We call them superstars for a reason.
Longtime country titan Tim McGraw swats away all challengers to easily claim this week’s Disc of the Day prize. With Taylor Swift and Keith Urban in his corner on “Highway Don’t Care,” not to mention the great song, itself, who could possibly beat him?
Singer-songwriter Drake White rides high this week as the DisCovery Award winner. But in addition pay heed to Canadian newcomer Ashley Robertson. Also: This is the second single from Jared Ashley, and both of them have been superb. Lend him your ears as well.
DISCovery Award winner Drake White.
—It’s an acoustic gem, with rippling dobro notes, weaving fiddle lines and plucked guitars. Her fragile-rose vocal is beautifully wistful as she longs for the return of her country boy who has gone to the city. “Please come back home, when the world is finished with you,” is her plea.
CASEY JAMES/The Good Life
Writer: Casey James/Scooter Caruso; Producer: Chris Lindsey & Casey James; Publisher: Long As I Live/Scrambler/Carnival/Abbot’s Creek, BMI/ASCAP; 19/BNA (track)
—This pulse-quickening country rocker is super infectious, utterly upbeat and fabulously sunny. Get up and twirl your body around the room. If you’re in the car, roll down the windows, turn it up and hit the gas.
ROSEHILL/Did You Ever Turn Around
Writer: Jay Clementi/Jedd Hughes; Producer: Jay Clementi; Publisher: WB/Mountain Morning/Warner-Tamerlane/Pichi Pichi, ASCAP/BMI; Cypress Creek/Tenacity (track)
—I remain a big fan of this duo. In this well-written, relentless, oomphy power ballad, he reunites with her after many years. She hasn’t changed, and neither has he. But he can’t help wondering if she ever thought about him after she left.
TAYLOR SWIFT/22
Writer: Taylor Swift/Max Martin/Shellback; Producer: Max Martin & Shellback; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Taylor Swift/MXM/Kobalt, BMI/ASCAP; Big Machine (track)
—With “Begin Again” still climbing the country charts, I assume this crunchy bopper is intended to be her next assault on the pop hit parade. It’s about hooking up, forgetting the world outside and just being young. A multi-tracked, layered and superbly produced audio delight.
BOBBY DEAN/Kiss My Doublewide
Writer: McGee/Schnyder; Producer: Dave Moody; Publisher: Rolf/Max, BMI; Lamon (track)
—The title says it all. Intelligence is not the hallmark here.
POCO/All Fired Up
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Drifter’s Church (track)
—The title tune of this veteran band’s new CD is a harmonized hand clapper with nostalgic lyrics along the lines of “Let’s do it again like we did back then.” By the way, Poco remains Rusty Young, Jack Sundrud, Michael Webb and George Lawrence. Guests include George Grantham and Bobby Keys.
KALEY CAPERTON/Red, White and Beautiful
Writer: Billy Austin/Kaley Caperton/Dave Robbins; Producer: Billy Austin & Dave Robbins; Publisher: Songs of Platinum Pen/French Hawaii/Pianted River/Slickhead, ASCAP; RWB Ventures
—It’s meant to be an inspirational ballad, and she’s donating the proceeds to the National Guard Youth Foundation. Alas, I can’t imagine anybody programming a vocalist this puny sounding.
TIM McGRAW & TAYLOR SWIFT/Highway Don’t Care
Writer: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Mark Irwin/Josh Kear; Producer: Byron Gallimore & Tim McGraw; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/StyleSonic/Green Vinyl/Global Dog/Big Yellow Dog/Lunalight, BMI/ASCAP; Big Machine (track)
—She is on the road, getting further and further away, while he plaintively yearns for her. A song on the radio haunts her. Love tugs at him. And things get more and more layered and swirling as the conflicting feelings in their voices spin around one another. Adding to the audio ecstasy is the dreamy guitar playing of Keith Urban. I love this record.
JARED ASHLEY/Last Train to Memphis
Writer: Jared Ashley/Nick Sturms/Jeremy McComb; Producer: Bobby Terry & Jared Ashley; Publisher: Jared Ashley/620 Music Group/Sweet Renegade/Shaler Global/BMG, ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; Blaster
—A terrific production—full of throbbing energy, a deep bass bottom and ringing, minor-key guitar work— underscores a moody, emotionally tense vocal performance. The gripping lyric and cool melody get bonus points. Since Ashley is behind all three—the production, the performance and the song—I believe we’re listening to a major, major new talent. Play and believe.
