclaimed Nash Icon Records General Manager Jim Weatherson.
Williams’ five-decade career has spawned 70 million albums sold worldwide. He has been named ACM Entertainer of the Year, CMA Entertainer of the Year and BMI Icon, in addition to winning a Grammy and being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Already making an impact, Nash Icon Records scored its first No. 1 country album this month with Reba’s Love Somebody.
IBMA Names New Executive Director
/by Sarah SkatesPaul J. Schiminger
Paul J. Schiminger has been named Executive Director of The International Bluegrass Music Association by the organization’s board of directors. He will start the job June 1 at the IBMA’s office in Nashville.
Schiminger has an extensive background in the financial services industry, including his most recent position as head of not-for-profit business development at Wilmington Trust (M&T Bank) in Baltimore, Maryland. He is a member of the Leadership Bluegrass class of 2015, a passionate fan of bluegrass, and plays banjo in a regional band in Maryland.
Board chair Jon Weisberger says Schiminger fits the bill for the organization’s needs. “From the beginning of the search, our board was determined to bring in an Executive Director with substantial experience in the business world, and Paul obviously brings to the position a stellar background in that respect,” Weisberger says. “But he also brings an appreciation of and a passion for bluegrass that I know will excite our membership—and his recent participation in our Leadership Bluegrass program, which he had pursued even before our search began, only underlines his deep connection to our industry and community.”
Schiminger says, “My initial priorities at IBMA will be to work closely with our important partners in Raleigh so together we assure yet another amazing World of Bluegrass business conference and festival, learn how we can better support our Professional members and help them successfully grow their careers, and identify ways we can continually enhance the experience of our Grass Roots members. They are the fans that will help this music thrive for generations to come.
“Bluegrass music is enjoying a surge of creativity and vibrancy, as witnessed in Raleigh at IBMA’s World of Bluegrass event over the past couple of years,” he continues. “We have a community of talented musicians and fans connected as one. There is no other community like it. How could I not be excited to be a part of this music at such a time of growth? I have an incredible opportunity to combine my professional experience and my passion. Now let’s have some fun together!”
Previously, Nancy Cardwell was the Executive Director of the professional trade organization for the global bluegrass music industry and the community it serves.
Brett Eldredge’s Sinatra: Nailed It!
/by Sherod Robertson(L-R): AMS’s Chuck Wicks, Eldredge, AMS’s Blair Garner
Atlantic Records country artist Brett Eldredge paid a visit to America’s Morning Show today (4/28/15) at the NASH Campus in Nashville. Eldredge is a huge fan of Frank Sinatra, so AMS Host Blair Garner surprised him with a karaoke track of Sinatra’s classic “Summer Wind” and asked Brett to sing it.
Artist Brett Eldredge
Brett nailed it! Click here to watch.
Industry insiders are already aware that Eldredge is a top-notch crooner. At a private holiday soiree last year at The Sutler, he wooed the guests by performing classic standards.
Eldredge is out promoting his newest single, “Lose My Mind” impacting May 4 and recently released the song’s video, co-starring Victoria’s Secret model Rachel Hilbert.
Frank Rogers, Sea Gayle Music Part Ways
/by Sarah SkatesFrank Rogers
Frank Rogers and Sea Gayle Music have amicably parted ways. He co-founded the publishing company in 1999 with Brad Paisley and Chris DuBois.
Rogers tells MusicRow, “After 16 wonderful years at Sea Gayle Music, the time has come for me to embark on a new adventure. I have enjoyed and been extremely proud of everything that Chris, Brad, myself, all of the writers and staff have accomplished together over the years. What started as just an idea has grown into one of the top independent publishing companies in country music history. I leave with nothing but great pride, friendships and memories.”
DuBois says, “For the last 16 years, Frank has been a great friend and a great business partner. We look forward to continuing as friends and finding new ways to work together as Frank carves a new path. On behalf of myself, Brad and everyone at Sea Gayle, we wish him the best of luck.”
