Second Annual "Pub Deal" Contest Launched

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the pub deal111Three music brands have combined forces to give songwriters and artists of various genres a chance at a coveted $20,000, one-year publishing contract. Management company Secret Road, Nashville-based music tech startup Songspace, and instrument maker Martin Guitars have teamed for the second annual “Pub Deal” contest.
In addition to receiving a non-recoupable $20,000 advance, the winner will work with Secret Road during the year to build their repertoire and market songs for film and television. Twenty-five finalists will be featured on American Songwriter‘s website. Five finalists will participate in an audition that includes a series of interviews with Secret Road’s staff and co-writing sessions with top songwriters.
The deadline for entering is May 3, 2014, at 11:30 p.m. CST.
The contest will be powered by Songspace, a Nashville-based startup and partner company of American Songwriter Media. Songspace provides a song catalog for music businesses fed by a collaborative app for songwriters.
Secret Road is a Los Angeles-based music licensing, publishing, and management company that has placed songs in television shows including Grey’s Anatomy, Parenthood, and Pretty Little Liars, as well as the films No Strings Attached, What to Expect When You’re Expecting and Something Borrowed.
For application information, visit thepubdeal.com.

Dillon, Dorff, McDonald Take Part In Songwriters Summit

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Pictured (L-R): KSFI-FM/KRSP-FM/KSL-AM Director of Sales Stephanie Palmer, Bonneville-Salt Lake VP of Marketing Tami Ostmark, KSFI/KRSP Sales Manager Emily Hunt, BMI’s Dan Spears, Dean Dillon, Paul McDonald, Steve Dorff, Bonneville’s Lisa Brown, KSFI/KRSP Director of Promotions Joey Roth, KSL Broadcast Group President Darrell Brown, KSFI/KRSP Brand Manager Kelly Hammer.

Pictured (L-R): KSFI-FM/KRSP-FM/KSL-AM Director of Sales Stephanie Palmer, Bonneville-Salt Lake VP of Marketing Tami Ostmark, KSFI/KRSP Sales Manager Emily Hunt, BMI’s Dan Spears, Dean Dillon, Paul McDonald, Steve Dorff, Bonneville’s Lisa Brown, KSFI/KRSP Director of Promotions Joey Roth, KSL Broadcast Group President Darrell Brown, KSFI/KRSP Brand Manager Kelly Hammer.


BMI and Bonneville Radio partnered recently (March 22) to present the 1st Annual Songwriters Summit at The Depot in Salt Lake City.
BMI Icon Dean Dillon and Grammy-nominated writer Steve Dorff performed some of their biggest hits written for artists such as George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Kenny Rogers and Ann Murray, while American Idol finalist Paul McDonald performed a number of songs from his upcoming project as well as tunes that were recorded with his band The Grand Magnolias. A portion of the proceeds from the Summit benefited Legacy Music Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing music education in Utah public schools.
The day before the Summit, the songwriters paid a visit to Salt Lake Community College where they met with students in the music department; many of whom were aspiring songwriters and musicians.
McDonald, Dorff and Dillon spoke to students at Salt Lake Community College about life as a professional songwriter and what it takes to write a great song.

McDonald, Dorff and Dillon spoke to students at Salt Lake Community College about life as a professional songwriter and what it takes to write a great song.

Weekly Chart Report (3/28/14)

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Screen Shot 2014-03-27 at 4.20.55 PMClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report
NEWPP

Americana Music Association Teams With Grammy Museum

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Mary Gauthier

Mary Gauthier


The Americana Music Association and the GRAMMY Museum have partnered to produce a series of programming in Los Angeles as part of the museum’s continuing educational mission. These programs will be moderated by vice president of the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares’ Scott Goldman, produced by GRAMMY Museum Director of Public Programming and Artist Relations Lynne Sheridan, and sponsored by American Express.
Singer/songwriter and Americana Music Association board director Mary Gauthier will kick off the series on Monday, April 21 at 8 p.m. in the GRAMMY Museum’s Clive Davis Theater. On Monday, April 28, New Orleans-based Hurray for the Riff Raff will be the featured artist.
The Grammy Museum is located at 800 West Olympic Blvd. in Los Angeles. For tickets, visit the GRAMMY Museum website.

Artist Updates (3/27/14)

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Charlie Daniels

Charlie Daniels


Brandy Clark’s new music video, for her song “Get High,” will premiere on perezhilton.com today (March 27) at 5:00 PM/CDT. The video was directed by Becky Fluke. 

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Charlie Daniels is set to release a new album Off The Grid—Doin’ It Dylan on April 1. Daniels will be making the media rounds including stops at Kathie Lee & Co. (March 26), Huckabee (March 29), Morning Joe (March 31), Access Hollywood (March 31), Hannity (March 31), Fox 411 (March 31), The Artie Lange Show (March 31), SiriusXM ‘Artist Confidential’ (March 31), The Today Show (April 1), ABC NewsNow (April 1), The Better Show (April 6), The Cain Conversation and more.
The new collection contains Daniels’ renditions of 10 of Bob Dylan’s signature songs, including “Times They Are A Changin’,” “Country Pie,” “Just Like A Woman,” and others.

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salute troops111The Academy of Country Music and dick clark productions have announced LL COOL J and Chris O’Donnell will co-host ACM Presents: An All-Star Salute To The Troops. Additionally, Dierks Bentley, Lee Brice, Luke Bryan, Hunter Hayes, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Kellie Pickler, and Keith Urban have been added to the lineup of artists scheduled to perform.
The special will be taped Monday, April 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be broadcast Tuesday, May 20 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

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josh thompson turn it up111Show Dog-Universal Music recording artist Josh Thompson is gearing up for the April 1 release of his highly anticipated sophomore album Turn It Up. Thompson has appearances lined up on GAC’s Headline Country, which airs today, March 27 at 3:30 p.m. EST and re-airs throughout the weekend, CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown (April 5) and GAC’s Great American Playlist (April 1).  Thompson will also be featured in a forthcoming episode of Country Now’s Hear & Now: Live From Blackbird Studio.

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majestic11CMG Label Group artist Kari Jobe celebrates the release of her new album and DVD, Majestic. The project was recorded live at the historic Majestic Theatre in Dallas, and climbed to No. 4 this week on iTunes Overall Albums and No. 1 on iTunes Christian & Gospel charts. Majestic is also Jobe’s first full-length live concert DVD.
In support of her release, Jobe has been on the road the past month performing sold-out dates in New York City, Birmingham, Ala.; Raleigh/Durham, N.C.; and Toronto, Ontario Canada. The “Majestic Tour” features special guests Rend Collective and continues through April 8.

Leadership Music Application Deadline Coming Soon

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leadership musicThe deadline to apply for Leadership Music’s Class of 2015 is Monday, March 31. Applications from established industry leaders will be accepted at leadershipmusic.org until 5:00 p.m. on March 31. The selection process commences in early April, and applicants will be notified of their selection in late May.
Leadership Music is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit organization. The Nashville-based, eight month education program begins in September and is intended to create understanding among professionals in different segments of the music industry. Participants are required to attend an orientation, all-day sessions once a month on Fridays, plus opening and closing retreats during the program.
Leadership Music has graduated more than 1,000 music industry-related executives since 1990.

Lari White Produces 'Shoe Burnin'' Album

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shoe burninSeveral Nashville songwriters contributed to a new book and companion CD titled The Shoe Burnin’: Stories of Southern Soul.
Lari White produced the companion CD that includes 18 works. She also makes her debut as an author with her “Girl Shoes” story in the book.
Among the 24 authors and singer-songwriters who contributed to the project are Chuck Cannon, Lisa Carver, Chuck Jones, and guest vocalist Sarah Buxton.
Here’s a little history behind the title, according to a press release: The first Shoe Burnin’ originated when a group of writers found themselves in a cabin with no firewood — only a box full of old shoes. As each shoe was thrown into the fire, they made up stories about it. Over time, this became a tradition, and in remembrance, many stories and songs shared since have involved shoes — all the places they trod and the myriad experiences of those who wore them.

YouTube video

Columbia Nashville Inks Strategic Partnership With Chase Rice

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Pictured (L-R): Triple 8 Management's George Couri; Columbia Nashville VP Promotion Norbert Nix; Chase Rice; Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Gary Overton; Triple 8 Managment's Bruce Kalmick.Photo Credit: Alan Poizne

Pictured (L-R): Triple 8 Management’s George Couri; Columbia Nashville VP Promotion Norbert Nix; Chase Rice; Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Gary Overton; Triple 8 Managment’s Bruce Kalmick.
Photo Credit: Alan Poizner


Chase Rice, Thirty Tigers, and RED Distribution have entered into a strategic partnership with Columbia Nashville. The Country label will begin promoting Rice’s Top 40 single, “Ready Set Roll,” at Country radio.
Rice’s Ready Set Roll EP, produced by Chris DeStefano and Scott Cooke, was released through his own label, Dack Janiels, LLC. Rice and management company Triple 8 Management then hired independent promotion company RPM to promote “Ready Set Roll,” which garnered the attention of Columbia Nashville. Rice is also a co-writer on Florida Georgia Line‘s debut hit, “Cruise.”
Gary Overton, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville said, “We are extremely excited about our new relationship with Chase and having him on our Columbia Nashville roster. He and his team have created a tremendous buzz about him, his music and his live shows and we are ready to help them break it wide open across the country.”
“It started out with me pounding the pavement and playing anywhere I could that involved reaching the fans,” shares Rice. “It’s grown into this really incredible entity where the #CRew spreads the word about our music and our shows for us. We’ve played based on where they demanded us—so when we were approached to take it to the next level, we knew we had to take advantage of the opportunity for them.”
“This partnership really strengthens the backbone of Chase’s organization,” shares Rice’s manager, Bruce Kalmick, Triple 8 Management. “We hope to leverage their promotional team’s passion to catapult his story on a grander scale both regarding sales and radio success.”
“Ready Set Roll” debuted at No. 1 on iTunes’ sales chart and has sold over 260,000 copies. A full album is expected for release in summer 2014.

Florida Georgia Line Launching "This Is How We Cruise" In November

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how we cruise logo
Duo Florida Georgia Line has been gearing up to bring their party from land to sea. The duo, in partnership with Sixthman Ltd., will debut the “This is How We Cruise” music festival aboard the Norwegian Pearl from Nov. 8-12.
Rapper Nelly, Thomas Rhett, Colt Ford, The Cadillac Three, Canaan Smith, and Chris Lane will join Florida Georgia Line on the cruise. The musical venture will depart from Miami, Fla., traveling to Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas. The Norwegian Pearl will offer 13 bars and lounges, 19 dining experiences, an outdoor pool, hot tubs, spa, fitness center and more.
Florida Georgia Line is currently on tour with Jason Aldean‘s Night Train Tour, and will soon begin the This Is How We Roll Summer Series 2014, featuring Nelly and Chris Lane.
For more information and reservations, visit fglcruise.com.

Industry Ink (3/27/14)

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SESAC recently hosted an afternoon of music and politics when Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) visited the New York offices to talk about the Songwriter Equity Act. The bill, co-sponsored by Jeffries along with Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), endeavors to modernize the music licensing system by updating provisions to the Copyright Act of 1976 to ensure songwriters are fairly compensated for their creative work. During the afternoon meeting Jeffries was treated to some incredible music courtesy of SESAC-affiliated songwriter/artists such as Angela Hunte, Michael Michel, Steve Cooper, Martha Redbone and Tiombe Lockhart.

Front Row: SESAC’s Pat Collins. Back Row (L-R): Michael Michel, SESAC’s Keenan Popwell, Diane Blagman (Greenberg Traurig & SESAC Legislative Advocate), Steve Cooper, Martha Redbone, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, SESAC’s Trevor Gale & Jamie Dominguez, Angela Hunte, Tiombe Lockhart, Kirsten Donaldson (Legislative Director and Counsel to Rep. Jeffries) and SESAC’s Linda Lorence Critelli. Photo: Jerritt Clark

Front Row: SESAC’s Pat Collins. Back Row (L-R): Michael Michel, SESAC’s Keenan Popwell, Diane Blagman (Greenberg Traurig & SESAC Legislative Advocate), Steve Cooper, Martha Redbone, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, SESAC’s Trevor Gale & Jamie Dominguez, Angela Hunte, Tiombe Lockhart, Kirsten Donaldson (Legislative Director and Counsel to Rep. Jeffries) and SESAC’s Linda Lorence Critelli. Photo: Jerritt Clark

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TweelXSongwriter Billy Montana has added his catalog to TweelX, a Nashville-based company that acquires songs through digital publishing and co-publishing arrangements with labels and publishers. It also issues stock in these songs to accredited investors.
“TweelX provides the opportunity for investors to participate in one of the most exciting industries there is,” says Montana. “At the same time, it gives songwriters and musicians a way to partner with people who appreciate their creative work and are willing to share in the potential for its growth and success. It’s a win—win, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Under the TweelX model, investors have the ability to buy stock in music and obtain a cut of song royalties. By pairing a music publishing operation with an online trading platform, TweelX has established a securities market in single songs.

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jcm111Nashville’s Johnny Cash Museum recently took home the top honor, the 2014 Award of Excellence, at the Tennessee Association of Museums Conference. Exec. Director Sydney Robinson and founder Bill Miller were recognized for their “superlative achievement for the permanent exhibition.”

Miller and Robinson were awarded the honor in a ceremony held at the General Morgan Inn in Greenville, Tenn.

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ctmA night with Marcus Hummon and the premier of “The Passion,” a cantata he produced, will take place April 4, 2014, at Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville at 7:30 p.m. The free event will also feature Chris Roberts, the Belmont Chamber Singers and narrator Rev. Becca Stevens. “The Passion” is being released on CTM Records.