Artist Updates (8-21-13)

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Cassadee Pope

Cassadee Pope


• The Voice season three winner Cassadee Pope will perform on the results show of another talent competition, NBC’s America’s Got Talent next Wednesday, Aug. 28 (9 p.m.-10 p.m. ET). One Direction will also perform a song during the live telecast. Pope will give fans an inside look at the making of her debut CD Frame by Frame, due out Oct. 8, on CMT in a docu-series that will premiere on Oct. 4.
 
Thompson Square

Thompson Square


• Thompson Square will host a party on the Fox News channel’s plaza in New York City this Friday (Aug. 23) as part of the network’s Fox & Friends All-American Summer Concert Series. The two will perform a free set of their hits outside the Fox News building from 7 a.m.-9 a.m. ET and fans in attendance can nosh on free barbeque from Famous Dave’s during the show. The show will air live on the network at 7 a.m. ET.
 
charlie daniels

Charlie Daniels


• Charlie Daniels’ previously-released book The Devil Went Down To Georgia: Stories by Charlie Daniels is now available to Kindle readers on Amazon.com and Apple iBooks. Originally released in 1985 by Peachtree Publishers, the book includes a short biography on Daniels along with a collection of short stories and vintage pics.
rachele

Rachele Lynae


• Rachele Lynae will perform at the Tin Roof Nashville at the Hero Songs Benefit concert on Saturday (Aug. 24). The benefit concert will take place from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.; general admission is $10. All proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit organization Wounded Warrior Project.
 
randy houser press photo 2013

Randy Houser


• Mississippi native Randy Houser will be honored with his own day when Sept. 5 is named “Randy Houser Day” in Mississippi. He will perform at the Temple Theater in Meridian, Miss. on Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m. CT. The evening will honor Houser’s successes as well as pay tribute to country music pioneer and Meridian native Jimmie Rodgers. Tickets are on sale at the Temple Theater box office at 601-693-5353 and range from $20-30.
 
 

BMI Announces 8 Off 8th Line Up

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BMIBMI has announced the lineup for this year’s edition of 8 off 8th’s Back to School Spectacular, hosted at Mercy Lounge. The free event features eight exciting up-and-coming Nashville bands playing three-song sets to the public in an exhilarating, rapid-fire show. Featured performers include: Lauren Rantala, The Get Togethers, Scale Model, The Lonely Biscuits, The Wans, Vinyl Thief, Staying for the Weekend, and Levi Ray.
The event will take place on Monday, Aug. 26 at Mercy Lounge. The show starts at 9 p.m.
BMI’s involvement in 8 off 8th underscores the organization’s dedication to aspiring songwriters and artists in the early stages of their career.

Tim McGraw Celebrates 34th No. 1 Song

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(L-R): Brett Warren, Brad Warren, Mark Irwin, McGraw, Byron Gallimore, Photo: Thien Phan

(L-R): Brett Warren, Brad Warren, Mark Irwin, McGraw, Byron Gallimore. Photo: Thien Phan.


There’s a new place to party in Nashville and Tim McGraw‘s latest No. 1 celebration was the perfect occasion yesterday (Aug. 20) to break in the Music City Tippler in Midtown’s Adelicia building.
McGraw’s “Highway Don’t Care” with Taylor Swift, featuring Keith Urban on guitar, spent two weeks at the pinnacle of the chart. Written by Mark Irwin, Josh Kear, Brad Warren and Brett Warren, the song is McGraw’s 34th No. 1 song and second No. 1 from his Big Machine Records debut, Two Lanes of Freedom.
Big Machine Label Group President and CEO Scott Borchetta welcomed the standing-room only crowd, revealing he had first heard about the song from Swift who told him, “I love it and I’m going to sing on that.” A video was then played for the crowd that offers a look at the evolution of the song, from an idea in the writers’ room to finding its place at the top of the charts. Interviews from the songwriters (including Kear who was out of the country and unable to attend the festivities), Urban and Swift, as well as industry leaders, were featured in the video. Also on hand to celebrate were BMI’s Jody Williams, Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson and producer Byron Gallimore.
(L-R): McGraw, Urban, Photo Rick Diamond/Getty

Pictured (L-R): McGraw, Urban. Photo Rick Diamond/Getty


McGraw thanked the industry for the song’s success, including the song’s producer Byron Gallimore. He gave nods to the songwriters, stating, “This town revolves around songwriters,” and calling the tunesmiths “modern day poets.” He told guests this is the kind of song, “you don’t have to think, ‘let me listen to this again’.” Being a big fan of Urban and Swift, McGraw acknowledged how Urban, who was on hand for the celebration, has put a spotlight on Nashville, saying we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Regarding Swift’s performance of the song, McGraw confessed, “It was a big deal for her to sing on this song,” and called her a “spectacular songwriter.”
Songwriter Irwin celebrated his second No. 1 (his first being “Here In The Real World” released by Alan Jackson in 1990). Referring to Kear, Irwin said, “A songwriter couldn’t ask for a better co-writer.” He called being in the same writing room with the Warren brothers “inspirational.”
Celebrating their third No. 1, Brad and Brett Warren took the stage and as usual, quickly stole the show, garnering laughs from the packed room of friends, industry and press; but even among the quips, it was evident Brett and Brad were sincerely grateful and humbled by the song’s success.
Lucky attendees didn’t leave empty handed. Everyone received McGraw’s Two Lanes of Freedom, Accelerated Deluxe vinyl edition as they left the festivities.
Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, co-writers Brett and Brad Warren, Tim McGraw, Sony ATV Music Publishing’s Troy Tomlinson, Keith Urban, BMI’s Jody Williams, co-writer Mark Irwin and producer Byron Gallimore. Photos by Rick Diamond.

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, co-writers Brett and Brad Warren, Tim McGraw, Sony ATV Music Publishing’s Troy Tomlinson, Keith Urban, BMI’s Jody Williams, co-writer Mark Irwin and producer Byron Gallimore. Photos by Rick Diamond.

No. 1 Celebration: Brad Paisley's "Beat This Summer"

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Pictured (L-R): ASCAP's LeAnn Phelan, Sea Gayle's Marc Driskill, Chris DuBois, Brad Paisley, Luke Laird, Creative Nation's Beth Laird, Universal Music Publishing Group's Kent Earls, BMI's Jody Williams, Paisley's manager Bill Simmons, and Sony Music Nashville's Lesly Tyson and Gary Overton. All photos by Frederick Breedon.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, Sea Gayle’s Marc Driskill, Chris DuBois, Brad Paisley, Luke Laird, Creative Nation’s Beth Laird, Universal Music Publishing Group’s Kent Earls, BMI’s Jody Williams, Paisley’s manager Bill Simmons, and Sony Music Nashville’s Lesly Tyson and Gary Overton. Photo: Frederick Breedon.


Songwriters Brad Paisley, Chris DuBois and Luke Laird were feted with a No. 1 celebration at the Country Music Association’s offices yesterday (Aug. 20) for the chart-topping success of “Beat This Summer,” recorded by Paisley. Jody Williams honored BMI songwriter Laird, BMI’s reigning Country Songwriter of the Year. ASCAP’S LeAnn Phelan honored Paisley, ASCAP’s 2011 Artist/Songwriter of the Year and DuBois, ASCAP’s 2004 Country Songwriter of the Year, for their part in the chart-topping summertime anthem.
Meanwhile, Sea Gayle Music’s Marc Driskill announced that the company would be making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in honor of Sea Gayle writers Paisley and DuBois. Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox also announced that Avenue Bank would make a charitable contribution to Preston Taylor Ministries on behalf of all the songwriters.
It is the first No. 1 song for independent publishing company Creative Nation, founded by Laird and his wife Beth Laird. “I could not be more proud of Luke and Beth and the company that they are building,” said BMI’s Jody Williams. Beth Laird previously served as Director of Writer/Publisher Relations at BMI. Luke Laird’s parents traveled from Pennsylvania to be in the audience.
“I never thought I would marry a musician or start my own company but it has turned out to be the best thing,” said Beth Laird. “Jody was the first person to say ‘You should go do this.’ There is no way I could run a publishing company without his mentorship.” She also spoke of husband and Creative Nation co-owner Luke Laird. “I learn so much from you everyday,” she said. “You are the most caring man and I’m glad you trusted me with your songs and talent.” Creative Nation eschewed the trophies and plaques traditionally given to honor the songwriters, instead giving Ray Ban Wayfarers to writers and executives involved in the song’s success (in a nod to “Beat This Summer”‘s reference to the sunglasses).
Pictured (L-R): Luke Laird, Brad Paisley, Chris DuBois

Pictured (L-R): Luke Laird, Brad Paisley, Chris DuBois. Photo: Frederick Breedon.


The song marked the first co-write between Paisley and Laird; Laird recalled first seeing Paisley in the late ’90s, when Laird was a college student volunteering during Country Radio Seminar and Paisley was just releasing his first single. Laird also thanked many in the industry for their support of Creative Nation. “Nashville has such a family feel and so many people have been so supportive of it,” he said. “I had nothing to do with the bridge of the song, and it’s my favorite part of the song.” Turning to his co-writers, he said, “Thank you for writing the Wayfarer line so we can give Wayfarers out to people.”
“This was the first tune that Luke and I wrote together,” said Paisley. “It was asking a lot to have a writer come into what feels like a frat house, where everybody knows everyone’s dark secrets,” he quipped. “You are one of the most talented writers I have sat in a room with,” Paisley told Laird.
Partygoers partook in a lunch of chicken, chips and bread, along with Sweet Cece’s frozen yogurt–welcome summer treats on warm Nashville summer day.

Haun, Tomlin, Redman Lead 44th Annual Dove Awards Nominations

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Dove-Logo-2013Producer/songwriter Wayne Haun leads the 44th Annual Dove Awards nominations with 15 nods; artists Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman are nominated for nine awards each.
The awards nominations were announced Wednesday morning (Aug. 21) at Nashville’s Lipscomb University. The press conference was hosted by several nominees and Christian music industry members, including Francesca Battistelli, Jason Crabb, Dailey and Vincent, James Fortune, Mandisa, Rhett Walker, Tenth Avenue North, Lady Shaunte of 760AM The Gospel, Les Butler of Solid Gospel 105FM, Nashville’s 94FM The Fish Doug Griffin and Jaci Velasquez as well as other industry leaders.
Ben Glover, The Isaacs and The Gaither Vocal Band follow closely in the nominations rankings, with eight nominations apiece.
The evening’s most prestigious award, Artist of the Year, includes nominees Tomlin, Lecrae, Tamela Mann, Francesca Battistelli and TobyMac. Meanwhile, Haun, Glover and Redman are all nominated in the Songwriter of the Year category, along with Benji Cowart and Toby McKeehan.
Capital Kings, Colton Dixon, for King and Country, Rhett Walker Band and Tasha Cobbs are all nominated for New Artist of the Year.
The Gospel Music Association’s 44th annual award show will return to Nashville on Oct. 15, after being held for two years in Atlanta.
A partial list of nominees is listed below; for a full list of awards nominees, visit doveawards.com
Artist of the Year
Chris Tomlin, sixstepsrecords
Francesca Battistelli, Word Label Group
Lecrae, Reach Records
Tamela Mann, TillyMann
TobyMac, ForeFront Records
Songwriter of the Year
Ben Glover
Benji Cowart
Matt Redman
Toby McKeehan
Wayne Haun
Song of the Year
“10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)”, Matt Redman, (writers) Matt Redman, Jonas Myrin
“All I Can Do (Thank You)”, Mikeschair, (writers) Mike Grayson,  Ben Glover, David Garcia
“Break Every Chain”, Tasha Cobbs, (writer) Will Reagan
“Forgiveness”, Matthew West, (writer) Matthew West
“From My Rags To His Riches”, Devin McGlamery featuring Dailey & Vincent, (writers) Ernie Haase, Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey
“Greatly Blessed, Highly Favored”, Gaither Vocal Band, (writers) Larry Gatlin, Bill Gaither
“Hold On”, Canton Junction, (writer) Gerald Crabb
“I’m Learning”, Aaron & Amanda Crabb, (writers) Lee Black, Michael Fordinal, Kenna West
“Live Like That”, Sidewalk Prophets, (writers) Dave Fray, Ben McDonald, Ben Glover
“Need You Now (How Many Times)”, Plumb, (writers) Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, Luke Sheets, Christa Wells
“Not For a Moment (After All)”, Meredith Andrews, (writers) Meredith Andrews, Jacob Sooter, Mia Fieldes
“One Thing Remains”, Kristian Stanfill, (writers) Brian Johnson, Christa Black Gifford, Jeremy Riddle
“Redeemed”, Big Daddy Weave, (writers) Mike Weaver, Benji Cowart
“Sometimes I Wonder”, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, (writers) Ernie Haase, Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey
“Take Him To The Place”, Aaron & Amanda Crabb, (writers) Aaron Crabb, Amanda Crabb
“Take Me to the King”, Tamela Mann, (writer) Kirk Franklin
“The Proof of Your Love”, for King and Country, (writers) Joel Smallbone, Fred Williams, Luke Smallbone, Ben Glover, Mia Fieldes, Johnathan Lee
“What The Blood Is For”, Jason Crabb, (writers) Ronnie Freeman, Tony Wood
“Where I Belong”, Building 429, (writers) Jason Roy, Jason Ingram
“Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)”, Chris Tomlin, (writers) Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, Scott Cash
“Why Can’t We”, The Isaacs, (writers) Rebecca Isaacs Bowman, Sonya Isaacs, Jimmy Yeary
Contemporary Christian Performance of the Year
“10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord),” Matt Redman
“Need You Now (How Many Times),” Plumb
“Redeemed,” Big Daddy Weave
“The Dream,” David Phelps
“The Proof of Your Love,” for King & Country
“Where I Belong,” Building 429
Southern Gospel Performance of the Year
“Glorious Freedom,” The Gaither Vocal Band
“Sometimes I Wonder,” Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, StowTown Records, (producer) Wayne Haun
“Stubborn (Psalm 15),” Michael English, Curb Records, (producer) Jay DeMarcus
“What The Blood Is For,” Jason Crabb, Gaither Music Group, (producers) Jay DeMarcus, Ed Cash, Wayne Haun
“Why Can’t We,” The Isaacs,  Gaither Music Group, (producer) Ben Isaacs
Gospel Performance of the Year
“Awesome,” Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago, EMI,(producer) Rick Robinson
“Break Every Chain,” Tasha Cobbs, EMI,(producer) VaShawn Mitchell
“It’s Not Over (When God Is In It),” Israel & New Breed (feat: James Fortune & Jason Nelson), Integrity/Columbia
“Let The Church Say Amen,” Andrae Crouch (feat: Marvin Winans), Riverphlo
“Take Me to the King,” Tamela Mann, TillyMann Music Group, (producers) Myron Butler, David Mann, Tamela Mann
New Artist of the Year
Capital Kings, Gotee Records
Colton Dixon, Sparrow Records
for King and Country, Word Label Group
Rhett Walker Band, Essential Records
Tasha Cobbs, EMI Gospel

Luke Bryan's 'Party' Biggest Debut Since 2004

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luke bryan crash my party album cover1111It’s Luke Bryan‘s world this week, we just live in it. The singer-songwriter’s latest album, Crash My Party, exceeded sales expectations in its debut week, selling 527,783 units and bowing at the pinnacle of the Nielsen Soundscan Top 200 rankings. Party gives Bryan the biggest sales debut for a Country male artist since 2004.
This makes Bryan and Taylor Swift the only two country artists who have sold more than a half-million copies of an album in a single week since 2008. This is Bryan’s second consecutive Top 200 No. 1 album.
“I’ve never been this excited about an album that I have put out, and the response I have gotten is really humbling and mind-blowing to me,” says Bryan. “I am lucky to have some of the best fans in the world, and I am happy to see them enjoying this album as much as I do. I’m just so thankful for my fans and for Country radio for the amazing support.”
Bryan’s sales have earned him top billing on several sales charts this week. The feat nets the Georgia native the Top Country album this week. Sales of his previous efforts lifted as well; he holds three of the Top 10 current Country albums with Party at the pinnacle, Tailgates & Tanlines sitting at No. 4 and Spring Break at No. 9. His sophomore album Doin’ My Thing is currently the No. 1 Catalogue Country album, and his debut project I’ll Stay Me is at No. 5 on the Country catalogue rankings.

