Blake Shelton
has sold out his shows at Madison Square Garden in New York and Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. This marks Shelton’s first time headlining both venues.
“I’m in L.A. to film
The Voice and I drive by the Hollywood Bowl on my way to the set. It is such an iconic venue and I have wanted to perform there for a long time,” said Shelton. “Then there is Madison Square Garden. Hands down, there is not one artist who doesn’t dream about playing Madison Square Garden—it’s mind blowing to think I’m performing at Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Bowl let alone selling them out. I’m incredibly thankful for my fans selling out both these shows so fast. I promise the band and I will bring you a show you won’t forget. I love you guys!”
The 20+ date
Ten Times Crazier Tour 2014, promoted by LiveNation, with sponsors including Pepsi, kicks off in June and will visit cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.
• • •
Mel Tillis
Country Music Hall of Famer
Mel Tillis is recovering in Nashville following heart surgery. Tillis’ daughter
Pam Tillis released the following statement on the health status of the music legend:
“Over the weekend, Daddy required a routine heart procedure. He’s doing fantastic and is expected to make a full recovery. In typical Mel Tillis fashion, he’s already cutting up and cracking jokes with the nurses. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.”
Fans are encouraged to visit
meltillis.com for updates on Tillis and upcoming tour dates.
• • •
Vince Gill
is gearing up for several concerts this year at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The singer-songwriter-guitarist will
headline the 16th annual Jammin’ To Beat The Blues at the historic Ryman Auditorium on April 1. The concert will benefit the Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee.
In December, Gill and wife
Amy Grant will
headline six shows at the Ryman Auditorium for Christmas at the Ryman.
• • •
Ben Folds
will unveil a new piano concerto for area high school students at Nashville Symphony Young People’s Concert, slated for Friday, March 14 at 11:45 a.m. The event will take place at Laura Turner Concert Hall at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
The event is free and open to public, private and home schools.
• • •
Charles Esten
On Saturday, April 26, 2014, the 15th annual St. Jude Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon presented by Nissan, will feature actors
Charles “Chip” Esten and
Clare Bowen, who play “Deacon Claybourn” and “Scarlett O’Connor” on ABC’s hit television show
Nashville. They will take the stage for the post-race concert at the Bridgestone Arena at 7 p.m. Rising star
Chase Rice will open the show.
The musically themed road race attracts more than 30,000 runners, walkers and 6,000 junior racers through KiDS ROCK Nashville, who will take on the 26.2 and 13.1-mile courses while passing many of Nashville’s best live bands along the route.
The concert is open to the public and tickets are now on sale for $35. Tickets can be purchased at the Bridgestone Arena box office, TicketMaster charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000 or
ticketmaster.com.
Jamie O'Neal Covers Country Classics on 'Eternal'
/by Jessica NicholsonO’Neal performs songs including “Leavin’ On Your Mind,” “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” “I’ve Done Enough Dying Today,” and the George Jones/Tammy Wynette duet “Golden Ring,” which features Andy Griggs.
Eternal will be released on Shanachie Entertainment, and will feature a bonus original track, titled “Wide Awake.” O’Neal penned the song with her father Jimmy Murphy.
Track Listing For Eternal
1. “Born To Run” – (No. 3 hit for Emmylou Harris in 1982)
2. “Don’t Come Home A’Drinkin’ (With Lovin On Your Mind)” – (No. 1 hit for Loretta Lynn in 1966)
3. “Golden Ring” (featuring Andy Griggs)- (No. 1 hit for George Jones & Tammy Wynette in 1976)
4. “I’ve Done Enough Dying Today” -(Top 10 hit for Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Bros. in 1978)
5. “Just One Time”- (No. 2 hit for Connie Smith in 1982)
6. “Leavin’ On Your Mind”- (Top 10 hit for Patsy Cline in 1963)
7. “Help Me Make It Through The Night”- (No. 1 hit by Sammi Smith in 1970; #4 hit by Willie Nelson in 1979)
8. “The Sweetest Thing”- (No. 1 hit for Juice Newton in 1981)
9. “Rock Me (In the Cradle of Love)” -(Top 30 hit for Deborah Allen in 1992)
10. “One Day I Walk” -(1971 album cut by singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn)
11. “Wide Awake”- (New original song co-written by Jamie and her father, James Murphy)
Spotify Eyes IPO?
/by Sarah SkatesAdditionally, Spotify recently announced plans to purchase music intelligence platform the Echo Nest, which could lure potential investors.
• • •
Last month Warner Music and Shazam announced a collaboration where the label could use Shazam’s music data to discover rising artists, and sign them to a Shazam-branded label.
'L.A. Times' Highlights UMG's Lucian Grainge
/by Sarah SkatesLucian Grainge
An L.A. Times article highlights the corporate strategy of UMG chairman Lucian Grainge, explaining his embrace of technology, focus on breaking new acts, and development of emerging sales markets.
He moved the label group’s headquarters from New York to California to be closer to the tech companies. Additionally, UMG is discussing a $20/month service that would allow unlimited song downloads that the consumer could keep even after they drop the subscription. Grainge wants to test the service in a European country with rampant piracy, in a bid to increase revenue from emerging markets.
