BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 480
Pictured (L-R): MR’s Sarah Skates and Sherod Robertson present Songwriter of the Year honors to Brett James and Rodney Clawson. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
I love a good wiseacre.
“I’ve been trying to pay off radio with beer and Jack Daniels for four years, and it finally paid off,” said snarky Chris Weaver. He has a charmingly mischievous grin that makes him look like he’s up to something, even if he isn’t.
He was accepting MusicRow’s Independent Artist of the Year award for The Chris Weaver Band at the periodical’s 13th annual bash on Wednesday (Feb. 25). I’ve always enjoyed this act’s music, and now I totally enjoy its frontman, too. Thanks, pal, for kicking off my convention experience with a grin.
The MusicRow event was also a celebration for Rodney Clawson and Brett James, who tied for Songwriter of the Year honors. This was Clawson’s second consecutive win. “Thanks, everybody, for playing our songs,” said James to the assembled radio folks. “We’re so grateful to be in this business.”
Shane Allen (Capitol Nashville) and Diane Richey (Diane Richey Promotions) accept Capitol Nashville’s award for Label of the Year. (L-R): Robertson, Allen, Richey, Skates. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
The radio Reporter of the Year honor went to WGLR/Platteville, WI music director Ryan McCall, who offered the afternoon’s most touching acceptance. “To everyone who shared their music, their time and their wisdom with me, I can’t thank you enough,” he began. “I share this award with my family and friends, many of whom are here today….The greatest award I’ve ever been given is to be a part of country music.”
Ryan McCall (center) accepts his MusicRow Reporter of the Year honor, with Troy Stephenson (left) and Sherod Robertson (right). Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Waylon Weatherholt and Katie Bright accepted on behalf of Cole Swindell, MusicRow’s Breakout Artist winner, who was booked for a private out-of-town date. Vice President of Promotion Shane Allen accepted for Capitol Records Nashville as Label of the Year (winning for an unprecedented 10th consecutive time). Jimmy Rector accepted Eric Church’s Male Vocalist award because proud papa Church is at home with new son Hawk this week. R.G. Jones accepted for Female winner Miranda Lambert (her third in a row). Matthew Hargis accepted for Group/Duo winners Florida Georgia Line, who were busy playing a little venue called Madison Square Garden.
KPentertainment’s Waylon Weatherholt and WMN’s Katie Bright accept Breakout Artist of the Year on behalf of Cole Swindell, with Robertson and Skates. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
MR’s Sherod Robertson presided at the afternoon get-together. “We’re tired of the cold, but we’re glad you’re here,” he told the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd. “You’re looking good,” he added, taking a snapshot of the packed room. Staffers Troy Stephenson, Sarah Skates, Jessica Nicholson, Eric T. Parker and Kelsey Grady kept the event running smoothly.
BBR’s Chase Bryant performs during the 2015 MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Music is always a big part of this annual awards-and-music occasion. First up to sing was BBR’s Red Bow Records artist Chase Bryant, who tours with Tim McGraw. This Texas native is the grandson of a Roy Orbison/Waylon Jennings piano player and the nephew of the co-founders of Ricochet.
Robertson presents Eric Church’s Male Artist of the Year award to EMI Nashville’s Jimmy Rector, and Diane Richey Promotions staffers Diane Richey, Beth Brightwell and Ben Kann. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Bryant opened with the take-no-prisoners steamroller “Little Bit of You.” He led his four-piece band as its lead guitar player, which was on full display via a stinging solo on the power stomper “The Way I See It.” He followed that with his catchy first hit, “Take It On Back,” featuring an extended electric-guitar finale at the edge of the stage.
“Thank you to everybody in this room for making a kid from a small town of 800 people have a dream come true,” he said.
Streamsound artist Austin Webb performs during the 2015 MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
“It’s so nice to see so many nice faces,” said showcasing Austin Webb. The tall, tattooed, Streamsound Records artist led off with the rhythmic and hooky “If You See Her.” He then strapped on his acoustic guitar to augment his four-piece band. This guitar has signed photos of Kris Kristofferson and Guy Clark affixed to its back, which seemed appropriate for the philosophical “Slip On By.” Webb concluded with his new single, the rousing and clever “All Country On You.” Everyone clapped along.
