CRS Registration Rate To Increase On January 13

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CRS-2015-LogoThe deadline to purchase the $499 regular rate for the 2015 Country Radio Seminar (CRS) is Monday January 12. The registration fee will increase to $599 starting Tuesday, Jan. 13.

CRS 2015 will be held Feb. 25-27, 2015 and includes more than 20 educational panels and presentations by industry-leading speakers, including entrepreneur Todd Wagner, leadership and team development coach, Lori Addicks, and Shazam CEO, Rich Riley. In addition, several of the format’s biggest acts will appear as featured speakers, including Keith Urban and the 2015 Artist Humanitarian Award recipient, Lady Antebellum.

As previously announced, Friday’s New Faces of Country Music Show will feature performances by Frankie Ballard (Warner Bros./WAR), Sam Hunt (MCA), Maddie & Tae (Dot), Eric Paslay (EMI) and Cole Swindell (Warner Bros./WAR).

For more information and too register, visit countryradioseminar.com.

DISClaimer: Female Voices Make A Strong Showing in 2015

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Happy New Year.

lee-ann-womack-the-way-i'm-livingfeaturedThis past one was terrible for women in country music, so I am pleased to report that in the first stack of platters of 2015, female voices rule. Today, reigning queen Miranda Lambert is joined by equally powerful sounds from Maddie & Tae, Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town and the sublime Lee Ann Womack, who has this week’s Disc of the Day.

Don’t count the guys out. Frankie Ballard and Collin Raye sound especially good. And the male group A Thousand Horses wins the first DisCovery Award of 2015.

PARKER McCOLLUM/Meet You In The Middle
Writer: Parker McCollum; Producer: Corby Schaub; Publisher: none listed; PYM
-Breezy sounding, but with an underlying sadness. The Texan sings with plaintive yearning while guitars ring along to the refrain.

LITTLE BIG TOWN/Girl Crush
Writers: Liz Rose/Lori McKenna/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Songs of Crazy Girl/Songs of Universal/Hoodie/HillarodyRathbone/BMG, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol Nashville
It’s not as gay as the title implies. The reason she has the “girl crush” is because she wants to be like the woman he loves instead of herself. Whatever the case, the lovely, wistful ballad is absolutely dreamy sounding.

RAY PRICE/I Wish I Was 18 Again
Writers: Sonny Throckmorton; Producer: Fred Foster; Publisher: Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Amerimonte
This heart-tugging waltz was originally a hit for George Burns in 1980. The fact that Ray Price was dying when he recorded this version makes it ache all the more. It remains an awesome piece of songwriting that everyone should hear.

COLLIN RAYE/Same Old Lang Syne
Writers: D. Fogelberg; Producers: Kelly Schoenfeld/Johnny Swinell; Publishers: Hickory Grove/EMI April, no performance rights listed; Goldenlane (track)
Collin’s new Everlasting CD is a set of reinterpretations of pop classics, including “Against All Odds,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word,” “She’s Got a Way,” “We’re All Alone” and “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.” Appropriately, he greets the New Year with this Dan Fogelberg chestnut that toasts an old flame and a new beginning.

MADDIE & TAE/Fly
Writers: Maddie Marlow/Taylor Dye/Tiffany Vartanyan; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Super Big/Not Your Average Girl/Silva Tone, ASCAP; Dot (track)
-Country’s most refreshing new female voices are back with a song of hope, optimism and strength in the face of adversity. The melody is delicious, the harmonies are sparkling, the track is terrific and the mood is uplifting. I’m in. Totally.

A Thousand Horses1A THOUSAND HORSES/Smoke
Writers: Michael Hobby/Jon Nite/Ross Copperman; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Carolina June/Greatshakin/EMI April/EMI Blackwood/Jon Mark Nite/Songs By Red Room/Sony-ATV, BMI; Republic Nashville
The woman is like smoke, “blowing rings around my heart.” He can’t put her down once he starts. She goes great with booze. She’s not good for his health. Her perfume lingers on his clothes. She’s a habit, and this haunting, swirling single makes her sound like a must-have. Very promising.

