Weekly Register: Luke Bryan Checks In At No. 1

Luke-Bryan-Spring-Break-Checkin'-OutLuke Bryan’s Spring Break…Checkin’ Out, the final project in the series, checked in at No. 1 on the country albums chart today (March 18) with sales of 89K. When combining the regular and Walmart ZinePak exclusive (which contains all the Spring Break albums), the new album tallied 95K.

Bryan wrapped his seventh and final year of two-day spring break concerts at the Spinnaker Beach Club in Panama City Beach, Fla., on March 11 and 12. Local officials estimated over 200,000 fans gathered each day. The spring break albums and concerts began in 2009 as a way to bring fans new music between studio releases.

Elsewhere on this week’s album chart, Eli Young Band’s EP, Turn It On, debuted with 4K. And BMLG labelmate RaeLynn offered her new song, “For a Boy,” which entered the tracks chart at No. 3 country, selling 27K.

Top 5 Country Albums this week
Luke Bryan, …Checkin’ Out, 89K
Sam Hunt, Montevallo, 15K
Shania Twain, Live In Vegas, 9K
Jason Aldean, Old Boots New Dirt, 7K
Luke Bryan, Spring Break…Checkin’ Out, Walmart/ZinePak, 6K

Top 5 Country Tracks this week
Sam Hunt “Take Your Time” 55K
Zac Brown Band “Homegrown” 42K
RaeLynn “For a Boy” 27K
Cole Swindell “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey” 25K
Miranda Lambert “Little Red Wagon” 25K

On the all-genre charts, the Empire TV show soundtrack pounced into No. 1 on the Top 200 with 130K total activity (110K album only), holding Madonna to a No. 2 debut with 121K (116K album only).

Year To Date
overall album sales -1.3%
overall digital albums +2.9%

country album sales -16.4%
country digital albums -9.2%

Upcoming Releases

March 24
Striking Matches/Nothing But The Silence/I.R.S.
Easton Corbin/It’s About To Get Real/Mercury Records Nashville
Canaan Smith/Canaan Smith [EP]/Mercury Records Nashville

March 31
Darius Rucker/Southern Style/Capitol

April 7
Kristian Bush/Southern Gravity/Streamsound Records
Will Hoge/Small Town Dreams/Cumberland-Thirty Tigers

April 14
Reba McEntire/Love Somebody/Nash Icon
Dwight Yoakam/Second Hand Heart/Reprise

April 18
Lee Ann Womack/Trouble In Mind [Record Store Day limited edition 12″ vinyl]/Sugar Hill

April 28
Zac Brown Band/Jekyll + Hyde/Southern Ground-John Varvatos Records-BMLG-Republic Records
Tyler Farr/Suffer In Peace/Columbia Nashville

May 5
Chris Stapleton/Traveller/Mercury Records Nashville

Artist Updates: ACM Motorcycle Ride & Concert, Boots on the Beach, Biscuits Before Bed

Dierks Bentley To Host ACM Charity Motorcycle Ride & Concert

dierks-bentley11111featuredDierks Bentley will host the ACM Charity Motorcycle Ride & Concert, slated for Saturday, April 18, one day before the 50th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

The ride will begin at two dealerships, including Strokers Dallas (Dallas, Texas), and Longhorn Harley-Davidson (Grand Prairie, Texas). The event will include performances at each location. The journey will end at Maverick Harley-Davidson in Carrollton, Texas, with a concert from some of country music’s most popular artists.

The ACM Charity Motorcycle Ride & Concert will kick off on Saturday, April 18 with performances by Will Hoge at Strokers Dallas, and Joey Hyde at Longhorn Harley-Davidson before the riders hit the road. The ride will end with a concert emceed by former Dallas Stars player Craig Ludwig at Maverick Harley-Davidson featuring performances by host Bentley, along with Clare Dunn, Will Hoge, Joey Hyde, James Otto, Dee Jay Silver, Montgomery Gentry, Thompson Square and more to be announced.

Fans can register to ride and purchase general admission tickets beginning Friday, March 20 at 10AM PT / 12PM CT on ticketing.acmcountry.com for $75. Proceeds from the event will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music, local child abuse advocacy groups, and military philanthropies. The local charities include Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Bikers Against Child Abuse, and 444 Angel. The military philanthropies include Folds of Honor Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Navy SEAL Foundation, and Task Force Dagger Foundation.

 

Young, Niemann, Farr To Headline Boots on the Beach Vacation

Boots on the BeachChris Young, Jerrod Niemann, and Tyler Farr are set for several days of sunshine and music. They will headline Boots on the Beach vacation from May 22-26, along with Casey James, Cam, Josh Dorr, and Logan Mize. The event will be held at Sandals Resorts in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, with Funjet Vacations for an ultimate Memorial Day weekend celebration.

Sandals Resorts and Boots on the Beach are recognizing Memorial Day by supporting The Boot Campaign, which raises awareness of the unique challenges service members face during and after service. Proceeds from Boots on the Beach will provide assistance to military personnel and their families. For more information, visit bootsonthebeachvacation.com.

 

Biscuits Before Bed Event To Support Musicians On Call

Biscuits Before Bed Event InviteMusicians On Call’s Young Professionals Committee will present the music event Biscuits Before Bed on Tuesday, March 31 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The evening will include music from Sarah Darling & Tyler Flowers, Drew Baldridge, Steven McMorran, Caroline Hobby, Jennifer Wayne, and Naomi Cook.

Biscuits Before Bed will be held at Biscuit Love Brunch, located at 316 11th Ave. S. in Nashville. Attendees can enjoy a breakfast buffet, drinks and live music, while supporting the Nashville branch of Musicians On Call. Tickets are $25 for the 21+ only show. For information, visit classy.org.

Carly Pearce To Make Grand Ole Opry Debut

Carly Pearce

The Sirius XM “On The Horizon” artist, Carly Pearce, whose hit “Blame The Whiskey” is garnering national attention, announced today (March 18) that she will mark her first Grand Ole Opry performance on Saturday, May 30.

“Some kids dream of being a doctor and some kids dream of being an actor; I always dreamt of singing on the Grand Ole Opry,” confided Pearce. “Anyone who knows me would tell you that. To realize that in two short months I will be singing on the same stage, in the famous circle where my musical heroes have stood makes me feel overwhelmingly blessed.”

 

Industry Ink: Rivers Rutherford, paNASH, “When Screens Collide”

TheFirstAndWorstLogoSongwriter Rivers Rutherford Added To First and the Worst Lineup

Hit songwriter Rivers Rutherford has been added to the lineup for the First and the Worst event, which will feature some of Nashville’s top songwriters performing the first and worst songs they ever wrote, as well as songs that have become top-selling recordings from superstar artists.

The inaugural First and the Worst event will be held April 1 at 3rd & Lindsley.

The lineup also includes host Peter Cooper, and music from Richard Leigh (“Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” and “I’ll Get Over You”/Crystal Gayle, “The Greatest Man I Never Knew”/Reba McEntire), Liz Rose (“Tim McGraw,” “Teardrops On My Guitar,” and “You Belong To Me”/Taylor Swift), Phil Barton (“A Woman Like You”/Lee Brice, “She Rides Away”/David Nail, “Yeah Yeah Yeah”/Dustin Lynch), Roxie Dean (“When I Think About Angels”/Jamie O’Neal, “Why They Call It Falling”/Lee Ann Womack), and Wynn Varble (“Waitin’ On A Woman”/Brad Paisley, “Have You Forgotten”/Darryl Worley, and “I’m A Little More Country Than That”/Easton Corbin).

Stylist Lori Bumgarner’s Image Consulting Business Undergoes Name Change

paNASH-Logo-Blue (2)paNASH Style, owned by stylist Lori Bumgarner, has recently shortened its name to “paNASH” in order to better reflect the variety of image consulting services they provide to the music industry. Their image consulting services are designed to integrate an act’s brand with their overall presentation, including their look (onstage, in photos, etc.) and their presentation in media interviews. While the name has changed, the paNASH web address remains the same (www.paNASHstyle.com) and features a new design and new service plans for both signed and unsigned artists, including brand and image integration, media coaching, wardrobe styling, and more. 