Robertson presents Florida Georgia Line’s plaque for Group/Duo of the Year to Republic Nashville’s Matthew Hargis, Stacy Blythe, Angie Coonrod, Lois Lewis, Kristen Johnson and Jimmy Harnen. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
This jammed room is a hard one to work. But I spotted industry mavens including Byron Gallimore, Bill Wence, Nancy Tunick, Mark Brown, Neil Spielberg, Rod Essig, Woody Bomar, Gene Kennedy, Wes Vause, Karen Tallier, Steve Pope, Rick Kelly, Earle Simmons, B.J. Hill, Lisa Smoot, Susan Collier, Bev Moser and John Dorris in the house. Most were grooving to the cool sounds on stage.
Several non-showcasing artists were working the room. Eric Lee Beddingfield, Jason Michael Carroll, Jody Lynn, Tracy Lawrence, Eileen Carey, The Cains Trio, Montana’s Kayla Adams and 16-year-old Texan Skylar Elise were schmoozing the radio folks.
Pictured (L-R): Sherod Robertson, Sony Music Nashville’s RG Jones accepting on behalf of Female Artist of the Year Miranda Lambert, Sarah Skates. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Reminding everyone of how too-too cool it is outside, Robertson concluded the event with, “just remember how hot it was in here.”
Chris Weaver Band accepts their honor for MusicRow’s 2015 Independent Artist of the Year. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow staffers Sarah Skates, Eric T. Parker, Kelsey Grady, MR Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson, columnist Robert K. Oermann, Jessica Nicholson and Troy Stephenson. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Industry Ink: Opry House Joins National Register of Historic Places
/by Sarah SkatesNashville’s National Treasure
The Grand Ole Opry House has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, the nation’s official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. The Opry House opened on March 16, 1974 with a standing room only Opry performance attended by President and Mrs. Richard Nixon. The Opry’s sixth home, the venue is also the only home built specifically for the Opry and the residence the Opry has called home the longest.
Dr. Carroll Van West, Dir. of the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU and the Tennessee State Historian, prepared the nomination which was supported by the Tennessee State Historical Commission.
Grand Ole Opry House
Rising Artists In The Studio
Singer-songwriter Katie Ohh is in the studio working with Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus. Ohh won NBC’s talent competition The Winner Is in 2013, taking home the $1 million prize. She has signed with John Birdwell and Charles Dorris at Red Couch Entertainment, and with Barrett Sellers at WME.
Jay DeMarcus and Katie Ohh
Teen singing sensation and The X-Factor breakout star Rion Paige recently moved to Nashville and her debut EP is being produced by David Huff (The Band Perry, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Avicii, The Doobie Brothers).
Rion Paige and David Huff
The Nashville Chapter’s 17th annual Grammy Block Party is set for May 12.
Garth Brooks Brings Intimate, Full-Band Show to Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto by Ben Krebs © GCOM, LLC all rights reserved 2015
Garth Brooks’ World Tour with Trisha Yearwood may not have a Music City date on the horizon as of yet, but several hundred Nashville area residents, and Country Radio Seminar attendees, got a taste of Brooks’ engaging, country charm last night (Wednesday, Feb. 25). The legendary entertainer has brought his show to hundreds of thousands of fans per night at arenas across the country, but last night he hosted an intimate, full-band concert at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works.
Brooks commanded the show from the second he stepped onstage, performing the thunderous power rocker “Cold Like That,” an album cut from his latest release Man Against Machine, co-written by fellow Sony artist Steven Lee Olsen. Numerous lucky radio listeners crowded close to the stage, having won invites to the private show through local station WSIX.
“Let’s see who knows the words to some of this old stuff,” said Brooks, before sailing into “Papa Loved Mama,” “Two Pina Coladas,” “The Thunder Rolls,” and “Callin’ Baton Rouge” with energy and enthusiasm that would rival any 20-something, starry-eyed newcomer. The crowd, which ranged in age from early 20s to post-retirement, proved age is only a number, and sang along faithfully to every song. It was clear from the first strains of Brooks’ 1991 hit “Rodeo” that the crowd relished the set of the singer-songwriter’s classic hits. Cell phones swayed above the crowd for majority of the evening, as fans snapped photos and video.
“Playing this size club takes me back to playing a lot of songs for the first time,” said Brooks, before launching into another Man Against Machine album cut, “All American Comeback Kid.” In true all-American fashion, Brooks emphasized the song’s concluding chorus by welcoming members of the armed forces to the stage, amid chants of “U.S.A!” from the crowd.