DRAKE WHITE/The Simple Life
Writer: Drake White/Jeremy Stover/Brian Dean Maher; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publisher: EMI April/Reverend Jack/Songs of Countrywood/Tunes of Bigger Picture, ASCAP; MCA Nashville (CDX)
—This backwoods blue-eyed soul stylist simmers on this ode to country living. The guy has intensity to spare. Send more music soon.
AIMP Music Supervisor Panel Coming in April
/by Jessica NicholsonMusic supervisors participating are: Alicen Schneider of NBCUniversal TV, Kasey Truman with Chop Shop, Jason Markey of Relativity Music Group and Maria Alonte McCoy from District Music. Randy Wachtler, Founder of 615 Music and Past Chairman of the Production Music Association and current AIMP Nashville board member will be serving as moderator.
The meeting will be held on April 3 from 2-4 p.m. at Cabana restaurant located at 1910 Belcourt Ave., Nashville, TN 37212.
All members of the music community are encouraged to register for chapter membership. The member rate to attend is $25 while the non-member rate is $45. Please log onto www.aimp.org to join and register.
Ashley Monroe Celebrates Release at SXSW
/by Sarah SkatesPictured at SXSW. (L-R): Mark Robinson, VP Business Affairs, WMN; Justin Luffman, VP Brand Management, WMN; Ashley Monroe; John Grady, Manager, Crush Management; and Tree Paine, SVP Publicity, WMN
Ashley Monroe’s Warner Bros. solo debut entered the country sales chart at No. 10 today (March 13) with sales of 11k units. She celebrated the release of Like A Rose with a string of performances at SXSW in Austin, TX. Monroe performed last night to an excited crowd at the MTV/VH1/CMT Edge Stage, and made an appearance at The Warner Sound Stage earlier today. She will perform Friday, March 15 at the BMI Acoustic Brunch and the Crush Management Showcase at Vice Bar.
Monroe and Leno
On Monday night (March 11) Monroe made the national TV premiere of her current single “Like A Rose” on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. See the video here.
The critically-acclaimed Like A Rose, produced by 20-time Grammy award-winner Vince Gill and Justin Niebank, features songs written by Monroe and many of Nashville’s A-list tunesmiths.
Monroe has another new album in the hopper as part of trio Pistol Annies with bandmates Miranda Lambert and Angaleena Presley. Annie Up will be released May 7 via Sony Music Nashville and the lead single “Hush, Hush” was shipped to radio this week.
Performers Announced For Third Annual ACM Fan Jam
/by Jessica NicholsonLL Cool J, star of the CBS drama series NCIS: Los Angeles, will make a special appearance during the event. GAC’s Headline Country host Storme Warren will emcee for the first time.
The concert will also feature an additional performance in support of the ACM Lifting Lives® on-stage moment, an annual initiative that raises money for designated charities, with the artist to be announced in the coming weeks. ACM Fan Jam is the fans-only, live concert event taking place in Las Vegas during and after the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, broadcast Sunday, April 7 at 8 p.m. live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
No. 1 Party: Justin Moore's "'Til My Last Day"
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Tom Luteran (Sony/ATV/EMI), LeAnne Phelean (ASCAP), Michael Martin (ASCAP), Jeremy Stover (Producer/Writer), Brian Maher (Writer), Justin Moore, Perry Howard (BMI), Scott Borchetta (BMLG), Tim Hunze (Bigger Picture) and Mike Molinar (Big Machine Music). Photo Credit: Amy Fucci / BMLG
Justin Moore celebrated a No. 1 single and two Gold albums during a No. 1 party yesterday (March 12) at Nashville’s Honkytonk Central.
The singer was honored for his third No. 1 single, “‘Til My Last Day” and his two gold albums–Justin Moore and Outlaws Like Me–which have together sold over 1 million copies to date.
Industry, family and friends gathered to celebrate songwriters Moore (BMI), Jeremy Stover (ASCAP), Brian Maher (ASCAP); publishers Big Machine Music, Sony/ATV/EMI and Bigger Picture and The Valory Music Co. promotion team. This song marks the second chart-topper for this songwriting trio – Moore’s debut single, “Small Town USA,” was the first.
The celebration was a perfect send off for Moore, who will begin his first headlining tour in Pikeville, Ky. tomorrow night (March 14).
Capitol Christian Music Group Acquires Tooth & Nail, BEC, Solid State Catalogs
/by Jessica NicholsonAccording to Capitol Christian Music Group President and CEO Bill Hearn, “It’s been my privilege to work alongside Brandon Ebel for the last twelve years. He’s a great record man and has developed some of our industry’s best artists and music. Together we have built a strong catalog which CCMG will continue to develop and grow. I wish Brandon continued success as he re-establishes himself as one of the leaders in the independent music community.”
Brandon Ebel, Founder and president of Tooth & Nail, is set to relaunch as an independent label. “Our partnership with EMI has been very successful, and we are grateful for the opportunities we have had with Bill Hearn and his team over the last 12 years. We are confident that our artists’ back catalogs will be well served under CCMG. Moving forward we are excited to continue developing our artists on Tooth & Nail Records, Solid State Records, and BEC Recordings,” said Ebel.
Ebel will retain rights to all label names and trademarks. Forthcoming releases planned for the relaunched label include August Burns Red, The Almost, Demon Hunter, Emery, Icon For Hire, Nine Lashes, Living Sacrifice and All Things New among others.
Details of release dates and distribution for the new label will be announced soon. During the transition period, Capitol Christian Music Distribution will continue to distribute all Tooth & Nail products.
Luke Bryan Lands First Chart-Topping Album Debut
/by Jessica NicholsonBryan’s previous album, Tailgates & Tanlines, debuted at No. 2 on the overall Soundscan charts, selling 145,000 copies its first week.
Bryan is set to co-host the Academy of Country Music Awards with Blake Shelton on April 7 and has also been announced as a performer on the show.
Industry Ink (3-13-13)
/by Jessica Nicholson• • •
Brian Davis
Rising singer/songwriter Brian Davis has signed with entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for representation.
Pictured: (front row) Jedd Katrancha (Downtown Music Publishing), Katie Armiger, Craig Hayes (Shackelford, Zumwalt & Hayes); (back row): Karen Krieschen (Cold River Records) and Erica Johnson (Cold River Records)
Pictured: (Front Row) Jim Zumwalt, Julie Stuckey, Beth Laird, Bryan Dawley and Rachel Beauregard, Chris Farren, Luke Laird, and BJ Hill. (Back Row): Chris Van Belkom, Phil May, Kenley Flynn, and Ben Vaughn.
"Honor Thy Song" Concert To Remember Tim Johnson
/by Jessica NicholsonThe event will feature Joey+Rory, Daryle Singletary, Rob Crosby, Marc Beeson, Brett Jones, Joe West, Will Robinson, Jamie Houston, Jimmy Wayne, James Dean Hicks and others. Each person who attends the event will receive an “Honor Thy Song” CD featuring 15 of his uncut songs.
Johnson was an established member of Nashville’s music community had more than 100 major label cuts to his credit, with some of his biggest hits including Diamond Rio’s “God Only Cries,” Wayne’s “Do You Believe Me Now,” and Singletary’s “I Let Her Lie.” His list of singles and cuts also includes Joey + Rory’s “Remember Me” and “That’s Important to Me,” Tim Rushlow’s “She Misses Him,” Jeannie Kendall’s “Out of Loneliness,” Rockie Lynne’s “I Can’t Believe It’s Me,” Tracy Lawrence’s “Up to Him,” Blaine Larsen’s “The Best Man,” Derek Sholl’s “When They Come Back,” and Doug Stone’s “Nice Problem.” Johnson’s “I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” written with Jon Wolfe and James Dean Hicks, was recorded by Joe Nichols for his 2011 album release.
DISClaimer: We Call Them Superstars For A Reason
/by Robert K OermannLongtime country titan Tim McGraw swats away all challengers to easily claim this week’s Disc of the Day prize. With Taylor Swift and Keith Urban in his corner on “Highway Don’t Care,” not to mention the great song, itself, who could possibly beat him?
Singer-songwriter Drake White rides high this week as the DisCovery Award winner. But in addition pay heed to Canadian newcomer Ashley Robertson. Also: This is the second single from Jared Ashley, and both of them have been superb. Lend him your ears as well.
DISCovery Award winner Drake White.
ASHLEY ROBERTSON/Finished With You
Writer: Ashley Robertson; Producer: John Nicholson & Ashley Robertson; Publisher: none listed, SOCAN; AR
—It’s an acoustic gem, with rippling dobro notes, weaving fiddle lines and plucked guitars. Her fragile-rose vocal is beautifully wistful as she longs for the return of her country boy who has gone to the city. “Please come back home, when the world is finished with you,” is her plea.
