30 Music Square West. Photo: Stephanie Saujon
and historic
Printer’s Alley are among this year’s “Nashville Nine,” a list of nine structures or areas considered to be the most endangered properties in Davidson Country. The list was announced Tuesday morning (Sept. 23) at RCA Studio A.
Speakers at the announcement included Nashville resident
Mike Wolfe (of
American Pickers), Historic Nashville president
Melissa Wyllie, Nashville Nine Committee Chair
Brian Tibbs, and Ben Folds co-manager
Sharon Corbitt-House. Nominations were presented by members of the community, with committee members acting to narrow nominations down to the nine properties considered most endangered in the Nashville area.
“Historic Nashville believes historic preservation is an essential part of our community,” said Wyllie. “This year, the community has said loud and clear that, as a city, we need to find a way to grow that also preserves the historic places that make Nashville unique.”
Representatives were on hand from Save Studio A, which announced
www.savestudioa.com is up and running, ready to welcome persons passionate about saving the studio and finding an alternative to Bravo Development’s
plan to turn the building housing the studio into condominiums.
“They are coming in here and tearing buildings down and building whatever their vision is [for RCA Studio A and the Nashville area], not what the community’s vision is,” said Wolfe. “We have to give a voice to what we want our vision to be.”
Bravo Development’s
Tim Reynolds states that the event does not alter development plans. “We have already investigated every way to preserve the property but could not find a feasible solution. We have offered the property for sale to those in the community who are interested in preserving it or who are in the preservation business. However, to date, no one has stepped forward with an offer. I would encourage those who desire to preserve 30 Music Square West to channel their energy and efforts into raising the necessary capital to purchase the property. At the end of the day, whether the property is renovated or not, it must produce a positive cash flow. This property has remained on the market for a quarter century without a buyer and is now operating at a loss. No investor or owner can continue to operate a property at a loss, and it is not reasonable to ask Bravo Development to do so.”
The 2014 ‘Nashville Nine’ list includes:
1. Albert Samuel Warren House, located at 1812 Broadway (built around 1888)
2. Belair Mansion, located at 2250 Lebanon Road (constructed from 1832-1838)
3. Coca Cola Bottling Plant, located at 1525 Church Street (built in the 1920s)
4. Hamilton Church Cemetery, located at 3105 Hamilton Church Road (built around 1831)
5. Hillsboro High School, located at 3812 Hillsboro Pike (built in 1954)
6. Printers Alley Historic District, located at the 200 block of 3rd Ave. N. and 4th Ave. N., and 300 block of Church Street. (represents buildings built from 1874-1929)
7. RCA Studio A, located at 30 Music Square West (built in 1964)
8. Sunnyside Outbuildings, located at 3000 Granny White Pike (built in the early 19th century)
9. Trail West Building, located at 217-221 Broadway (built early 1900s)
For a full history on each structure on the list, visit
historicnashvilleinc.com.
DISClaimer: Dierks Bentley and a String of Newcomers
/by Robert K OermannDierks Bentley
I always like it when there are plenty of newcomers in the week’s stack of platters.
It gives me comfort to know that country remains the music of choice for so many wanna-be’s. Today, we have a female, a duo and two bands in the running for the DisCovery Award. The groups are The Railers and The Washers. The lady is Abbi Walker. The winning act is the duo, Two Way Crossing. There’s just something so fresh and innocent and endearing in their approach. Welcome to the party.
Reliable hit maker Dierks Bentley can rock with the best of them. But today he is gently persuasive with the intimacy of “Say You Do.” It earns him a Disc of the Day salute.
ABBI WALKER/Southern Soul
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; AW
-This sassy country-rocker stomps along with swagger, confidence and attitude. Dig that deep bass thudding. Very promising.
DIERKS BENTLEY/Say You Do
Writers: Matt Ramsey/Shane McAnally/Trevor Rosen; Producer: Ross Copperman; Publishers: Sonic Geo/Calhoun Enterprises/Music of RPM/HoriPro/Universal/Smack Ink/ReHits/Smacktown/Smack Blue, ASCAP; Capitol (track)
-Go ahead and lie to him. Go ahead and wreck his bed. How could any gal resist an invitation wrapped up in such a sensuous sound? Beautifully produced and sung.
THE WASHERS/Pennies
Writer: Todd Jank; Producer: Adam Odor; Publishers: none listed; Washers
-The lead singer lacks charisma, but the band plays well and the song is a winner.
TAYLOR SWIFT/Shake It Off
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Big Machine (ERG)
-It’s extremely catchy and delightfully bopping. The gently honking sax and the white-girl rapping in the middle are the biggest changes of pace from her “country” sound.
Two Way Crossing
SI KAHN/Mountain Polley
Writers: Si Kahn; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Joe Hill, ASCAP; SK
-The tailings dam break at the Mount Polley copper mine in British Columbia last month caused the largest toxic waste spill in Canadian history. Veteran North Carolina folk singer Si Kahn revives the age-old country tradition of topical songs by releasing this environmental-poisoning tale laced with lively guitar, mandolin and banjo picking. Hearty sounding.
JO DEE MESSINA/Not Dead Yet
Writers: Jo Dee Messina/Alyssa Bonagura; Producers: Jo Dee Messina/Julian King; Publishers: Dreambound/Almo/Alright Love!/My Plum, ASCAP; Dreambound
-Jo Dee Messina’s Kickstarter-funded CD titled Me contains some of the finest music of her career to date. This defiant, wailing lead-off track of the collection is its new single. Women and underdogs everywhere can pump their fists in celebration. Love it.
ERICA NICOLE/It’s Comin’ Down
Writers: Katrina Ruth Hasanoglu/Jeremy Stover; Producer: Kent Wells; Publishers: EMI April/Songs of Countrywood; ASCAP; EN
-This kiss off tune promises to hit him like a wrecking ball and really hammer him down. The track rocks, and so does she.
BARBRA STREISAND & BLAKE SHELTON/I’d Want It To Be You
Writers: Steve Dorff/Bobby Tomberlin/Jay Landers; Producers: Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds & Walter Afanasieff; Publishers: Dorffmeister/Curb/Halaron/Wixen, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia (track)
-Steisand’s new Partners CD is a collection of male duets. The diva chose Blake as the country representative on it. Her pop soprano circles, flutters and harmonizes with his sturdy drawling delivery surprisingly well. It helps that the ballad is flawlessly written. Well worth your attention.
TWO WAY CROSSING/Deep End
Writers: none listed; Producer: Steve Pasch; Publishers: none listed; TWC (track)
-Two Way Crossing is a male-female duo comprised of Jenny & Blake Marvin. This rhythm-happy single from its seven-song EP is a sprightly romance ditty with a built-in smile. Bright and joyous.
THE RAILERS/Kinda Dig the Feeling
Writers: Tom Douglas/Jaren Johnston/Tyler Bryant; Producer: Justin Niebank; Publishers: Sony-ATV/Texa Rae/Tomdouglasmusic/Tyler Bryant, no performance rights listed; Warner Bros.
-It’s a rapid-fire, almost nervous sounding toe-tapper about being completely dizzy in love. Prepare yourself for a highly energized, hyper listening experience.
Trisha Yearwood's RCA Nashville/Gwendolyn Records Project Out Nov. 17
/by Jessica NicholsonThe album features new tracks including “End of the World,” “I Remember You,” and “Your Husband’s Cheatin’ On Us,” as well as classic Yearwood singles such as “Wrong Side of Memphis,” “XXXs and OOOs,” “How Do I Live,” and “Perfect Love.”
The digital version of the album will be available only on GhostTunes, and PrizeFighter: Hit after Hit is currently available for pre-order for $11.98 (physical copy) and $10.99 (digital Mp3 copy). Those who pre-order the project on GhostTunes will get the instant tracks including “PrizeFighter,” “She’s In Love With The Boy,” and “How Do I Live.”
Full-service music store GhostTunes launched earlier this month, and offers current releases from Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group and Big Machine Label Group.
Yearwood is currently on husband Garth Brooks’ World Tour.
PrizeFighter Track Listing
* Not final order
PrizeFighter (feat. Kelly Clarkson)
Met Him in a Motel Room
End of the World
Your Husband’s Cheating On Us
You Can’t Trust the Weatherman
I Remember You
Wrong Side of Memphis
The Song Remembers When
XXX’s and OOO’s
Walkaway Joe
She’s In Love With the Boy
How Do I Live
Perfect Love
In Another’s Eyes
Georgia Rain
Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love
Industry Ink: Warner Music Nashville, Copyright Society of the South, Integrity Music Publishing
/by Jessica NicholsonJana Kramer
Warner Music Nashville will host its final summer 2014 Pickin’ On The Patio tomorrow (Sept. 24), featuring Elektra Records artist Jana Kramer. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the show beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Sponsors include GiGi’s Cupcakes, Aramark, and Ajax Turner/Bud Light, Jackson’s and Patron. The party will be held at Warner Music Nashville, located at 20 Music Square E. The show is 21+.
• • •
The Copyright Society of the South’s monthly member luncheon was held at BMI recently, and included a conversation with Made In Network’s Kevin Grosch. He discussed creative ways to develop channels and content on YouTube’s platform.
Pictured (L-R, front row): Karl Braun and Ted Goldtrhope, CSOS board members; (back row): Wendi Crosby, CSOS board member; Jill Napier, Vice Chairman of CSOS; Denise Stevens, CSOS Treasurer; Kevin Grosch; Kele Currier, Secretary of CSOS; and Misha Hunke CSOS board member. Photo: Kathryn Graham
• • •
Fall Fashion Bash to Benefit Pura Vida Vintage
/by Sarah SkatesPura Vida Vintage was already on board to participate in the bash, alongside SUNNYband, Daisy Alexandria and Pomp. The event begins at 6 p.m. and will feature a pink carpet, cocktails, shopping and surprises.
A raffle drawing and sales of select items will benefit Pura Vida. Donations will also be accepted.
RCA Studio A Named Among Nashville's Most Endangered Historical Properties
/by Jessica Nicholson30 Music Square West. Photo: Stephanie Saujon
RCA Studio A and historic Printer’s Alley are among this year’s “Nashville Nine,” a list of nine structures or areas considered to be the most endangered properties in Davidson Country. The list was announced Tuesday morning (Sept. 23) at RCA Studio A.
Speakers at the announcement included Nashville resident Mike Wolfe (of American Pickers), Historic Nashville president Melissa Wyllie, Nashville Nine Committee Chair Brian Tibbs, and Ben Folds co-manager Sharon Corbitt-House. Nominations were presented by members of the community, with committee members acting to narrow nominations down to the nine properties considered most endangered in the Nashville area.
“Historic Nashville believes historic preservation is an essential part of our community,” said Wyllie. “This year, the community has said loud and clear that, as a city, we need to find a way to grow that also preserves the historic places that make Nashville unique.”
Representatives were on hand from Save Studio A, which announced www.savestudioa.com is up and running, ready to welcome persons passionate about saving the studio and finding an alternative to Bravo Development’s plan to turn the building housing the studio into condominiums.
“They are coming in here and tearing buildings down and building whatever their vision is [for RCA Studio A and the Nashville area], not what the community’s vision is,” said Wolfe. “We have to give a voice to what we want our vision to be.”
Bravo Development’s Tim Reynolds states that the event does not alter development plans. “We have already investigated every way to preserve the property but could not find a feasible solution. We have offered the property for sale to those in the community who are interested in preserving it or who are in the preservation business. However, to date, no one has stepped forward with an offer. I would encourage those who desire to preserve 30 Music Square West to channel their energy and efforts into raising the necessary capital to purchase the property. At the end of the day, whether the property is renovated or not, it must produce a positive cash flow. This property has remained on the market for a quarter century without a buyer and is now operating at a loss. No investor or owner can continue to operate a property at a loss, and it is not reasonable to ask Bravo Development to do so.”
The 2014 ‘Nashville Nine’ list includes:
1. Albert Samuel Warren House, located at 1812 Broadway (built around 1888)
2. Belair Mansion, located at 2250 Lebanon Road (constructed from 1832-1838)
3. Coca Cola Bottling Plant, located at 1525 Church Street (built in the 1920s)
4. Hamilton Church Cemetery, located at 3105 Hamilton Church Road (built around 1831)
5. Hillsboro High School, located at 3812 Hillsboro Pike (built in 1954)
6. Printers Alley Historic District, located at the 200 block of 3rd Ave. N. and 4th Ave. N., and 300 block of Church Street. (represents buildings built from 1874-1929)
7. RCA Studio A, located at 30 Music Square West (built in 1964)
8. Sunnyside Outbuildings, located at 3000 Granny White Pike (built in the early 19th century)
9. Trail West Building, located at 217-221 Broadway (built early 1900s)
For a full history on each structure on the list, visit historicnashvilleinc.com.
Walker Honored With CMAA's Lifetime Achievement Award
/by Jessica NicholsonCMAA president Dobe Newton presented Walker with the honor during the recent Australian Music Festival and Conference. “No one is more deserving of this first International Award determined by the CMAA Board,” said Newton.
Walker is also the recipient of this year’s CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award, which is given to someone whose efforts have had an impact in expanding Country music globally.
Walker has served on the boards of Leadership Music, NARAS, the Canadian Country Music Association, and the Nashville Film Festival (serving as President in 2004-2005). Walker is currently on the boards of the Country Music Association and the Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.
No. 1 Party: Jake Owen's "Beachin'"
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Jon Nite, Jaren Johnston, Jake Owen & Jimmy Robbins. Photo by Ed Rode.
Songwriters, industry executives and artists gathered yesterday (Sept. 22) to celebrate the No. 1 success of “Beachin,’” Jake Owen’s RCA Nashville single.
ASCAP Nashville co-head, LeAnn Phelan, hosted the gathering at the Nashville PRO in association with Northwestern Mutual.
Songwriters Jon Nite (3rd No. 1 single), Jimmy Robbins (fifth No. 1 single) and Jaren Johnston (3rd No. 1 single) contributed writing credits to the Owen-title. All three are ASCAP-affiliated.
Sony/ATV’s Abbey Adams went down the line offering congratulations to the gang, including her writers Johnston and Nite. “We appreciate you opening up to outside songs,” said Adams to Owen. “‘Beachin’’ will forever be a Jake Owen song.”
On behalf of Keith Urban and Joe Fisher, Kent Earls offered remarks for UMPG’s stake of Robbins’ writing. “Thank you to Nashville,” Robbins remarked when he took the mic. “I’ve lived a lot of places growing up and never been a place more welcoming.”
Nite mentioned, “We just write songs that we think are cool. Jake has made this song reach [the fans].”
“Jake is one of the best guys out there,” praised Johnston after crediting Glenn Middleworth for giving him his start in songwriting.
Owen’s nearly 2-year-old daughter Olive Pearl Owen stole the show when she sauntered up to her famous father, who prompted her with the line: “Chillin’, breezing, sippin’, singin’ whoa-a-oh-ah-oh.” Of course she delivered a bashful, “Beachin,” into the mic. “You know a song is good when a little kid sings it!” said Owen.
“I appreciate you guys giving me your craft and letting me be the voice of it,” he said to the songwriters. “I came to write songs and ASCAP was the very first building I walked in.” Upon arriving in Nashville he had dropped off a CD at the PRO labeled with his birth name, Josh Owen. The next day he was back with another CD and when a staff member questioned his return, he claimed his name was Jake, which stuck.
Bill Mayne, Executive Director for CRS, and Brandi Simms, Sr. Director of Membership and Balloting for CMA, offered additional congratulations.
Pictured (L-R, front row): Nite, Johnston, Owen, Robbins, (back row) Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Abbey Adams, ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe, Universal Music Publishing Group’s Kent Earls, ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan & RCA Records Nashville’s Keith Gale. Photo by Ed Rode.
UMG Nashville Eyes UK/Ireland Music Market
/by Eric T. ParkerBartlett launched his London-based market consulting venture in 2014. UMGN imprints receiving the label relations, brand partnerships and touring strategy services include Capitol Nashville, EMI Nashville, MCA Nashville and Mercury Nashville.
“We’re excited to have Mike as part of our ever-growing international team,” said Brad Turcotte, VP Marketing at UMGN, who has overseen international strategy since March. “Mike will work closely with me to further build our overseas strategy.”
Bartlett is a 15-year record label veteran in the UK. He has worked across multiple genres, launching albums by artists including Gregory Porter, Rod Stewart, Alison Krauss and oversaw sales exceeding 100,000 units for the Nashville TV soundtrack. His team has provided marketing and promotion services for releases from Big Machine, Concord Music Group, Verve Records and Blue Note Records.
Arista Nashville Taps Regional Cliff Blake
/by Sarah SkatesCliff Blake
Cliff Blake will join the Arista Nashville promotion team on Oct. 1, serving as Director, Regional Promotion.
Most recently Director, Northeast/Midwest Promotion for Republic Nashville, Blake’s new post brings him back into the Sony Music Nashville family, where he previously spent more than five years as part of the Columbia Nashville promo team.
A New Hampshire native, Blake’s extensive industry background spans 25 years in broadcasting, followed by 16 years in the record industry, during which he has been a three-time nominee for Regional Promotion Director of the Year.
Lesly Tyson, Arista Nashville’s Vice President, National Promotion, said, “I am so honored to welcome Cliff back home to Sony Nashville. He is one of the most respected record promoters in our format, and a perfect fit for the Arista family.”
On joining the Arista team, Blake shares, “The sands of our business are constantly shifting, but with open eyes, you can learn a lot on every beach you walk. This is an incredible and timely opportunity to walk the journey with some of my best friends in the music business—a rare and wonderful homecoming with colleagues at Arista, as well as at Columbia and RCA.”
Nashville Stars Join Mavis Staples Tribute Concert
/by Troy_StephensonGrammy Award-winner Don Was will serve as music director and lead the all-star band backing the performers. Keith Wortman is the creator and executive producer of the event. Was and Wortman’s recent work together includes concert events honoring Johnny Cash, Levon Helm and Gregg Allman. The Mavis Staples tribute will be recorded for multi-platform distribution.
“There isn’t anyone Mavis doesn’t touch on a deep level,” said Was. “Not just musicians, but humans everywhere. She is truly one of the most powerful and inspiring American singers of all time.”