MIRANDA LAMBERT/Little Red Wagon
Writers: Audra Mae/Joe Ginsberg; Producers: Frank Liddell, Chuck Ainlay, Glen Worf; Publishers: WB/AMAEB/Double Flannel, ASCAP; RCA
-Miranda’s back in her feisty-female mode on this rumbling bopper. She’s a free spirit who has no use for the guy who’s pursuing her. The highly personalized last verse is a particular hoot.

T. GRAHAM BROWN/Forever Changed
Writers: H. Lindsey/D. Penn/C. Whitesett; Producers: Mark Carman/T. Graham Brown/Publishers: none listed; Mansion
-The title tune of this blue-eyed soulman’s latest collection is a sweet, tender ballad that he sings with depth and maturity. In addition to solo showcases like this, the gospel-themed album also includes collaborations with Leon Russell, Vince Gill, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jason Crabb, Jimmy Fortune, Sonya Isaacs and more. Recommended with an “amen.”

FRANKIE BALLARD/Young & Crazy
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Shane McAnally/Rhett Akins; Producers: Marshall Altman/Scott Hendricks; Publishers:External Combustion/Out of the Taperoom/Songs of Southside Independent/Universal/Smack Ink/EMI Blackwood/Rhettneck, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.
-“How am I ever gonna get to be old and wise/If I ain’t ever young and crazy?” You said it, brother. Hit bound. Rock on.

Lee ANN WOMACK/The Way I’m Livin’
Writers: Adam Wright; Producers: Frank Liddell, Chuck Ainlay, and Glenn Worf; Publishers: Alrighty Den/Wrightone, BMI; Sugar Hill (track)
-This peerless country stylist is nominated for a Grammy Award this year. The title tune of the album in question is also her current single. There’s a devil on her shoulder who tells her that being bad feels good. So now she doesn’t know wrong from right, and the instruments that churn up that sound all around her make the chaos all the more inescapable. Contemporary country at its finest.

Nashvillians On ‘Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List

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florida georga line 2014

Florida Georgia Line

Three artists with strong Nashville ties earned spots on Forbes’ new 30 Under 30 in music list: Kacey Musgraves, 26; Meghan Trainor, 21; and Florida Georgia Line (Tyler Hubbard, 27; Brian Kelley, 29).

The duo is the subject of an article in the magazine discussing their multiplatinum success, a typical day on the road, pre-show rituals, advice from songwriter Don Schlitz, and their upcoming world tour.

Among others on the list are Ed Sheeran, Big Sean, Sam Smith and Shellback. Forbes isn’t allowing repeat appearances on the 30 Under 30 lists—music is just one of the categories—which explains the absence of Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift on this year’s tally.

The list was compiled by judges Taylor Hanson, of the band Hanson; Jody Gerson, chief of Universal Music Publishing; and Troy Carter, founder of Atom Factory and manager of acts including John Legend and John Mayer.

For full coverage of the 30 Under 30 in music, click here.

Meghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor

Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves

Blake Shelton To Host, Perform on ‘Saturday Night Live’

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Blake Shelton

Blake Shelton

Blake Shelton already knows how to charm a television audience through his work as a coach on NBC’s The Voice and his previous stints as a co-host on the Academy of Country Music Awards, so he’s certainly got the live television experience to tackle his next television challenge.

Shelton has been confirmed as a host for the Jan. 24 episode of Saturday Night Live. This marks Shelton’s first time hosting SNL, and he will be the first musical host of the show’s 40th season. He will double as musical guest, promoting his new Warner Music Nashville project, Bringing Back the Sunshine.

Artist Updates: Reba, Toby Keith, Chris Young

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Reba McEntire, who recently signed to the NASH Icon label, has released her latest single, “Going Out Like That,” which was written by Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins, and Jason Sellers. The lead track will be featured on Reba’s first NASH Icon Records release, which is slated for April 2015. The new project will feature the multi-talented entertainer collaborating for the first time with producer James Stroud (Tim McGraw, Clint Black).

Reba chats n-studio with Blair Garner of America's Morning Show at the NASH Campus in Nashville.

Reba chats in-studio with Blair Garner of America’s Morning Show at the NASH Campus in Nashville.

• • •

Lady Antebellum Reveals ‘Wheels Up 2015 Tour’

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YouTube video

Lady Antebellum surprised fans with a big touring announcement during their appearance on CBS’ The Talk today (Jan. 6). The trio announced its headlining Wheels up 2015 Tour presented by Quicken Loans.

The tour will launch Feb. 28 with a European trek that will include stops in Norway, Sweden, Ireland, Scotland, the UK, and Australia. The North American leg of the tour will begin May 1 in Lubbock, Texas.

Pictured (L-R): Sam Hunt, Hunter Hayes, and Lady Antebellum.

Pictured (L-R): Sam Hunt, Hunter Hayes, and Lady Antebellum.

During the fall, Hunter Hayes and Sam Hunt will be added to the lineup.

“The magic of being with fans from all over the country is really why we’re ultimately all here,” said Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley. “Being able to play off each other on that stage is honestly where we have the most fun, and I have a feeling the crowd will already be on their feet when we get out there after starting the night with Hunter and Sam!”

Fans can also purchase tickets in select markets as part of tour promoter Live Nation’s Country Megaticket beginning the week of Jan. 26 at megaticket.com.

First Announced Cities on the WHEELS UP 2015 TOUR:

Oslo, NOR*
Stockholm, SWE*
Glasgow, SCT*
Dublin, IRL*
London, UK*
Ipswich, QLD*
Sydney, NSW*
Melbourne, VIC*
Lubbock, TX**
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX*
St. Louis, MO
Indianapolis, IN
Cincinnati, OH
Holmdel, NJ
Mansfield, MA
Saratoga Springs, NY
New York, NY
Bristow, VA
Toronto, ON
Detroit, MI**
Cleveland, OH
Sacramento, CA
Mountain View, CA
San Diego, CA
Los Angeles, CA**
Phoenix, AZ
Albuquerque, NM
Bentonville, AR**
Southaven, MS**
Atlanta, GA
Eau Claire, WI**
Omaha, NE**
Camrose, AB**
Charlotte, NC
Raleigh, NC
Virginia Beach, VA
Hershey, PA**
Hartford, CT
Tulsa, OK**
Kansas City, KS**
Chicago, IL
Birmingham, AL
Tampa, FL*
West Palm Beach, FL
Pittsburgh, PA
Philadelphia, PA
*Openers may vary
**Not part of Live Nation’s Megaticket offering

Chase Bryant Renews Publishing Deal

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Pictured: Alex Orbison (President, Still Working Music) and Chase Bryant.

Pictured: Alex Orbison (President, Still Working Music) and Chase Bryant.

BMG Chrysalis and Still Working Music have renewed their publishing agreement with Red Bow artist Chase Bryant.

Bryant was the late Barbara Orbison‘s final signing to Still Working Music.

“Three years ago, my mom Barbara famously refused to allow a teenage Texan who had just moved to Nashville to leave her office without him signing with Still Working,” says Alex Orbison, President of Still Working Music. “I can tell you that it was a beyond special and sweet moment to sit down last week with Chase Bryant and put pen to extending that deal both re-affirming my late mother’s vision and recognizing the immense talent she saw and that I have had the honor to witness and nourish. Still Working is a special place and our Chase Bryant is one HUGE reason for that—rock on my friend!”

“I am incredibly impressed by Chase’s talent, not just as an artist and musician but as a songwriter. Chase is a true triple threat, we are fortunate to be on his team and excited to continue our work with our friends at Still Working” says Kos Weaver, EVP of BMG Chrysalis Nashville.

Tommy Lee James, Terry McBride, Matt Nolen, Ryan Lafferty, Derrick Southerland, and Skip Black are also signed to the Still Working Music roster. Still Working Music is a partner with BMG Chrysalis on all current writers.

Nashville Entrepreneur Center Names Eight Finalists For ‘Project Music’

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nashville entrepreneur centerNashville’s Entrepreneur Center has revealed the eight companies accepted as finalists into Project Music, a 14-week music tech business accelerator.

The program launches Jan. 18 in partnership with the Country Music Association. Each of the eight companies involved in the program will receive $30,000 in funding. Google is also a sponsor for the program.