CASEY JAMES/The Good Life
Writer: Casey James/Scooter Caruso; Producer: Chris Lindsey & Casey James; Publisher: Long As I Live/Scrambler/Carnival/Abbot’s Creek, BMI/ASCAP; 19/BNA (track)
—This pulse-quickening country rocker is super infectious, utterly upbeat and fabulously sunny. Get up and twirl your body around the room. If you’re in the car, roll down the windows, turn it up and hit the gas.
ROSEHILL/Did You Ever Turn Around
Writer: Jay Clementi/Jedd Hughes; Producer: Jay Clementi; Publisher: WB/Mountain Morning/Warner-Tamerlane/Pichi Pichi, ASCAP/BMI; Cypress Creek/Tenacity (track)
—I remain a big fan of this duo. In this well-written, relentless, oomphy power ballad, he reunites with her after many years. She hasn’t changed, and neither has he. But he can’t help wondering if she ever thought about him after she left.
TAYLOR SWIFT/22
Writer: Taylor Swift/Max Martin/Shellback; Producer: Max Martin & Shellback; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Taylor Swift/MXM/Kobalt, BMI/ASCAP; Big Machine (track)
—With “Begin Again” still climbing the country charts, I assume this crunchy bopper is intended to be her next assault on the pop hit parade. It’s about hooking up, forgetting the world outside and just being young. A multi-tracked, layered and superbly produced audio delight.
BOBBY DEAN/Kiss My Doublewide
Writer: McGee/Schnyder; Producer: Dave Moody; Publisher: Rolf/Max, BMI; Lamon (track)
—The title says it all. Intelligence is not the hallmark here.
POCO/All Fired Up
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Drifter’s Church (track)
—The title tune of this veteran band’s new CD is a harmonized hand clapper with nostalgic lyrics along the lines of “Let’s do it again like we did back then.” By the way, Poco remains Rusty Young, Jack Sundrud, Michael Webb and George Lawrence. Guests include George Grantham and Bobby Keys.
KALEY CAPERTON/Red, White and Beautiful
Writer: Billy Austin/Kaley Caperton/Dave Robbins; Producer: Billy Austin & Dave Robbins; Publisher: Songs of Platinum Pen/French Hawaii/Pianted River/Slickhead, ASCAP; RWB Ventures
—It’s meant to be an inspirational ballad, and she’s donating the proceeds to the National Guard Youth Foundation. Alas, I can’t imagine anybody programming a vocalist this puny sounding.
TIM McGRAW & TAYLOR SWIFT/Highway Don’t Care
Writer: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Mark Irwin/Josh Kear; Producer: Byron Gallimore & Tim McGraw; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/StyleSonic/Green Vinyl/Global Dog/Big Yellow Dog/Lunalight, BMI/ASCAP; Big Machine (track)
—She is on the road, getting further and further away, while he plaintively yearns for her. A song on the radio haunts her. Love tugs at him. And things get more and more layered and swirling as the conflicting feelings in their voices spin around one another. Adding to the audio ecstasy is the dreamy guitar playing of Keith Urban. I love this record.
JARED ASHLEY/Last Train to Memphis
Writer: Jared Ashley/Nick Sturms/Jeremy McComb; Producer: Bobby Terry & Jared Ashley; Publisher: Jared Ashley/620 Music Group/Sweet Renegade/Shaler Global/BMG, ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; Blaster
—A terrific production—full of throbbing energy, a deep bass bottom and ringing, minor-key guitar work— underscores a moody, emotionally tense vocal performance. The gripping lyric and cool melody get bonus points. Since Ashley is behind all three—the production, the performance and the song—I believe we’re listening to a major, major new talent. Play and believe.
DRAKE WHITE/The Simple Life
Writer: Drake White/Jeremy Stover/Brian Dean Maher; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publisher: EMI April/Reverend Jack/Songs of Countrywood/Tunes of Bigger Picture, ASCAP; MCA Nashville (CDX)
—This backwoods blue-eyed soul stylist simmers on this ode to country living. The guy has intensity to spare. Send more music soon.
MusicRowLife: Love and Theft's Gunderson Welcomes First Child
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Eric Gunderson and Stephen Barker Liles
Love and Theft’s Eric Gunderson and wife Emily welcomed their son, Camden William Gunderson, on Sunday (March 10). According to a statement, he arrived earlier than his expected May due date and will be spending some time in the hospital, but mother, father and baby are all doing well.
“Eric and Emily are moved by the tremendous outpouring of warm wishes from their fans, family, and country radio, and look forward to sharing more updates soon,” a rep from their label said via a statement.