From the first notes of “Friends in Low Places,” the crowd cheered as if the 25-year-old classic tune was a current chart-topper. The frenzy peaked with Brooks inclusion of the song’s “infamous third verse,” which prompted fist pumps, lifted up drink cups, and cheers from the crowd. Though the set didn’t feature the full array of lights and full-scale production suited for an arena-sized venue, the performance didn’t need it. Brooks’ legendary onstage charisma and catalog of classic tunes were at full volume throughout the performance.
“Friends in Low Places” closed as white confetti spiraled over the crowd, a move that typically signals the closure of a concert. Instead, Brooks treated the crowd to an emotional performance of “The Dance,” and, as he’s done numerous times in concert, let the fans take over singing duties at the end of the ballad. Brooks then walked offstage to a thunderous applause.
The crowd wasn’t sated, and clamored for more. Their applause enticed the singer-songwriter back to the stage, where Brooks’ encore electrified with “Standing Outside The Fire,” “Two Of A Kind (Working On A Full House),” and “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old).”
Brooks’ next tour date is set for Feb. 27 in Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena.
Dierks Bentley’s Hot Country Knights Make CRS Debut
/by Kelsey_GradyHot Country Knights. Photo: The GreenRoom PR
Muscle Tees, Mullets, and Mustaches consumed The Stage last night as Dierks Bentley’s ’90s country cover band, Hot Country Knights, made their live debut for 2015 Country Radio Seminar. The frontman of the band, Douglas “Big Rhythm Doug” Douglason (Bentley), kicked off the show with Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee” and continued with fan favorite throwbacks such as Marty Stuart’s “Honky Tonkin’s What I Do Best,” John Michael Montgomery’s “Be My Baby Tonight” and “Sold,” and Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart.”
The band brought up several friends to keep the show rockin’ including Dallas Houston (Randy Houser), who sang “Watermelon Crawl,” Ronnie Bunns (Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley) joined in for “My Maria,” and Shelby Shelton (Miranda Lambert) took the lead on Shania Twain’s “Who’s Bed Have Your Boots Been Under.” Kip Moore also made an appearance (not in costume) for “Dust on the Bottle.”
The show ended with a pre-recorded taping of fans shouting “encore” to which the band responded by playing Travis Tritt’s “T-r-o-u-b-l-e.” Bentley and a Hot Country Knights bandmember proceeded to get into a comedic “fight” at the end of the encore until they fell off the stage and exited the venue.
Mercury Records Nashville artist Canaan Smith opened for the Hot Country Knights, singing his latest single, “Love You Like That.”
Old Dominion Inks Major Label Deal
/by Sarah SkatesFront Row (L-R): Old Dominion’s Whit Sellers, Trevor Rosen, Matthew Ramsey, Geoff Sprung, Brad Tursi. Back Row (L-R): Clint Higham (Morris Higham Management), Shane McAnally (producer), Keith Gale (SVP/National Promotion, RCA), Gary Overton (Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville), Jim Catino (VP, A&R, Sony Music Nashville), Taylor Lindsey (Director, A&R, Sony Music Nashville), Will Hitchcock (Morris Higham Management), Nate Ritches (Morris Higham Management) Photo: Alan Poizner
Old Dominion, the five member band comprised of Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Whit Sellers, Geoff Sprung and Brad Tursi, has signed with Sony Music Nashville’s RCA Nashville imprint. The group, whose members have had cuts by Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, The Band Perry and Chris Young, is managed by Morris Higham Management.
Old Dominion’s debut EP, containing single “Break Up With Him,” was produced by hitmaker Shane McAnally. The single was rush released, based on fan and programmer demand, after early success at satellite and terrestrial radio as an album cut.
The deal with RCA Nashville, where Old Dominion joins a roster that includes Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert and Jake Owen, means more music is on the way later this year.
“We couldn’t be more excited to join the RCA Nashville family,” shares frontman Ramsey. “As a band, we are eager to start our next chapter and are grateful for the opportunity to do that with the support of an amazing promotion and marketing team in RCA.”
“There has been a VERY loud buzz about Old Dominion around the Sony Music Nashville offices for some time now; so much that the three imprints were all fighting for the chance to work with the band,” says Sony Nashville CEO, Gary Overton. “I am pleased to announce the signing of Old Dominion to RCA Records Nashville.”
“Rarely in our business do you meet artists who are a ‘triple threat’– singer, songwriter, and musician. On top of those qualities, which each of them possesses, Old Dominion provides a truly amazing live experience,” says Morris Higham Management President, Clint Higham. “The team at Morris Higham Management is honored to represent the band and is looking forward to the partnership with RCA Nashville.”
The band will spend the spring and summer touring, as well as opening select stadium dates on Kenny Chesney’s The Big Revival Tour.
Thirty Tigers worked with Old Dominion to self-release the EP.
Additionally, the band is repped by publicity firm EB Media.
Kris Lamb Earns VP Stripes
/by Sarah SkatesKris Lamb
Dot Records has promoted Kris Lamb from Director National Promotion to VP Promotion.
Lamb and his radio promotion team recently took breakthrough duo Maddie & Tae’s “Girl in a Country Song” to No. 1. They will celebrate the chart-topper and gold certified single this afternoon at a No. 1 party in Nashville.
Dot is also home to newcomers Drake White and Craig Wayne Boyd, who will be gearing up in 2015.
“Kris always steps up to the plate with incredible passion, creativity, energy and execution,” said President and CEO of BMLG Scott Borchetta. “It’s no surprise to me that his very first single as a National Director went straight to No. 1. He is now properly announced as one of the new young stars in the promotion world and is awarded with VP stripes.”
Added Lamb, “I’m honored and beyond grateful to extend my tenure with the mighty BMLG and Dot Records. Scotty B. and Chris Stacey have provided the forum to continue Dot’s pursuit of strategically differentiating our promotion efforts through innovative partnerships with a fresh perspective. Together, with our exceptional staff of promotion executives, Dot will continue to super-serve our incredible roster of artists and our friends and partners at Country radio.”
Lamb’s career also includes time as Big Machine Records Sr. Dir. West Coast Promotion. He has been integral in the careers of Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Danielle Bradbery and The Cadillac Three over the last four years. Lamb will remain based at BMLG’s Nashville headquarters.
He can be reached at 615.846.7750 or via kris.lamb@bmlg.net.
ACM Nominees For Industry, Studio Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonThose categories include Casino of the Year (various markets), Festival of the Year, Nightclub of the Year, Venue of the Year (various markets), Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year, Promoter of the Year, and awards for producers and musicians.
Industry Award and Studio Recording Award honorees will be feted at the 9th Annual ACM Honors event on Sept. 1, 2015 at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. Industry and Studio Recording awards will not be televised due to time constraints during the live telecast of the 50th ACM Awards.
The 50th Annual ACM Awards will be co-hosted by Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on Sunday, April 19 at 8 p.m. live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
INDUSTRY AWARD NOMINEES:
CASINO OF THE YEAR – SMALL CAPACITY
Hard Rock Live – Biloxi, MS
Peppermill Concert Hall – West Wendover, NV
Riverwind Casino – Norman, OK
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort – Mount Pleasant, MI
WinStar World Casino –Thackerville, OK
CASINO OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM CAPACITY
Caesars Windsor Hotel & Casino – Windsor, ON, Canada
Casino Rama – Rama, ON, Canada
Choctaw Casino Event Center – Durant, OK
MGM Grand Casino – Las Vegas, NV
The Colosseum at Caesars Palace – Las Vegas, NV
FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR
Country Thunder USA: East – Twin Lakes, WI
Faster Horses Festival – Brooklyn, MI
Stagecoach Festival – Indio, CA
Watershed Festival – George, WA
Windy City Smokeout: BBQ & Country Music Fest – Chicago, IL
NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR
Bub City – Chicago, IL
Grizzly Rose – Denver, CO
House of Blues – Boston, MA
Joe’s Bar – Chicago, IL
Wild Bill’s – Duluth, GA
VENUE OF THE YEAR – SMALL CAPACITY
Cain’s Ballroom –Tulsa, OK
Georgia Theatre – Athens, GA
Irving Plaza – New York, NY
Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN
The Rave/Eagles Club – Milwaukee, WI
VENUE OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM CAPACITY
Amphitheater At The Wharf – Orange Beach, AL
Big Sandy Superstore Arena – Huntington, WV
Filene Center At Wolf Trap – Vienna, VA
Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO
Resch Center – Green Bay, WI
VENUE OF THE YEAR – LARGE CAPACITY
BOK Center – Tulsa, OK
Cruzan Amphitheatre – West Palm Beach, FL
Gorge Amphitheatre – George, WA
Hollywood Bowl – Hollywood, CA
