Brad Paisley To Appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Brad Paisley
Brad Paisley will appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday (March 16), broadcasting from Austin, Texas, during music festival South By Southwest (SXSW). Kimmel will bring his late-night talk show to SXSW for a week of broadcasts, and has invited Paisley to join as one of the performers. Paisley will perform his current single, “Crushin’ It.”
Others slated to appear during that week include Kevin Hart, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tony Romo and Matthew McConaughey, as well as blues guitarist Gary Clark Jr., who will sit in with Kimmel’s house band Cleto and the Cletones.
Streamsound Artist Partners with Country Outfitter
Streamsound Records artist Austin Webb has partnered with Country Outfitter to promote his current single, “All Country On You.” The retail, product, and media company will offer merchandise to Webb’s fans via contests at country radio, as part of the national rollout of Webb’s “All Country On You” campaign.
“Country Outfitter is a proven leader in its industry; interacting with millions of country fans daily,” says Streamsound Records CEO/President Steve Richardson. “Through this strategic partnership, country fans will have a new way to connect and get to know Austin Webb.”
“We’re excited to introduce Austin Webb’s personality, style, and music to millions of Country Outfitter fans,” says TJ McDaniel, VP of Strategic Partnerships at Country Outfitter. “The campaign with Streamsound Records combines a product giveaway with an extensive content marketing campaign to create a perfect storm of promotion at this critical point in Webb’s career. We look forward to watching him take off and claim his place in the genre.”
Dualtone Music’s Ivan & Alyosha Gears Up For Tour, Album Launch

Ivan & Alyosha
Nashville’s Dualtone Music has released tour dates for the label’s duo Ivan & Alyosha, in support of their sophomore album, It’s All Just Pretend, available May 4. The tour will include stops in Nashville (June 2 at the High Watt), as well as Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Chicago and other cities.
It’s All Just Pretend features 11 new songs, and was produced/engineered by Ryan Carbary, Joe Chiccarelli (U2, My Morning Jacket), and Chad Copelin.
For a full list of tour dates, visit www.ivanandalyosha.com.
Industry Signings: Diamond Eye Music, Lamon Records, Battle Artist Agency
/by Jessica NicholsonSESAC Writer Signs with Diamond Eye Music
SESAC-affiliated singer/songwriter Nicolette Hayford has signed with Diamond Eye Music for publishing representation. Hayford, a Nashville-based artist, has collaborated with writers including Jeff Silbar, Ken Johnson and Andi Zack, and is currently writing and performing around the U.S.
Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Diamond Eye Music’s Chris Burch, Hayford, Diamond Eye Music’s Alyssa Adams, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch and Diamond Eye Music’s Molly Lins. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Lamon Records Adds Buddy Jewell To Roster
Buddy Jewell
Singer-songwriter Buddy Jewell has signed with Nashville-based Lamon Records. Jewell has plans to record a classic country album in 2015, working with Lamon Records’ producer and CEO Dave Moody.
“When Dave first approached me, it was like he was reading my mind… it was meant to be,” Jewell says. “I’d been toying with the idea of doing a classic country cover project and had actually begun picking out material in advance. One of the tunes I was strongly considering was George Hamilton IV’s “Abilene” written by songwriting legend J.D. Loudermilk. I’ve ALWAYS loved that tune. While talking to Dave, I became aware of Mr. Hamilton’s and Mr. Loudermilk’s friendship with the Moodys and Lamon Records. That helped to seal the deal for me.”
More than a decade ago, Jewell was the first winner of reality television show Nashville Star. He earned a deal with Columbia Records and charted on country radio with “Sweet Southern Comfort” and “Help Pour Out The Rain.”
Battle Artist Agency Signs Country Traditionalist Moe Bandy
Moe Bandy
Moe Bandy has signed a booking agreement with Battle Artist Agency, joining a roster that includes The Bellamy Brothers, Williams & Ree, Eddy Raven, Mickey Gilley, Earl Thomas Conley, and Gene Watson.
Bandy has several shows slated for coming weeks, including a March 18 show at The Nashville Palace.
Additional Seats Released For 50th Annual ACM Awards
/by Troy_Stephenson“We keep finding ways to open up seats to accommodate as many of our fans as possible, and give more locals the opportunity to attend the 50th ACM Awards. These seats will give a very unique perspective inside the stadium, while offering affordable views to all of the excitement and backstage moments,” said Bob Romeo, CEO for the Academy.
The limited view tickets at AT&T Stadium will go on sale on Wednesday, March 18 at 10 a.m. CT on ticketmaster.com for $50, and are positioned to offer fans a unique vantage point with behind-the-scenes views of the awards show.
Additional ticket packages for the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards and ACM Party for a Cause Festival are available at ACMawards50.com and ticketmaster.com.
Artist Updates: Brad Paisley, Streamsound Records, Dualtone Music
/by Jessica NicholsonBrad Paisley To Appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Brad Paisley
Brad Paisley will appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday (March 16), broadcasting from Austin, Texas, during music festival South By Southwest (SXSW). Kimmel will bring his late-night talk show to SXSW for a week of broadcasts, and has invited Paisley to join as one of the performers. Paisley will perform his current single, “Crushin’ It.”
Others slated to appear during that week include Kevin Hart, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tony Romo and Matthew McConaughey, as well as blues guitarist Gary Clark Jr., who will sit in with Kimmel’s house band Cleto and the Cletones.
Streamsound Artist Partners with Country Outfitter
“Country Outfitter is a proven leader in its industry; interacting with millions of country fans daily,” says Streamsound Records CEO/President Steve Richardson. “Through this strategic partnership, country fans will have a new way to connect and get to know Austin Webb.”
“We’re excited to introduce Austin Webb’s personality, style, and music to millions of Country Outfitter fans,” says TJ McDaniel, VP of Strategic Partnerships at Country Outfitter. “The campaign with Streamsound Records combines a product giveaway with an extensive content marketing campaign to create a perfect storm of promotion at this critical point in Webb’s career. We look forward to watching him take off and claim his place in the genre.”
Dualtone Music’s Ivan & Alyosha Gears Up For Tour, Album Launch
Ivan & Alyosha
Nashville’s Dualtone Music has released tour dates for the label’s duo Ivan & Alyosha, in support of their sophomore album, It’s All Just Pretend, available May 4. The tour will include stops in Nashville (June 2 at the High Watt), as well as Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Chicago and other cities.
It’s All Just Pretend features 11 new songs, and was produced/engineered by Ryan Carbary, Joe Chiccarelli (U2, My Morning Jacket), and Chad Copelin.
For a full list of tour dates, visit www.ivanandalyosha.com.
Dallas Davidson, Austin Marshall Launch Music Publishing Venture
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (Top): Bradley Collins (BMI), Brian Kolb, Hannah Montgomery, Dallas Davidson, Austin Marshall, Megan Pool, Jody Williams (BMI). (Bottom): Houston Phillips, Maggie Rose, Kyle Fishman.
Hit singer-songwriter Dallas Davidson has founded Play It Again Publishing with Executive Vice President Austin Marshall. Marshall has worked with Davidson for several years as Executive VP of 2 Chord Georgia Music.
The new venture launches with the addition of four songwriters to the roster, including Maggie Rose, Houston Phillips, Brian Kolb, and Kyle Fishman.
“We feel like we’re all a family here and we’re all after the same goal, and that goal is to make an impact on music,” said Davidson, who serves as Play It Again’s president and CEO. “We don’t have fences around this company. I don’t care if they write a rap song, a pop song or a country song. This is all about music at Play It Again. We’re not focused on one certain genre. I want our writers to feel as creative as they can.”
Davidson has garnered more than 250 cuts for artists including Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum, and Jason Aldean.
Additional Play It Again staffers include Creative Director and song plugger Hannah Montgomery, Chief Financial Officer Megan Pool, and Director of External Affairs Taylor Lightcap.