Study: Millennials’ Media Viewing Habits

When Screen Collide studyIn a new study, “When Screens Collide: Viewer Behavior in Multi-Screen Environments,” which was released on March 11, Nielsen Holdings N.V. and advertising technology provider YuMe Inc. asked 200 participants to engage with any of their devices (TV, smartphone or tablet) for 20 minutes as if they were at home. They found that while watching TV, those under 35 multitasked more than those over 35, and they used other devices 33% more often.

Ninety-two percent of millennials surveyed used a smartphone or tablet while watching TV, and 47 percent used those devices to access content related to what they were watching on TV. The shift in attention from TV to other devices typically happened within the first few minutes of the experiment. “When millennials had a tablet and a TV in use, about 75 percent of their attention was on the TV. If they were using a tablet and a smartphone, we found that attention was evenly divided between the two,” says Paul Neto, director of research at YuMe.

Additionally, the survey found that millennials paid more attention to ads on digital devices than to ads shown on television. Out of 100 ads shown on each device, participants viewed 93 of the ads shown on a tablet, 71 of the ads shown on a laptop and 30 ads shown on a TV.

NAMM Names Best Communities For Music Education

best communities for music educationThis week, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation recognized 388 school districts in 46 states as among the Best Communities for Music Education. In addition, 120 individual schools across the nation are being awarded the Support Music Merit Award (SMMA), which recognizes support for school-based music education programs.

Not all of the nation’s 13,588 school districts are in harmony when it comes to promoting the arts and music education. According to the White House’s Turnaround Arts program, for example, 1.3 million elementary school students still have no access to music classes.

A new study shows that participation in music education programs helps improve brain function and sparks language development. “The new research validates the relationships between student success and access to music education,” said Mary Luehrsen, executive director of the NAMM Foundation. “Ensuring that every child has access to music in schools requires commitment by students, teachers, and those who determine school budgets. We commend the districts and schools that have earned the Best Community designation this year.  They join with so many that believe as we do that there is a vital link between do-re-mi and the ABCs.”

Four Tennessee school districts make this list of Best Communities for Music Education, including:

Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, Clarksville, TN
Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, TN
Shelby County Schools, Memphis, TN
Union City School System, Union City, TN

Other notable districts include:
Fort Worth Independent School District, Fort Worth, TX
Austin Independent School District, Austin, TX
Bakersfield City School District, Bakersfield, CA

A complete list of districts and schools receiving Best Community and SupportMusic designations from the NAMM Foundation in 2015 can be found at: http://www.nammfoundation.org/what-we-do/best-communities-music-education.

Celebration of Life Set For Nashville Singer-Songwriter Larry Henley

Larry Henley

Larry Henley

Friends, family, songwriters and musicians will gather at BMI’s Nashville office to celebrate the inspiring life ofNashville singer-songwriter, Grammy award winner and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Larry Henley, as well as the music he contributed to the world. He will forever be remembered for his beautiful music and heartfelt lyrics.

The celebration of life for Larry Henley has been rescheduled for March 26, 2015 at 6 p.m. The event will be held at BMI Nashville’s first floor lobby. BMI Nashville is located at 10 Music Square East.

Henley died Dec. 18, 2014, at age 77, after battling a long illness. He was an accomplished Nashville singer-songwriter whose hits included “Til I Get It Right,” “Lizzie And The Rain Man,” “He’s A Heartache,” “Is It Still Over,” “Wind Beneath My Wings,” and “Bread and Butter.”

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Larry’s memory to Alive Hospice, located at 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203.

Click here to read Henley’s full obituary.

Industry Pics: Lady Antebellum, Dick Vitale, The Recording Academy

Lady Antebellum surprised CAA agent John Huie for his birthday before their final overseas show in Melbourne, Australia (March 17), along with the help of Maddie & Tae.

 

 

Dick Vitale Hollo 1543 3-13-15

The Grand Ole Opry welcomed ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale as a special guest announcer this past Friday night. Vitale was in Nashville for the SEC Tournament, held at Bridgestone Arena.

 

 

InTheMix_Feb2015_Group

(Pictured L-R): Top Row-Rick Clark, Bil VornDick, Julian King. Bottom Row-Russ Long, Jason Lehning. Photo: Yu Howe.

On Feb. 24, 2015, The Recording Academy Nashville Chapter® and Producers & Engineers Wing® presented “In The Mix: Listening Session” at Addiction Sound Studios in Nashville’s Berry Hill neighborhood, a district known for its large studio community.

Broadcasters Want Sponsored Song Notices Stripped From Airwaves

RadioTowerRadio broadcasters are seeking changes to the way listeners are notified that they are hearing sponsored songs. A group of nine broadcasters, including Beasley, Cox, Cromwell Group, Emmis, Entercom, First Natchez, Greater Media, Henson Media and iHeartMedia, have filed a petition with the FCC requesting that radio companies be allowed to move disclosures about sponsored songs online. Currently these disclosures are required to be stated on air.

The group—which notably doesn’t include Cumulus—claims this change will offer “far greater and more accessible sponsorship information to listeners.” It goes on to say that this is a “consumer-friendly” move with “fewer interruptions” to on-air programming.

Laws require stations to identify sponsored programming in an effort to combat payola, which would theoretically even the playing field among those competing for airtime.

The petition was revealed Friday, March 13 when the F.C.C. announced that it would accept public feedback through April 13.

Read the petition.

Read more from the New York Times.

Artist Updates: The Band Perry, March Madness Festival, The LACS, Allison Moorer

The Band Perry Joins ACM Lifting Lives’ “One Night, Two Cities, All Music”

The Band Perry

The Band Perry

The Band Perry will be making a special appearance at the ACM Lifting Lives “One Night, Two Cities, All Music” Gala’s two locations – Omni Dallas Hotel and Fort Worth Zoo on Friday, April 17. Also announced, Montel Williams will co-host the Dallas gala joining previously announced hosts Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, and Fort Worth co-host Nancy O’Dell.

Previously announced performers include headliner Lady Antebellum and Hunter Hayes at the Omni Dallas Hotel, and headliner Keith Urban and Little Big Town at Fort Worth Zoo.

 

Artists Announced For NCAA March Madness Music Festival

march-madness-music-festival-artwork-400pxLady Antebellum, Zac Brown Band, and Kacey Musgraves are among the artists taking part in the NCAA March Madness Music Festival, a three-day, free festival slated for White River State Park in Indianapolis. All three country artists will close the festival on Sunday, April 5.  Part of Zac Brown Band’s performance will be featured during Capital One Championship Central, the National Championship pregame show which will air at 8:30 p.m. on CBS.

Other artists slated to appear during the festival include Rihanna and Bleachers.

The LACS Return With Fourth Project For Average Joes Entertainment

The LACSDuo The LACS return with their fourth studio album on Average Joes Entertainment, Outlaw In Me. The 13-song collection will hit stores May 26.

The project offers fans a look at the duo’s life on and off the road with songs including “God Bless A Country Girl,” “Going Back To Georgia” (feat. Craig Campbell), “Make The Rooster Crow,” and “Out Here.”

 

 

 

Allison Moorer Releases ‘Down To Believing’ Today

Allison MoorerSinger-songwriter Allison Moorer will release the new project Down To Believing today (March 17). The 13-track project was produced by Kenny Greenburg, and marks Moorer’s eighth studio album since 1998’s Alabama Song.

Big Deal Music Renews with Tursi, Signs Parish

Big Deal Music has renewed its agreement with songwriter and Old Dominion member Brad Tursi. Tursi has penned songs recorded by Kenny Chesney, Maddie & Tae, Frankie Ballard, Swon Brothers, Josh Turner, Joey Hyde, Tyler Farr and more.

Old Dominion recently announced they have inked a deal with Sony Music Nashville’s RCA Nashville imprint.

Pictured (L-R): Dale Bobo, Chip Petree, Brad Tursi, Pete Robinson, Greg Gallo

Pictured (L-R): Dale Bobo, Chip Petree, Brad Tursi, Pete Robinson, Greg Gallo

Additionally, the publishing company announced the signing of singer-songwriter Sarah Emily Parish to its roster.

Pictured (L-R): Dale Bobo, Greg Gallo, Sarah Emily Parish, Pete Robinson, and Scott Safford

Pictured (L-R): Dale Bobo, Greg Gallo, Sarah Emily Parish, Pete Robinson, and Scott Safford