Pictured (L-R): Kelsey Grady, Troy Stephenson, Eric Parker, Casey James, Sarah Skates, Jessica Nicholson, MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson, and James’ manager Bryan Frasher.
Season Nine
American Idol finalist
Casey James gained significant chart traction with his debut single, “Crying On A Suitcase,” which climbed into the Top 15 in 2012. He was later chosen by pop queen Taylor Swift as one of her openers for her 2013
Red Tour.
The multi-talented Columbia Nashville artist returns to Country radio with the angst-ridden ballad “Fall Apart,” penned by
Will Bowen, along with
Josh Carter and
Zach Carter (a sibling duo better known as Kingston). The song is the first single from James’ forthcoming sophomore project.
“’Fall Apart’ is the first song I cut, and it set the bar really high for the rest of the album,” James said during a recent visit with the
MusicRow staff to preview select album tracks. A talented guitarist, James’ own smooth axe riffs resonate during the instrumental ending to “Fall Apart.”
James has worked on the upcoming album for more than two years, fine tuning the project’s layered sound along with several co-producers, including producer/engineer
Julian King (Tyler Farr, Emerson Drive). “We had to pick the right co-producer for the right song. Each producer brings a different feel, a different sound.
“These are more vocal songs than the last record,” says James, who also previewed the King-produced “Light Years.” “I picked who I wanted to produce it, and each musician I wanted to play on it.”
He rounded out the visit with a live acoustic version of the inspirational song “Fuel.” “It’s about having confidence and faith in yourself,” said James, “about taking negativity and challenges and turning them into fuel.”
The forthcoming album is tentatively slated for a 2015 release.
Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre For Sale
/by Jessica NicholsonOwners John and Janie Chaffin are asking 2.5 million for the 18,486 square foot property, which sits on 2.8 acres at 8204 Highway 100 in Davidson County.
Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre was established in 1967, and is the second-oldest professional dinner theatre in the nation. The venue began with its main ‘in-the-round’ stage, and in 1986, it added The Backstage Theatre, a smaller, more intimate room.
The venue offers comedies, musicals and mysteries year-round. Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre has served an estimated 2 million customers during its 40 years in operation.
Its owners are also actively involved in supporting local community, donating thousands each year to schools, churches, and other local charities.
[Updated] Taylor Swift's '1989' Set For Huge Debut Week
/by Sarah Skates[Updated, 3:00 p.m.]
Taylor Swift’s album 1989 has leaked online. This afternoon the album was available for streaming on sites including Eonline.com, but has since been taken down. Vulture.com has more on the story.
[Previous story, 10:30 a.m.]
Taylor Swift’s 1989 will be released Monday (Oct. 27) and industry sources are forecasting a debut week sales tally of between 800K and 900K copies, according to Billboard. This would make it the biggest-selling album released in 2014, upping Coldplay’s Ghost Stories which came out this year and has sold 737K (Nielsen Soundscan).
Swift’s previous albums, Red (2012) and Speak Now (2010), crossed the million sales mark during their first weeks of release. Since then, overall album sales have continued to decline, so it remains to be seen if 1989 will break the one million threshold.
The current Swift media blitz has included some interesting articles. In Esquire, she discussed songwriting and why Nashville is boot-camp for superstars:
The New York Times delved into her decision to leave behind Country music and wage a war on pop:
Chesney To Launch 2015 Arena, Amphitheater and Stadium Tour
/by Eric T. ParkerKenny Chesney. Photo: Jill Trunnell
Kenny Chesney is ready to return to the road with a 2015 tour after taking a break for the touring season of 2014.
He will bring his new music to fans with The Big Revival Tour, kicking off on his birthday, March 26, in Nashville, with presenting sponsor Corona Light. The venue has not been revealed. A full list of dates is forthcoming, as the only other date released is his appearance at the Ohio Country Superfest, June 21.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate,” Chesney confirmed with ABC’s Good Morning America. “I’ve been ready to get out there for a long time. Now that we’re announced I’m fired up!”
