Sarah Davidson visit
Singer, songwriter and
Private Lives of Nashville Wives cast member
Sarah Davidson has been pursuing her artist career for nearly a decade in Music City.
The Georgia native stopped by
MusicRow to offer a preview of selections from her five-song EP, which releases March 25. She performed “Drink You Up,” her current single. The singer-songwriter recently completed a West Coast radio tour and is gearing up to visit stations along the East Coast.
“It’s been a learning curve. I have friends who have gone on radio tours, but getting in there and meeting people is fun and a bit nerve-wracking It’s cool to establish relationships that you know will be life-long relationships.”
Davidson’s career has received another jolt of media attention since she joined the cast of the TNT series
Private Lives of Nashville Wives. “Initially, I was hesitant to do the show, but I saw that they wanted to make the show about the true hard work and struggles of being an artist trying to pursue a dream,” said Davidson.
Her performance featured the song “Ride Around,” a tune that she co-wrote during a
Private Lives taping. “We sat in front of the cameras and starting writing. I can look back at writing that song as a bright spot during a dark time. I’m from Valdosta, Ga., and I grew up going to Krystal on Friday night and hanging out on the farm on Saturday nights.”
Davidson co-wrote three songs on her EP, and included three songs recorded by other writers. “Drink You Up” was penned by
Caitlyn Smith, Gordie Sampson and
Steve McEwan, while “Get Out” was penned by her former husband, songwriter
Dallas Davidson. “I started listening to uncut songs back when I was interning and working at publishing companies. Listening to those songs, I found how deep and intricate the pool of songs is in this town. I heard [“Get Out”] four years ago. My husband at the time wrote it, and I always wanted to put it on a project. We were going through a separation at the time I was recording this, and it is an emotion I relate to.”
She also penned “Bright Lights, Big City,” which became the theme-song for
Private Lives of Nashville Wives. “TNT has been so supportive, and I loved that they had enough faith in me to give me a shot at writing the theme song.” “Bright Lights, Big City” will be an exclusive Walmart bonus track on the self-titled EP.
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CMHoF To Feature Jimmy Bowen Interview April 12
/by Jessica NicholsonProducer Playback: An Interview with Jimmy Bowen, hosted by museum writer-editor Michael McCall, will begin at 1:30 p.m. on April 12 in the museum’s Ford Theater. The program will feature a discussion of Bowen’s career as a record producer and the head of several record labels including Elektra/Asylum, Warner Bros., MCA, and Capitol. While heading MCA, he co-produced, with Reba, her breakthrough recordings for that label—“How Blue,” “Somebody Should Leave” and “Whoever’s in New England.”
In addition to Reba, Bowen produced hits for John Anderson, Suzy Bogguss, Waylon Jennings, George Strait, Mel Tillis, Conway Twitty and Hank Williams Jr., among others. He also helped guide Garth Brooks’ rise to stardom. Seating for the program is limited, and program passes are required for admittance. Watch live online at countrymusichalloffame.org/
In addition, film screenings featuring Reba will be presented on April 6 and 27. On Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m., the museum will screen the 29th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards (1994). On Sunday, April 27, the museum will screen Leading Ladies of the Grand Ole Opry, Hosted by Reba McEntire (1989).
The screenings are free.
Visit countrymusichalloffame.org for complete admission details.
Songwriter News: Rep. Collins Discusses Legislation; Writers Night at The Row
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Josh Kear (Songwriter), Marc Driskill (AIMP Exec. Dir./Sea Gayle Music), Congressman Doug Collins, Jessi Alexander (Songwriter), Darcy Anderson (Chief of Staff to Congressman Marsha Blackburn), John Barker (Copyright Society of the South Chairman of the Board/ClearBox Rights), Wynn Varble (Songwriter) / Photo: Drew Maynard
The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville and the Copyright Society of the South welcomed Congressman Doug Collins (R-Georgia) to discuss his sponsorship of the Songwriter Equality Act (SEA) on Wednesday, March 19 at The First Amendment Center.
This member-only event began with performances by hit songwriters Josh Kear (“Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood, “Need You Now” –Lady Antebellum), Jessi Alexander (“I Drive Your Truck” – Lee Brice, “Mine Would Be You” – Blake Shelton) and Wynn Varble (“Waitin’ on a Woman” – Brad Paisley, “A Little More Country Than That” – Easton Corbin), followed by Congressman Collins’ remarks on the legislation and a question and answer session with the audience. A reception sponsored by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC followed the program.
The Songwriters Equality Act would allow a “rate court” to consider other royalty rates as evidence when establishing digital performance rates for songwriters and composers. It would also adapt a fair rate standard for mechanical reproduction.
“What has become a passion for me are those who write the lyrics. They are penning what I might not be able to say but penning something that is inherently valuable. They are penning something that has worth,” said Congressman Collins. “We’ve got to get back to an understanding that what you produce with your mind, with your heart and what you share is inherently worth the price.”
• • •
After the first event, the free shows are scheduled for the last Thursday of every month.
Radney Foster Sets May Release Date
/by Sarah Skates“I wanted the album to have a band feel, and to do that I knew we needed to get away from schedules and cell phones,” said Foster, who recorded at Dockside Studios in Louisiana. “When you’re sitting with the moss hanging from the trees and the bayou rolling by, you can’t help but have your songs slow down and get swampier.”
Co-producers Foster and Justin Tocket strove for a sonic difference from the first track, “Whose Heart You Wreck (Ode To The Muse),” which was recorded using found objects. “The drum kit was made up of trashcans, a piece of angle iron, and a big gear plate,” added Foster. “There were a lot of Tom Waits style atmospherics going on behind me, but I was playing a straight-up, double thumb style guitar blues, almost like Doc Watson would have done.”
Foster calls the album’s title track, “Everything I Should Have Said,” the emotional centerpiece of the record.
He will tour beginning April 4 in San Antonio, Texas, then venture overseas for a date in Scotland, before returning to the States for shows throughout the summer. Tour dates at radneyfoster.com.
Foster has written and produced songs for Randy Rogers, Jack Ingram, Kacey Musgraves, Wade Bowen, Josh Abbott, Pat Green, Cory Morrow and many others. His songs are regularly mined by superstar acts like Keith Urban (“Raining on Sunday,” “I’m In,”), Sara Evans (“Real Fine Place,” “Revival”) and the Dixie Chicks (“Godspeed”).
Artist Pics (3/20/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): John & Jacob (along with their band) hang with SESAC’s Trevor Gale (second from left) and Tim Fink (second from right). Photo: Cara Pastore
• • •
Arista Nashville’s Brad Paisley caught up with Sony Music UK execs amid several international performances, including a show at the C2C (Country to Country) Festival in London on March 16, with upcoming tour dates in Norway and Sweden.
Pictured at C2C (L-R): Sony Music UK Head of Catalogue Jon Cauwood, Paisley, Product Manager Phil Connolly, and Commercial Group Marketing VP Phil Savill.
• • •
Mercury Records singer/songwriter Canaan Smith proposed to girlfriend Christy over the weekend in Florida. “Of all the blessings in my life, she’s the greatest,” Smith exclaims. “We’re so excited for everything to come.” Smith is on the road on the AT&T Country Deep Tour and working on new music for his debut project.
Canaan Smith with fiancee Christy.
• • •
Josh Turner and Blake Shelton appeared on WestwoodOne’s Country Countdown USA recently. The two discussed Shelton’s role as coach on NBC’s The Voice and their friends with songs in the Top 30 countdown.
Pictured (L-R): Josh Turner, Blake Shelton.
Charlie Daniels' Scholarship For Heroes Event To Be Streamed Live
/by Jessica NicholsonCharlie Daniels
Charlie Daniels and Lipscomb University are partnering to raise awareness and funds for veterans’ education with an all-star line-up of artists at the fifth annual Copperweld Charlie Daniels’ Scholarship for Heroes event. This show will include performances by Daniels along with Clint Black, Kellie Pickler, The Grascals, the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, the American Hitmen and special guests on Tuesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. in Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena. The concert will be streamed on stagehop.com/thecharliedanielsband.
Tickets to the event are free thanks to event sponsors and are available at Middle Tennessee Daily’s and Twice Daily’s locations, and the Lipscomb University box office.
“It’s an honor to be part of something special like the Charlie Daniels’ Scholarship for Heroes event,” said Black. “As if it weren’t enough that Charlie Daniels asked me to sing—our troops occupy a very special place in our history. We have to do our utmost to make sure the part we play in their history is worthy of their sacrifice and commitment. This event is playing a fantastic role, making higher education a reality for returning veterans. I’m thrilled to be a part of this special evening.”
MusicRowPics: Sarah Davidson
/by Jessica NicholsonSarah Davidson visit
Singer, songwriter and Private Lives of Nashville Wives cast member Sarah Davidson has been pursuing her artist career for nearly a decade in Music City.
The Georgia native stopped by MusicRow to offer a preview of selections from her five-song EP, which releases March 25. She performed “Drink You Up,” her current single. The singer-songwriter recently completed a West Coast radio tour and is gearing up to visit stations along the East Coast.
“It’s been a learning curve. I have friends who have gone on radio tours, but getting in there and meeting people is fun and a bit nerve-wracking It’s cool to establish relationships that you know will be life-long relationships.”
Davidson’s career has received another jolt of media attention since she joined the cast of the TNT series Private Lives of Nashville Wives. “Initially, I was hesitant to do the show, but I saw that they wanted to make the show about the true hard work and struggles of being an artist trying to pursue a dream,” said Davidson.
Her performance featured the song “Ride Around,” a tune that she co-wrote during a Private Lives taping. “We sat in front of the cameras and starting writing. I can look back at writing that song as a bright spot during a dark time. I’m from Valdosta, Ga., and I grew up going to Krystal on Friday night and hanging out on the farm on Saturday nights.”
Davidson co-wrote three songs on her EP, and included three songs recorded by other writers. “Drink You Up” was penned by Caitlyn Smith, Gordie Sampson and Steve McEwan, while “Get Out” was penned by her former husband, songwriter Dallas Davidson. “I started listening to uncut songs back when I was interning and working at publishing companies. Listening to those songs, I found how deep and intricate the pool of songs is in this town. I heard [“Get Out”] four years ago. My husband at the time wrote it, and I always wanted to put it on a project. We were going through a separation at the time I was recording this, and it is an emotion I relate to.”
She also penned “Bright Lights, Big City,” which became the theme-song for Private Lives of Nashville Wives. “TNT has been so supportive, and I loved that they had enough faith in me to give me a shot at writing the theme song.” “Bright Lights, Big City” will be an exclusive Walmart bonus track on the self-titled EP.
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Music Films at the Nashville Film Festival
/by Sarah Skates“We have a great slate of world premieres,” said Artistic Director, Brian Owens. “Nashville and Tennessee are well-represented, but there’s something for everyone. We have a little bit of Blues, a little bit of Country, Rock and Broadway.”
Among the films highlighting well-known artists are projects about The Carter Family, Bela Fleck and Glen Campbell.
Music Films / Music City Competition
The Winding Stream | Director: Beth Harrington.
The Carter Family didn’t just play music of the hill country, they helped invent it. The Winding Stream celebrates a roots music dynasty. From the original Carter Family to Johnny Cash to the present generation keeping the music alive.
Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me | Director: James Keach. World Premiere.
Follows Glen Campbell’s tour and journey as he fights Alzheimer’s disease.
The Ballad of Shovels & Rope | Director: Jace Freeman.
The young married couple known as Shovels & Rope won awards for Song of the Year and Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2013 Americana Music Association Awards.
Béla Fleck: How to Write a Banjo Concerto | Director: Béla Fleck. World Premiere.
Grammy Award-winning banjo trailblazer Béla Fleck goes through one of the most challenging musical journeys of his career, when he is commissioned to compose a concerto – possibly first of its kind – for banjo and an 80-piece symphony orchestra.
Take Me to the River | Director: Martin Shore.
Blues musicians record a historic album to celebrate Memphis and Stax Records. Featuring Terrence Howard, William Bell, Snoop Dogg, Mavis Staples, Otis Clay, Lil P-Nut, Charlie Musselwhite, Bobby Bland, Yo Gotti, Bobby Rush, Frayser Boy and The North Mississippi All-Stars.
The 78 Project Movie | Director: Alex Steyermark.
Using a 1930s Presto direct-to-disc recorder, folk singers, punk rockers, Gospel and Cajun singers make records the way they used to: with one microphone, one disc, and one take.
Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory | Director: Michael Rossato-Bennett.
Social worker Dan Cohen decided to bring used iPods to a nursing home. To his and the staff’s surprise, many residents suffering from Alzheimer’s seemed to awaken when they listened to music from their past.
Brasslands | Director: The Meerkat Media Collective.
Over half a million people descend upon the tiny Serbian village of Guča for the 50th anniversary of the world’s largest brass band competition.
A Film About Kids and Music | Director: Ramon Tort.
Children between the ages of 6 and 18 with professional jazz musicians, selling out some of Spain’s most important music venues.
I Lay Where I Fall | Director: Andrew Stubbs. World Premiere.
Juston Stens travels America to collaborate with artists including members of Wilco and Spoon.
Johnny Winter: Down & Dirty | Director: Greg Oliver.
About Blues musician Winter, who played Woodstock, dated Janis Joplin and partied with John Belushi and the Stones.
Led Zeppelin Played Here | Director: Jeff Krulik.
In 1969, Led Zeppelin performed for 50 confused teenagers at the Wheaton, Maryland Youth Center…or did they?
The Road to Fame | Director: Hao Tu.
China’s top drama academy stages the American musical Fame in the country’s first official collaboration with Broadway.
Darius Rucker To Host ACM Lifting Lives Celebrity Golf Classic
/by Jessica NicholsonThis fund allows ACM Lifting Lives to respond quickly to immediate financial needs of music-related organizations and individuals. Funds are disbursed at the discretion of a committee made up of ACM Lifting Lives Board Members.
The fund was established to honor Diane Holcomb‘s memory by her daughter, Gayle Holcomb, who served four years as Chairman of the Board of the Academy of Country Music.
Industry Ink (3/19/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonCassadee Pope celebrates with her Republic Nashville label family, band and team the platinum certification of “Wasting All These Tears” and the introduction of “I Wish I Could Break Your Heart.”
Pictured (L to R): Kneeling – Darin Murphy (CAA), Erin Burr (BMLG), Matthew Hargis (Republic Nashville); Standing – Sam Forbert (CAA), Pat McCarthy (bandmate), (bandmate), Cheyana Weekley (BMLG), Steve Fekete (bandmate), Jim McGorman (bandmate), Jimmy Harnen (BMLG), Pope, Allison Jones (BMLG), Angie Coonrod (Republic Nashville), Kelsey Hamrick (Republic Nashville), Katherine Susemichel (Republic Nashville) and Sarah Montgomery (BMLG). Photos by Photos by Sarah Montgomery for Republic Nashville.
• • •
ASCAP’s Paul Williams appeared recently on the television show Community as a black market text book dealer. This is in addition to his day job as President of ASCAP and co-writing on Daft Punk‘s Grammy-winning album.
Paul Williams appearing in a episode of Community.
• • •
CMA Music Fest's LP Field Performer Lineup Revealed
/by Jessica NicholsonSpecific days and times for individual performances have yet to be announced.
The CMA made use of social networks by posting clues to social media outlets, allowing fans to speculate who will be performing at the Nightly Concerts at LP Field. The campaign began Monday, March 3 and ran through March 19.