The eight companies accepted into Project Music are as follows:

DART– an online distribution platform for classical music creators
EarIQ– an app that promises to improve sound quality of any headphone device in under two minutes
HiVolume Media– a web/mobile app intended to provide an interactive environment for users who enjoy the karaoke/bar/club experiences
Jammber– an open collaboration platform and digital record label that aims to “digitize A&R” with built-in talent development
On The List– a company that provides exclusive perks for fans to enhance their event experience
Ripple Music– a cloud-based social network that provides users a monetization model for music and sound contributions through collaboration
RMXHTZ– a digital platform/interface and service that allows users to remix recordings to create derivative works for exploitation
What’s Hubbin’– an online platform that highlights the essentials in a city’s music scene

Webster Public Relations Adds Two Publicists

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Webster PR LogoWebster Public Relations has hired former Essential Broadcast Media publicist Amanda French Clark and music publicist Melissa Mathews.

“After a brief hiatus from the field, I’m tremendously excited to be coming on board at Webster PR and getting back to doing what I love,” said Clark. “Webster PR’s resources and experience in the industry are unparalleled, and I look forward to working with Kirt and his staff to push our clients to the next level.”

Clark, a Belmont University graduate, will reside in Kentucky and work from a satellite office handling clients including Kenny Rogers, The Kentucky Headhunters, The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, Larry’s Country Diner & Country’s Family Reunion, Reviver Records (LOCASH & Samantha Landrum), among others. Clark has previously worked with Eric Church, Randy Houser, Brantley Gilbert, Kellie Pickler, Josh Turner, Jerrod Niemann, James Otto, Sarah Darling and others.

Mathews began her public relations career at Evelyn Shriver Public Relations and later launched StarKeeper PR. She will represent Hank Williams, Jr., Janie Fricke, Ronnie McDowell, Leroy Van Dyke, Moe Bandy, and Jim Ed Brown. “You see for me it’s not about multi-platinum sales, walking the red carpet or attending award shows,” says Mathews of her love for music. “I love this business for the times I’ve gotten to share a bowl of popcorn with Chet Atkins while he played “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” on his guitar, Tammy Wynette calling me her little Alabama girl and the time Willie Nelson sliced a peach with his pocket knife and shared it with me on his tour bus.”

Amanda French Clark can be reached at amanda@websterpr.com, or at 502-419-8934. Melissa Mathews can be reached at melissa@websterpr.com or at 615-777-6995, x230.

More Developments Coming To Midtown, Hillsboro Village

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Screen Shot of noshville and manuel buildings google maps

The Noshville building, with the brick building in the background which housed Manuel’s former shop. Screen shot of Google maps. Image capture: April 2014, copyright 2015 Google.

A new development consisting of a hotel, and residential and retail space is in the works in Midtown Nashville, near Music Row, according to The Tennessean.

The more than 100-year-old building which was the longtime shop of clothier Manuel is being demolished to make way for the development. Nearby on Broadway, the building which houses Noshville delicatessen will likely be torn down so the project can plow ahead. In 2013, Manuel’s shop relocated to downtown Nashville. Noshville is seeking a short-term lease in a nearby location with plans to move into the new development once it is complete.

Land Development.com, led by real estate investor Ardavan Afrakhteh, is behind the 24,500 square foot redevelopment project, reports The Tennessean.

Other projects coming to Midtown include the Hill Center Broadway, and 1812 Broadway.

Approximately one mile away, in Hillsboro Village, more commercial developments are coming. The Nashville Post reports a late 2015 groundbreaking for Village 21, pending the necessary government approvals.

Brentwood-based GBT Realty Corp. is working on the development at the northeast corner of 21st Avenue and Wedgewood Avenue, which is currently home to Regions Bank. According to The Post, the new four-story building will feature 103 apartments, about 17,740 square feet of retail space, and a parking garage. Like Noshville, Regions will eventually move into the new construction.

Last week Hillsboro Village institution The Sunset Grill ended its 24 year run, unable to profit in a changing neighborhood. It followed the noteworthy closing of Village staple eatery Boscos.

These are the latest developments happening near Music Row. In 2014, Virgin Hotels announced its first Nashville location on the Music Row roundabout, and construction began on buildings on Demonbreun across from The Tin Roof, and 21st Ave. near Acklen Ave. Historic RCA Studio A on 17th Ave. S. was going to be leveled for another development, but was ultimately saved by a group of preservationists. Even The New York Times recently examined Nashville’s gentrification.