ACM Reveals Daytime Lineup At Party For A Cause Festival

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Partyforacause

Frankie Ballard, Kelsea Ballerini, Gord Bamford, Kristian Bush, Chase Bryant, Cam, Brett Eldredge, Sam Hunt, Tyler Farr, Kenny Foster, Kip Moore, Eric Paslay, Mo Pitney, Michael Ray, Chase Rice, Dylan Scott, Cole Swindell, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, The Gatlin Brothers, Josh Abbott Band, Maddie & Tae, Montgomery Gentry, Native Run, Old Dominion, and A Thousand Horses are all slated to perform during the third annual ACM Party For A Cause Festival, set for Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. The newly announced performers will play at the Party Stage and Ram Lone Star Stage, located on the North Lawn of Arlington’s Globe Life Park.

The daytime lineup on Friday will run from 12:30 p.m., when A Thousand Horses kicks off the festivities, and runs through approximately 5:25 p.m. when Montgomery Gentry takes the stage.

Saturday’s daytime lineup begins at the Party Stage with Maddie & Tae performing at 12:45 p.m., and wraps at 5:25 p.m. with a performance from The Gatlin Brothers.

The two-day festival will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, as well as military philanthropies including Folds of Honor Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Navy SEAL Foundation, and the Task Force Dagger Foundation.

After daytime performances conclude on the North Lawn, the festival will continue inside of Globe Life Park, with previously announced performances from Dierks Bentley, Clint Black, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Sam Hunt, Miranda Lambert, Patty Loveless, Ronnie Milsap, Darius Rucker, Dwight Yoakam, Alabama, Eli Young Band, Florida Georgia Line and more.

The evening portion of the event will also be taped for the two-hour special, “ACM Presents: Superstar Duets,” which will air May 15 on CBS.

Full Daytime Lineup for ACM’s Party For A Cause Festival

Friday, April 17, 2015
12:30pm A Thousand Horses Party Stage
12:45pm Gord Bamford Ram Lone Star Stage
1:05pm Eric Paslay Party Stage
1:20pm Cam Ram Lone Star Stage
1:40pm Day + Shay Party Stage
2:05pm Mo Pitney Ram Lone Star Stage
2:50pm Kelsea Ballerini Ram Lone Star Stage
3:10pm Kristian Bush Party Stage
3:55pm Cole Swindell Party Stage
4:20pm Native Run Ram Lone Star Stage
4:40pm Josh Abbott Band Party Stage
5:05pm Michael Ray Ram Lone Star Stage
5:25pm Montgomery Gentry Party Stage
6:30pm Doors Open to Globe Life Park Globe Life Park
7:30pm ACM Presents: Superstar Duets Main Stage / Globe Life Park

Saturday, April 18, 2015
12:45pm Maddie & Tae Party Stage
1:10pm Frankie Ballard Party Stage
1:35pm Sam Hunt Party Stage
2:00pm Kenny Foster Ram Lone Star Stage
2:20pm Chase Rice Party Stage
2:45pm Dylan Scott Ram Lone Star Stage
3:05pm Tyler Farr Party Stage
3:30pm Chase Bryant Ram Lone Star Stage
3:55pm Brett Eldredge Party Stage
4:15pm Old Dominion Ram Lone Star Stage
4:40pm Kip Moore Party Stage
5:00pm Brothers Osborne Ram Lone Star Stage
5:25pm The Gatlin Brothers Party Stage
6:30pm Doors Open to Globe Life Park Globe Life Park
7:30pm ACM Presents: Superstar Duets Main Stage / Globe Life Park

Jett Williams, Georgette Jones Set For Summer Nashville Show

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next generationJett Williams, daughter of Hank Williams, Sr., and Georgette Jones (daughter of George Jones and Tammy Wynette) will join other offspring of legendary country entertainers for a “throwback show” titled The Next Generation: Sons and Daughters of Country Legends, performing songs their parents made famous.

Others joining include Robyn Young (Faron Young), George Hamilton V (George Hamilton IV), Hawkshaw Hawkins, Jr. (Hawkshaw Hawkins and Jean Shepard), Chrystie Wooley (Sheb Wooley), Melissa Luman (Bob Luman), Dean Smith (Carl Smith & Goldie Hill), Karen Wheeler (Onie Wheeler), and Donnie Winters (Don Winters).

The show is set for Thursday, June 11 at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m.

