Jack White, T Bone Burnett, and Robert Redford have signed on as Executive Producers for the three-part television event, American Epic. Created by two British filmmakers, Bernard MacMahon and Allison McGourty, the documentary follows America’s musical flourishing in the 1920s, when record companies took portable recording machines across the country in hopes of capturing the performers and musical styles that would give way to the genres of blues, country, Gospel, Cajun, folk and more. These musicians’ lives and music are revealed through previously unseen film footage, previously unpublished photographs, and interviews with some of the last living witnesses to that era.
The documentary’s filmmakers re-assembled the machine that allowed many American musicians to hear themselves on record for the first time, and replicated the atmosphere of America’s 1920s field recordings, allowing some top artists of today to record straight to wax, using the original microphones, amplifiers, and other equipment from that era. This marks the first time performers have been able to use this machinery in more than 80 years.
These performances will be featured in a separate feature-length work, American Epic Sessions, also set to air on PBS stations and BBC Arena. Sony will release the soundtrack.
Others taking part include Alabama Shakes, The Americans, The Avett Brothers, Beck, Frank Fairfield, Ana Gabriel, Rhiannon Giddens, Merle Haggard, Bobby Ingano, Elton John, Auntie Geri Kuhia, Pokey LaFarge, Bettye LaVette, Los Lobos, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Taj Mahal, Steve Martin & Edie Brickell, Fred Martin & The Levite Camp, Ashley Monroe, Nas, Willie Nelson, Charlie Kaleo Oyama, Blind Boy Paxton, and Raphael Saadiq.
American Epic is directed by MacMahon, and created/produced by McGourty, MacMahon, and Duke Erickson.
American Epic will air in Fall 2015 on PBS and BBC Arena.
Watch the teaser for American Epic below.
I.R.S. Nashville Adds Clark To Artist Roster
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): John Grady, President, I.R.S. Nashville; Ashley Clark; Star Farm’s Michael Powers and Matt Corbin.
Ashley Clark, formerly with the Clark Family Experience, has signed with I.R.S. Nashville for the release his self-titled solo album, produced by Mutt Lange.
I.R.S. Nashville has entered into an agreement with independent promotion company Star Farm Nashville to assist with the promotion of Clark’s debut single “Greyhound.” The I.R.S. promotion staff, headed by VP of Promotion Tom Moran, and the Star Farm team, headed by President Michael Powers, have already begun working together to promote Clark’s music to country radio.
“Greyhound,” which was penned by Ashley and his brother Austin Clark, impacts radio May 18.
“Michael and his Star Farm team are the perfect partners for us with Ashley Clark,” says I.R.S. Nashville President John Grady. “Michael and I met over a Mutt Lange production 20 years ago. We are both excited to do it again.”
Moran says, “Star Farm is a group of outstanding promotion people that John Grady and I know well. They are the perfect team to partner with our I.R.S. staff on the Ashley Clark project.”
‘American Epic’ Documentary To Study 1920s Musicians, Recording Technology
/by Jessica NicholsonThe documentary’s filmmakers re-assembled the machine that allowed many American musicians to hear themselves on record for the first time, and replicated the atmosphere of America’s 1920s field recordings, allowing some top artists of today to record straight to wax, using the original microphones, amplifiers, and other equipment from that era. This marks the first time performers have been able to use this machinery in more than 80 years.
These performances will be featured in a separate feature-length work, American Epic Sessions, also set to air on PBS stations and BBC Arena. Sony will release the soundtrack.
Others taking part include Alabama Shakes, The Americans, The Avett Brothers, Beck, Frank Fairfield, Ana Gabriel, Rhiannon Giddens, Merle Haggard, Bobby Ingano, Elton John, Auntie Geri Kuhia, Pokey LaFarge, Bettye LaVette, Los Lobos, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Taj Mahal, Steve Martin & Edie Brickell, Fred Martin & The Levite Camp, Ashley Monroe, Nas, Willie Nelson, Charlie Kaleo Oyama, Blind Boy Paxton, and Raphael Saadiq.
American Epic is directed by MacMahon, and created/produced by McGourty, MacMahon, and Duke Erickson.
American Epic will air in Fall 2015 on PBS and BBC Arena.
Watch the teaser for American Epic below.
