Pictured (L-R) front row: Jimmy Robbins, David Nail and Jon Nite. (back row): Frank Liddell, ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, Universal Music Publishing Nashville’s Kent Earls, Universal Music Group Nashville’s Mike Dungan, Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Josh Van Valkenburg and ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel. Photo: Ed Rode.
Eleven weeks after
MusicRow crowned “Whatever She’s Got” for reaching No. 1 on the CountryBreakout Chart,
ASCAP and
UMG Nashville hosted a celebration where
David Nail was surprised with platinum plaques for the fastest rising single of his career. The presentation was a surprise for the Nashville crowd, gathered to celebrate the success of the
Jimmy Robbins and
Jon Nite-written, Mercury Nashville single.
ASCAP’s
Ryan Beuschel welcomed Robbins, Nite and Nail to the stage at the spacious top floor of Nashville’s Cannery complex on Tuesday (Feb. 25). The celebration marked the first No. 1 party honoring Nite. Although his co-written title “We Were Us” (Keith Urban feat. Miranda Lambert) peaked at the top of the charts first, the party for that song has yet to take place. In commemoration, Beuschel honored the ASCAP member with a guitar at his first No. 1
party. “I came to town in a U-Haul with my wife and daughter living on food stamps, hoping and dreaming of this,” said Nite of the distinctions.
Nite’s Sony/ATV representative,
Josh VanValkenburg, gave heartfelt remarks about the pair’s history, saying, “It’s a privilege to stand up here with you.” VanValkenburg also commented on the time he invited the songwriter to the ASCAP Awards as his date, and he showed up in jeans, a jacket and old boots.
Of Nite, Robbins commented, “A good co-writer makes your songs better and a good friend makes your day better – I’m thankful to have both with Jon.” Universal Music Publishing Group’s
Kent Earls addressed the reception as Robbins’ publisher. “Jimmy has been signed for two short years,” said Earls. “He has had 55 major label cuts from a catalog of only a couple hundred – the ratio is unbelievable.”
Pictured (L-R): David Nail, UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO, Mike Dungan. Photo: Ed Rode
UMG Nashville Chairman/CEO
Mike Dungan addressed Nail and the MCA promotion department’s contributions. “This single felt so good going up the charts,” said Dungan. “We have been working our asses off and this one felt like a lay-up.”
Producer
Frank Liddell offered comments on behalf of co-producers
Chuck Ainlay and
Glenn Worf. The hitmaker noted
Ron Stuve‘s presence at the ceremony. “These comments are my pre-speech for the next No. 1. Ron pitched the next single and I’m so happy to see him standing in the audience.”
“I didn’t do anything but sing it,” Nail humbly admitted before sending heartfelt remarks to Dungan. “Since Mike came over to the label, I’ve felt like a new artist. I’m so thankful to be doing this.”
“Kiss You Tonight” is currently at Country radio as the second single from Nail’s third studio album,
I’m A Fire, due out next week (March 4). A preview of the forthcoming project can be seen below.
Josh Turner Authors First Book
/by Jessica Nicholson“I was raised in a strong Christian family in a tight-knit community in rural South Carolina,” said Turner in the book’s introduction. “I was taught essential life lessons, like the value of a dollar, what hard work feels like, and how important an education is. I was taught why being thoughtful, respectful, and considerate of others makes life more fulfilling, and why trusting God with your life’s decisions is wise. If all that sounds a little old-fashioned, well, that’s because it is. And I’m okay with that.”
He continues, “In this book you’ll learn a little bit more about how God has shaped and continues to shape me. You’ll also learn about my wife, my boys, and the family I grew up in. I hope you see that the everyday small things in this life really do add up to matter a great deal in the long run. And I hope you’ll smile—even laugh—and gain a little wisdom along the way. Maybe even a lot.”
Jase Robertson, star of A&E’s television series Duck Dynasty, will provide the forward for Man Stuff.
$6.25 Million Music Row Building To Break Ground in March
/by Jessica NicholsonThe building will include 431 apartment units and is said to be ready for residents beginning in early 2016. The building will offer an additional 8,000 square feet of street-level retail space for two businesses. According to Childress Klein partner Kelly Dunbar, the company wants a restaurant to be one of the businesses occupying the retail space, as well as a coffee shop or lunch location.
“We are gauging the demand for a restaurant and it should be very strong,” said Dunbar. “We would like something compatible with the [restaurant] and an amenity for the residents.”
Nashville-based Littlejohn Engineering Associates and J.E. Dunn Construction of Brentwood have been enlisted for the project, while Atlanta-based architect Rule Joy Trammell + Rubio has designed the roundabout tower.
The 1515 Demonbreun St. address will be located next to the seven-story, currently under-construction 1505 Demonbreun apartment building.
MusicRowPics: Leah Turner
/by Jessica NicholsonLeah Turner visit
Columbia Nashville artist Leah Turner visited MusicRow‘s office yesterday (Feb. 26) to showcase her unique, smoky voice, smart songs and charming onstage persona.
Turner launched her three-song acoustic performance with her spunky debut single, “Take The Keys.” “I wrote it about letting go of all the demands of everyday life and remembering what started the fire between you and your significant other,” said Turner. “It’s about falling in love with that person all over again.”
Her rich, raspy voice shone on songs such as “Beat Up Bronco.” Perhaps her strongest performance was “Here’s My Finger,” a sassy, quirky kiss-off to an engagement gone sour, where Turner deftly reminds her cheating lover of all the things he will miss out on.
The California native’s career kicked into high gear when she met singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins during one of her college classes; he encouraged her to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career. There, she worked with David Foster and other industry execs, but Turner said her heart was in Country music. “Roots run deep, you know? My roots were in Country music, so I prayed about it and felt I needed to move to Nashville.” Once in Music City, Turner began meeting and co-writing with songwriters and eventually met Sony Music Nashville’s Jim Catino. “I played him a worktape, and he said he wanted to sign me to a deal. I was so excited; I couldn’t believe it,” said Turner. “That was a year ago.”
It’s been a fast ride for this singer-songwriter ever since. Turner released her debut single, and is preparing to hit the road with Brad Paisley for several shows starting in May.
“I want to be on the same Country highway, just driving in my own lane,” said Turner.
[slide]
Hall of Fame To Open Miranda Lambert Exhibition
/by Sarah SkatesThe exhibition will include gowns, stage costumes, awards and much more from the reigning and four-time CMA and ACM Female Vocalist of the Year. Lambert’s own Tweets will provide the narrative thread of this journey through the artist’s life in 2013.
“Miranda Lambert is one of contemporary music’s most popular and acclaimed artists, and for good reason,” said Museum Director Kyle Young. “She’s a dynamic performer; an emotive and powerful vocalist whose voice is equally at home with lyrics tough or tender; and a songwriter with a deft touch for feeling and place. Her numerous hits, from empowering anthems like ‘Gunpowder and Lead’ to introspective set pieces like ‘The House That Built Me,’ are rich contributions to country music’s storytelling tradition. We are looking forward to taking our visitors behind the scenes with Miranda during her amazing successes in 2013.”
Lambert recently released the song “Automatic,” the first single from her highly anticipated fifth album, which will be released later this year.
NASH Announces Hirings, Promotions
/by Sarah SkatesSuzanne Alexander
Cumulus today (Feb. 27) announced four key NASH talent and programming appointments for the popular syndicated radio programs “Kickin’ It with Kix” and “American Country Countdown,” hosted by Kix Brooks. Suzanne Alexander will Co-Host “Kickin’ It with Kix” and serve as substitute host of “American Country Countdown” while continuing her role with Great American Country. She has extensive Country radio experience and has been in Nashville more than a decade. She currently serves as host of Great American Country’s The Playlist.
Lonnie Napier is promoted to Executive Producer of “Kickin’ It with Kix” and “American Country Countdown” after serving as Associate Producer of “American Country Countdown” for four years. Prior to joining Cumulus, Napier spent more than 20 years as Producer for the legendary DJ Wolfman Jack and 10 years as VP of Wolfman Jack Entertainment. He has also served as Executive Producer for Jones Media Networks’ “Bill Cody’s Classic Country Weekend” as well as Producer for Great American Country’s video request show, CRL.
