If you ask me, the country-music industry could use a lot more second chances. Take Tim McGraw. He is experiencing a welcome career-uptick now that he has been energized by a new record label. He also has this week’s Disc of the Day with the irresistible “Shotgun Rider.”
If Brian Pounds sounds a little familiar, maybe you were watching Season 5 of The Voice in 2013. He was on Team Blake, but was eliminated. His just-released CD gives him a new lease on life and earns him a DisCovery Award.
BRIAN POUNDS/Somewhere, Maybe Carolina
Writers: Brian Pounds; Producer: Brian Douglas Phillips; Publisher: none listed; BPSG (track)
-Now here’s an outstanding find. Not only does this guy sing like a bird, his lilting, melodic composition soars right into your heart and, for a change, his Texas record production sounds as fully realized as anything Nashville has to offer. Pounds’ five-song EP is titled Strikes and Gutters. Be the first on your block to own a copy.
ALABAMA/The Last Altar Call
Writers: Jeff Cook/Tony Nichols; Producer: Alabama; Publishers: Whispering Cougar, BMI; Cracker Barrel
-Alabama’s new gospel collection contains three tracks that are exclusive to Cracker Barrel. This waltz is the most ear opening, for it has a heartfelt lead vocal by Jeff instead of Randy. Refreshingly different.
WADE BOWEN/When I Woke Up Today
Writers: none listed; Producer: Justin Niebank; Publishers: none listed; AMP (track)
-The album doesn’t come out until Oct. 28, but this jangly, jaunty country-rock single is out now. It is sung with enormous verve. Just as important, it boasts an excellent lyric as well as a catchy tempo. Recommended.
Brian Pounds
-Summer might be coming to an end, but this is still a perfect roll-the-top-down and take-to-the-highway song. A single with its own built-in breeze. The electric guitar leads and fills by Michael Landau, David Lavita and producer Byron Gallimore are delightfully ear tickling.
DERIK HULTQUIST/For The Good of the Rose
Writers: Derik Hultquist; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Scrambler/Carnival; ASCAP
-Subtle, poetic, artistic and a little verbose, with just the tiniest hint of a chorus. He definitely has troubadour blood in his veins.
JASON ALDEAN/Burnin’ It Down
Writers: Rodney Clawson/Chris Tompkins/Brian Kelley/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Michael Knox; Publishers: none listed; Broken Bow (ERG)
-It has more production layers than most of his singles. Which would be okay if the song was comparably complex instead of monotonous.
NATALIE STOVALL & THE DRIVE/Mason Jar
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; HitShop (ERG)
-Youthful and rocking. They have sometimes sounded a little over the top, but this time out, the merry, sunny tone is pitched just right.
JON BYRD/In The Back of Your Mind
Writers: Mando Saenz/Will Kimbrough; Producer: Jon Byrd/Thomm Jutz; Publishers: none listed; Longleaf Pine
-I have liked the work of this plainspoken, down-home country stylist in the past. His new CD,
Route 41, contains songs by writers he has encountered in both Atlanta and in Nashville. This moody, downbeat ballad has a definite Music City pedigree.
KELLEIGH BANNEN/You Are What You Love
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; EMI (ERG)
-Sprightly and enjoyable. It won’t exactly change your life, but it might make you smile for three minutes and 16 seconds.
LOUISIANA SWAMP DONKY/Redneck Revival
Writers: none listed; Producer: Richard Young; Publishers: Bugmusic, ASCAP; LSD (track)
-Produced by Richard Young of The Kentucky HeadHunters, these four dudes attack a song like whiskey-ripped barroom brawlers. As you might expect by the title, there’s plenty of electric guitar screaming, drum pounding and growling Bocephus/Dixie vocal attitude. And, yes, that is the way they spell “donky.”
Baby News: Clawson, Williams, Henningsen
/by Sherod RobertsonClara Henningsen
The Henningsens’ Clara Henningsen and husband Jacob Calaway are expecting their first child.
The Henningsens consists of family members Brian Henningsen, his son Aaron, and daughter Clara.
The social media post proclaims, “Adding a new band member in March 2015!!”
