Pictured are, back row (l-r): Capitol Nashville’s Mike Dungan, BMI’s Jody Williams, and EMI Blackwood Music’s Josh Van Valkenburg; front row (l-r): Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook, Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman and Phillip Sweet; and co-writers Delta Maid and Natalie Hemby. Photo by Rick Diamond
“We’d never heard a girl call herself a tornado,” said
Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild yesterday (May 6) during a No. 1 party for “Tornado” at BMI, as she recalled the decision to record the song after hearing a rough demo. Penned by
Natalie Hemby and
Delta Maid, “Tornado” went on to become the title track of Little Big Town’s latest studio album and the band’s second chart-topper.
The song was the result of Hemby and Delta Maid’s first meeting—a meeting that almost didn’t happen.
It was Hemby’s last writing appointment of 2011, and Delta Maid’s last writing appointment during her first-ever visit to Nashville. For various reasons, they almost cancelled on each other. “Coming to Nashville was a massive dream,” shared Delta Maid, a native of Liverpool, England who grew up on a steady diet of traditional country music from Lefty Frizzell to Hank Williams. In recent years she has opened for Ray LaMontagne and Ron Sexsmith. Her career is being shepherded locally by manager
Stuart Dill, who helped arrange her initial trip to Music City. “The first time I came to Nashville, I wrote a No. 1 song, which is mad,” she exclaimed. BMI’s
Jody Williams presented a guitar to commemorate the occasion.
UMG Nashville boss
Mike Dungan took the stage and described an “ugly” race to the pinnacle of the radio charts, with the goal of securing back-to-back No. 1s for Little Big Town. “We went to war,” he said as he handed over pointed crystal trophies he jokingly referred to as the “impaler award.” In fact, UMG was so proud of the accomplishment that several out-of-town team members flew in for yesterday’s party.
“We live for that passion and energy,” exclaimed LBT’s
Phillip Sweet as he toasted the radio promotion crew.
Hemby, who also had a writing credit on Little Big Town’s previous No. 1 “Pontoon,” was celebrating her fourth No. 1 yesterday. The hot-as-fire tunesmith has at least two other current singles: “Don’t Rush,” by Kelly Clarkson ft. Vince Gill, and “Downtown,” by Lady Antebellum.
Josh Van Valkenburg, who works with Hemby at Sony/ATV, saluted her with a series of quotes from her peers. Among the touching tributes describing her character and talents: “a unique truth,” “liked and respected,” and “literally making history with her words and music.”
Hemby thanked her loved ones, including hubby
Mike Wrucke, and her music biz parents who taught her the importance of integrity.
Representatives from CRS, CMA and Avenue Bank also toasted the writers and artists. Several people thanked Little Big Town producer Jay Joyce, who was absent from the event.
“We like the way this feels,” summed Fairchild.
Here’s betting they have that feeling many more times.
No. 1 Party Toasts Whirlwind Hit 'Tornado'
/by Sarah SkatesPictured are, back row (l-r): Capitol Nashville’s Mike Dungan, BMI’s Jody Williams, and EMI Blackwood Music’s Josh Van Valkenburg; front row (l-r): Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook, Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman and Phillip Sweet; and co-writers Delta Maid and Natalie Hemby. Photo by Rick Diamond
“We’d never heard a girl call herself a tornado,” said Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild yesterday (May 6) during a No. 1 party for “Tornado” at BMI, as she recalled the decision to record the song after hearing a rough demo. Penned by Natalie Hemby and Delta Maid, “Tornado” went on to become the title track of Little Big Town’s latest studio album and the band’s second chart-topper.
The song was the result of Hemby and Delta Maid’s first meeting—a meeting that almost didn’t happen.