SOLID To Hit The Bowling Lanes To Help Kids
/by Jessica NicholsonMusic industry professionals are encouraged to register on the website with a team of five to six individuals, raising a minimum of $750. Those participating have the chance to win a large variety of prizes including gift cards for Flip Burger, Uber, Hattie B’s, prize packs from Paddleboard Nashville, Loveless Café, Arrington Vineyards, and even a free session from a recording studio in Nashville.
Last year SOLID contributed over $30,000 in proceeds for Big Brothers Big Sisters and this year’s goal is to raise that to $35,000. In 2014, Berkley Myers of Starstruck Entertainment and Jason Hauser of McGhee Entertainment headed up the team that organized the event. “Last year we were able to raise the most money in SOLID’s 17-year history by bringing members of the music community together to champion an incredible cause,” according to Myers, SOLID Treasurer. “We as an organization pride ourselves on being able to create unity among colleagues to better our industry, each other, and the city of Nashville.”
“SOLID is honored to make a difference in Nashville with some of the most elite young professionals in the music industry,” says Brian O’Neil, SOLID President. “In turning our professional competitive drive into collaborative efforts to help our community, we can further emphasize the significance of the entertainment community within Nashville as a whole. We can’t wait to see how our relationship with BBBS expands as we approach SOLID’s 20th year!”
Corporate sponsors for the event are still being accepted for a minimum donation of $500.00. General inquiries and requests can be directed to Emma Tur at emmalie.tur@wmg.com or Basak Kizilisik at basak@morrishigham.com.
PLA-More Lanes is located at 2906 Foster Creighton Drive in Nashville.
Visit tnbowling.com to participate or to donate.
Nashville Musicians Association Honors Bill Walker For 50 Years of Industry Service
/by Troy_StephensonBill Walker (L) and Dave Pomeroy (R)
World-renowned arranger, conductor, and music director Bill Walker was recently presented with the 50 Years of Service To The Industry pin by the Nashville Musicians Association (American Federation of Music).
AFM Nashville President Dave Pomeroy made the presentation to Walker and noted, “Over the past few years it has been a real pleasure to get to know Bill Walker. He is a great arranger, composer, conductor, bandleader, and a wonderful man. His impact on the Nashville music scene has been tremendous, and it was an honor to present him with his 50-year AFM pin.”
Walker’s extensive body of work includes music director residency on various television shows, including The Johnny Cash Show (1969-1971) on ABC, the CMA Awards (for 15 years), the Music City News Awards, Music Hall America (Syndicated), The Statler Brothers Show on TNN (1991-1998) and numerous other prime-time television specials.
He is recognized for his work in movies, and produced or arranged some of the biggest hits in Country music history.
NaSHOF Sets 2015 Induction Ceremony Date
/by Eric T. ParkerThe organization’s Executive Director Mark Ford made the announcement, noting the gala will again feature tributes and performances of inductees’ songs by special guest artists, as well as annual awards for the year’s top songs from fellow songwriters’ organization NSAI.
Inductees for this year will be announced in the coming months.
Ali Harnell Named TJ Martell’s Ambassador of the Year
/by Sarah SkatesAli Harnell
The TJ Martell Foundation is honoring Ali Harnell, Sr. VP, AEG Live/The Messina Group, as its 2015 Ambassador of the Year.
The roast-style event highlighting her career achievements will take place Monday, May 11 at 6 p.m. at Zanies in Nashville.
Last year’s inaugural event honored Rob Beckham, co-head of William Morris Endeavor Entertainment’s Nashville office.
Tables and tickets are available now. “The Hecklers’ Lounge Single Tickets” are $75 each and include two drinks. “Back 40 Café Tables” include four seats, a bites food basket and two drinks per person for $400. Sponsorship options go up to tables of 10 for $2500.
For more information or to purchase tickets/tables go to tjmartell.org.
Black River Publishing Adds To Writer Roster
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Black River Entertainment CEO Gordon Kerr; Vice President of Black River Publishing Celia Froehlig; Catalog Manager Kelly Bolton; Scott Stepakoff; Creative Director Dave Pacula and Ritholz Levy’s Chip Petree, Esq.
Black River Publishing has announced the latest addition to its songwriter roster, with the signing of Scott Stepakoff.