Klipsch Music Center – Noblesville, IN
DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR
Gil Cunningham – Neste Event Marketing
Gary Osier – Gary Osier Presents
Fran Romeo – Romeo Entertainment Group
R.J. Romeo – Romeo Entertainment Group
Sally Williams – Ryman Auditorium
PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
Brent Fedrizzi – AEG Live
Patrick McDill – Live Nation
Louis Messina – AEG Live/The Messina Group
Ed Warm – Joe’s Live
Jason Wright – Live Nation
STUDIO RECORDING AWARD NOMINEES:
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mark Hill
Tully Kennedy
Tony Lucido
Jimmie Lee Sloas
Glenn Worf
DRUMMER OF THE YEAR
Chad Cromwell
Fred Eltringham
Chris McHugh
Greg Morrow
Nir Z
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Tom Bukovac
J.T. Corenflos
Kenny Greenberg
Brent Mason
Adam Shoenfeld
PIANO/KEYBOARDS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Tony Harrell
John Hobbs
Tim Lauer
Gordon Mote
Michael Rojas
SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Glen Duncan
Stuart Duncan
Aubrey Haynie
Danny Rader
Ilya Toshinsky
STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Dan Dugmore
Steve Hinson
Mike Johnson
Russ Pahl
Tommy White
AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Chuck Ainlay
Derek Bason
Ben Fowler
Steve Marcantonio
F. Reid Shippen
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Jay Joyce
Michael Knox
Frank Liddell
Joey Moi
Frank Rogers
CRS 2015: Todd Wagner’s ‘Lightning In A Bottle’
/by Sherod RobertsonKeynote Speaker Todd Wagner (left), interviewed by Charlie Morgan, CRS Board President (right) during opening ceremonies of 2015′s Country Radio Seminar.
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Todd Wagner served as keynote speaker yesterday (Feb. 25) at the Nashville Convention Center during the opening ceremonies of 2015’s Country Radio Seminar.
Wagner was quick to admit his success was like “catching lightning in a bottle.” Wagner joined Mark Cuban to launch Broadcast.com, which broadcasts live sporting events, corporate events and radio stations over the Internet. It was the first site to stream content online and in 1999, Wagner and Cuban sold Broadcast.com to Yahoo! for a staggering $5.7 billion. Wagner shared the modest beginnings of the billion-dollar company saying, “It started with Mark and I in his upstairs bedroom with one PC.”
Wagner talked about what it means to be an entrepreneur and stated, “You have to be pretty thick skinned and hold on to what you believe.” Further defining what makes someone an entrepreneur, he shared three important traits.
Traits of an Entrepreneur
1. It can happen anywhere. Many people think being an entrepreneur requires locating in a hot spot such a Silicon Valley, but Wagner points out a true entrepreneur is not dependent on any specific location.
2. Are you willing to quit your day job? Wagner states you must put everything at risk to be a real entrepreneur.
3. Are you willing to put in your own money? Wager admits a lot of people want angel investors and not have to risk their financial assets. But to be an entrepreneur, Wagner adds, “You’ve got to let go of the side of the pool.”
With all of his success and the realization that he no longer had to work, Wagner admits it’s important to him to give back. Wagner helped launch Chideo in January 2014 as the first interactive charity broadcast network. Chideo is a place where fans can discover and inspire one-of-a-kind content and experiences from their favorite personalities. Wagner’s business interests also include a stake in the Dallas Mavericks, as well as the Weinstein Company. Additionally, he is a founder and co-chairman of Content Partners LLC.
Fridays Set as Official Global Release Day for Singles and Albums
/by Eric T. ParkerThe move will take place this summer with international retailers onboard with record companies, artists, and music unions.
Benefits noted include reducing piracy and fan frustration due to the existing gaps that occur when projects are released in different countries on different days. Artists benefit from the uniform release date when promoting announcements on social media, which are broadcast globally. It also aims to re-ignite excitement and a sense of occasion around the release of new music.
Consumer research by TNS across seven markets showed Friday and Saturday as 68 percent more preferred for new music release among consumers who expressed an opinion.
Leading organizations include Music Business Association (Music Biz US), Mondadori Retail, the Orchard, Rdio, Spotify, Napster, Australian Music Retailers Association (AMRA), E.Leclerc, El Corte Inglés, Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA) (UK), HMV, Italian Association of Specialist Consumer Electronics Retailers (AIRES), Media-Saturn.
Industry reaction here.
On The Cover – New Faces Of Sony Music Nashville
/by Kelsey_GradyWith his Arista Nashville debut single, “Can’t Get Away From A Good Time,” singer/songwriter Logan Mize is turning heads in a big way with a song that’s already sold more than 100,000 copies and been streamed more than 1,000,000 times. Spotify, Huffington Post, and Taste of Country have all cited Logan as an artist to watch in 2015, as he continues to grow the fan base he’s built through his own touring and opening for such artists as Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, and many more. Fans have also seen him on stage in a Cotton TV commercial featuring Hayden Panettiere, as well as performing in a 2013 episode of The CW’s Hart of Dixie. A proud Kansas native, Logan is the official Kansas Tourism Ambassador.
Steven Lee Olsen
Signed to Sony Music Nashville in 2014, Steven Lee Olsen makes his intro into the country music scene with the release of “Raised By A Good Time,” available now. Not long after having made the trek to Music City, Steven Lee Olsen began writing with Nashville hit makers, co-penning such hits as Craig Morgan’s “Ordinary Angels,” The Judds’ “I Will Stand By You,” Emerson Drive’s “Let Your Love Speak” and Garth Brooks’ “Cold Like That.” Steven has already stirred up the Canadian country music scene with two top twenty hits on Canadian radio, as well as a nomination for a Canadian Radio Music Award for his single, “Now” and his single, “Make Hay While The Sun Shines,” which charted on Billboard as the No. 22 most played song on Canadian country radio for the entire year.
Cam
Arista Nashville singer/songwriter Cam has a style and personality as spirited and compelling as her music, and the California native is new on the radio with the ear-catching fun of “My Mistake,” her debut single and the first taste of her upcoming album. Writing or co-writing all of her songs, Cam is currently working on her album with Grammy-winning producer Jeff Bhasker (Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, FUN., The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift) and Tyler Johnson (Ed Sheeran, OneRepublic, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Mikky Ekko).
Josh Dorr
RCA Records Nashville singer/songwriter Josh Dorr, a native of Gillette, Wy., moved to Nashville in 2010 to pursue his music career. Some of Josh’s co-writes include the theme song for the TV series Open Season (Pursuit Channel), “I’d Look Good On You” for USA Network’s Necessary Roughness and a new song on Columbia Nashville artist Casey James’ upcoming sophomore album. Some of Josh’s musical influences range from Garth Brooks, George Strait and Brooks & Dunn to Tom Petty, The Wallflowers, Dave Grohl, Ryan Adams and Boyz 2 Men (for their harmonies). Josh recently released his four-song, self-titled EP in May 2014 and his debut single, “Save Your Breath,” is at country radio now.
Be sure to pick up your copy of the print magazine here, or receive your free copy with a yearly subscription.
Bobby Karl Works The 2015 ‘MusicRow’ CountryBreakout Awards
/by Bobby KarlBOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 480
Pictured (L-R): MR’s Sarah Skates and Sherod Robertson present Songwriter of the Year honors to Brett James and Rodney Clawson. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
I love a good wiseacre.
“I’ve been trying to pay off radio with beer and Jack Daniels for four years, and it finally paid off,” said snarky Chris Weaver. He has a charmingly mischievous grin that makes him look like he’s up to something, even if he isn’t.
He was accepting MusicRow’s Independent Artist of the Year award for The Chris Weaver Band at the periodical’s 13th annual bash on Wednesday (Feb. 25). I’ve always enjoyed this act’s music, and now I totally enjoy its frontman, too. Thanks, pal, for kicking off my convention experience with a grin.
The MusicRow event was also a celebration for Rodney Clawson and Brett James, who tied for Songwriter of the Year honors. This was Clawson’s second consecutive win. “Thanks, everybody, for playing our songs,” said James to the assembled radio folks. “We’re so grateful to be in this business.”
Shane Allen (Capitol Nashville) and Diane Richey (Diane Richey Promotions) accept Capitol Nashville’s award for Label of the Year. (L-R): Robertson, Allen, Richey, Skates. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
The radio Reporter of the Year honor went to WGLR/Platteville, WI music director Ryan McCall, who offered the afternoon’s most touching acceptance. “To everyone who shared their music, their time and their wisdom with me, I can’t thank you enough,” he began. “I share this award with my family and friends, many of whom are here today….The greatest award I’ve ever been given is to be a part of country music.”