It was Hemby’s last writing appointment of 2011, and Delta Maid’s last writing appointment during her first-ever visit to Nashville. For various reasons, they almost cancelled on each other. “Coming to Nashville was a massive dream,” shared Delta Maid, a native of Liverpool, England who grew up on a steady diet of traditional country music from Lefty Frizzell to Hank Williams. In recent years she has opened for Ray LaMontagne and Ron Sexsmith. Her career is being shepherded locally by manager Stuart Dill, who helped arrange her initial trip to Music City. “The first time I came to Nashville, I wrote a No. 1 song, which is mad,” she exclaimed. BMI’s Jody Williams presented a guitar to commemorate the occasion.
UMG Nashville boss Mike Dungan took the stage and described an “ugly” race to the pinnacle of the radio charts, with the goal of securing back-to-back No. 1s for Little Big Town. “We went to war,” he said as he handed over pointed crystal trophies he jokingly referred to as the “impaler award.” In fact, UMG was so proud of the accomplishment that several out-of-town team members flew in for yesterday’s party.
“We live for that passion and energy,” exclaimed LBT’s Phillip Sweet as he toasted the radio promotion crew.
Hemby, who also had a writing credit on Little Big Town’s previous No. 1 “Pontoon,” was celebrating her fourth No. 1 yesterday. The hot-as-fire tunesmith has at least two other current singles: “Don’t Rush,” by Kelly Clarkson ft. Vince Gill, and “Downtown,” by Lady Antebellum.
Josh Van Valkenburg, who works with Hemby at Sony/ATV, saluted her with a series of quotes from her peers. Among the touching tributes describing her character and talents: “a unique truth,” “liked and respected,” and “literally making history with her words and music.”
Hemby thanked her loved ones, including hubby Mike Wrucke, and her music biz parents who taught her the importance of integrity.
Representatives from CRS, CMA and Avenue Bank also toasted the writers and artists. Several people thanked Little Big Town producer Jay Joyce, who was absent from the event.
“We like the way this feels,” summed Fairchild.
Here’s betting they have that feeling many more times.
Industry Photos (5-7-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonLoCash Cowboys recently visited CMT, where the group previewed the video for “Chase A Little Love.”
Pictured (L-R): Brian Bayley, Alina Thompson, Preston Brust, Leslie Fram, Jen Morrison, Jordan Stephens, Jen Danielson, Chris Lucas, Stacey Cato
• • •
SESAC showcased talent at the 17th Annual Key West Songwriters’ Festival. Held at Key West’s Kelly’s eatery, the showcase was hosted by hit songwriters Lance Miller (“Beer With Jesus”) and Rob Hatch (“If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away”) and offered great performances from songsmiths such as Ken Johnson, Karyn Williams, Anthony Smith, Phillip Coleman, Cary Barlowe, Sherrie Austin and Andi Zack among others. The annual Key West Songwriters Festival revolves around five days of more than 20 free shows and over 100 performances from top songwriters and artists.
Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Lance Miller, Rob Hatch, Shannan Hatch. Photo: Sheel
• • •
The May edition of ASCAP‘s monthly writers-in-the-round at the Bluebird Cafe featured Kobalt Music songwriters Jessi Alexander, David Hodges, Josh Jenkins and Dennis Matkosky.
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Kobalt’s Jeff Skaggs, Dennis Matkosky, Josh Jenkins, Kobalt’s Stephanie Cox and Brooke Yancey, David Hodges, Jessi Alexander and Kobalt’s Whitney Daane
• • •
Members of the Warner Music Nashville were in attendance at the recent Best Cellars Dinner and enjoyed the Tom Black afterparty.
Pictured (L-R): Chantel Esposito, Co-chair John Esposito (President & CEO, Warner Music Nashville), Co-chair Tom Black, Scott Hendricks (Sr. VP A&R, Warner Music Nashville)
• • •
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum presented its 34th annual Words & Music Night on April 30. Gretchen Wilson hosted the event, where Nashville-area students performed original songs accompanied by professional songwriters.
Pictured (L-R): Words & Music Outreach Coordinator David Bogart, School Programs Manager Natalie Lavine, Gretchen Wilson, Director of Education and Public Programming Ali Tonn and Vice President of Museum Programs Jay Orr. Photo by Donn Jones.
McGraw's 'Highway Don't Care' Video Takes Dramatic Turn
/by Eric T. ParkerTim McGraw and “Highway Don’t Care” video director Shane Drake during the Google+ hangout.
With Tim McGraw’s latest single featuring guest appearances by some of music’s hottest stars, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, there was much to be expected from the “Highway Don’t Care” music video reveal, yesterday (May 6).
Directed by Shane Drake, the dramatic video takes an unexpected twist as it raises awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
“The first impetus of this idea came from my daughter, who is 16 years old and got her driver’s license today,” said McGraw. “We didn’t start out to turn it into a public service announcement, but as it developed and I thought about my two teenage daughters, I didn’t mind being preachy.”
The event was broadcast live around the world from Nashville’s Belcourt Theater, as the first-ever music video debut via a Google+ hangout session.
Audience members included guests from Vanderbilt’s LifeFlight team, who are featured in the video, in addition to industry, fans and students from Cookeville High School who were honored for creating awareness about the dangers of texting and driving.
Watch the 30-minute chat here; the official music video is below.
McGraw hit the road last weekend (April 2) with his Two Lanes of Freedom Tour, which is expected to run through the summer with Brantley Gilbert and Love and Theft. By the end of the tour, McGraw will have given away a customized 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT and will continue the HomeFront program, awarding mortgage-free homes to 31 veterans in need.
Nashville Gives Back
/by Caitlin RantalaNashville-based recording artists will come together on Sunday, May 12 at Music City’s 3rd & Lindsley concert venue for Music City Unites!, a benefit concert to raise funds for the victims of the Boston Marathon bomb attack. Artists confirmed to appear include Leigh Nash (Sixpence None the Richer), Collin Raye, Lee Roy Parnell, Gary Chapman, Trae Edwards, Wes Harllee and more to be announced.
Presented by Nashville Publicity Group, the concert event starts at 7 p.m. and is sponsored by Jack Daniel’s and Lightning 100, who will be broadcasting portions of the event live. Attendees are asked to donate $15 or more at the door, with 100 percent of proceeds going to assist victims of the Boston Marathon bomb attack via Nashville-based relief organization Conduit Mission.
For more information, contact Brian Mayes at Nashville Publicity Group, 615-771-2040 or brian@nashvillepublicity.com.
The Swinging Door Saloon will host a benefit concert for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on Tuesday, May 14. Performers include The Grascals, Wade Hayes, Phoenix Drive and Bobby Chitwood. Hosted by Buzz Brainard, the concert will also include a silent auction.
Doors open at 6 p.m. A minimum donation for $20 is suggested, with all net proceeds donated to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Artist Updates (5-7-13)
/by Jessica Nicholson• • •
Rascal Flatts
Due to the fan response to the previously announced Rascal Flatts and Journey concert in Hershey, Pa., an additional show has now been set for Aug. 4 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. Tickets go on sale beginning Friday (May 10) at 10 a.m. Cassadee Pope is the special guest.
Wade Bowen
Wade Bowen will host his 15th Annual Bowen Classic celebrity golf tournament and concert to benefit The Bowen Family Foundation on June 2 and 3 in Bowen’s hometown of Waco, Texas. Over the past four years, Bowen has raised nearly half a million dollars for various local organizations in need. In light of recent events, Bowen has determined that this year’s event will benefit the townspeople and organizations affected by the recent tragedy in nearby West, Texas.
• • •
The festival is set for Oct. 4-6 and Oct. 11-13. For more information, visit aclfestival.com.
Industry Ink (5-7-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Red River Entertainment’s Chuck Rhodes, Michael Martin Murphey, and Murphey’s producer, Ryan Murphey.
Nashville’s Red River Entertainment, in partnership with RED Distribution, has signed Michael Martin Murphey. Murphey will be the label’s flagship artist, releasing a new album this summer. Murphey’s hits include 1982’s “What Forever’s For” and “Still Taking Chances,” 1987’s “A Long Line of Love” and “I’m Gonna Miss You, Girl,” and 1989’s “Never Givin’ Up On Love.”
• • •
Hannah Bethel
PLA Media has added vintage country singer-songwriter Hannah Bethel to its roster. Bethel joins PLA’s current roster, which includes Lynn Anderson, the Johnny Cash Museum, The Oak Ridge Boys’ William Lee Golden, and Emmylou Harris’ second annual WOOFSTOCK event.
• • •
Morgan Frazier
Morgan Frazier, Sidewalk Records recording artist, has won the legendary John Lennon Songwriting Contest. She teamed up with Jim Bennett to write the winning offering, “All We Never Had Is Gone.” In preparation for her debut single “Yellow Brick Road,” Morgan has been crisscrossing the highways of America for the past 4 months being introduced to radio programmers. The debut record, which she co-wrote with Jim Brown and Steve Clark, was released to country radio.
• • •
YouTube Eyes Paid Subscription Model
/by Sarah SkatesAccording to Billboard, content creators would most likely receive less than 30% of YouTube’s subscription dollars.
The Google-owned site is currently supported by advertising, but the subscription component could help it monetize exclusive content and videos that are less attractive to advertisers.
Digital video advertising is skyrocketing. In 2012, brands spent $2.3 billion on these kinds of ads, an increase of 29% over 2011, according to the Interactive Advertising Bureau.
YouTube’s first channel exclusively featuring original country music content launched in February at www.youtube.com/countrynow. As previously reported, Country Now is home to the original series Country Download, Hear & Now, OMC! and I Luv My Country, which are created and produced in Nashville.
George Jones Final Nashville Concert To Take Place As Tribute Show
/by Jessica Nicholson“Everyone has been asking if we will still do the show,” says Nancy Jones. “I have asked Garth, Kid Rock, Travis Tritt, The Oak Ridge Boys, Montgomery Gentry, Sam Moore, Charlie Daniels, Jamey Johnson and others and they all said ‘yes, I am still going to do it’ so with all the artists still planning on coming, we are going to honor George one final time.”
Jones’ representative says that not all previously announced artists have been contacted at this time and they are in the process of re-confirming all artists. A list of all confirmed talent will be available at georgejones.com.
Tickets for the Nashville finale were sold out previously.
Warner Music Nashville Artists Release Music Videos
/by Eric T. ParkerBlake Shelton on the set for his latest music video, “Boys ‘Round Here.”
The music video for Blake Shelton’s latest single “Boys ‘Round Here” has been released. Shelton flew to The Walt Disney Golden Oak Ranch in Santa Clarita immediately following the 48th ACM Awards to film the project with Pistol Annies and country singer Raelynn.
Click here for a behind the scenes look at the making of the video and watch the video below.
• • •
Sheryl Crow with Jason Lewis filming her latest music video for “Easy.”
Sheryl Crow’s current top 30 single “Easy,” is available today (May 6) including a music video, which was featured as part of CMT’s Sheryl Crow “Easy” Weekend.
The video (below) features co-star Jason Lewis, who played Jerry ‘Smith’ Jerrod on HBO’s Sex and the City.
Crow has sold more than 35 million records worldwide.
Opry Launches New App
/by Caitlin RantalaScotty McCreery tries out the Opry By The Numbers app.
The show that made country music famous is celebrating the launch of a new iPad app with the premiere of Opry By The Numbers, an interactive Sudoku-themed game available today at opry.com and optimized for the iPad, as well as desktops and other devices.
Opry By The Numbers challenges players to solve Sudoku-like puzzles to reveal Opry artists’ photos. Along the way, players learn fun Opry number-related facts and can enter to win number-related prizes, including a trip to Nashville, Tenn. featuring VIP Opry seating, a stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, round-trip airfare on Southwest Airlines, and more.
The new iPad app offers optimized audio streaming of all Grand Ole Opry performances; Opry performance videos; performance calendars; content-rich blogs including country music news, infographics, and artist interviews; and audio streaming of the Opry’s flagship radio station, 650 AM-WSM.