Keith Bilbrey, who works with Hippie Radio, Music City Roots and Larry’s Country Diner, will emcee the event.

Over the past three years, the show has been held at Rickey Roo’s in Franklin and the Nashville Palace.

Tickets are $20 each and may be purchased at www.3rdandlindsley.com or by calling 615-259-9891.

Big Updates In Store For Streaming Revenue in 2015

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applebeatsObviously Apple did not pay $3 billion for Beats Music last year without a reason. The New York Times is now shedding light on the technology company’s plans to build its own streaming music service expected for public release this year.

Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor, previously chief creative officer for Beats, is playing a major role in redesign, according to Ben Sisario and Brian X. Chen‘s unnamed sources. The service is said to share many of the same features as the prior Beats Music, such as curated playlists. However, the name Beats Music will likely be shed. Aesthetically, vivid visuals will likely conform to Apple’s sleek and minimal design.

Although the report notes there are no plans for a free listening tier, Apple is said to be planning a subsequent boost for its free iTunes radio, with an eye towards unreleased exclusives and geographic targeting, not unlike AM/FM radio.

The music industry is becoming bolder towards the technology giant as seen when licensing negotiations fell through in recent months for discounted rates. With the nearly 800 million iTunes accounts in its database, Apple may be an attractive alternative compared to, say Spotify. It’s own iTunes Radio is a popular alternative for data-restricted mobile listeners due to its low data consumption when compared to other music apps.

 

Nominations For Americana Honors & Awards Now Being Accepted

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americana fest

Members of the Americana Music Association can submit their nominations for the best album, song, artist, emerging artist, instrumentalist and duo/group of the year for consideration of awards at the 2015 Americana Honors & Awards.

The awards will take place during the Americana Music Festival & Conference, Sept. 15-20, 2015 in Nashville, Tenn.

All active members received an e-mail asking for nominations, which goes through April 6.

Artist Membership costs $35 and Industry Membership is $75. If you are a member prior to April 1, a Call for Nominations email will be sent to your membership email address and you may still submit your nominations prior to the closing date. To become a member, visit http://americanamusic.org/store/memberships.

Nominees and the formal election process will be announced at a later date. The awards recipients will not be announced until the Americana Honors & Awards presentation at the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 16, 2015.

For more information please visit www.americanamusic.org.

Industry Ink: WMN, Nine North Record Label Group, Red Bow Records

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Brand Manager Danielle Taylor Exiting WMN

wmg1Friday, March 27 marks Danielle Taylor‘s last day with Warner Music Nashville. Taylor worked at the company for 12 years, rising from Promotion Coordinator to Brand Manager. Taylor’s prior career stops include Dreamcatcher Entertainment, Music Services Inc., and Copyright Management, Inc. She is seeking her next opportunity.

Taylor can be reached at 615musicmom@gmail.com.

 

Nine North Record Label Group, Edgehill Music Sign Deal With Toby (TK) King

Nashville-based Edgehill Music and Nine North Record Label Group has signed on for promotion, marketing and social media management work with artist Toby (TK) King. King, signed to Red Zebra Music, will work with Edgehill Music and Nine North Record Label Group to promote his single “I Ain’t Stupid.”

“These are exciting times for the Nine North Records Label Group and Edgehill Music Nashville in particular,” says Larry Pareigis, President, Nine North/Turnpike Music/Edgehill Nashville.”Now it’s time for the industry to meet the man behind the music – the great Toby King!”

Pictured (L-R, back row); Larry Pareigis, President, Nine North Records Label Group, Angel Jennings, Director/Secondary Markets for Edgehill Music Nashville, Tim Svedlund, president, Red Zebra Music. (front row): Red Zebra Music's Toby King.

Pictured (L-R, back row); Larry Pareigis, President, Nine North Records Label Group, Angel Jennings, Director/Secondary Markets for Edgehill Music Nashville, Tim Svedlund, president, Red Zebra Music. (front row): Red Zebra Music’s Toby King.

 

Red Bow Records’ Chase Bryant Earns Top Country Video in Australia 

Red Bow Records’ Chase Bryant recently made his first trip to Australia. Upon landing at the airport in Brisbane, Bryant learned that his debut single – the Top 10 U.S. Country radio hit “Take It On Back” – had become the No. 1 Country video in Australia, courtesy of CMC Australia’s Top 50 Countdown. Bryant also took part in the CMC Songwriters Show alongside Lee Brice, Morgan Evans, Kristian Bush and Jeffrey Steele.

Pictured (L-R): Chase Bryant; Lee Brice; Morgan Evans; Kristian Bush; Jeffrey Steele and promoter Ron Potts at the CMC Songwriters Show. Photo courtesy Jeremy Dylan

Pictured (L-R): Chase Bryant, Lee Brice, Morgan Evans, Kristian Bush, Jeffrey Steele and promoter Ron Potts at the CMC Songwriters Show. Photo: Jeremy Dylan

Industry Pics: Tin Pan South, SiriusXM

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The Doobie Brothers’ Tom Johnston, along with Casey James, Charlie Worsham, and John Cowan brought their music to Nashville’s Third & Lindsley during this week’s 23rd annual Tin Pan South.

The evening showcase, presented by BMI, was reunion of sorts for the four musicians. James and Worsham are both featured on The Doobie Brothers’ latest collaborative album, Southbound, while Cowan has spent the past five years as a bassist and background vocalist for The Doobie Brothers.
Pictured (L-R): BMI Sr. Director Bradley Collins, Casey James, Tom Johnston, Charlie Worsham, John Cowan and NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison

Pictured (L-R): BMI Sr. Director Bradley Collins, Casey James, Tom Johnston, Charlie Worsham, John Cowan and NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison. Photo: Moments By Moser

Pictured (L-R): Casey James, Tom Johnston, Regions Bank EVP Jim Schmitz, and Charlie Worsham

Pictured (L-R): Casey James, Tom Johnston, Regions Bank EVP Jim Schmitz, and Charlie Worsham

 

Newcomer Bryson Jennings recently performed his debut single, “Young Nights,” for SiriusXM’s Sr. Director Country Programmer John Marks. The singer-songwriter also performed the ballad “I Can’t Right Now” and “Buy You A Drink,” which are also featured on his upcoming EP.

Pictured (L-R): John Marks, Bryson Jennings

Pictured (L-R): John Marks, Bryson Jennings

ASCAP Elects Board of Directors

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ascap we create music1ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, has announced the results of its Board of Directors election. ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Paul Williams announced the 12 writer and 12 publisher members elected to serve on the Board for a two-year term, beginning April 1, 2015.

Newly elected writer member in the at-large field is composer/producer Marcus Miller. In addition to Paul Williams, the writer members who were re-elected in the at-large field are: songwriter Marilyn Bergman; composer Richard Bellis; composer Bruce Broughton; songwriter-producer Desmond Child; composer Alf Clausen; composer Dan Foliart; composer Alex Shapiro; songwriter Valerie Simpson; songwriter Jimmy Webb; and composer Doug Wood.

The publisher directors re-elected in the at-large field are: Martin Bandier, Sony/ATV; Caroline Bienstock, Bienstock Publishing; Barry Coburn, Ten Ten Music; Laurent Hubert, BMG Gold Songs; Dean Kay, Lichelle Music; Leeds Levy, Leeds Music; Mary Megan Peer, peermusic; Matt Pincus, SONGS Music Publishing; Irwin Z. Robinson, Cromwell Music; Michael Sammis, Universal Music Publishing Group; and Cameron Strang, Warner Brothers Music. Re-elected in the Symphonic and Concert field is publisher James Kendrick, Schott Music Corporation/European American Music Corporation.

ASCAP is the only U.S. performing rights organization created and controlled by composers, songwriters and music publishers, with a Board of Directors elected by and from the membership.

Tin Pan South Spotlights Songwriters, Artists

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The 23rd Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival Presented by Regions Bank opened last night (March 25). Ten of Nashville’s top music venues are hosting more than 350 songwriters performing 92 shows.

At the 3rd & Lindsley early show, Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne delighted the sold-out crowd with hit after hit. Midway through their set, the trio invited Kacey Musgraves up to perform.

Festival sponsor Southwest Airlines stunned the patrons at the early Douglas Corner Café show by giving everyone in the audience a $100 voucher good toward a future flight.

Photo Credit (unless otherwise noted): Moments by Moser

(l. to r.): Josh Osborne, Kacey Musgraves and Shane McAnally at the 3rd & Lindsley early show.