Ryan McCall (center) accepts his MusicRow Reporter of the Year honor, with Troy Stephenson (left) and Sherod Robertson (right). Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Waylon Weatherholt and Katie Bright accepted on behalf of Cole Swindell, MusicRow’s Breakout Artist winner, who was booked for a private out-of-town date. Vice President of Promotion Shane Allen accepted for Capitol Records Nashville as Label of the Year (winning for an unprecedented 10th consecutive time). Jimmy Rector accepted Eric Church’s Male Vocalist award because proud papa Church is at home with new son Hawk this week. R.G. Jones accepted for Female winner Miranda Lambert (her third in a row). Matthew Hargis accepted for Group/Duo winners Florida Georgia Line, who were busy playing a little venue called Madison Square Garden.
KPentertainment’s Waylon Weatherholt and WMN’s Katie Bright accept Breakout Artist of the Year on behalf of Cole Swindell, with Robertson and Skates. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
MR’s Sherod Robertson presided at the afternoon get-together. “We’re tired of the cold, but we’re glad you’re here,” he told the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd. “You’re looking good,” he added, taking a snapshot of the packed room. Staffers Troy Stephenson, Sarah Skates, Jessica Nicholson, Eric T. Parker and Kelsey Grady kept the event running smoothly.
BBR’s Chase Bryant performs during the 2015 MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Music is always a big part of this annual awards-and-music occasion. First up to sing was BBR’s Red Bow Records artist Chase Bryant, who tours with Tim McGraw. This Texas native is the grandson of a Roy Orbison/Waylon Jennings piano player and the nephew of the co-founders of Ricochet.
Robertson presents Eric Church’s Male Artist of the Year award to EMI Nashville’s Jimmy Rector, and Diane Richey Promotions staffers Diane Richey, Beth Brightwell and Ben Kann. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Bryant opened with the take-no-prisoners steamroller “Little Bit of You.” He led his four-piece band as its lead guitar player, which was on full display via a stinging solo on the power stomper “The Way I See It.” He followed that with his catchy first hit, “Take It On Back,” featuring an extended electric-guitar finale at the edge of the stage.
“Thank you to everybody in this room for making a kid from a small town of 800 people have a dream come true,” he said.
Streamsound artist Austin Webb performs during the 2015 MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
“It’s so nice to see so many nice faces,” said showcasing Austin Webb. The tall, tattooed, Streamsound Records artist led off with the rhythmic and hooky “If You See Her.” He then strapped on his acoustic guitar to augment his four-piece band. This guitar has signed photos of Kris Kristofferson and Guy Clark affixed to its back, which seemed appropriate for the philosophical “Slip On By.” Webb concluded with his new single, the rousing and clever “All Country On You.” Everyone clapped along.
Robertson presents Florida Georgia Line’s plaque for Group/Duo of the Year to Republic Nashville’s Matthew Hargis, Stacy Blythe, Angie Coonrod, Lois Lewis, Kristen Johnson and Jimmy Harnen. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
This jammed room is a hard one to work. But I spotted industry mavens including Byron Gallimore, Bill Wence, Nancy Tunick, Mark Brown, Neil Spielberg, Rod Essig, Woody Bomar, Gene Kennedy, Wes Vause, Karen Tallier, Steve Pope, Rick Kelly, Earle Simmons, B.J. Hill, Lisa Smoot, Susan Collier, Bev Moser and John Dorris in the house. Most were grooving to the cool sounds on stage.
Several non-showcasing artists were working the room. Eric Lee Beddingfield, Jason Michael Carroll, Jody Lynn, Tracy Lawrence, Eileen Carey, The Cains Trio, Montana’s Kayla Adams and 16-year-old Texan Skylar Elise were schmoozing the radio folks.
Pictured (L-R): Sherod Robertson, Sony Music Nashville’s RG Jones accepting on behalf of Female Artist of the Year Miranda Lambert, Sarah Skates. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Reminding everyone of how too-too cool it is outside, Robertson concluded the event with, “just remember how hot it was in here.”
Chris Weaver Band accepts their honor for MusicRow’s 2015 Independent Artist of the Year. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow staffers Sarah Skates, Eric T. Parker, Kelsey Grady, MR Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson, columnist Robert K. Oermann, Jessica Nicholson and Troy Stephenson. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser