Eric Church. Photo: Jill Trunnell
After a stomach bug knocked out most of his band and crew in Salt Lake City, UT on Saturday, Jan. 31, Eric Church took the stage at the EnergySolutions Arena for a 19-song acoustic set.
“If you’ve seen our show so far on this tour, you’re probably wondering what the hell is going on right now. Well, so am I,” Church told the crowd. “Here’s the deal: Yesterday we had the stomach flu strike our band, our crew, everyone. We had no one to hang video, lights, nothing. But I’m still here. I’m still standing. We’ve talked about how every show on The Outsiders Tour is different. Well, tonight will be the most different one. Shit there’s nobody left. It’s just me. I’m going to give you everything I got.”
As a consolation, Church announced he will return to play Memorial Day (Mon., May 25) with a full band. Supporting acts will be announced at a later date. Fans wishing to attend should hold onto all physical tickets. Those unable to attend that show can seek a full refund at point of purchase beginning Wednesday, Feb. 4, until 5 p.m. day of concert.
Lzzy Hale‘s rock band, Halestorm, opened the show with a full 45-minute set. The production and stage were scaled back–only four spotlights and a minimal floor lighting package showcased Church in this unique setting. Guitar players Jeff Hyde, Jeff Cease and Driver Williams joined Church for a few songs and Hale came onstage for an acoustic rendition of “That’s Damn Rock and Roll.” Church worked six mic positions (scaled back from the normal 14), still performing to every section of the 360-degree setup.
Fans looking to experience Church live can tune-in to CBS on Feb. 8 for the Grammy Awards, where he is up for Best Country Album and Best Country Song, and will play a yet-to-be-announced song. The Outsiders World Tour will return to the road on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California.
Saturday’s complete set list is as follows:
“Talladega”
“Drink In My Hand”
“Guys Like Me”
“How ‘Bout You”
“I’m Getting’ Stoned”
“Creepin’”
“Like Jesus Does”
“Cold One”
“Livin’ Part Of Life”
“Give Me Back My Hometown”
“That’s Damn Rock and Roll”
“Before She Does”
“Homeboy”
“These Boots”
“Like A Wrecking Ball”
“Jack Daniels”
“Smoke A Little Smoke”
“Thunder Road”
“Springsteen”
AXS TV Zooms In On Colt Ford, Lucy Angel
/by Sarah SkatesAXS TV will premiere Colt Ford: Crank It Up! Live At Wild Adventures, Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 9 p.m. CT. The special shot at Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Ga. spotlights tracks from Ford’s career, ranging from newest single “Crank It Up” to fan favorites such as “Drivin’ Around Song,” “Ride Through the Country” and “Chicken & Biscuits.”
The concert special follows Ford’s guest-appearance on Discovering Lucy Angel at 8 p.m. CT. AXS TV’s first original docu-series focuses on mother-daughter trio Lucy Angel and their family, The Andertons. It is produced by Taylored TV and Eggplant TV.
The Andertons attend the debut party for “Discovering Lucy Angel” on Jan. 12, 2015 at the Franklin Theater in Franklin, Tennessee. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for “Discovering Lucy Angel”
Unstoppable Chief: Eric Church Saves Show Despite Sick Band
/by Eric T. ParkerEric Church. Photo: Jill Trunnell
After a stomach bug knocked out most of his band and crew in Salt Lake City, UT on Saturday, Jan. 31, Eric Church took the stage at the EnergySolutions Arena for a 19-song acoustic set.
“If you’ve seen our show so far on this tour, you’re probably wondering what the hell is going on right now. Well, so am I,” Church told the crowd. “Here’s the deal: Yesterday we had the stomach flu strike our band, our crew, everyone. We had no one to hang video, lights, nothing. But I’m still here. I’m still standing. We’ve talked about how every show on The Outsiders Tour is different. Well, tonight will be the most different one. Shit there’s nobody left. It’s just me. I’m going to give you everything I got.”
As a consolation, Church announced he will return to play Memorial Day (Mon., May 25) with a full band. Supporting acts will be announced at a later date. Fans wishing to attend should hold onto all physical tickets. Those unable to attend that show can seek a full refund at point of purchase beginning Wednesday, Feb. 4, until 5 p.m. day of concert.
Lzzy Hale‘s rock band, Halestorm, opened the show with a full 45-minute set. The production and stage were scaled back–only four spotlights and a minimal floor lighting package showcased Church in this unique setting. Guitar players Jeff Hyde, Jeff Cease and Driver Williams joined Church for a few songs and Hale came onstage for an acoustic rendition of “That’s Damn Rock and Roll.” Church worked six mic positions (scaled back from the normal 14), still performing to every section of the 360-degree setup.
Fans looking to experience Church live can tune-in to CBS on Feb. 8 for the Grammy Awards, where he is up for Best Country Album and Best Country Song, and will play a yet-to-be-announced song. The Outsiders World Tour will return to the road on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California.
Saturday’s complete set list is as follows:
“Talladega”
“Drink In My Hand”
“Guys Like Me”
“How ‘Bout You”
“I’m Getting’ Stoned”
“Creepin’”
“Like Jesus Does”
“Cold One”
“Livin’ Part Of Life”
“Give Me Back My Hometown”
“That’s Damn Rock and Roll”
“Before She Does”
“Homeboy”
“These Boots”
“Like A Wrecking Ball”
“Jack Daniels”
“Smoke A Little Smoke”
“Thunder Road”
“Springsteen”
NMPA Names VP of Industry Relations, Government Affairs
/by Sarah SkatesAmelia Wang
The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) has named Amelia Wang Vice President of Industry Relations and Government Affairs. Starting today (Feb. 2), Wang will interact with Capitol Hill and federal agencies, advancing NMPA’s legislative and regulatory policy goals. She will also manage outreach to the music publishing and songwriting industry.
“Amelia’s extensive experience on Capitol Hill, and specifically in the copyright space, will make her an incredible advocate for songwriters and music publishers,” said David Israelite, President and CEO of NMPA. “Her leadership on the Creative Rights Caucus and in multiple Congressional offices has given her a great appreciation for the challenges faced by those in our industry and we’re excited to have her championing their efforts.”
Prior to joining NMPA, Wang was chief of staff to Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-Calif.) for five years and previously worked for Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.). While working for Chu, she spearheaded the creation of the Congressional Creative Rights Caucus, a 55 member bi-partisan group focused on strengthening copyright protections and fighting to achieve fair compensation to creators for their work.
Martin Guitar VP Honored with She Rocks Vision Award
/by Jessica NicholsonAmani Duncan
Amani Duncan, Vice President of Brand Marketing at Martin Guitar, was honored with the Vision Award at the She Rocks Awards recently at the Anaheim Hilton Pacific Ballroom during NAMM. The event pays tribute to women who display leadership and stand out within the music industry at a gathering of who’s who of music industry execs, celebrities, luminaries and supporters of women in music.
The She Rocks Awards featured performances by Colbie Caillat, The Bangles, Mindi Abair, Orianthi and Richie Sambora, and was co-hosted by solo artist and 2013 She Rocks Awards winner Orianthi.
Other honorees included Music Inc. editor, Katie Kailus; multi-platinum artist, Colbie Caillat; Grammy Award nominated sax player, Mindi Abair; The Bangles; Vice President for Online Learning and Continuing Education/CEO for Berklee College of Music’s online continuing education program, Berklee Online, Debbie Cavalier; Vice President of iconic Capitol Studios, Paula Salvatore; Avedis Zildjian CEO, Craigie Zildjian; Beacock Music Co-Owner, Gayle Beacock; and owner of Robo Records, Rob Christie, the first-ever male to receive a She Rocks Awards.
peermusic Promotes VP, Counsel to Sr. VP
/by Eric T. ParkerTimothy A. Cohan.
peermusic, the world’s largest independent music publisher, has announced the promotion of Tim Cohan to the position of Senior Vice President of Legal and Business Affairs in California.
In addition to overseeing all legal and corporate matters for peermusic’s U.S. companies, Cohan serves as counsel to peermusic’s Chairman and CEO, Ralph Peer, II and heads all global negotiations with respect to the firm’s digital and online agreements. Cohan is also an active representative of peermusic in various industry associations and committees.
“Tim’s guidance and expertise on all of the firm’s legal matters is invaluable to the success of the U.S. companies. He is an essential and valued member of our executive team,” said Kathy Spanberger, peermusic President and COO.
Peer added, “In this position Tim will assume new responsibilities for our increasingly important international licensing framework. His insight and global perspective are an integral part of peermusic’s continuing expansion and outreach worldwide.”
Cohan has been in-house counsel for the firm since 2011 when he moved to Los Angeles, holding the previous position of Vice President. Cohan rose through the ranks at peermusic after joining the firm as a legal assistant in the late 1990’s. He is a member of the New York State Bar and the California State Bar, speaks fluent French, and is a trained chef.
Industry Ink: Crowd Surf, ASCAP, CMA, BMI, YEP Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonCrowd Surf Promotes Two
Cassie Petrey and Jade Driver, owners of Crowd Surf, have announced the promotions of Teddy Cheek to General Manager and Elise Stawarz to Marketing Director.
Cheek may be reached at teddy@crowdsurf.net and Stawarz may be reached at elise@crowdsurf.net.
ASCAP, CMA Present Songwriters Round at Sundance ASCAP Music Cafe
The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the Country Music Association (CMA) presented two songwriter rounds on Wednesday, Jan. 28 and Thursday, Jan. 29 at the Sundance ASCAP Music Cafe in Park City, Utah. The songwriters round featured Jessi Alexander, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher, and Warner/Chappell songwriter-artist Brandon Lay.
Pictured (L-R): Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher, Jessi Alexander, Brandon Lay, ASCAP’s Robert Filhart and the Country Music Association’s Vilma Salinas. All photos by ASCAP’s Erik Philbrook.
YEP Nashville, BMI Hold Quarterly Showcase Series
YEP Nashville and BMI continued their YEP/BMI quarterly showcase series last night with a capacity crowd at Exit/In. The featured acts on the rise included new duo The Lookout, Ryan Beaver and Drew Baldridge. YEP’s next event in conjunction with the Song Suffragettes will be held Monday, February 9th at The Listening Room from 6:30-8:30pm.
Pictured (L-R): YEP’s Marc Rucker, BMI’s Perry Howard, The Lookout’s Tyler Filmore & John Gurney, Drew Baldridge, Ryan Beaver, YEP’s Andrew Cohen and BMI’s Brooke Ivey
Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy Staffer Promoted To Business Manager
/by Jessica NicholsonDavid Boyer
Entertainment business management firm Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy has promoted David Boyer to the role of Business Manager. Boyer joined the firm in 2001 and was most recently an associate business manager.
The Huntsville, Ala., native is a graduate of the University of Mississippi and has more than 20 years of experience in the music industry. He is a voting member of The Recording Academy, the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, and is a Leadership Music and SOLID alumnus. Boyer has also served as treasurer of The Nashville Film Festival.
“David Boyer is the real deal with over 13 years of direct, hands-on experience in the very complicated and challenging practice of what business management really is in our complex industry today,” said Mary Ann McCready, president, FBMM. “He has truly earned his marks. His moral compass, his commitment to excellence, and his team spirit are a perfect fit for our culture.”
At FBMM he represents a diverse roster of clients including The Black Keys, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Eli Young Band, John Hiatt, Andrew Bird, Scotty McCreery, Sam Hunt, and The Apache Relay.
SoundExchange Pays Record $733 Million To Artists, Labels
/by Eric T. ParkerThis week (Jan. 28), the 15-year-old nonprofit announced a record breaking year-end royalty distribution totaling approximately $773 million. Those figures are up 31 percent from last year’s $590 million.
By comparison, BMI paid out $840 million to the songwriters and publishers in its most recent fiscal year.
The Washington DC-based company’s 2014 fourth quarter distribution also increased from the previous year with more than 38,800 payments totaling approximately $183 million.
For SoundExchange, significant 2014 endeavors included:
• Project72, a campaign launched to ensure fair pay for artists who recorded their music before
• 1972, in support of the RESPECT Act.
• Issuing quarterly Digital Radio Reports.
• Beginning the SoundExchange Influencers Series at the Bluebird Café in Nashville.
• Reaching thousands of artists and record labels through ongoing outreach as well as several high-profile and effective database matches with partner organizations such as SXSW, CMJ, GRAMMYS, SAG-AFTRA, LOCKN’ Music Festival, and School Night
• Announcing Michael Huppe as President and CEO through 2018.
• Introducing annual year-end charts naming the Top Streaming Artists, Top Recordings, and Top Breakout Artists.
• Representing the entire recorded music industry in proceedings before the Copyright Royalty Board to set rates paid by webcasters.
Artist Pics: Luke Bryan, The Swon Brothers, Chelsea Bain
/by Kelsey_GradyCID Presents held its inaugural Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa in Riviera Maya, Mexico, Jan. 23-27. Performances by country superstars Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Cole Swindell, Dustin Lynch, Eric Paslay, Chris Stapleton, Kelleigh Bannen, and DJ Rock, kept the four-night, all-inclusive tropical party going.
Luke Bryan Performing at Inaugural CID Presents Crash My Playa Photo: Crash My Playa/aLIVE Coverage
Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line On Stage at CID Presents Crash My Playa Photo: Crash My Playa/aLIVE Coverage
Guests Enjoying the Sights and Sounds of CID Presents Crash My Playa Photo: Crash My Playa/aLIVE Coverage
The Swon Brothers joined Maddie & Tae and Sam Hunt for the Smokin’ New Country event at Bub City in Chicago on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Pictured (L-R): Maddie & Tae, Colton Swon, WUSN MD Marci Braun, Zach Swon, WUSN PD Jeff Kapugi, Sam Hunt
Rising country singer/songwriter Chelsea Bain recently spent time in the downtown area of her native Phoenix to see how her home town has been transformed by the NFL and Super Bowl XLIX. On Sunday Feb. 1, she will perform at the NFL Game Day Fan Plaza just outside of University of Phoenix Stadium, and she has been added to perform at Saturday’s Celebrity Flag Football Challenge at Surprise Stadium.
Chelsea checks out the football field in the Phoenix convention center, where she will be performing this evening as part of the NFL Experience Engineered By GMC.
MusicRow Panel Stations Nominated For ACM Awards
/by Troy_StephensonKTHK/Idaho Falls, Don Jarrett
WXFL/Florence, AL, M. Fletcher Brown
Congratulations to both KTHK/Idaho Falls, Idaho, and WXFL/Florence, Ala., for being nominated for the ACM Small Market Station Of The Year.
Both stations are valued members of the MusicRow Panel.
“I couldn’t be more proud of what my team has done in the last two years,” says KTHK’s Don Jarrett. “We are so grateful to have owners and management that have allowed us to fulfill our vision for The Hawk! Beyond excited to be nominated for an ACM Award…its a dream come true.”
In addition to being nominated for Small Market Station of the Year, WXFL’s M. Fletcher Brown is also up for Small Market Personality of the Year.
“My GM saw it before I did, and paged me to his office! I just knew I was fired!” explains Brown. “I am unbelievably honored to be nominated, and couldn’t be prouder of my entire staff for their dedication to what we do! Thank you, ACM!”
The radio awards will be presented during the annual Radio Winners Reception held the day prior to the ACM Awards telecast, on Saturday, April 18 in Arlington, Texas.
The ACM Awards will take place on Sunday, April 19 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and will air LIVE starting at 7 p.m./Central on CBS Television Network.