The Atlanta native moved to Nashville after six years in California, working as lead singer for the rock band Turtle Grove. He’s since earned cuts by Tim McGraw, Jake Owen, Kip Moore, Kelsea Ballerini, and others. Stepakoff’s previous publishing deals included stints with EMI, Sony/ATV, and Ten Ten Music Group.
“We are beyond excited to have Scott join our BRE Family,” said Black River Publishing VP Celia Froehlig. “Scott is on the verge of becoming a strong force in the songwriting community and we look forward to having great success together in the very near future.”
“I cannot even express how thrilled and fortunate I feel to be joining the Black River family,” Stepakoff said.
Additional Performers Announced For CMA Music Festival’s LP Field Stage
/by Troy_StephensonThey join previously announced performers including Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Brett Eldredge, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Neal McCoy, Oak Ridge Boys, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Thomas Rhett, Darius Rucker, Cole Swindell, The Band Perry, Keith Urban, Wynonna & The Big Noise, and Zac Brown Band.
Tickets to the Nightly Concerts at LP Field sold out in November. However, there are countless free and low-cost entertainment options for fans during the CMA Music Festival. Seven free entertainment stages give fans an opportunity to choose their musical adventure, including the popular Chevrolet Riverfront Stage, which consistently fills the Cumberland riverbank each of the four days.
This year’s CMA Music Festival will once again be filmed for a national television special to air on the ABC Television Network.
The CMA Music Festival takes place in Nashville, June 11-14, 2015.
Kristian Bush Breaks ‘Southern Gravity’ Today
/by Sarah SkatesThe lead single from Southern Gravity, “Trailer Hitch,” is already a Top 20 hit. Bush produced the project alongside longtime friend and engineer Tom Tapley. Meanwhile, Byron Gallimore, who previously worked with the Bush/Jennifer Nettles duo Sugarland, served as executive producer of the solo effort.
“These songs are like post-it notes that you might put around your house as inspirational reminders,” says Bush of the 12-track collection. “I listen to them for that reason sometimes—to remind myself that no matter how hard it gets, you can make things out of the pieces that are smashed.”
Bush has been leaving his mark on music for more than two decades. The singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist started his career with folk-rock duo Billy Pilgrim in the early ‘90s. In 2004, he exploded onto the country music scene with Sugarland, surpassing sales of over 22 million albums worldwide, achieving five No. 1 singles and winning numerous awards, including GRAMMYs, AMAs, ACMs, CMT Music Awards and CMAs. To date, Bush has garnered six BMI Awards for his songwriting. In 2011 he founded the music publishing company and songwriting collective Songs of the Architect, collaborating with Matt Nathanson, Lucy Hale and more.
Entertainment Company WildFire7 Opens Nashville Office
/by Jessica NicholsonMcGuffey previously worked as Chief Marketing Officer for Integrity Music. He has held Sr. VP, Marketing/Sales roles for Starsong Communications and Reunion Records, and a VP, Sales role for Sparrow Communications.
The company has launched with the release of Worship Anthems Inspired by A.D. The Bible Continues (Integrity Music).
This fall, author and columnist Deborah Evans Price, who penned 2013’s Country Faith: 56 Reflections from Today’s Country Music Stars, will release Country Faith Christmas through WildFire7 and Regnery Publishing. Accompanying the book is the Country Faith Christmas CD, which will feature songs from Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, and others. A Cracker Barrel Deluxe Edition is also in the works.
“We are truly excited to birth a new model in faith based entertainment management, licensing and production in the heart of the world’s entertainment capitals; New York City and Nashville, Tennessee,” remarked McGuffey. “Joe and I have had this dream for many years and to witness how fast things are coming together is amazing. Our desire is to be stewards of the gifts given us and our partners and see the world changed by amazing stories, songs and media content.”
Joseph added, “I am excited to implement my experience of music and advertising integration into this new conglomerate and I believe this radical model with help drive the future of the music and entertainment industries.”
“I am thrilled to have Danny and Adam, who have extraordinary taste and instincts, as my partners in this new company,” remarked Sicurella. “We are viewing this as a total faith venture. Our vision is to serve the church in New York as well as developing artists, producers and brands internationally.”