Forty-two percent of Crash My Party‘s first-week sales were digital album sales (222,000 copies), making Party the No. 1 digital album overall and the No. 1 digital Country album.

Bryan also crashed the singles rankings, with his current single “That’s My Kind of Night” selling 164,000 copies to become the top Country track this week and the No. 4 overall track.
The success comes on the heels of a whirlwind launch week, where Bryan appeared on numerous national television appearances, including NBC’s Today Show Summer Concert Series, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! and E!’s Chelsea Lately. Crash My Party is Luke’s fourth studio album which follows his double-Platinum 2011 album tailgates & tanlines.
A hearty congratulations to Bryan and his entire team!
 

Music City Eats Chef Lineup Announced

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music city eats logo 111111Music City Eats: Nashville Food, Wine & Spirits Festival has announced the lineup for the festival’s grand tasting, Flavors of Nashville, which will be held Sept. 21-22 at downtown’s Public Square Park. The festival will showcase more than 25 of Nashville’s favorite chefs and restaurants, along with 40 different spirits from around the country and across the globe.
Festival attendees will be able to sample dishes from and chat with local chefs like Deb Paquette (Etch), Erik Anderson & Josh Habiger (The Catbird Seat), Philip R. Krajeck (Rolf & Daughters), Margot McCormack (Margot Café, Marché), and Tandy Wilson (City House) during the two-day epicurean extravaganza.
Libations will be flowing during the event as well. Kenny Chesney’s new Blue Chair Bay Rum, Deep Eddy Vodka, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Jameson Whiskey Partners, Silver Oak Cellars, Terrapin Beer Co., and Willett Bourbon are just a few of the vendors who will be on hand showcasing their wares at the new festival, which will also feature cooking demonstrations and panel discussions on four different stages at Public Square Park on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. by celeb chefs like Giada, Michael Symon, Aaron Sanchez, Jonathan Waxman, and Trisha Yearwood.
Music City Eats is the brainchild of Caleb and Nathan Followill of the Kings of Leon, chef Waxman, Austin-based C3 Presents (producer of Austin Food & Wine Festival,) and Vector Management‘s Ken Levitan and Andy Mendelsohn. To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit musiccityeats.com.
Saturday, September 21, 2013:
Participants will include Erik Anderson & Josh Habiger (The Catbird Seat); Kahlil Arnold (Arnold’s Country Kitchen); Carey Bringle (Peg Leg Porker); Larry Carlile (Silo); Robert Grace (Kayne Prime); Hal Holden-Bache (Lockeland Table); Philip R. Krajeck (Rolf & Daughters); Arnold Myint; Deb Paquette (Etch); Giovanni Pinato (Giovanni Ristorante); Barclay Stratton (Merchant’s Restaurant); and Tandy Wilson (City House).
Sunday, September 22, 2013:
Participants will include Roderick Bailey (The Silly Goose); Brian Bills (The Wild Hare); Matt Farley (The Southern); Jay Flatley (Tavern); Sarah Gavigan (Otaku South); John Lasater (Hattie B’s); Joseph Lenn (The Barn at Blackberry Farm); Pat Martin (Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint); Margot McCormack (Margot Café, Marché); Nick Pellegrino (Mangia Nashville); and Charles Phillips (1808 Grille, Hutton Hotel).
 

DISClaimer: Does Nashville Listen To Its Own Music?

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Zac Brown Band. Photo: Cole Cassell/Southern Reel

Zac Brown Band. Photo: Cole Cassell/Southern Reel


There are just not a whole lot of truly interesting sounds in country music these days. I recently took a long road trip, listening to radio stations all the way. And I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times a record excited me enough to make me turn up the volume. I have long suspected that the people in Nashville who make country records don’t even listen to their own creations. Now I’m just about certain of it.
That said, there are some bright highlights in this week’s stack of platters. Jimmy Buffett & Toby Keith, The Band Perry and Randy Travis all have excellent new music. So does the Zac Brown Band, which takes home the Disc of the Day award.
The newcomers today are Cole Swindell, Angie Johnson, Maggie Sajak and our DisCovery Award winners, American Young.
LUKE BRYAN/That’s My Kind of Night
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Dallas Davidson/Chris DeStefano; Producer: Jeff Stevens; Publishers: Songs of Southside Independent/Out of the Taperoom/External Combustion/EMI Blackwood/Two Chord Georgia/EMI April/Sugar Glider, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol Nashville
-Typical contemporary “country,” which is to say banjo slapped on top of a rock-music track with lyrics about partying and a vague hip-hop vibe.
RANDY TRAVIS/Tonight I’m Playin’ Possum
Writers: Keith Gattis; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree/Pioneer Town/BMI; Warner Bros.
-Randy is facing a long recovery right now. While we await his comeback, here is an excellent tribute to the late, great George Jones to warm our country hearts. Needless to say, it is country to the core.
JIMMY BUFFETT & TOBY KEITH/Too Drunk To Karaoke
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: International Dog/Big Yellow Dog/Scamporee/Hammer Arm/Coral Reefer/All About the Music, BMI; Mailboat
-He signs up to sing in the bar, but by the time they call his name, he’s blotto. These two sound like they’re having a ball with this hilarious, super bouncy, sing-along ditty. A single with a built-in smile. Essential.
ANGIE JOHNSON/Swagger
Writers: Angie Johnson/Josh Leo/Phoenix Mendoza; Producer: Josh Leo; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/I Can’t Stand Your Music/Keeping Music Alive/Cool Vibe, BMI; Sony (track)
-It’s a shouted rocker with quasi-metal electric guitar and programmed electronic effects. Catchy, rhythmic and pleasing, but not exactly drawing on any country musical tradition that I am aware of.
THE BAND PERRY/Don’t Let Me Be Lonely
Writers: Sarah Buxton/Rodney Clawson/Chris Tompkins; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Big Red Toe/Box Tone/Amarillo Sky/Big Loud Songs/Play Animal/Big Loud Bucks, BMI/ASCAP; Republic Nashville
-Marvelously melodic. It begins softly, then adopts a steadily rocking groove and nice vocal interplay among the three siblings. The audio dynamics ebb and crest throughout the production, which keeps you fully involved. One of this group’s finest efforts to date.
American Young

American Young


AMERICAN YOUNG/Love Is War
Writers: Billy Montana/Kyle Sackley/Jonathan Singleton; Producers: Jon Stone, Justin Niebank & Lee Brice; Publishers: Mike Curb/Dandon Ranch/BMG Platinum/Jam Writers/Sheila Be Right/BMG Gold/We Jam Writers/Glassbean, BMI/ASCAP; Curb
-This male-female duo has a distinctive folky style that features unusual vocal harmony work and spare, striking instrumental accompaniment. The song is a dandy, too. Highly inventive and very, very good.
ZAC BROWN BAND/Sweet Annie
Writers: Zac Brown/Wyatt Durrette/Coy Bowles/Sonia Leigh/John Pierce; Producers: Keith Stegall & Zac Brown; Publishers: Weimerhound/Lil’ Dub/Angelika/Southern Ground/Maudlow, BMI/ASCAP; Southern Ground/Atlantic (track)
-It seems like whenever I get so bored with this format that I could scream, these guys come along to refresh my faith. This lilting ode to a wronged sweetheart is drenched with the group’s matchless vocal harmony and laced with delicious dobro notes. Heavenly.
MAGGIE SAJAK/Wild Boy
Writers: Aimee Mayo/Chris Lindsey/Caitlyn Smith/Troy Verges; Producer: Josh Leo; Publishers: Little Blue Typewriter/BPJ Administration/BMG Gold/Little Vampire/Music of Stage Three/Songs of Cornman/BMG Chrysalis/Songs of Universal/Songs From the Engine Room, ASCAP/BMI; MS
-She has a coy, sexy vocal style. The track has a nice thump. The upbeat song describes a heartbreaker boyfriend imaginatively. I like the whole audio package.
KELLIE PICKLER/Little Bit Gypsy
Writers: Kyle Jacobs/Tammy Kidd Hutton/Fred Wilhelm; Producers: Frank Liddell & Luke Wooten; Publishers: Curb/Jacobsong/Mike Curb/Float/Meaux Mercy/Capitol CMG, ASCAP/BMI; Black River
-I am such a major fan of this gal. This time around, she’s bopping along merrily as a wandering free spirit. Frothy and light and buoyant and oh-so listenable.
COLE SWINDELL/Chillin’ It
Writers: Cole Swindell/Shane Minor; Producer: Jody Stevens; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Code Six Charles, BMI; Warner Bros.
-Same old, same old. They’re cruising on a backwoods road, listening to country radio and lolling around romantically.