(L-R): Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves and Josh Osborne at the 3rd & Lindsley early show.

l. to r.): Casey James; Doobie Brothers Tom Johnston and John Cowan; Charlie Worsham at 3rd & Lindsley late show.

(L-R): Casey James; Doobie Brothers Tom Johnston and John Cowan; Charlie Worsham at 3rd & Lindsley late show.

(l. to r.) Lee Blank, Regions Bank; Shane McAnally; Josh Osborne; Brandy Clark; Lisa Harless, Regions Bank; Jim Schmitz, Regions Bank

(L-R): Lee Blank, Regions Bank; Shane McAnally; Josh Osborne; Brandy Clark; Lisa Harless, Regions Bank; Jim Schmitz, Regions Bank

(l. to r.): Aaron Eshuis, Johnny Bulford, Chris Gelbuda and Jason Matthews at BB King's Blues Club early show. Credit: Preshias Harris

(L-R): Aaron Eshuis, Johnny Bulford, Chris Gelbuda and Jason Matthews at BB King’s Blues Club early show. Photo: Preshias Harris

Track Listing Revealed For Tyler Farr’s ‘Suffer In Peace’ Project

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Tyler Farr_Credit-JosephLlannes

Tyler Farr. Photo: Joseph Llannes

Tyler Farr brought a group of ace songcrafters on board for his upcoming sophomore album, Suffer In Peace, slated for release April 28. Among the writers on his new project are Chris Tompkins, Craig Wiseman, Rodney Clawson, Hillary Lindsey, Melissa Peirce, Jonathan Singleton, Brad Tursi, The Peach Pickers (also known as hit writers Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip), Wade Kirby, Brent Anderson, Chris DuBois, Josh Kear, Gordie Sampson, and more.

Farr co-wrote three tracks on the 11-song project, including “Poor Boy,” “I Don’t Even Want This Beer,” and “Why  We Live Here.”

The project also features a duet with Jason Aldean on “Damn Good Friends,” penned by Brent Anderson, Chris DuBois, and Neil Medley. The song should make for a convenient onstage duet opportunity, as Farr is currently on tour with Aldean’s 2015 Burn It Down tour.

The lead single from the album, “A Guy Walks Into A Bar,” recently reached No. 1 on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout chart.

Fans who visit Farr’s official website can purchase an album bundle that includes not only an autographed copy of Suffer In Peace, but an instant download of Farr’s cover of AWOLNATION’s “Sail,” which has become a fan favorite during Farr’s live shows.

A deluxe package offers an autographed CD, instant download of “Sail,” as well as a leather/stainless steel flask emblazoned with Suffer In Peace, and a Tyler Farr real bullet bottle opener keychain.

Track Listing For Suffer In Peace

1. C.O.U.N.T.R.Y.
Chris Tompkins/Craig Wiseman/Rodney Clawson

2. A Guy Walks Into a Bar
Melissa Peirce/Jonathan Singleton/Brad Tursi

3. Withdrawals
Josh Kear/Gordie Sampson/Hillary Lindsey

4. Damn Good Friends (Duet with Jason Aldean)
Brent Anderson/Chris DuBois/Neil Medley

5. Suffer in Peace
Aaron G. Barker, Sr./Phil O’Donnell

6. Raised to Pray
Lance Miller/Adam Sanders/Brad Warren/Brett Warren

7. Criminal
Dallas Davidson/Rhett Akins/Ashley Gorley

8. Better in Boots
Justin Wilson/Dave Pittenger

9. Poor Boy
Tyler Farr/Dallas Davidson/Rhett Akins/Ben Hayslip

10. I Don’t Even Want This Beer
Tyler Farr/Wade Kirby/Phil O’Donnell/Houston Phillips

11. Why We Live Here
Tyler Farr/Dallas Davidson/Houston Phillips

DISClaimer: Close Calls and Country Music

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blake-shelton1featuredThere are tough decisions to be made among the platters on tap this week.

For someone who makes a living speaking his mind, I had a awful hard time making mine up.

Let’s start with the DisCovery Award. There are two extremely worthy contenders, both from Texas. They are Cody Riley and Sim Balkey. I liked them both and wrestled mentally over this, but in a close call, I choose Sim Balkey for this week’s honor.

The choice for Disc of the Day was also between two super efforts. This time, I wound up in a deadlock. I can’t decide, so I’m calling it a tie between the Eli Young Band and Blake Shelton. Both of them stole my heart, and my ears.