“Maggie Rose has gotten several cuts, including a Selena Gomez cut, and we’ve really just cut the ribbon, so to speak,” Davidson says. “So she’s already making an impact. Brian Kolb I’ve known for 11 years. Everybody knows Brian as an engineer and a producer. Well, I know him as a writer. He was my first writing partner when I moved to Nashville, so it only makes sense to sign Brian. It’s time for him to be on the map as a writer where he deserves to be. Houston is Tyler Farr’s tour manager and Tyler called me about Houston and told me about all the great songs he was writing. Kyle coming from L.A. was a fish out of water. He was into country music and what he wanted to do didn’t really fit with the stuff going on out there. He can do anything, but his forte is country. The first song I wrote with Kyle is about to be cut by a major label artist. I can’t say what it is yet, but Kyle is just a natural fit here. He brings a little bit of swagger with his style of doing his tracks, and it’s so fun to write with them.”
Luke Bryan Plays Final Spring Break Concerts To Record Crowds
/by Troy_StephensonLuke Bryan performs at Spinnaker Beach Club in Panama City Beach, Fla.
Luke Bryan wrapped his seventh and final year of two-day Spring Break concerts at the Spinnaker Beach Club in Panama City Beach, Fla., last week. Local officials estimated over 200,000 fans gathered each day.
The spring break albums and concerts began in 2009 as a way to get new music out to Luke’s fans between studio releases. This year’s release, Spring Break…Checkin’ Out, is available now and contains five new songs all co-written by Bryan, plus all six songs from last year’s EP. All six previous Spring Break releases combined have over 1.1 million sales to date.
Today’s Jenna Bush was on hand to cover the final event with a story airing this coming Monday, March 16. CMT’s HOT 20 show was also on tap with Katie Cook. Fans can tune-in to watch the fun on CMT on March 21-22.
In the past two-weeks, Bryan played his first-ever shows in Europe, and on May 22 the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will open a summer exhibit “Luke Bryan: Dirt Road Diary.” On May 8, Luke will kick-off his “Kick The Dust Up Tour.” He is the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year and will co-host the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards with Blake Shelton for a third consecutive year on April 19, 2015.
Billy Block Funeral To Be Held at Ryman Auditorium March 23
/by Jessica NicholsonFuneral arrangements have been set for Nashville’s beloved Americana music stalwart Billy Block. As previously reported, Block died Wednesday, March 11 at age 59.
The funeral will be held Monday, March 23 at the Ryman Auditorium, beginning at 7 p.m. Visitation will be held at Downtown Presbyterian Church (154 5th Ave. N.) on Sunday, March 22 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Burial and a graveside service will be held Tuesday, March 24 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery (1001 Lebanon Road).
All services are open to the public, though seating is limited.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Billy Block Fund. The fund was created in 2013 to aid the Block family after Billy Block’s diagnosis. The fund will not only aid in providing for the family during this time, but will aid others by way of contributions to MusiCares, the Opry Trust Fund, Music Health Alliance, and Meals 2 Heal.
Donations can be made via PayPal using the email address billyblockfamilyfund@gmail.com, or by check, payable to the Billy Block Family Fund and mailed to Wells Fargo Private Bank, attention Bradley Gallimore, 3100 West End Ave., One American Center, Ste. 530, Nashville, TN 37203.
Best known as the creator and host of the weekly “Billy Block Show”/”Western Beat Barn Dance” in Nashville, Block’s career included time as a promoter, a songwriter, a record producer, an artist manager, a session drummer, a record-label entrepreneur, a bandleader, a recording artist, a music journalist and more.
An online guestbook is available for fans and friends at crawfordservices.com. Crawford Mortuary & Crematory can be reached at 615-254-8200.
Nashville Clothing Store Katy K Designs To Close in May
/by Jessica NicholsonKaty K Designs Western Wear and Ranch Dressing, a boutique clothing shop and 15-year Nashville staple located at 2407 12th Ave. S., is set to close May 22, according to the Nashville Scene.
According to Katy K Designs Western Wear and Ranch Dressing owner Katy Kattelman, the decision to close Katy K came when she learned her rent would double if she renewed her lease after April 30. Kattelman asked for a three-month extension (due to heavy customer traffic during the summer months), but was denied the extension. She was allowed to stay until May 30, though Kattelman says she will pay a higher rent that month.