Rogers is a multi-platinum producer, hit songwriter and publisher. He is a three-time winner of MusicRow’s Producer of the Year award with production credits that include Paisley, Josh Turner, Darius Rucker, Trace Adkins, Scotty McCreery and Joe Robinson.
In recent years, the company launched Sea Gayle Records, which is home to artists including Jerrod Niemann and Sheryl Crow.
Kristian Bush Continues Hit-Making Career With Solo Debut
/by Sarah SkatesKristian Bush at Ocean Way studio in Nashville.
After reaching multi-platinum sales success as part of acclaimed country duo Sugarland, Kristian Bush has released his debut solo album, Southern Gravity. He’s been making the media rounds (see his performance on Conan below), and working the Top 20 single “Trailer Hitch” to country radio.
Though definitely a pinnacle in his two-decade career, his time with Sugarland is only part of this musician’s background. His songwriting has garnered six BMI Awards, and in 2011 he founded the music publishing company and songwriting collective Songs of the Architect, collaborating with Matt Nathanson, Lucy Hale and more.
As a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Bush’s career dates back to the early ‘90s when he released two lauded albums on Atlantic Records as part of folk-rock duo Billy Pilgrim.
Fast forward to 2004 when he and Jennifer Nettles exploded onto the country music scene as Sugarland, going on to surpass worldwide sales of 22 million albums, five No. 1 singles and countless trophies (Grammy, CMA, ACM, AMA, CMT).
Today as a solo act, Bush has reworked his team: moving from Mercury Records Nashville to Streamsound Records, from Gellman Management to Red Light Management, and tapping Jensen Sussman’s Sweet Talk Publicity.
What hasn’t changed is his knack for entertaining audiences and writing catchy country/pop hooks that attracted fans to Sugarland. Just check out the singalong chorus in “Trailer Hitch”: “I don’t know why everybody wanna die rich… you can’t take it with you when you go, never seen a hearse with a trailer hitch.”
Streamsound’s Byron Gallimore, veteran producer of Sugarland, executive produced Southern Gravity, while Bush and longtime friend/engineer Tom Tapley shared production duties.
Bush is headlining shows nationwide with his Put Your Soul In It tour and is teaming with Armed Forces Entertainment in May to perform for military bases in Japan and Hawaii. He is set for a 10 a.m. performance on Saturday, June 13 at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage during this year’s CMA Music Festival.
Kristian Bush visits The Talk on April 21.
Photo: Courtesy of Kristian Bush
Nashville Songwriter Earns Tony Award Nomination
/by Jessica NicholsonWayne Kirkpatrick earned a Grammy award for Song of the Year in 1997 for co-writing “Change The World,” recorded by Eric Clapton. He has notched songs including “Every Heartbeat,” “Good For Me” (Amy Grant); “Wrapped Up In You” (Garth Brooks); “Place In This World” (Michael W. Smith); “My, Oh, My” (The Wreckers). He is a writer and producer on Little Big Town’s albums Road To Here, and A Place To Land, including hits “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” and “A Little More You.” The musical marks his first foray into musical theatre.
Karey Kirkpatrick, a director and screenwriter, has worked on films including James and the Giant Peach, Chicken Run, Charlotte’s Web, as well as contributing to the Smurfs films.
Set in the 1590s, Something Rotten! follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom as they set out to write the world’s very first musical, after a local soothsayer predicts the future of theatre will include singing, dancing and acting at the same time.
Something Rotten! earned additional Tony nominations for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Brian d’Arcy James), Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Christian Borle and Brad Oscar), Best Direction of a Musical (Casey Nicholaw), Best Choreography (Casey Nicholaw), Best Orchestrations (Larry Hochman), Best Costume Design of a Musical (Gregg Barnes), and Best Book of a Musical (Karey Kirkpatrick).