Dollywood Preparing For $300 Million Upgrade

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DollyMainDolly Parton‘s Pigeon Forge, Tenn. themepark Dollywood is about to super-size its entertainment offerings. Dolly Parton told Today in an interview that a 10-year, $300 million expansion project is in the works for Dollywood. For 2014, those plans include the Fire Chaser Express roller coaster, with a resort hotel to follow in 2015.
An announcement was live streamed at 9:45 a.m. CT, revealing more details about the expansion.
“It’s gonna be a big deal,” Parton told TODAY. “And I’m so excited…this has been a dream from the very beginning. It’s got a Southern flair, but it’s done very classy.”
In 2015, the Dream More Resort will open, a 300-room world class resort located on 100 acres of land within walking distance of the Dollywood Splash Country Water Adventure Park. “When you stay at a hotel you sleep and when you sleep, you dream more,” Parton explained of the resort’s name during the announcement. Some rooms will be able to accommodate up to six people. The resort will feature a fishing pond and fire pits, indoor and outdoor pools, a full-service restaurant, a gym facility, porches with swings and hammocks, an intimate outdoor theatre and a spa and salon.
She is also creating a Sweet Dream Celebrity Suite, a place for people to stay–but only when Dolly is not taking up residence in the suite.
The Fire Chaser Express roller coaster is a first forward and backward family roller coaster for the park. It will be outfitted for young children to ride, including those as young as 4-years-old. “Little bitty kids will be able to say they had their first roller coaster ride here at Dollywood,” said Parton.
As usual, Parton has many other projects she is working on. She announced that she just finished a new CD and that she has tour dates in Europe, Australia and the United States on the books. She is also partnering to roll out her Imagination Library in Australia. Later this week, Parton will begin filming her part in a Lifetime Christmas film at the themepark. “I have a lot of acting to do and I’ve written music for the show,” says Parton.
Dollywood will introduce a new Christmas show this season, with Parton to be featured as a hologram as part of the production. “I get to be a ghost,” said Parton. “I am the ghost of Christmas past. It’s like being there in spirit, but not in person.”

Chris Young To Resume Touring August 22

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Chris Young receives Disc of the Day for

Chris Young


As previously reported, Chris Young returned home to Nashville this past weekend after spending several days at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center in Denver for treatment a leg infection. Young will return to the road starting with Brad Paisley’s Beat This Summer Tour Presented By Cracker Barrel Old Country Store on Thursday, Aug. 22 in Mountain View, Calif. His show in Redding, Calif. will be rescheduled to Sept. 8.
Young was affected by a bacterial infection as a result of a small cut on his leg. The singer-songwriter was traveling to a Montana tour date on Tuesday, Aug. 13 when he went into septic shock and was taken to the hospital in Denver.
Emergency surgery was scheduled on Aug. 14 to remove the infection from Young’s leg. Young is now at home and recovering. Mobility is currently impacted by the surgery and his doctor has advised he wait a full week post-surgery to resume touring.
“I want to thank all of my fans for their thoughts and prayers,” said Young. “I received amazing care from Dr. Suarez, Dr. Gill and Dr. Canfield and all the I.C.U. nurses who literally saved my life. I’m happy to be home and can’t wait to get back out on the road.”
The entertainer continues to share progress updates with his fans on Twitter @ChrisYoungMusic. Young’s forthcoming album, A.M., will be released Sept. 17 on RCA Records Nashville.