Kattelman states that the building’s owners, Martha Thompson and Mary McMillen, have been approached several times by parties interested taking up space in the 12South neighborhood. She further states that she dealt directly with Robin Realty as a tenant, though the building’s owners had final say. Thompson and McMillen also own other properties in the area.
Kattelman came to Nashville from New York City. After finding a solid demand for her designs in Nashville, she made the move to Music City. The store features an eclectic mix of clothing for men and women, as well as vintage items and gifts. Among the artists who have worn Katy K designs are Jack White, Porter Waggoner, Lenny Kravtz, and Chelsea Clinton.
Visit nashvillescene.com to read more details and an interview with Kattelman.
Sam Hunt Releases Dramatic Video For “Take Your Time”
/by Troy_StephensonSam Hunt
MCA Nashville’s Sam Hunt released the music video today (Friday March 13) for his current single “Take Your Time.” The video was directed by Tim Mattia and is described as a “multi-layered, cinematic piece” that highlights the issue of domestic violence. The video reveals the life of a struggling mother in a vulnerable relationship. Meanwhile Hunt, as the narrator, portrays a bystander who decides to take charge of the situation.
“Take Your Time” is currently at No. 8 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart and has sold over 500,000 in single sales. This makes it Hunt’s second consecutive RIAA-certified Gold single as an artist following the now Platinum-selling No. 1 smash, “Leave the Night On,” off his debut album, Montevallo.
Hunt is currently out on his sold-out Lipstick Graffiti Tour before he joins Lady Antebellum and Hunter Hayes on this summer’s Wheels Up 2015 Tour. In addition to his upcoming tour dates, he is also an ACM New Artist of the Year nominee, and will be also performing on the 50th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards airing live on CBS April 19.
View the music video below.
Artists, Songwriters React to ‘Blurred’ Verdict
/by Eric T. ParkerMusicRow recently featured an exclusive interview with Richard Busch, a Nashville-based lawyer for the Gaye family, regarding the verdict. Meanwhile, “Blurred Lines” song creators, Pharrell Williams, Robin Thicke and T.I. released a statement to Rolling Stone on Tuesday (Mar. 10).
Jason Isbell, Chely Wright. Photo: Twitter
Other artists to weigh in on the subject include Chely Wright, and Jason Isbell. Buzzfeed quoted songwriter for “Stay With Me” (Sam Smith) Jimmy Naples, “Talk Dirty” (Jason DeRulo) producer (in addition to Florida Georgia Line and Tim McGraw releases) Ricky Reed, and songwriter for “Single Ladies” (Beyonce), “Umbrella” (Rihanna) and “Baby” (Justin Bieber) Terius (The-Dream) Nash.
Nashville Songwriters Team To Benefit NOTES For Education
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Chris Tompkins, Chris DeStefano, Pat Alger, Tony Arata, and NOTES for Education’s Julie Meirick and Debi Cali. Photo: ASCAP’s Alison Toczylowski.
Music, wine, and advocacy for music education blended beautifully during a songwriters round presented by ASCAP on Wednesday, March 11 at Nashville’s City Winery, to benefit nonprofit organization NOTES for Education.
Songwriters Chris Tompkins, Pat Alger, Tony Arata, and Chris DeStefano took part in a writers round, performing many of their well-known hits. The evening also featured a silent auction of framed, handwritten lyrics of one of each of the writers’ most popular songs, including Arata’s “The Dance” and Alger’s “Unanswered Prayers” (both recorded by Garth Brooks), Tompkins’ “Dirt” (Florida Georgia Line), and DeStefano’s “Just Gettin’ Started” (Jason Aldean).
Bidding for the lyrics is open to the public through March 21. The lyrics will be auctioned individually, and bidding starts at $50 each. Bids can be sent to bids@notesforeducation.org.
NOTES for Education was co-founded in Nashville and Napa, and supports music education in schools throughout the two communities.