Opening acts will vary from market to market as the tour varies from arenas, amphitheaters and stadiums.
“We’re already working on next year’s video,” Chesney continued about his new projects. “I’ve seen the stage – and the lights. As the set list comes together, and we start locking down rehearsals, this is gonna be a wild night. I hope the fans are ready.”
Weekly Chart Report (10/24/14)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report
Track Guys—Kos Weaver Says Time Is On Their Side
/by Sarah SkatesKos Weaver
“Technology has allowed songwriters to turn the demo around faster and not get as bogged down in the recording process,” says BMG Chrysalis Nashville Exec. VP Kos Weaver, who has seen recording technology evolve substantially during his nearly 30-year career in music publishing.
Songwriters have long been interested in recording, he says, because it is another form of creative expression.
The downside is that recording a demo the traditional way—going in a studio, tracking, mixing, hiring musicians and vocalists—can be time consuming. “In the past if they had to redo the mix or something else, it put those writers behind because they were working on the demo, while other writers were writing more songs. And that would translate into more activity for a writer that stuck to writing songs.
“I had seen it be somewhat of a distraction for some writers. They would have some hits and then they’d build a studio. One writer told me that they didn’t think that was a particularly good idea because the studio guys were more worried about what the snare drum sounded like, while he kept showing up with a pencil behind his ear ready to write another song.”
Changes in technology have greatly altered the demo process, particularly during the last decade. Today’s track-guy writers have an advantage because they have the creativity, musical and computer skills to build the track, and simultaneously spend less time crafting the demo. Weaver says, “Now certain writers may start their co-write at 10:30, finish at 2:45, and have a demo ready by 5:10. Many of them are creating the track as they are writing, and they have a demo available for pitching immediately.”
Read more of MusicRow’s interview with Kos Weaver in the current Publisher Issue.
Artist News: Trisha Yearwood, Troy Gentry, Danielle Bradbery, Bill Anderson
/by Sarah SkatesTrisha Yearwood performed the national anthem during the opening game of the World Series this week.
Trisha Yearwood, Photo: Ron Vesely/MLB Photos
• • • •
Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley and Steven Tyler have been added to the line up for CMA Country Christmas, which tapes in front of a live audience Friday, Nov. 7 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Artists previously announced include Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Sara Evans, Lucy Hale, Hunter Hayes, Little Big Town, Idina Menzel, Nettles, LeAnn Rimes, Michael W. Smith, and Carrie Underwood. The show hosted by Jennifer Nettles airs Dec. 1 on ABC. Audience members are being encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for charity.
Angie and Troy Gentry
Well-wishes go out to Angie Gentry, wife of Troy Gentry, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Her prognosis is good and Montgomery Gentry has launched the “Check Your Headlights” campaign for breast cancer awareness.
• • • •
Danielle Bradbery, Photo: Karl Roser
Danielle Bradbery is also supporting breast cancer awareness, with an appearance on Tuesday’s (Oct. 28) Opry Goes Pink. Bradbery performed the national anthem on Monday (Oct. 20) during NFL’s Monday Night Football, where the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Houston Texans.
• • • •
Bill Anderson
Bill Anderson has released a new music video, “Old Army Hat.” He also recently accepted his third award from the Reunion of Professional Entertainers (R.O.P.E.). Anderson added the Business Person Award to his other lifetime achievement honors from the organization: the Songwriter Award and Entertainer Award.
Gwen Sebastian Signs Booking Agreement with Artist Events
/by Jessica NicholsonGwen Sebastian has joined Artist Events for booking. Between touring with Blake Shelton and her own concert appearances, Sebastian recently released the video for “Small Town Soul.” The track has been featured on Sirius XM The Highway’s “On The Horizon.” Sebastian’s current label home is Flying Island Entertainment.
Gary Kirves, Artist Events CEO, previously worked at booking agency Buddy Lee Attractions.
