Dolly Parton
’s
Blue Smoke will soon be wafting through Europe as well as she has just announced plans to return to Europe for a set of tour dates through June and July, hitting seven countries in 17 days. The European run will bring her back to the O2 Arena in London, where she recorded and filmed her DVD/CD set
An Evening With…Dolly that sold over half a million copies.
“Every time I come to Europe I’m just as excited as I was my very first time, which was many, many years ago. I love that part of the world and I especially love the fans,” adds Parton. “We always have such a good time and I’ve put together a lot of things for this show that I think the fans will love. We had not planned to come back so soon, but we got so much fan mail and such a great reaction that I thought ‘Well, why not. If they’re having a good time and we always do, let’s just do it’.”
She will also release a CD of all-new material,
Blue Smoke, to accompany the tour in the coming months, with a release date to be announced soon.
Blue Smoke UK & EUROPE Dates:
June 8 England, Liverpool, Echo Arena
June 10 Northern Ireland, Belfast, Odyssey Arena
June 11 Ireland, Dublin, O2 Arena
June 12 Ireland, Cork, Live At The Marquee
June 14 England, Newcastle, Metro Radio Arena
June 15 Scotland, Aberdeen, GE Arena
June 17 Scotland, Glasgow, Hydro Arena
June 20 England, Leeds, First Direct Arena
June 21 England, Manchester, Phones 4U Arena
June 22 England, Birmingham, LG Arena
June 24 Wales, Cardiff, Motorpoint Arena
June 27 England, London, O2 Arena
July 2 England, Nottingham, Arena
July 5 Germany, Cologne, Lanxess Arena
July 6 Germany, Berlin, O2 World
July 8 Denmark, Copenhagen, Forum
July 9 Norway, Oslo, Spektrum
'MusicRow' Exclusive: John Grady to Helm New Nashville Label
/by Eric T. ParkerJohn Grady to lead I.R.S. Nashville
John Grady together with Capitol Music Group’s CEO Steve Barnett and Dominic Pandiscia of Caroline, the independent services division of CMG, announced Tuesday (Oct. 22) the formation of a new, independent label I.R.S. Nashville.
Providing A&R and marketing resources, the new record company will release Country genres in addition to other music genres calling Nashville home. Radio promotion and licensing support will be sourced through Caroline.
As President, Grady will initially launch the Nashville-based label with its first artist, music duo Striking Matches. A posthumous project from 2013 CMHoF inductee Cowboy Jack Clement, produced by Dave Ferguson and T Bone Burnett, is also planned. Clement’s material was recorded last year with Vince Gill, John Prine, Emmylou Harris and others.
Originally home to bands like The Police, Black Sabbath, R.E.M., The Go-Go’s and The Fleshtones; International Record Syndication (I.R.S.) released a handful of rock releases in recent years before the 2012 EMI/Universal merger and Nashville relaunch.
“Nashville is home to one of the most vibrant and exciting music communities in the world, and John Grady is the perfect executive to tap into that world and attract the best independent artists to I.R.S. Nashville,” said Pandiscia. “With his diverse background and decades of experience in music – both on the label side and as an artist manager – I.R.S. Nashville could not be in better hands.”
“Nashville is the home to great music, and it’s both vital and overdue for Caroline to have a presence there,” said Capitol Music Group EVP Michelle Jubelirer. “All of us at CMG welcome John and I.R.S. Nashville to the family and pledge our strong support for their success.”
Concurrent with his new role as I.R.S. Nashville president, Grady will continue as a partner at Crush Management, representing Warner Bros. recording artist Ashley Monroe, Sony Recording artist Kristen Kelly and Striking Matches.
Grady is a 38-year veteran based in Nashville for the past 20 years, helping to jump-start the careers of Toby Keith, Shania Twain, Gretchen Wilson, Miranda Lambert, and played a major role in the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack.
MusicRow Exclusive:
MusicRow: How did you end up heading this new Nashville Label?
John Grady: They came to me with this idea to bring I.R.S. back with headquarters in Nashville. I actually competed with I.R.S. in the 80s as a promotion and salesman when they had enormous success in emerging from the alternative world to the pop world.
How have your experiences prepared you to lead I.R.S.
JG: Everything I have done has prepared me for what I will do next. The first 15 years of my career were spent in pop music, the last 21 in Nashville. I’ve always been interested in a lot more than one musical genre. Nashville has now become a melting pot of all those genres, like the Kings of Leon, The Black Keys, The Civil Wars and the whole Christian industry. It’s a lot easier to be in the music business than other cities because all the facilities are in Nashville, I don’t think artists should have to leave to release their music.
What Nashville staffing resources will be required?
JG: The company will grow with it’s releases. I.R.S.’ licensing will be done by Caroline, the rest of the A&R and marketing will probably generate from Nashville. We really aren’t planning on getting off the ground with real estate towards the first of the year. Promotion, publicity is a moving target–you need to hire experts for different genres. We’ll build toward releases. We’ll start with a certain amount of staff—anything involving social media/digital marketing is of the upmost importance and we’ll have a dedicated staff for that.
What new music do you plan to release?
JG: I’ve been developing Striking Matches for three years. It’s finally time to make a record and all of a sudden I have a record company to make it on. Dave Ferguson and the guys making the Cowboy Jack project are friends of mine. To me, Jack is the epitome of the artist I.R.S. would have signed, had they been in Nashville in the ‘70s-80s. He was the original renegade. I would like to honor Jack and people like Dave Ferguson for having the foresight to record these songs last summer when Jack was terminally ill.
How will your Crush duties coincide with this appointment?
Fortunately, everyone has agreed to let both duties coincide. That was a deal breaker for me. I will continue to manage Ashley Monroe, Kristen Kelly and Striking Matches, but not every I.R.S. artist will have to be managed by Crush. One thing I learned is there’s not much difference between management and running a record company. I’ve got 11-years of my life working with Ashley, and three years each for the rest—I’m glad I don’t have to turn that over to anyone else. Except now, I don’t have a record company to blame for anyone’s shortcomings!” he laughs, “I’ll have to blame myself.
Apple Rolls Out iPad Air
/by Jessica NicholsonThe iPad Air will retain the same 9.7-inch screen as previous iPads and the same A7 processing chip available in the iPhone 5S. According to Apple Sr. VP Phil Schiller, the iPad Air will be 72 times faster than the original iPad. The iPad Air will go on sale Nov. 1, with pricing beginning at $499 for a 16GB; the price for a 16 GB with 4G LTE connectivity is $629.
Schiller also unveiled a revamped iPad Mini (comes in silver or space gray), starting at $399. It will be available in late November; the iPad Mini will include an A7 processor and the same high-resolution “Retina display” as bigger iPads.
The iPad Air will go on sale Friday, Nov. 1 at Apple retail stores in 42 countries and territories: the U.S., Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China (Wi-Fi models only), Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao (Wi-Fi models only), Macedonia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.
Apple will also give away operating and work software free to all users of MacBooks and Mac computers. It’s Mac operating system and iWork software suite, which compete with Microsoft’s Excel, Word and other applications, will now be offered free to users.
MusicRowLife: Gloriana's Tom Gossin Weds In Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughTom Gossin
Gloriana’s Tom Gossin and longtime girlfriend Jamie Moffett married Saturday night (Oct. 19) in Nashville during a 1920’s vintage-themed wedding and reception, according to People.com. Bandmates Rachel Reinert and Mike Gossin were both on hand for the ceremony.
Gossin proposed to Moffett on their 10th anniversary together with a 1920s European-cut stone. The couple celebrated their wedding day with a Jazz Age-style reception at the Cannery.
Gloriana’s next tourdate is slated for Nov. 1 in Conway, S.C.
Industry Snapshots (10/22/13)
/by Jessica NicholsonAPA agents and artists celebrate the kick-off of the 43rd Annual IEBA Conference during their showcase Sunday night in Nashville at the new Omni Hotel. The show, hosted by Goldy Locks, featured performances by Sundy Best, Tonic, Tom Keifer of Cinderella, Charlie Daniels and Chris Cagle.
Pictured (Back row L-R): Chris Looney (Agent), Heath Baumhor (Agent), Craig Newman (Agent), Jim Gosnell (President/CEO), Jackie Knobbe (Agent), Frank Wing (Senior Vice President), Steve Lassiter (Senior Vice President/Partner), Bonnie Sugarman (Senior Vice President) and Andrew Buck (Agent). APA Artists/Agent (Front Row): Nick Jamerson (Sundy Best), Kris Bentley (Sundy Best), Lee Greenwood, Charlie Daniels, Tom Keifer, Lee Roy Parnell and APA’s Ray Shelide.
• • •
During a recent No. 1 party for Hunter Hayes’ hit “I Want Crazy,” the BMI Board of Directors stopped by to congratulate the team behind the song on their success. “I Want Crazy” is Hayes’ third consecutive No. 1 hit, and co-writers Troy Verges and Lori McKenna each celebrated their third and first chart-topper, respectively.
Pictured (L-R): Martingale Entertainment’s Ansel Davis and Betsy McHugh, BMI Board of Directors Vice Chairman Paul Karpowicz, “I Want Crazy” co-writer Lori McKenna, Hunter Hayes, BMI Board of Directors Chairman Susan Davenport Austin, “I Want Crazy” co-writer Troy Verges, BMI President Del Bryant and BMI CEO Mike O’Neill.
Photo: Rick Diamond
• • •
The Academy of Country Music welcomed MCA recording artist David Nail to the office while he was in Los Angeles last week on his fall tour. While at the Academy, Nail performed “Whatever She’s Got,” the debut single off his forthcoming 2014 album.
Pictured (L-R): Brian Wolf, VP Touring + Live Entertainment, Fusion Music; David Nail; Tiffany Moon, ACM Executive Vice President/Managing Director; Daniel Miller, CEO + Managing Partner, Fusion Music
• • •
John Esposito, President & CEO of Warner Music Nashville, celebrated for King & Country‘s win for Best New Artist at the 44th Annual Dove Awards, held Oct. 15 at Nashville’s Lipscomb University.
Pictured (L-R): John Esposito (President & CEO, Warner Music Nashville), Luke Smallbone (for KING & COUNTRY), Francesca Battistelli, Joel Smallbone (for KING & COUNTRY) and Rod Riley (President & CEO, Word Entertainment).
Still Working Music Adds Creative Director
/by Jessica NicholsonChelsea Kent
Still Working Music has added Chelsea Kent as Creative Director for the publishing company, where she will be involved in all day-to-day creative activities.
“I couldn’t be more excited about bringing in someone with the market knowledge, energy, and enthusiasm that Chelsea brings – Still Working is better positioned than ever to capitalize on the works of its great and expanding roster,” says Alex Orbison, President of Still Working Music.
“We are over the top about having Chelsea join our team. Her passion and love for songs and songwriters alike will be a great asset to our company,” adds Tommy Lee James, Chief Creative Officer of Still Working Music.
The company represents songwriters Tommy Lee James, Terry McBride, Chase Bryant, Matt Nolen, Ryan Lafferty, and Derrick Southerland; and is a joint venture with BMG Chrysalis.
Chelsea can be contacted at chelseakent@orbison.com.
Industry Ink (10/22/13)
/by Jessica NicholsonMarisa Henderson
Black River Entertainment has hired Marisa Henderson as Creative and Client Services. In this role, Henderson will be the first to greet guests as they enter the record company and will also be assisting in creative output for Black River. The Pensacola, Fla. native graduated from Troy University and has been living in Nashville for four years. Her career has included time at Music City News Media and Marketing and Warner Music Nashville.
Reporting to Black River’s General Manager, Greg McCarn, Henderson can be reached at Marisa@blackriverent.com or at 615-780-3070.
• • •
In 2010, Country was ranked 4th with a 7.2 share according to Arbitron, but in Fall 2012 Country climbed to 2nd, only behind Top 40, with a 9.5 share.
The panel, titled “The New ‘Young Country’ Boom and What it Means to You” and scheduled for Wed. Feb. 19 at 2:30 p.m., will include a multi-media presentation of the study, presented by Edison Research’s Larry Rosen and media strategist, Jayne Charneski.
CRS 2014 will be held February 19-21, 2014 at the downtown Nashville Convention Center.
• • •
Prior to the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert on Nov. 11, the Ryman will host a preshow plaza party starting at 5:00 p.m. Attendees will enjoy live music while they check out guitars which are to be auctioned online and as part of a silent auction at the concert. Puckett’s “Trolley Parton” will be on site and any concert-goers riding motorcycles will be allowed to park on the Ryman drive as space allows.
Guitars for Vets is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in Milwaukee in 2007. G4V currently operates over 30 chapters in 15 states with the assistance of over one hundred volunteers nationwide. This event will serve as a kick-off for the formation of a new Nashville chapter of G4V. Wounded Warriors supports the organization and will select the first two veterans to participate in the G4V Nashville chapter. Gibson will provide guitars to be awarded to these veterans.
MusicRowPics: Corey Smith
/by Jessica NicholsonCorey Smith Artist Visit
Georgia singer-songwriter Corey Smith visited the MusicRow office on Monday (Oct. 21) to perform his latest single, “Ain’t Going Out Tonight,” from his upcoming project. Smith, who averages 130 shows per year, recently signed with The Collective for management.
After producing his past albums single-handedly, Smith teamed with producer Keith Stegall (Alan Jackson, Zac Brown Band) for his upcoming project. The untitled album is currently being mixed. “Keith gave me an air of confidence. On other albums, I was my own worst enemy and would second-guess myself. When Keith said a song was fine, I believed it was fine. It made the process of making an album more enjoyable for me.”
Smith is a former high school teacher. When he wasn’t in the classroom, he spent time performing in clubs around Georgia; Smith released his first three albums while still teaching high school. He made the leap into a full-time music career nearly nine years ago. Smith balances his career with family life in Georgia. “It might be better for my career if I moved to Nashville, but I have kids in school and my family’s in Georgia,” he says.
He also performed “Maybe Next Year,” and his signature song, “Twenty-One.”
[slide]
Is Garth Brooks Brewing A Storm?
/by Eric T. ParkerWe do know Country music’s best-selling entertainer announced his retirement in 2000 to focus on raising his three daughters. Taylor Mayne Pearl and August Anna are reportedly out of high school, while youngest, Allie Colleen, will graduate next year.
From Memorial Day to the 4th of July this year, after spending three years acoustically performing at Steve Wynn‘s resort casino, Brooks recorded six shows at the Wynn. Last month (Sept. 21), Trisha Yearwood confirmed her husband was currently in the studio working on a new project.
Rumors have been floating around that a DVD/CD box set, including multiple new studio albums, is in the works. Additionally, a songwriter reunion with the star is rumored for next month in a Nashville club.
Knowing Brooks, we’re sure not to miss his official announcement. Stay tuned!
Brooks’ encore run will continue at the Las Vegas casino with two more sold-out shows, Nov. 8 and 9.
Dolly To Return To Europe On Upcoming "Blue Smoke" Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton
Dolly Parton’s Blue Smoke will soon be wafting through Europe as well as she has just announced plans to return to Europe for a set of tour dates through June and July, hitting seven countries in 17 days. The European run will bring her back to the O2 Arena in London, where she recorded and filmed her DVD/CD set An Evening With…Dolly that sold over half a million copies.
“Every time I come to Europe I’m just as excited as I was my very first time, which was many, many years ago. I love that part of the world and I especially love the fans,” adds Parton. “We always have such a good time and I’ve put together a lot of things for this show that I think the fans will love. We had not planned to come back so soon, but we got so much fan mail and such a great reaction that I thought ‘Well, why not. If they’re having a good time and we always do, let’s just do it’.”
She will also release a CD of all-new material, Blue Smoke, to accompany the tour in the coming months, with a release date to be announced soon.
Blue Smoke UK & EUROPE Dates:
June 8 England, Liverpool, Echo Arena
June 10 Northern Ireland, Belfast, Odyssey Arena
June 11 Ireland, Dublin, O2 Arena
June 12 Ireland, Cork, Live At The Marquee
June 14 England, Newcastle, Metro Radio Arena
June 15 Scotland, Aberdeen, GE Arena
June 17 Scotland, Glasgow, Hydro Arena
June 20 England, Leeds, First Direct Arena
June 21 England, Manchester, Phones 4U Arena
June 22 England, Birmingham, LG Arena
June 24 Wales, Cardiff, Motorpoint Arena
June 27 England, London, O2 Arena
July 2 England, Nottingham, Arena
July 5 Germany, Cologne, Lanxess Arena
July 6 Germany, Berlin, O2 World
July 8 Denmark, Copenhagen, Forum
July 9 Norway, Oslo, Spektrum
YouTube Announces Music Awards Nominations
/by Michael_SmithThe nominations cover a variety of artists, including Country darling Taylor Swift, who received a nomination for Artist of the Year. Her song “I Knew You Were Trouble” garnered a nomination in the YouTube Phenomenon category. Actor Jason Schwartzman will host the awards show, which will feature performances by Eminem, Lady Gaga, Arcade Fire, M.I.A. and Avicii, among others.
The video site asked viewers to vote on nominations, which include six categories: Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Response of the Year, YouTube Phenomenon, YouTube Breakthrough and Innovation of the Year.
View all of the nominations below.
Video of the Year: Nominees represent the videos with the most fan engagement on YouTube over the last year.
Artist of the Year: Focused on acts YouTube fans have made stars, nominees represent the most watched, shared, liked, and subscribed to artists.
Response of the Year: Best fan remix, parody or response video, these nominees represent the top “unofficial” fan videos on YouTube based on views, shares and other social activity.
YouTube Phenomenon: Nominees are based on the phenomena that generated the most fan videos.
YouTube Breakthrough: Focusing on breakout new acts, nominees represent the artists who experienced the biggest growth in views and subscribers.
Innovation of the Year: Most creative and innovative music videos on YouTube.