To further artist development, Grainge has invested in Capitol Records, Virgin Records and Blue Note Records and tapped proven hit-makers such as Steve Barnett and Don Was to run them.
The article discusses Grainge’s career history, from signing the Psychedelic Furs, to becoming known for his excellent A&R ears, and then climbing the ranks at RCA Music Group.
He gained experience in international business as leader of Universal Music Group’s operations outside North America. In 2011 he took over the entire company and a year later shepherded UMG’s $1.9 billion purchase of EMI, giving Universal the biggest market share of the three major labels. Read the full story.
Apple Introduces CarPlay
/by Michael_SmithCarPlay integrates the iPhone with the car’s control system, including buttons and touchscreen, and features Siri voice control. Additionally, CarPlay’s capability with apps like Spotify and iHeartRadio may change the relationship between music and radio, and alter the way in which users discover new music.
Apple’s latest venture, however, only works with iPhone 5 models and models from car manufacturers Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. CarPlay will eventually be compatible with models from BMW, Ford, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot Citroen, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota.
For more information, visit apple.com.
Industry Pics (3/11/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonRadio personality Gerry House made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday, March 7. After his performance, House signed copies of his new book, Country Music Broke My Brain: A Behind-The-Microphone Peek At Nashville’s Famous & Fabulous Stars.
Pictured (L-R): Gerry House and Grand Ole Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. Photo: Chris Hollo
• • •
The first annual Mangia for St. Jude took place Sunday, March 2, raising $18,600 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The dinner at the Cool Cafe in Franklin was attended by more than 100 members of the Nashville music publishing community. The evening was sponsored by Fifth Third Music.
Pictured (Back row, L-R): Greg Gallo, Alex Heddle, Penny Everhard, Kendall Lettow, Dave Pacula, Missy Wilson, Stephanie Cox, Freeman Wizer, Courtney Crist, Kevin Lamb, Brad Peterson. (Front row, L-R): Colt Cameron, Jackie Profit, Carrie Gallo, Jessica Turri, Teri Watson and Allison Buchignani.
• • •
The 10th Annual Ringside: A Fight For Kids gala was held at Liberty Hall in the Factory at Franklin on Friday, March 7. The main event featured a “Rumble on the Row” bout with Van Haze (VP National Promotion, MCA Nashville) and “Sugar” Shane Allen (VP Promotion, UMG Nashville) squaring off in the ring. Haze won the coveted Lucchese belt in a split decision.
Proceeds from the event will benefit The Charley Foundation, which helps charitable organizations benefit children throughout Middle Tennessee.
Pictured (L-R): Jay Hamby, Director of Retail, Lucchese; Van Haze; and Kristy Landers Niedenfuer, 2014 Miss Tennessee USA. Photo: Karen Will Rogers.
• • •
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum recently honored Leon Rhodes in its quarterly series Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians. Rhodes was a member of the 1960s lineup of Ernest Tubb’s Texas Troubadours. He is also featured on recordings by Julie Andrews, Roy Clark, John Denver, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Roy Orbison and Dottie West, among others.
Pictured (L-R): Bill Lloyd (program host), Leon Rhodes and Jay Orr (Senior Director of Research, Editorial and Content). Photo: Donn Jones
Sam Austin – It Looks Like Rain
/by contributorSam has now signed a recording contract with Plateau Music Nashville. Very much the traditionalist, Sam is steadfast in his quest to promote and perform real “Country Music” that connects with a broad audience. Produced by Tony Mantor, Sam’s first album is now available at the shows.
Austin’s first single, “When She Does It” hit No. 41 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart and his current single “It Looks Like Rain” is impacting radio now.
Performers Announced For ACM Party For A Cause Festival
/by Jessica NicholsonThe event is part of The Week Vegas Goes Country leading up to the 49th Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 8 p.m. live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
Friday’s “Outnumber Hunger Live!” concert series will benefit Outnumber Hunger, an initiative from General Mills, Big Machine Label Group and Feeding America. The main stage will feature Rascal Flatts, along with performers Danielle Bradbery, Justin Moore, Cassadee Pope, Thomas Rhett, Florida Georgia Line, and The Cadillac Three. Plus Will Hoge, Chase Rice and Charlie Worsham will perform on the Party Stage.
Saturday’s line-up will be presented by ACM Lifting Lives and will benefit several military philanthropies including Folds of Honor Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Navy SEAL Foundation, Team Rubicon, and Nellis AFB Force Support Squadron. The evening’s headliner will be Keith Urban and includes scheduled performances by Lee Brice, Brett Eldredge, Tyler Farr, Kip Moore, Joe Nichols, Jerrod Niemann, Chris Young, Love and Theft,and Parmalee. Plus Joel Crouse, Jon Pardi, Leah Turner, Austin Webb, Dan + Shay, and Max Impact, the premier rock band of the United States Air Force, will perform on the Party Stage.
Following the Main Stage performances on Saturday, April 5, the festivities will continue with ACM After Hours with Jerrod Niemann & Friends on the Party Stage, featuring performances by Tyler Farr, Jerrod Niemann, American Young, Natalie Stovall and The Drive, The Swon Brothers, and more.
Artist Updates (3/10/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonBlake Shelton
Blake Shelton has sold out his shows at Madison Square Garden in New York and Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. This marks Shelton’s first time headlining both venues.
“I’m in L.A. to film The Voice and I drive by the Hollywood Bowl on my way to the set. It is such an iconic venue and I have wanted to perform there for a long time,” said Shelton. “Then there is Madison Square Garden. Hands down, there is not one artist who doesn’t dream about playing Madison Square Garden—it’s mind blowing to think I’m performing at Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Bowl let alone selling them out. I’m incredibly thankful for my fans selling out both these shows so fast. I promise the band and I will bring you a show you won’t forget. I love you guys!”
The 20+ date Ten Times Crazier Tour 2014, promoted by LiveNation, with sponsors including Pepsi, kicks off in June and will visit cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.
• • •
Mel Tillis
Country Music Hall of Famer Mel Tillis is recovering in Nashville following heart surgery. Tillis’ daughter Pam Tillis released the following statement on the health status of the music legend:
Vince Gill
Vince Gill is gearing up for several concerts this year at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The singer-songwriter-guitarist will headline the 16th annual Jammin’ To Beat The Blues at the historic Ryman Auditorium on April 1. The concert will benefit the Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee.
In December, Gill and wife Amy Grant will headline six shows at the Ryman Auditorium for Christmas at the Ryman.
• • •
Ben Folds
Ben Folds will unveil a new piano concerto for area high school students at Nashville Symphony Young People’s Concert, slated for Friday, March 14 at 11:45 a.m. The event will take place at Laura Turner Concert Hall at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
The event is free and open to public, private and home schools.
• • •
Charles Esten
On Saturday, April 26, 2014, the 15th annual St. Jude Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon presented by Nissan, will feature actors Charles “Chip” Esten and Clare Bowen, who play “Deacon Claybourn” and “Scarlett O’Connor” on ABC’s hit television show Nashville. They will take the stage for the post-race concert at the Bridgestone Arena at 7 p.m. Rising star Chase Rice will open the show.
The musically themed road race attracts more than 30,000 runners, walkers and 6,000 junior racers through KiDS ROCK Nashville, who will take on the 26.2 and 13.1-mile courses while passing many of Nashville’s best live bands along the route.
The concert is open to the public and tickets are now on sale for $35. Tickets can be purchased at the Bridgestone Arena box office, TicketMaster charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.
Warner/Chappell Music Signs Aimee Mayo
/by Jessica NicholsonAimee Mayo
Warner/Chappell Music (WCM), the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with chart-topping songwriter and former BMI Songwriter of the Year Aimee Mayo.
“Warner/Chappell already feels like home,” said Mayo. “To me, energy is everything, and I am beyond excited to be surrounded by such an innovative and inspiring team. I look forward to celebrating lots of monster smash hits together and I’m honored to be part of such a long lineage of legendary songwriters.”
Ben Vaughn, Executive Vice President, Warner/Chappell Music Nashville, said, “Aimee Mayo is a creative force of nature. I’ve always been impressed with her passion, drive, and creativity. On behalf of the A&R team we couldn’t be happier to have her join the Warner/Chappell family and look forward to helping bring her songs to life.”
Mayo has penned songs for Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Sara Evans, and Carrie Underwood, as well as pop artists including Backstreet Boys, Jessica Simpson, and Adam Lambert.
Mayo was honored with the Academy of Country Music’s Song of the Year, BMI’s Song of the Year, and the NSAI Song of the Year awards for Lonestar‘s “Amazed.” The song also garnered her a Grammy nomination.
Mayo lives in Nashville with her husband and co-writer, Chris Lindsey, and their three children.
AristoMedia Group Adds Two
/by Jessica NicholsonSharilyn Pettus
The AristoMedia Group has announced the hiring of Sharilyn Pettus to the PR division, AristoPR, and Corey Rice to the video marketing division, AristoVideo.
Sharilyn Pettus came to The AristoMedia Group in late 2013 after graduating from Troy University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with concentrations in Business Management and Marketing. Pettus was active in the Sorrell College of Business Marketing Club and interned in the Business Affairs department at Broken Bow Records.
An organizational pro, her responsibilities include client relations, market research and database management, story solicitation, media and event coordination and various other public relations duties. Pettus will serve as Publicist and can be reached at sharilyn@aristomedia.com or 615-269-7071, ext. 132. Pettus will report directly to Sr. Director of Publicity, Christy Watkins.
Corey Rice
Corey Rice joins AristoMedia from Curb Records where he served as Tape Services Coordinator. In between his three and a half years with the label, he served in the United States Peace Corps from 2011-2013 in Albania.
In 2010, he graduated from Belmont University with a BBA in Music Business.
Rice will serve as Visual Content Specialist and will focus on the use of visual mediums to support brand identity, follower growth and calls to action. He can be reached at corey@aristomedia.com or 615-269-7071, ext. 141. Rice will report directly to AristoMedia Group Sr. VP, Craig Bann.