Holly Ennen is promoted to Head Writer of “Kickin’ It with Kix” and “American Country Countdown” after serving as Associate Writer for “American Country Countdown.”
Nikita Palmer joins NASH programming as NASH Network Producer. She was previously in the Cumulus Digital Division, where she served as a Producer, Content Manager and most recently, Social Media Director of “American Country Countdown” and “Kickin’ It with Kix.”
Cumulus launched the NASH entertainment brand based on the Country music lifestyle in January, starting with the flagship NASH FM 94.7 in New York City. In addition to radio stations, the NASH brand will include a NASH magazine, concerts/events, online content and television programming. WKDF/Nashville is a NASH station.
Bluebird In The Boro To Benefit Alive Hospice
/by Jessica NicholsonMonday, March 3 – Marshall Altman, Dylan Altman, Marla Cannon-Goodman, Matt Warren
Tuesday, March 4 – Tim James, Danny Myrick, Dan Couch
Wednesday, March 5 – Jeff Cohen, Billy Montana, Kendall Marvel, James T. Slater
Tickets, which include food and drinks, are $100 and proceeds benefit Alive Hospice’s pediatric program. Tickets are available online at http://www.alivehospice.org/
Round Hill Nashville Signs Myrick
/by Jessica NicholsonDanny Myrick
Round Hill Music has added to their Round Hill Nashville division by signing an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with songwriter Danny Myrick.
“Danny Myrick is one of the most talented, musical, and hard working songwriters I’ve ever had the privilege of working with.” says Vice President and General Manager of the Round Hill Nashville division, Mark Brown. “Danny has a proven track record as a hit songwriter and his talent at finding and developing young talent is super valuable. I look forward to continuing my relationship with Danny and Round Hill Music.”
Myrick’s career has included time as lead singer and principal songwriter for country band Western Flyer, as well as background vocalist for Montgomery Gentry, Keith Anderson, and Blake Shelton. He shifted his focus to songwriting, penning “International Harvester” (Craig Morgan), “Loud” (Big & Rich), “Truck Yeah” (Tim McGraw), “She’s Country” (Jason Aldean) and cuts for Montgomery Gentry, Gloriana and others.
Myrick recently completed projects for up and coming artists Annie Bosko and Jesse Lee, and is currently working in the studio on the first Nashville release by Old Southern Moonshine Revival.
David Nail Goes Platinum Before Album Release
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R) front row: Jimmy Robbins, David Nail and Jon Nite. (back row): Frank Liddell, ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, Universal Music Publishing Nashville’s Kent Earls, Universal Music Group Nashville’s Mike Dungan, Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Josh Van Valkenburg and ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel. Photo: Ed Rode.
Eleven weeks after MusicRow crowned “Whatever She’s Got” for reaching No. 1 on the CountryBreakout Chart, ASCAP and UMG Nashville hosted a celebration where David Nail was surprised with platinum plaques for the fastest rising single of his career. The presentation was a surprise for the Nashville crowd, gathered to celebrate the success of the Jimmy Robbins and Jon Nite-written, Mercury Nashville single.
ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel welcomed Robbins, Nite and Nail to the stage at the spacious top floor of Nashville’s Cannery complex on Tuesday (Feb. 25). The celebration marked the first No. 1 party honoring Nite. Although his co-written title “We Were Us” (Keith Urban feat. Miranda Lambert) peaked at the top of the charts first, the party for that song has yet to take place. In commemoration, Beuschel honored the ASCAP member with a guitar at his first No. 1 party. “I came to town in a U-Haul with my wife and daughter living on food stamps, hoping and dreaming of this,” said Nite of the distinctions.
Nite’s Sony/ATV representative, Josh VanValkenburg, gave heartfelt remarks about the pair’s history, saying, “It’s a privilege to stand up here with you.” VanValkenburg also commented on the time he invited the songwriter to the ASCAP Awards as his date, and he showed up in jeans, a jacket and old boots.
Of Nite, Robbins commented, “A good co-writer makes your songs better and a good friend makes your day better – I’m thankful to have both with Jon.” Universal Music Publishing Group’s Kent Earls addressed the reception as Robbins’ publisher. “Jimmy has been signed for two short years,” said Earls. “He has had 55 major label cuts from a catalog of only a couple hundred – the ratio is unbelievable.”
Pictured (L-R): David Nail, UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO, Mike Dungan. Photo: Ed Rode
UMG Nashville Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan addressed Nail and the MCA promotion department’s contributions. “This single felt so good going up the charts,” said Dungan. “We have been working our asses off and this one felt like a lay-up.”
Producer Frank Liddell offered comments on behalf of co-producers Chuck Ainlay and Glenn Worf. The hitmaker noted Ron Stuve‘s presence at the ceremony. “These comments are my pre-speech for the next No. 1. Ron pitched the next single and I’m so happy to see him standing in the audience.”
“I didn’t do anything but sing it,” Nail humbly admitted before sending heartfelt remarks to Dungan. “Since Mike came over to the label, I’ve felt like a new artist. I’m so thankful to be doing this.”
“Kiss You Tonight” is currently at Country radio as the second single from Nail’s third studio album, I’m A Fire, due out next week (March 4). A preview of the forthcoming project can be seen below.
Industry Pics (2/26/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonBMI, ASCAP, and Big Machine celebrated Tim McGraw’s No. 1 hit “Southern Girl” at BMLG’s CRS show last week. Co-written by Jaren Johnston, Lee Thomas Miller, and Rodney Clawson, “Southern Girl” is McGraw’s 35th trip to the top of the charts.
Pictured (back row, L-R): ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe, Ryan Beuschel, and LeAnn Phelan, and BMI’s Bradley Collins; (front row, L-R): Big Machine Label Group President & CEO Scott Borchetta, co-writer Jaren Johnston, Tim McGraw, and co-writers Lee Thomas Miller and Rodney Clawson. Photo by Rick Diamond.
• • •
Cole Swindell (Warner Bros./WMN) and the WMN team recently celebrated his first No. 1 for his debut single “Chillin’ It.”
Pictured (L-R): WMN’s Chad Schultz, Scott Hendricks, Lou Ramirez, Kevin Herring, Peter Strickland, John Esposito, Cole Swindell, Kristen Williams, Red Light Management’s Jacob Knott, Red Light Management’s Waylon Weatherholt, WMN’s Cris Lacy, Justin Luffman, and Tyler Wall.
• • •
The Ryman Auditorium was named Theatre of the Year during the twenty-fifth annual Pollstar Awards. The award was voted on by industry peers, and the win marks the fourth year in a row that Nashville’s iconic venue has been named Theatre of the Year by Pollstar Magazine. Since its 1994 renovation, the venue has won the award a total of six times. Ryman GM Sally Williams also was named Facility Executive of the Year during the ceremony.
Under Williams’ leadership, the Ryman has been awarded SRO Venue of the Year Presented by CMA in 2013 and 2012, Pollstar Magazine‘s 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010 Venue of the Year, the Academy of Country Music’s 2012, 2010 and 2008 Venue of the Year and the International Entertainment Buyers Association’s 2009 Venue of the Year.
Ryman Auditorium General Manager Sally Williams. Photo by Steve Lowry/
Ryman Archives
Nashville Artists, Industry Members Get Dramatic For Opry
/by Michael_SmithEntries will be accepted through 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28. The Opry will announce finalists in three categories – fan, artist and radio personality – on Sunday, March 2 via Opry social media and opry.com.
Thus far, celebrity contestants include Janelle Arthur, Nashville’s Eric Close, Love and Theft, Bobby Bones, WSM AM’s Charlie Mattos, Larry Gatlin, among others. Voting for each finalist will open Sunday, March 2 and continue through March 12. Entries can be made at opry.com.
View some entries below:
Jeannie Seely’s reading of “Fancy”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlUyE7ZTSNw
Love and Theft’s reading of “Girls Love To Shake It”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuH3vot79ew
WSM AM’s Charlie Mattos’ reading of Taylor Swift’s “Mean”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_Fk98cMV_8
Nashville‘s Eric Close’s reading of Taylor Swift’s “22”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK713RWQQvc