Pictured (L-R): Easton Corbin, Florida Georgia Line, Kip Moore, Jana Kramer, Brantley Gilbert. Photo: Alan Mayor.
and
Florida Georgia Line were showcased as part of this year’s Country Radio Seminar New Faces Show on Friday (March 1). The newcomers represented the range of sounds emanating from country radio today–from timeless traditional sounds to heartland rock-infused country to Southern rock and rap-infused styles.
Easton Corbin. Photo: Alan Mayor
greeted the crowd with his current single, “All Over The Road,” before running through his catalog of singles, “A Little More Country Than That,” “Lovin’ You Is Fun” and “Roll With It.” His time spent opening for Brad Paisley and others was obvious, as he comfortably worked the stage, repeatedly thanking the radio crowd for their support. Though the introduction video shown prior to his performance counts Merle Haggard among his influences, his voice was undeniably similar to another country pillar, George Strait, proving traditional country is in good hands.
The show made an abrupt shift from Easton’s upbeat, accessible brand of neo-traditional country to the hard Southern rock-influenced sounds of
Brantley Gilbert. Kicking off with “Country Must Be Country Wide,” Gilbert slammed through his set with intensity, while offering thanks for the strong support radio has given him. “For you guys to support me means the world,” he said, before performing “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.” Though the sounds of electric guitar power chords sliced through the air and the growl in Gilbert’s voice during each song was energetic and authentic, it seemed not quite enough to lift the tough radio crowd from the lethargy that comes after an action-packed week of CRS. “If I could give every one of you a Red Bull and take your chairs away I would do it,” acknowledged Gilbert from the stage. He finished out his performance with “More Than Miles” and “Kick It In The Sticks.”
Kip Moore kept the country-rock sounds flowing, albeit a sound closer to Springsteen than hard rock. He launched into his set with “Crazy One More Time,” while a performance of his single “Beer Money” elicited screams from the crowd. “It’s been a long grind and there is no way to express how grateful we are to get to do what we do and that’s because you embraced us,” he said. Though the majority of his set was uptempo, it was his acoustic take on “Hey Pretty Girl” that silenced the crowd. He breezed into his single “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck” before concluding his performance by jumping offstage and shaking hands with several of the radio programmers in attendance.
Jana Kramer. Photo: Alan Mayor
The lone female performer of the evening,
Jana Kramer charmed the crowd with her glossy pop-country. The singer and actress had no trouble emoting on ballads of regret over wrong choices such as “Whiskey” and “Over You By Now.” Her voice strong yet accessible throughout the showcase, the theme of heartbreak continued with “I Hope It Rains.” Kramer plays the angry role well. The catchy chorus of her first single, “Why Ya Wanna,” pleasantly balanced the dramatic themes of the previous songs.
Taylor Swift makes a guest appearance with Florida Georgia Line. Photo: Alan Mayor
Closing out the show, it was
Florida Georgia Line–with some help from labelmate
Taylor Swift–who finally got the majority of the crowd on their feet. The energy was palpable from their first song, the hip-hop flavored “Iz Just What We Do.” The summertime vibes continued on “Round Here” and their current single, “Get Your Shine On,” before they closed with their big hit “Cruise.” Swift made a surprise appearance during the second verse, her youth and bubbly enthusiasm a perfect fit for the tune. The appearance got the crowd on their feet and singing along.
The evening proved country indeed has something for everyone.
Mark Your Calendar–March 2013
/by Eric T. ParkerMarch 4
Brad Paisley/Beat The Summer/Arista Nashville
Randy Houser/Runnin’ Outta Moonlight/Stoney Creek
March 11
Jason Aldean/1994/BBR
Jon Pardi/Up All Night/Capitol
The Band Perry/Done/Republic Nashville
Sheryl Crow/Easy/Old Green Barn-Sea Gayle-Warner Bros.-WMN
Tate Stevens/Power Of A Love Song/Syco Music-RCA
Billy Dean/I Can’t Leave A Good Thing/Rainman-Flying Island
Erica Nicole/Better Beer/Heaven-Nine North-Turnpike
Tobacco Rd. Band (Feat. Colt Ford)/That’s Country/Turnpike-Big Southern
March 18
Justin Moore/Point At You/Valory
Phil Vassar/Love Is Alive/Rodeowave
March 1
International Country Music Marketing Summit at Disneyland Paris
March 6
Remembering Mindy: A memorial for Mindy McCready at 4pm at Cathedral Of The Incarnation, 2015 West End Avenue in Nashville
March 7
Napa in Nashville at Nashville’s Hard Rock Cafe
March 8
Rumble on the Row at Liberty Hall in the Factory at Franklin
March 8-17
SXSW Conferences & Festivals
March 10
2013 T.J. Martell Honors Gala
March 12
Jeffrey Steele & Friends benefit concert at the Franklin Theatre
March 20
SOLID’s Music Row Madness Bowling Tournament at the Hillwood Strike & Spare, 5:30 p.m.–8 p.m.
March 22
MusicRow’s 2nd Annual Rising Women on the Row Breakfast. Tickets are available for the 8:30 a.m. ceremony at Maggiano’s.
March 5
Ashley Monroe/Like A Rose/Warner Nashville
Luke Bryan/Spring Break … Here to Party/Capitol Nashville
Howling Brothers/Howl/Readymade Records-Thirty Tigers
March 12
Shooter Jennings/The Other Life/Black Country Rock/Entertainment One Nashville
Kenny Rogers/The Gambler [reissue-vinyl]/Capitol Nashville
Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice/The Story of the Day that I Died/Rebel Records
March 19
Kacey Musgraves/Same Trailer Different Park/Mercury Records
Josh Rouse/The Happiness Waltz/Yep Roc Records
March 26
Blake Shelton/Based On A True Story…/Warner Bros. Records
Thompson Square/Just Feels Good/Stoney Creek
Alan Jackson/Precious Memories Volume II/ACR-EMI Records Nashville
Maggie Rose/Cut To Impress/RPM Entertainment
March 29
B.J. Thomas/The Living Room Sessions/Wrinkled Records
More Performers Announced For 2013 CMA Music Festival
/by Jessica Nicholson“We have an amazing lineup of talent for this year’s Festival,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “I know our fans will be entertained and enthralled to see our annual family reunion of the best and brightest performers in the industry.”
CMA Music Festival will take place June 6-9 in Nashville.
Fans can purchase tickets to 2013 CMA Music Festival through Ticketmaster at Ticketmaster.com or 1(800)745-3000.
Artist Updates (3-4-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonHosted by CMT’s Katie Cook, the special will highlight the highs and lows of the star’s life, and feature archival CMT interviews, never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews with those who knew her closely. Country artists Ty Herndon, Richie McDonald, Lorrie Morgan and Jimmy Wayne, and Nashville industry vets Holly Gleason and Robert K. Oermann will all lend their insight. Additionally, David Malloy (producer, former boyfriend), Jimmy Nichols (musician, close friend), Norro Wilson (producer), and Eric Hughes, McCready’s child custody lawyer, will share their personal experiences with the troubled star.
Jayson Dinsmore and Lewis Bogach serve as executive producers while Mark Hall, Jennifer Meyer and Ray Sells will serve as producers.
• • •
Miranda Lambert has released her latest video, “Mama’s Broken Heart,” on VEVO.
• • •
• • •
B.J. Thomas joined Blake Shelton and Gwen Sebastian at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday (March 2).
Pictured (L-R): B.J. Thomas, Blake Shelton, Gwen Sebastian
Leadership Music Class of 2014 Accepting Applications
/by Jessica NicholsonApplication forms, program dates, policies and FAQ’s are available online at http://leadershipmusic.org/
One industry veteran who is in the Class of 2013 summed up his experience: “I have more than 35 years in media and 20 years in music around the world, but these monthly days in Nashville are the highlight of my career.” And another member of the same class says, “A priceless glimpse into our entire industry from the experts shaping every aspect.”
Applications must be submitted via the on-line process no later than March 31, 2013.
George Jones Sells Out Final Nashville Date
/by Caitlin Rantala“I am overwhelmed with emotion that the fans have already sold out this show,” Jones said in a statement. “I never thought so many fans and friends would want to come see me at this age. Hell, I didn’t even think I would be alive at this age, yet alone doing my final show.”
Jones’ final tour has an impressive guest list which includes: Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Charlie Daniels, Jamey Johnson, Kid Rock, Shelby Lynne, Montgomery Gentry, Sam Moore, Lorrie Morgan, The Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Josh Turner and Gene Watson.
Stay tuned, more performers are expected to be announced shortly.
Wade Kirby Re-Signs With Big Tractor Music
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Clay Bradley, BMI; Clay Myers, GM/ Big Tractor Music; Wade Kirby and Scott Hendricks, President /Owner Big Tractor Music
Big Tractor Music has re-signed hit songwriter Wade Kirby, according to an announcement from the publishing company’s general manager Clay Myers. Kirby’s songwriting credits includes cuts and singles by George Strait, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Faith Hill, Darius Rucker, Craig Morgan, Tate Stevens, Joe Nichols, Billy Currington, Gretchen Wilson and many others. He also co-wrote the current Easton Corbin single, “All Over The Road.”
“Wade is a true professional whose hard work, creativity and drive make him a delight to work with,” Myers said. “I have no doubt that many more great cuts and singles are in his future.”
Drummer Gregg Lohman Injured in Weekend Pileup
/by Eric T. ParkerKellie Pickler
Gregg Lohman, drummer for Kellie Pickler, was reportedly taken to the ICU over the weekend (March 2) after sustaining serious injuries in a Kentucky car crash, near Elizabethtown.
The 36-year-old was involved in a four-car pileup, which happened southbound on Interstate 65 around 11:30 a.m., about 15 minutes after a wreck at the same spot in the northbound lanes, killing a family of 6.
Various news sites report Lohman, who also instructs music at Tennessee State University, was sent to the University of Louisville Hospital for head and neck injuries.
Pickler released a statement through her Facebook page regarding the incident: “Gregg is not just my drummer, he is family. I believe in miracles and the power of prayer, so it would mean the world to me, my band, and Gregg’s family if you would please keep him in your prayers. Thank y’all so much.”
Country's Diversity Shines at CRS New Faces Show
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Easton Corbin, Florida Georgia Line, Kip Moore, Jana Kramer, Brantley Gilbert. Photo: Alan Mayor.
Easton Corbin, Jana Kramer, Brantley Gilbert, Kip Moore and Florida Georgia Line were showcased as part of this year’s Country Radio Seminar New Faces Show on Friday (March 1). The newcomers represented the range of sounds emanating from country radio today–from timeless traditional sounds to heartland rock-infused country to Southern rock and rap-infused styles.
Easton Corbin. Photo: Alan Mayor
Easton Corbin greeted the crowd with his current single, “All Over The Road,” before running through his catalog of singles, “A Little More Country Than That,” “Lovin’ You Is Fun” and “Roll With It.” His time spent opening for Brad Paisley and others was obvious, as he comfortably worked the stage, repeatedly thanking the radio crowd for their support. Though the introduction video shown prior to his performance counts Merle Haggard among his influences, his voice was undeniably similar to another country pillar, George Strait, proving traditional country is in good hands.
The show made an abrupt shift from Easton’s upbeat, accessible brand of neo-traditional country to the hard Southern rock-influenced sounds of Brantley Gilbert. Kicking off with “Country Must Be Country Wide,” Gilbert slammed through his set with intensity, while offering thanks for the strong support radio has given him. “For you guys to support me means the world,” he said, before performing “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.” Though the sounds of electric guitar power chords sliced through the air and the growl in Gilbert’s voice during each song was energetic and authentic, it seemed not quite enough to lift the tough radio crowd from the lethargy that comes after an action-packed week of CRS. “If I could give every one of you a Red Bull and take your chairs away I would do it,” acknowledged Gilbert from the stage. He finished out his performance with “More Than Miles” and “Kick It In The Sticks.”
Kip Moore kept the country-rock sounds flowing, albeit a sound closer to Springsteen than hard rock. He launched into his set with “Crazy One More Time,” while a performance of his single “Beer Money” elicited screams from the crowd. “It’s been a long grind and there is no way to express how grateful we are to get to do what we do and that’s because you embraced us,” he said. Though the majority of his set was uptempo, it was his acoustic take on “Hey Pretty Girl” that silenced the crowd. He breezed into his single “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck” before concluding his performance by jumping offstage and shaking hands with several of the radio programmers in attendance.
Jana Kramer. Photo: Alan Mayor
The lone female performer of the evening, Jana Kramer charmed the crowd with her glossy pop-country. The singer and actress had no trouble emoting on ballads of regret over wrong choices such as “Whiskey” and “Over You By Now.” Her voice strong yet accessible throughout the showcase, the theme of heartbreak continued with “I Hope It Rains.” Kramer plays the angry role well. The catchy chorus of her first single, “Why Ya Wanna,” pleasantly balanced the dramatic themes of the previous songs.
Taylor Swift makes a guest appearance with Florida Georgia Line. Photo: Alan Mayor
Closing out the show, it was Florida Georgia Line–with some help from labelmate Taylor Swift–who finally got the majority of the crowd on their feet. The energy was palpable from their first song, the hip-hop flavored “Iz Just What We Do.” The summertime vibes continued on “Round Here” and their current single, “Get Your Shine On,” before they closed with their big hit “Cruise.” Swift made a surprise appearance during the second verse, her youth and bubbly enthusiasm a perfect fit for the tune. The appearance got the crowd on their feet and singing along.
The evening proved country indeed has something for everyone.
CRS Luncheon Features Morgan, Pickler, and Darling
/by Sherod RobertsonSarah Darling
CRS attendees enjoyed performances by Craig Morgan, Kellie Pickler and Sarah Darling today (Mar. 1) at a lunch hosted by Black River Entertainment. Black River’s CEO Gordon Kerr welcomed guests at the showcase that included both new material and hit songs from the label’s roster.
Darling kicked off the show with “Hey Monday,” followed by “Soldier’s Girl.” She also performed the current single “Home To Me,” recently featured on an episode of ABC’s The Bachelor and from her EP released in January. She shared her enthusiasm with the audience from working with acclaimed producer Dann Huff on the project.
On the side stage, Black River Publishing’s Josh Osborne and Forest Glen Whitehead performed several tunes “in the round” including Kenny Chesney’s No. 1 hit “Come Over” and Greg Bates’ current single “Fill In The Blank,” both co-penned by Osborne, which the audience really enjoyed.
Craig Morgan
A video of Kellie Pickler was shown to the crowd revealing a touching story about her father who, although incarcerated at the time, gave her a small radio as a birthday gift she treasured as a child. Pickler took the stage and performed new material including “Tough All Over,” a power ballad that oozed classic Country. Pickler expressed her excitement for finding a new home at Black River and closed with an up-tempo and full-on-attitude ditty called “Ring For Sale.” The audience was with her every step of the way.
Craig Morgan delivered a medley of hits including, “International Harvester,” “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” “Bonfire” and “This Ole Boy.” It was a good reminder of Morgan’s many hits and we enjoyed going down memory lane with him. With the engaged audience in hand, he performed his current single “More Trucks Than Cars” then asked the audience if he could try out a new song, “I Wake Up Loving You” showing his full range of vocal ability. The audience didn’t mind at all.
Kellie Pickler
Darius Rucker To Kick Off 'True Believers' Tour May 9
/by Caitlin RantalaThe True Believers Tour kicks off on May 9 in Estero, Fla. and will work its way through more than 20 cities across the U.S. before wrapping up in Clarkston, Mich. on June 30.
“This is going to be an exciting summer,” predicts Rucker. “I’ve got an album I can’t wait for y’all to hear and I’m hitting the road with a great group of artists. We’re gonna have a good time!”
Joining Rucker on select dates will be special guests RIAA platinum-selling Rodney Atkins, top-charting country singer Justin Moore and 2013 ACM New Female Vocalist winner and New Artist of the Year nominee Jana Kramer.
Rucker will be offering two pairs of tickets to each tour date through an auction on www.DariusRucker.com with proceeds benefiting both the Country Music Association’s “Keep The Music Playing” initiative and the Academy of Country Music’s “Lifting Lives” program. “Keep the Music Playing” supports music in our schools and has funded music labs and more than 4,000 instruments in 80 Nashville Metro schools.
True Believers Tour
May 9, 2013 | Estero, Fla. | Germain Arena*
May 10, 2013 | Pensacola, Fla. | Pensacola Civic Center*
May 17, 2013 | Savannah, Ga. | Savannah Civic Center*
May 18, 2013 | Alpharetta, Ga. | Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park*
May 19, 2013 | Knoxville, Tenn. | Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum**
May 24, 2013 | Little Rock, Ark. | Riverfront Park**
May 30, 2013 | Greensboro, N.C. | Greensboro Coliseum Complex*
May 31, 2013 | Simpsonville, S.C. | Charter Amphitheatre at Heritage Park*
June 1, 2013 | Virginia Beach, Va. | Patriotic Festival*
June 6, 2013 | Morrison, Colo. | Red Rocks Amphitheatre**
June 9, 2013 | Grand Prairie, Texas | Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie**
June 13, 2013 | N. Lawrence, Ohio | Clay’s Park Amphitheater**
June 14, 2013 | Buffalo, N.Y. | Coca Cola Field+
June 15, 2013 | Baltimore, Md. | Pier Six Pavilion**
June 20, 2013 | West Long Branch, N.J. | The MAC at Monmouth University**
June 21, 2013 | Bangor, Maine | Waterfront Park**
June 22, 2013 | Gilford, N.H. | Meadowbrook-US Cellular Pavilion**
June 27, 2013 | Toledo, Ohio | Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre**
June 28, 2013 | Highland Park, Ill. | Ravinia Festival**
June 29, 2013 | Normal, Ill. | The Corn Crib**
June 30, 2013 | Clarkston, Mich. | DTE Energy Music Theatre**
* denotes Justin Moore and Jana Kramer
** denotes Rodney Atkins and Jana Kramer
+ denotes Sheryl Crow, Rodney Atkins, Gloriana and Jana Kramer
For more tour and ticket information, please visit www.DariusRucker.com.