With the Grammy Awards showcasing both Jack White and the multi-honored Black Keys, Nashville music was superbly displayed earlier this month.
Both of those artists’ nominated discs were highlighted in this column, as have been efforts by Kings of Leon, Ben Folds, