Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO Gary Overton; Jake Owen; Sony Music Nashville’s VP, Sales Caryl Healey; and Director, Digital Sales Alaina Vehec. Photo Credit: Rick Diamond
is gearing up for his
Days of Gold Tour 2014, which will launch March 20 in Brookings, S.D., and will conclude with a hometown show for Owen in Vero Beach, Fla. Joining him on the 55+ city trek are
Eli Young Band, Parmalee, Thomas Rhett (each on select dates), as well as
The Cadillac Three.
During a tour preview at Nashville rehearsal space Steel Mill on Friday (March 14), the RCA Nashville artist invited a few hundred of his closest industry friends and colleagues to get a first glimpse at his amped up, coastal-inspired stage show. Owen’s has been a steady journey from opening act for artists including
Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, and
Kenny Chesney, to his first headlining slot on
CMT On Tour Jake Owen: The Summer Never Ends 2012.
Before the
Days of Gold Tour 2014 preview, Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO
Gary Overton surprised Owen with two plaques, the first commemorating the Gold certification of Owen’s
Barefoot Blue Jean Night project. The second was a nod to the 5 million downloads from the album, which garnered four chart-topping hits.
“You guys are invited here for a reason,” Owen told the industry crowd. “Thanks for helping me get here.”
Owen’s love of sun and surf keeps pace with that of current Country touring king Chesney, and Owen used every inch of his headlining stage to transform the venue into a tropical hotspot. Tiki bars flanked both sides of the stage. Some lucky fans at each tour stop will watch the concert from sidestage at the tiki bars, courtesy of Owen. Video screens filled the stage with continuous images of ocean sunsets, crystal clear waves, and white sandy beaches. The tropical atmosphere was made complete with weathered, roped posts and palm trees.
Clad in a T-shirt, jeans and sandals, don’t let Owen’s relaxed onstage demeanor fool you. Owen takes his onstage party seriously. His four-song preview included his hits “Days of Gold,” “Anywhere With You,” and current single, “Beachin,'” which sits at No. 30 on the
MusicRow CountryBreakout chart. Each highlighted Owen’s robust, fervent vocal, which effortlessly coats lyrics like sun-warmed sand.
Sounds of waves crashing against the shoreline and birds chirping turned ominous as the sober strains of “Ghost Town,” began, and the carefree festivities momentarily gave way to a somber remembrance of a love that departed as swiftly as the summer waves out to sea.
At the conclusion of the brief preview, Owen thanked his band members for supporting his musical journey. “All the guys have been with me from the beginning,” said Owen. “To look around and see all the things we have and all the places we’ve been there’s no way I could make it without them.”
For more information, visit
jakeowen.net.
Word Music Publishing Signs Brice Long
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Rod Riley (President/CEO Word Entertainment), Scott Safford (Safford/Motley), Shannan Hatch (SESAC), Brice Long, Janine Appleton (Creative Director/Country/Pop Word Music Publishing), Joel Timen (Creative Director- TV/Film, Word Music Publishing), Dale Mathews (VP Word Music Publishing).
Word Music Publishing has signed singer-songwriter Brice Long. Long, best known for the songs “Nothing On But The Radio” (Gary Allan), “Anything Goes” (Randy Houser), and “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night,” (Casey James), has also had cuts on artists including John Michael Montgomery, Josh Turner, Reba McEntire, Gary Allan, Darryl Worley, Randy Houser, James Otto, Laura Bell Bundy, Tracy Byrd, Chris Young, Steve Holy, Randy Travis, Craig Campbell, Gretchen Wilson, Kevin Fowler, Carter’s Chord, Rose Falcon, Jon, Pardi, The Grascals and Porter Wagoner.
The Kentucky native signed a recording agreement with Columbia records in 2005, creating two radio singles.
“I’m thrilled to work with such a hard-working and stand up guy,” stated Janine Appleton, Creative Director, Word Music Publishing. “Brice has been doing this for a long time, and I’m excited about what we’ll be able to do together. He’s got lots of Country music hits in him just waiting to be written!”
James Inks Contract With Big Deal Music, BMG Chrysalis US
/by Jessica NicholsonSeated: Pete Robinson (Big Deal), Tim James, Sara Knabe (BMG Chrysalis). Standing: Kevin Lane (BMG Chrysalis), Dale Bobo (Big Deal), Kos Weaver (BMG Chrysalis), John Allen (BMG Chrysalis), Chris Oglesby (BMG Chrysalis), Greg Gallo (Big Deal).
Big Deal Music and BMG Chrysalis US have signed Country songwriter Tim James to a worldwide publishing agreement under their joint venture.
James’ list of Country music hits includes George Strait‘s chart-topping single “Give It All You Got Tonight,” Lee Brice‘s “Love Like Crazy,” Trace Adkins‘ “All I Ask For Anymore,” Toby Keith‘s “My List,” and The Lost Trailers‘ “Holler Back.” James has also had cuts with Darius Rucker, Chris Young, Montgomery Gentry and Lee Ann Womack.
Kos Weaver, EVP of BMG Chrysalis Nashville, said, “Tim is an extraordinary talent and a highly respected songwriter that I have been fortunate to work with in the past. We at BMG are proud to be his new publishing partner along with Big Deal and expand upon his already impressive catalog with many more hits.”
Dale Bobo at Big Deal Music added, “Tim James is an accomplished, often awarded songwriter who has the enthusiasm of a guy just arriving on Music Row. Tim, Kos Weaver and I worked together a few years ago and it was awesome. I’m tremendously excited about supporting Tim again with our new teams.”
James summed, “I’m pumped to be working again with Kos and Dale. They are two of my favorite people and two of the most respected names in music publishing. The dedicated BMG and Big Deal executives together make a formidable team. I look forward to much success.”
Starstruck Writers Group Relaunches
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Cliff Williamson, John Milstead, Caroline Kole, Jimmy Metts, Julie Forester, Kellys Collins, Liz Hengber, Will Robinson, Alex Kline.
Starstruck Writers Group has re-opened its doors in Nashville. The company is currently helmed by Jimmy Metts, who has previously worked with Famous Music, Curb Music, Malaco Music, Stroudavarious Records, and Cauley Music Publishing.
A successful independent music publisher, Starstruck Writers Group was sold to Warner/Chappell in 2000 and has since been inactive. Starstruck Entertainment chief operating officer Cliff Williamson explains, “It’s time to do it again. There’s a spot waiting for an indie publisher making great music. For months we’ve been laying the foundation gathering a group of special writers.”
The group’s writers include Alex Kline (formerly of the Lunabelles, produced Erin Enderlin’s most recent project), Caroline Kole (Starstruck Records artist, currently on tour with Reba), Julie Forester, Kellys Collins (“Goodbye Looks Good On Me,” recorded as Reba’s Malibu Country theme song), and John Milstead.
Most notably, Starstruck Writers Group includes veterans Liz Hengber (“For My Broken Heart,” “And Still,” “It’s Your Call,” all recorded by Reba, and “She’s More,” recorded by Andy Griggs) and Will Robinson (“There’s No Way” by Alabama, “I Know How He Feels” by Reba, “What I’d Say” by Earl Thomas Conley).
CMA Rebrands International Party During CMA Music Festival
/by Jessica NicholsonThe concert began in 2004 as the Global Artist Party. CMA CEO Sarah Trahern made the rebranding announcement during the Second Annual International Marketing Summit at the 02 in London.
“The Summit was the perfect platform and this was the ideal audience to announce the strategic growth of the international showcase from a club gathering to a main-stage event,” said Trahern. “Moving this incredibly popular event from a club setting to a large stage with international food and beverage vendors will enhance the experience for our visiting artists, and create a bigger platform to reach an even broader audience of fans and press from around the world. Country Music is not limited by its American roots. Closer than a click, through technology we are reaching a broader audience and developing new fans around the world.”
Throughout the year, CMA also honors those in the international community with awards including the International Country Broadcaster Award, International Artist Achievement Award, Global Country Music Artist Award, the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award, and the Jo Walker-Meador International Award, which is named for the original executive director of CMA.
The 2014 CMA Music Festival will be held in Nashville from Thursday through Sunday, June 5–8.
Davis Joins Nine North/Turnpike Music/Edgehill Music
/by Jessica NicholsonJeff Davis
Jeff Davis has been named Director, National Promotion for Nine North/Turnpike Music/Edgehill Music. Davis will step into his new role on April 1.
He has previously worked at Cold River and at Tenacity Records. Davis will report to Nine North/Turnpike Music/Edgehill Music president Larry Pareigis and Tom Moran, Sr. VP, Promotion and Marketing.
“Jeff is an absolutely driven promotion and marketing monster who won’t take no for an answer,” Pareigis said. “I’m honored he’s chosen to join our team.”
Davis fills the post of Ryan Barnstead, who has been with the company since its inception. Barnstead is leaving to join The Talent Associates effective April 1.
Davis can be reached at jeff@ninenorthmail.com, while Barnstead can be reached in his new venture at ryan@ttamusic.com.
Vino Venue: City Winery Nashville Coming Soon
/by Sarah SkatesA recent article in the New York Times reports a $7.5 million budget for the Nashville outpost. The article also notes the venue’s “shushing” atmosphere.
In addition to concerts, City Winerys host food and wine classes and other events. For example, the line up of the flagship New York location lists performances by Sam Moore, Los Lonely Boys, and Steve Earle, as well as comedy and burlesque shows.
City Winery is the brainchild of Michael Dorf, founder of the iconic Knitting Factory, one of New York’s longest running music venues.
ACM Awards To Be Broadcast Live In Australia For First Time
/by Jessica Nicholson49th Academy of Country Music Awards trip winners are congratulated backstage
at CMC Rocks the Hunter Festival. Photo (L-R): Tim Daley, CMC Group Program Manager; Glenn Tyrell (winner); Toby Keith; Bridgette Tyrell (winner); and Bob Romeo, ACM CEO. Photo: courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
The 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will broadcast live for the first time in Australia on Monday, April 7, 2014 at 10 a.m. AEST on Foxtel’s Country Music Channel (CMC). It will air again in primetime at 8 p.m. AEST (Sunday, April 6, live ET/ delayed PT on the CBS Television Network in the US).
The ceremony will be co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton, produced by dick clark productions and broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The announcement was made at Australia’s CMC Rocks The Hunter Festival by ACM CEO Bob Romeo and Great American Country host Storme Warren. Festival headliner Toby Keith congratulated two music fans that were selected from the audience as winners of a trip to the 49th Annual ACM Awards in Las Vegas on April 6.
Fan voting will be open in Australia for the Entertainer of the Year award, and the ACM New Artist of the Year award. Country fans will be able to cast votes at voteacm.com. Nominees for the Entertainer of the Year honor include Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, George Strait, and Taylor Swift. Nominees for ACM New Artist of the Year include Brett Eldredge, Justin Moore and Kip Moore. Fan voting will begin Monday, March 24 (United States & Canada), and Tuesday, March 25 (Australia).
New Artist of the Year voting will close at 10 a.m. AEST on Monday, April 7 (before the live show starts in Australia), and Entertainer of the Year voting will close during the third hour of the live broadcast. Text voting for Entertainer of the Year is available to fans in the United States only.
“Country music has extended to a worldwide fan base, largely due in part to the loyal fans in Australia,” said Romeo. “We are excited to partner with Foxtel on this opportunity to share the experience of watching the ACM Awards live with the Australian television viewers.”
Shaun James, General Manager Foxtel Networks Music Channels, said, “Foxtel is proud to be bringing the ACM Awards to Australian audiences for the very first time. As shown by the success of the CMC Rocks the Hunter festival, Country music resonates strongly with people all around the nation and to be able to offer Australian fans the opportunity to engage with these prestigious Awards is terrific.”
This marks the first year the ACM Awards will broadcast in Australia. The ACM Awards have been broadcast live in Canada since 1997, and will air live on CTV Canada this year.
Brantley Gilbert To Release Third Studio Album in May
/by Jessica NicholsonBrantley Gilbert will release his third studio album, Just As I Am, on The Valory Music Co. on May 19. Gilbert had a hand in writing every track, including the solo compositions “That Was Us” and “Let It Ride.”
Co-writers on the project include Troy Verges, Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins, Brett James, Justin Weaver, Tony Martin, Wendell Mobley, Brian Davis, David Tolliver, Forest Glen Whitehead, Mike Dekle, Dallas Davidson and Jeremy Spillman.
“I have always said that each of my albums has told a story… my story, and this album is no different. This one picks up where Halfway To Heaven left off,” said Gilbert. “I have gone through a lot the past few years… a lot of highs and lows and all of that is reflected in this project. My fans know I’m a straight shooter so I didn’t leave anything out. I think there is something for everyone — from my party side to the gentler stuff. I can’t wait to share this new music with the BG Nation.”
TRACKLIST
“If You Want A Bad Boy” (Brantley Gilbert, Troy Verges)
“17 Again” (Brantley Gilbert, Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins)
“Bottoms Up” (Brantley Gilbert, Brett James, Justin Weaver)
“That Was Us” (Brantley Gilbert)
“I’m Gone” (Brantley Gilbert, Wendell Mobley, Tony Martin)
“My Baby’s Guns N’ Roses” (Brantley Gilbert, Brian Davis, David Tolliver)
“Lights Of My Hometown” (Brantley Gilbert, Brian Davis, Forest Glen Whitehead)
“One Hell Of An Amen” (Brantley Gilbert, Mike Dekle, Brian Davis)
“Small Town Throwdown” (Brantley Gilbert, Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson)
“Let It Ride” (Brantley Gilbert)
“My Faith In You” (Brantley Gilbert, Jeremy Spillman)
Gilbert’s second headlining tour, the Let It Ride Tour, will launch March 27 with guests Thomas Rhett and Eric Paslay.
Google Syncs Tour Dates on Official Artist Websites
/by Jessica NicholsonPreviously, when music lovers would search for their favorite artist or band on Google, the search engine would display a Knowledge Graph panel with information on bands, including upcoming concerts.
With Google’s new approach, all concert information will come directly from that artist’s official website when they add structured data markup.
Webmasters have a few choices in implementing this update:
Jake Owen Previews Coastal-Themed 'Days Of Gold 2014' Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO Gary Overton; Jake Owen; Sony Music Nashville’s VP, Sales Caryl Healey; and Director, Digital Sales Alaina Vehec. Photo Credit: Rick Diamond
Jake Owen is gearing up for his Days of Gold Tour 2014, which will launch March 20 in Brookings, S.D., and will conclude with a hometown show for Owen in Vero Beach, Fla. Joining him on the 55+ city trek are Eli Young Band, Parmalee, Thomas Rhett (each on select dates), as well as The Cadillac Three.
During a tour preview at Nashville rehearsal space Steel Mill on Friday (March 14), the RCA Nashville artist invited a few hundred of his closest industry friends and colleagues to get a first glimpse at his amped up, coastal-inspired stage show. Owen’s has been a steady journey from opening act for artists including Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, and Kenny Chesney, to his first headlining slot on CMT On Tour Jake Owen: The Summer Never Ends 2012.
Before the Days of Gold Tour 2014 preview, Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO Gary Overton surprised Owen with two plaques, the first commemorating the Gold certification of Owen’s Barefoot Blue Jean Night project. The second was a nod to the 5 million downloads from the album, which garnered four chart-topping hits.
“You guys are invited here for a reason,” Owen told the industry crowd. “Thanks for helping me get here.”
Owen’s love of sun and surf keeps pace with that of current Country touring king Chesney, and Owen used every inch of his headlining stage to transform the venue into a tropical hotspot. Tiki bars flanked both sides of the stage. Some lucky fans at each tour stop will watch the concert from sidestage at the tiki bars, courtesy of Owen. Video screens filled the stage with continuous images of ocean sunsets, crystal clear waves, and white sandy beaches. The tropical atmosphere was made complete with weathered, roped posts and palm trees.
Clad in a T-shirt, jeans and sandals, don’t let Owen’s relaxed onstage demeanor fool you. Owen takes his onstage party seriously. His four-song preview included his hits “Days of Gold,” “Anywhere With You,” and current single, “Beachin,'” which sits at No. 30 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart. Each highlighted Owen’s robust, fervent vocal, which effortlessly coats lyrics like sun-warmed sand.
Sounds of waves crashing against the shoreline and birds chirping turned ominous as the sober strains of “Ghost Town,” began, and the carefree festivities momentarily gave way to a somber remembrance of a love that departed as swiftly as the summer waves out to sea.
At the conclusion of the brief preview, Owen thanked his band members for supporting his musical journey. “All the guys have been with me from the beginning,” said Owen. “To look around and see all the things we have and all the places we’ve been there’s no way I could make it without them.”
For more information, visit jakeowen.net.