Pictured (L-R): Flying Island’s Louis Newman, Gwen Sebastian, Artist Events’ Gary Kirves and Flying Island’s Nancy Eckert
MusicRowPics: Casey James
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Kelsey Grady, Troy Stephenson, Eric Parker, Casey James, Sarah Skates, Jessica Nicholson, MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson, and James’ manager Bryan Frasher.
Season Nine American Idol finalist Casey James gained significant chart traction with his debut single, “Crying On A Suitcase,” which climbed into the Top 15 in 2012. He was later chosen by pop queen Taylor Swift as one of her openers for her 2013 Red Tour.
The multi-talented Columbia Nashville artist returns to Country radio with the angst-ridden ballad “Fall Apart,” penned by Will Bowen, along with Josh Carter and Zach Carter (a sibling duo better known as Kingston). The song is the first single from James’ forthcoming sophomore project.
“’Fall Apart’ is the first song I cut, and it set the bar really high for the rest of the album,” James said during a recent visit with the MusicRow staff to preview select album tracks. A talented guitarist, James’ own smooth axe riffs resonate during the instrumental ending to “Fall Apart.”
James has worked on the upcoming album for more than two years, fine tuning the project’s layered sound along with several co-producers, including producer/engineer Julian King (Tyler Farr, Emerson Drive). “We had to pick the right co-producer for the right song. Each producer brings a different feel, a different sound.
“These are more vocal songs than the last record,” says James, who also previewed the King-produced “Light Years.” “I picked who I wanted to produce it, and each musician I wanted to play on it.”
He rounded out the visit with a live acoustic version of the inspirational song “Fuel.” “It’s about having confidence and faith in yourself,” said James, “about taking negativity and challenges and turning them into fuel.”
The forthcoming album is tentatively slated for a 2015 release.
Songwriters On The Road: Writing Retreat, Virgin Islands
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R, bottom): Ben Cooper, Gavin Slate, Melissa Fuller, Hannah Blaylock; (top): Jillian Jacqueline, Kat Higgins, Kellys Collins and Andy Albert.
Big Deal Music, Downtown Music Publishing, Patrick Joseph Music, Parallel Entertainment, Starstruck Writers Group, and The Writer’s Den recently held a songwriter retreat at Bell Bottom Farms in Cedar Hill, Tenn.
Writers in attendance included Jenn Schott, Ben Cooper, Gavin Slate, Melissa Fuller, Hannah Blaylock, top row left to right, Jillian Jacqueline, Kat Higgins, Kellys Collins and Andy Albert.
• • •
Event promoter Carolyn Miller of Nashville-based 343 Agency has assembled a lineup of hit-makers which includes Kendell Marvel, Dave Berg, Marc Beeson, and Marcus Hummon.
Tickets are available from $20-$40 at the venue box office, by calling 340-693-1559. For additional information, visit HitMakersandRumChasers.com.
ole Inks Deals With Rory Feek, Joey Martin
/by Kelsey_GradyFeek’s catalog currently includes more than 200 works, including the #1 Billboard Hot Country Songs hits “Some Beach,” which was recorded by Blake Shelton, and “A Little More Country Than That” by Easton Corbin. He has also written songs for Kenny Chesney, Randy Travis, Mark Wills, Terri Clark, Clay Walker, Trisha Yearwood and many others.
“Rory’s back catalog first came to ole in 2010 as part of our Blacktop Music Group acquisition; now, we’re happy to welcome him to our roster of active writers,” said Gilles Godard, ole Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Development. “While he’s already had quite a bit of success, his career is just getting started, and we’re looking forward to taking this journey with him as we expand his reach in the digital world and explore new opportunities for his ever-expanding catalog.”
“I’ve known and admired Gilles and Robert [Ott] at ole for a while and couldn’t ask for a better group of folks to represent my music,” said Rory Feek. “It’s a blessing to have my catalog in such good hands as my wife Joey and I move forward in our careers as artists, songwriters, and TV personalities. We’re excited to see what the future holds in store.”