CODY RILEY/Walls Don’t Build Themselves
Writers: Cody Riley/Dylan Riley; Producers: Wade Bowen/Ross Smith; Publishers: Thirty Ought, ASCAP; CR
-The track rocks with a terrific backbeat and unrelenting propulsion. By contrast, his twangy tenor has a tender-hearted, shy, pleading, boyish earnestness that is as country as grits. Also: The song is quite well written. Different sounding and oddly endearing.

LITTLE TEXAS/Young For A Long Time
Writers: D.Gray/P.Howell/D.O’Brien; Producer: Little Texas; Publishers: Del Yeah/P-90/Songs O’Brien, ASCAP; Goldenlane (track)
-These ‘90s “young country” favorites are back with a new collection that pairs 11 new songs with remakes of “God Blessed Texas” and “What Might Have Been.” The title tune is a lively rocker that sings the praises of being eternally youthful. Effervescent.

sim balkey

Sim Balkey

SIM BALKEY/How ‘Bout We Do That Tonight
Writers: Simon Balkey/Sarah Balkey; Producer: Kim Copeland; Publishers: Around the Cooler, BMI; SB (track)
-He has a solid honky-tonk baritone and a song with hooks a-plenty. The track simmers with pent-up energy and barely controlled fire. This kid has the goods. Spin him.

BLAKE SHELTON/Sangria
Writers: J.T. Harding/Josh Osborne/Trevor Rosen; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: Songs/Mighty Seven/Heavy Metal Disco/Might Seven/Songs of SMP/One Little Indian Creek/Songs of Black River/ReHits/Smacktown/Smack Blue, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-Can someone please explain to me why this man is not nominated for Entertainer of the Year at the ACM’s? He stars on a huge hit TV show (The Voice), co-hosts one of country’s biggest specials (the ACM show, itself) and — unlike the men who are nominated — is a stupendous country-music vocalist. Blake’s swaying, romantic new single is head-and-shoulders above efforts by most of his peers. An atmospheric performance to get lost in.

PAT WATERS/Crazy That Way
Writers: David Lee/Eric Church/Tony Lane; Producer: Eric Paul; Publisher: Harmony, no performance rights listed; Big Valley Agency
-It’s rather preachy for my taste.

DARIUS RUCKER/Southern Style
Writers: Darius Rucker/Rivers Rutherford/Tim James; Producer: Frank Rogers: Publishers: Universal/Cadaja/Memphianna/Warner-Tamerlane/T-Brid’s, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol (track)
-The title tune of Rucker’s new CD sounded like a winner when he debuted it at CRS. It still does. His singing is more relaxed and breezy this time around. The melody is wonderfully lilting. And the lyric is loaded with vivid Dixie imagery.

MANDY ROWDEN/Haunt You
Writers: Mandy Rowden/Billy Abel; Producers: Mandy Rowden/Joe Carroll; Publishers: none listed, BMI; MR (track)
-This Austin gal has a new CD called These Bad Habits. It features this languidly-paced tune where she seems to approach each note with caution. She is a little pitchy. The steel playing by Lloyd Maines dominates the track and is what will truly “Haunt You.”

Photo: Republic Nashville

Photo: Republic Nashville

ELI YOUNG BAND/Turn It On
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Republic Nashville
-How do they do it? Every time this band comes up with the catchiest song on the country scene, it manages to find yet another one. This one sends your brain into a dizzy, fizzy stratosphere of sound. The rapid-fire lyric is matched by a swirling instrumental track and rhythm that doesn’t let up for one second. Thrilling.

THE LACS/God Bless A Country Girl
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Average Joes
-It’s a combination of rap and bro country. Just what we need.

AUDREY AULD/I Am Not What I Have Done
Writers: Gary Harrell/Juan Meja/Joey Barnes/Rolf Kissmann/Gino Sevacos/Justus Evans/Michael Littlebear/Andrew Vance/Khalifah Christensen/Felix Lucero/Kevin Sawyer/Joe Askey/Audrey Auld; Reckless (track)
-Auld has been conducting songwriting workshops in San Quentin Prison since 2006. She has included five compositions that she created with inmates on her new CD Hey Warden. This one asks for simple understanding and compassion. It is a simple guitar-vocal, but elsewhere on the album she is joined by notable Nashville sidemen such Kenny Vaughan and Dennis Wage.