Clara married Calaway last year at the family’s 143 year old Illinois farm house.
• • •
Holly Williams and husband Chris Coleman welcomed their first child, daughter Stella June Coleman, on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 1:45 p.m. in Nashville, reports people.com.
Williams, 33, is the granddaughter of Hank Williams, and daughter of Hank Williams, Jr.
• • •
Nicolle Galyon
Songwriters Rodney Clawson and Nicolle Galyon are expecting their second child in spring 2015.
Their daughter, Charlie Jo Clawson, was born May 29, 2013.
Weekly Register: Chesney Dukes It Out In Three-Way Chart Battle
/by Jessica NicholsonBennett and Gaga came out on top, selling 131k, followed by Chesney at No. 2 with 130k, and Streisand and her leading men at No. 3 with 127k units moved.
And there’s always a Nashville connection: The Streisand/Blake Shelton duet featured on Partners, titled “I’d Want It To Be You,” was written by Bobby Tomberlin, Steve Dorff and Jay Landers.
The top 5 selling Country albums this week were Chesney, followed by Tim McGraw‘s Sundown Heaven Town with 23k, George Strait‘s The Cowboy Rides Away: Live From AT&T Stadium with 22k, Luke Bryan‘s Crash My Party at 8.8k, and Lee Brice‘s I Don’t Dance with 8.8k.
There were several additional worthy debuts this week. Lee Ann Womack‘s The Way That I’m Livin‘ moved 3.4k units, while Big & Rich‘s Gravity moved 6.6k, and Josh Abbott Band‘s EP Tuesday Night moved 5.5k.
Overall album sales are down 14.3 percent YTD, while overall digital sales are down 11.5 percent. Country sales are down 18.8 percent YTD, while Country digital sales are down 12 percent.
Next week’s Weekly Register will include numbers for Blake Shelton‘s Bringing Back The Sunshine, Lady Antebellum‘s 747, and Chase Bryant‘s digital EP.
Tracking Tracks
The top debut track overall, coming in at No. 4 is Jason Aldean‘s “Tonight Looks Good On You,” which moved 90k. That also makes it the No. 1 Country track this week.
Aldean also take the No. 2 best-selling Country track this week, with “Burnin’ It Down” at 77k. Florida Georgia Line‘s “Dirt” moved 62k, while their “Anything Goes” debuted with 58k sold. Blake Shelton‘s “Neon Light” is the fifth best-selling Country track this week, with 39k sold.
Overall track sales are down 12.9 percent from last year, while Country track sales are down 17.8 percent from this time last year.
Special Note: MusicRow sends our condolences to Spielberg Entertainment’s Neal Spielberg on the passing of his Uncle Dave Benjamin. Spielberg shared, “I lost a very dear relative and inspiration in my life. He is the reason I do what I do when it comes to the music business.” Benjamin was the first WEA Florida sales manager in 1971, after years working for Henry Stone at Tone Distributors.
DISClaimer: An Industry In Need of More Second Chances
/by Robert K OermannIf Brian Pounds sounds a little familiar, maybe you were watching Season 5 of The Voice in 2013. He was on Team Blake, but was eliminated. His just-released CD gives him a new lease on life and earns him a DisCovery Award.
BRIAN POUNDS/Somewhere, Maybe Carolina
Writers: Brian Pounds; Producer: Brian Douglas Phillips; Publisher: none listed; BPSG (track)
-Now here’s an outstanding find. Not only does this guy sing like a bird, his lilting, melodic composition soars right into your heart and, for a change, his Texas record production sounds as fully realized as anything Nashville has to offer. Pounds’ five-song EP is titled Strikes and Gutters. Be the first on your block to own a copy.
ALABAMA/The Last Altar Call
Writers: Jeff Cook/Tony Nichols; Producer: Alabama; Publishers: Whispering Cougar, BMI; Cracker Barrel
-Alabama’s new gospel collection contains three tracks that are exclusive to Cracker Barrel. This waltz is the most ear opening, for it has a heartfelt lead vocal by Jeff instead of Randy. Refreshingly different.
WADE BOWEN/When I Woke Up Today
Writers: none listed; Producer: Justin Niebank; Publishers: none listed; AMP (track)
-The album doesn’t come out until Oct. 28, but this jangly, jaunty country-rock single is out now. It is sung with enormous verve. Just as important, it boasts an excellent lyric as well as a catchy tempo. Recommended.
Brian Pounds
TIM McGRAW/Shotgun Rider
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Marv Green/Troy Verges; Producers: Byron Gallimore/Tim McGraw; Publishers: Hillarody Rathbone/BMG/Warner-Tamerlane/The Good The Bad The Ugly/Goes Something Like This/Songs of Universal/Songs From the Engine Room, ASCAP/BMI; Big Machine (track)
-Summer might be coming to an end, but this is still a perfect roll-the-top-down and take-to-the-highway song. A single with its own built-in breeze. The electric guitar leads and fills by Michael Landau, David Lavita and producer Byron Gallimore are delightfully ear tickling.
DERIK HULTQUIST/For The Good of the Rose
Writers: Derik Hultquist; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Scrambler/Carnival; ASCAP
-Subtle, poetic, artistic and a little verbose, with just the tiniest hint of a chorus. He definitely has troubadour blood in his veins.
JASON ALDEAN/Burnin’ It Down
Writers: Rodney Clawson/Chris Tompkins/Brian Kelley/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Michael Knox; Publishers: none listed; Broken Bow (ERG)
-It has more production layers than most of his singles. Which would be okay if the song was comparably complex instead of monotonous.
NATALIE STOVALL & THE DRIVE/Mason Jar
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; HitShop (ERG)
-Youthful and rocking. They have sometimes sounded a little over the top, but this time out, the merry, sunny tone is pitched just right.
JON BYRD/In The Back of Your Mind
Writers: Mando Saenz/Will Kimbrough; Producer: Jon Byrd/Thomm Jutz; Publishers: none listed; Longleaf Pine
-I have liked the work of this plainspoken, down-home country stylist in the past. His new CD, Route 41, contains songs by writers he has encountered in both Atlanta and in Nashville. This moody, downbeat ballad has a definite Music City pedigree.
KELLEIGH BANNEN/You Are What You Love
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; EMI (ERG)
-Sprightly and enjoyable. It won’t exactly change your life, but it might make you smile for three minutes and 16 seconds.
LOUISIANA SWAMP DONKY/Redneck Revival
Writers: none listed; Producer: Richard Young; Publishers: Bugmusic, ASCAP; LSD (track)
-Produced by Richard Young of The Kentucky HeadHunters, these four dudes attack a song like whiskey-ripped barroom brawlers. As you might expect by the title, there’s plenty of electric guitar screaming, drum pounding and growling Bocephus/Dixie vocal attitude. And, yes, that is the way they spell “donky.”
Colt Ford’s “Drivin’ Around Song” Certified Gold
/by Troy_StephensonToby Keith, Colt Ford, Tony Morreale. Photo: Andrew Wendowski
Average Joes Entertainment’s Colt Ford was surprised on stage at a show in New Jersey this past weekend with an official plaque commemorating the gold certification from the RIAA for the #1 single, “Drivin’ Around Song,” featuring Jason Aldean.
Ford is currently on Toby Keith’s “Shut Up and Hold On” tour and he was surprised on stage by Keith himself and the VP Marketing and Promotions at Average Joes Entertainment, Tony Morreale.
Thanks For Listening, Ford’s fifth studio album was released on July 1 and debuted at #1 on Billboard‘s Independent Albums chart, #2 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart.
Ford has also penned two other No. 1 songs, Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem,” and Brantley Gilbert’s, “Country Must Be Country Wide.” He has sold over 1 million albums, millions more song downloads, has 1.5 million Facebook fans and over 100 million YouTube views.
Industry Ink: Cavalier Music Group Launches, James Earns Multi-Week No. 1, Arista Nashville's Tyson Weds
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R) back row: Noah McPike (BMI), Clay Bradley (BMI), Doug Nichols, Leslie Roberts (BMI), Jim Landers, Chris Alderman, Penny Everhard (BMI), Mark Mason (BMI). Front: Kristen Kelly
Jim Landers has announced the launch of his new publishing company, Cavalier Music Group with flagship artist Kristen Kelly. Landers graduated from Belmont University in 2002 and was Sarah Buxton’s drummer for a few years following college. Landers most recently co-owned Gallo/Landers Music with Greg Gallo where he celebrated a No. 1 for Parmalee‘s smash hit “Carolina.”
Kelly is currently featured as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country and most well-known for her 2012 Top 30 Billboard Country single “Ex-Old Man.” Kelly is also working with Rough Hollow Entertainment’s Doug Nichols and Chris Alderman for management.
• • •
Arista Nashville Promotion VP Lesly Tyson wed Robert Simon on Saturday (Sept. 27). The couple celebrated with family and friends during an intimate ceremony held at Nashville’s Watermark, which was the location of the couple’s first date.
• • •
Brett James
Songwriter Brett James is known for his string of chart-topping Country hits, but he recently celebrated a multi-week No. 1 song on the Christian chart with Danny Gokey‘s “Hope In Front of Me,” which was penned by James, Gokey, and Bernie Herms.
Jim Ed Brown: "I'm Going to Beat This Little Thing Called Cancer"
/by Jessica NicholsonJim Ed Brown
Grand Ole Opry member Jim Ed Brown took to social media today (Sept. 3o) to announce that he has lung cancer. Brown was diagnosed with cancer two weeks ago. “At the time, I was in shock and didn’t know what that really meant,” he said. Doctors have recommended that he take the next four months off from touring to focus on chemotherapy and radiation treatments. “I will keep you all updated on the progress,” he said. “I am forever grateful for the love, support, and prayers during this time.”
Brown shares, “I’m going to beat this little thing called cancer and I’m going to be alright.” Within hours of posting the news on FaceBook, the post has already garnered over 100,000 views and well-wishers were quick to send their prayers and thoughts to the popular Opry member.
Brown first rose to fame in the 1950s with his sisters Maxine and Bonnie as the RCA Nashville trio The Browns. They notched the hits “I Heard The Bluebirds Sing” and “I Take The Chance.”
In 1967 he garnered what would become a signature solo song for Jim Ed, “Pop A Top.” He also had the crossover pop hit “Morning.” Other solo hits included “Southern Loving” and “It’s That Time of Night,” among others.
The Browns were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1963. In 1975, Jim Ed began co-hosting the weekly television series Nashville on the Road. He also partnered with Helen Cornelius for several hit songs as a duo. Their hit “I Don’t Want To Have To Marry You” topped the charts in 1976, and they were named the CMA Vocal Duo of the Year in 1977.
Jim Ed continued his work in television, hosting You Can Be A Star in 1983, and co-hosting the travel program Going Our Way on TNN with his wife Becky.
MusicRowPics: James Robert Webb
/by Jessica NicholsonJames Robert Webb visit
James Robert Webb visited the MusicRow office recently to perform songs from his upcoming album. The Tulsa resident previewed three songs, including “I Know You,” and “Daddy Made A Million.” His closer, “Party In The Barn,” was a solo write, inspired by a friend’s celebration. “A friend had a party in the barn for his birthday and I thought it would make a good song,” said Webb, who is finishing the tracking for his album.
Webb has been touring the country, playing his music for MusicRow panel radio stations. “The nice thing is that everyone is down to earth, and here on the MusicRow panel they set their own playlist, instead of a central programmer,” he said.
The singer-songwriter has plans to to release another single from his 2013 Christmas album, Born This Day, over the holidays. In 2015, Webb will go on a radio tour in Europe in January, and will visit Europe for a spring tour.
[slide]
Artist Pics: John King, Cole Swindell, The Swon Brothers, Mickey Guyton
/by Kelsey_GradyPictured (L-R): Black River’s Doug Johnson, John King, Black River’s Greg McCarn and Black River’s Gordon Kerr.
Photo: Chris Hollo, Provided by the Grand Ole Opry
John King made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday and was welcomed onto the stage by Opry member Steve Wariner.
Pictured (L to R): Kevin Herring (SVP, Promotion), Scott Hendricks (EVP, A&R), Justin Luffman (VP, Brand Management), Peter Strickland (EVP & GM, WMN), Kristen Williams (VP, National Promotion), Kerri Edwards (KPentertainment), Cole Swindell, John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN), Chad Schultz (National Dir., Radio Marketing & Promotion), Katie Bright (Dir., National Promotion), Michael Carter
Cole Swindell celebrates his second consecutive No. 1 single off his self-titled debut album with “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” which topped the Billboard Country and Mediabase Charts this week. Nominated for CMA New Artist of the Year, the country singer-songwriter is set to make his Grand Ole Opry debut next Tuesday, October 7th on the legendary stage.
“It’s hard to believe I am thanking country radio for my second No. 1 single!” Cole exclaimed upon hearing the news. “I grew up listening to country radio and it still blows my mind that songs I am a part of have a spot on their playlists.”
• • •
Pictured (L-R): Colton Swon and Zach Swon
Pictured (L-R): Mickey Guyton, Charlie Morgan (CRB/CRS President/WLHK), Tim Roberts (WYCD), Guyton, Royce Risser (UMG Nashville), Bill Mayne (CRB/CRS Executive Director), Steve Hodges (Capitol Nashville) and Mike Dungan (UMG Nashville). Photo: Kristen England
Radio Promotion Veteran Bruce Shindler To Retire; Jack Christopher Joins Mercury Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonBruce Shindler
Promotion executive Bruce Shindler will retire from the music business at the end of 2014. He began his career in 1972 at Associated Distributors in Phoenix, and later worked at Buddah Records in New York City, as well as Elektra/Asylum, Infinity Records, MTM Records, RCA Records, seven years at his independent company Shindler-Turner Promotions, DreamWorks Records, and the past 10 years at UMG Nashville.
“I made a decision a while ago that there are other interests in my life that I would love to pursue after 41 great years in record promotion,” says Shindler. “The time has arrived to spend more time with my family and to pursue a license in alcohol and drug counseling. Leaving the folks and terrific artists at UMG as well as my friends at radio and industry is not an easy decision as many have been an important part of my life in a business that I’ve loved. I want to thank Mike Dungan, Luke Lewis, Royce Risser, Damon Moberly and my family at UMG for the last 17 years. I will always value our relationship with all my heart.”
Damon Moberly (VP, Mercury Promotion) adds, “Bruce Shindler is a true Promotion Legend. With over 40 years in the music business, Bruce’s tenured career speaks volumes about his passion for the songs and his belief in the artists who make the music. Everyone at Universal Music Group, specifically the Mercury Records team, feels fortunate to have worked alongside such a talented and dedicated professional. Bruce is leaving UMG Nashville and the business at the top of his game, and he (and his wicked sense of humor) will be greatly missed.”
With Shindler’s departure, the Mercury Nashville promotion team has announced that Jack Christopher will be the new Director of Southeast Promotion for Mercury Records. Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 30, Jack Christopher will report alongside Shindler for the rest of the year until the music veteran makes his exit at the end of 2014.
Christopher has 30 years of experience in the country music industry including 10 years in broadcasting at WDSY/Pittsburgh. Christopher has had stints at Bigger Picture Group (Regional Promotion), Equity Music Group (National Director), 13 years as Northeast Regional at Sony Music/Columbia Nashville and most recently VP Promotion for RPM Entertainment.
Universal Music Group Nashville is home to artists including Gary Allan, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Easton Corbin, Billy Currington, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Kip Moore, Kacey Musgraves, Jennifer Nettles, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Shania Twain and Keith Urban.
Neal McCoy To Release Tribute Album to Charley Pride
/by Jessica NicholsonMcCoy sings “Roll On Mississippi” with Trace Adkins, “I’m Just Me” with Raul Malo, and Pride’s signature song (which earned songwriter Ben Peters a GRAMMY Award in 1972 for Best Country song), “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” with Darius Rucker. The project was produced by Garth Fundis, who as a young studio engineer, was present for many of Pride’s original studio sessions with producer Jack Clement.
Track Listing: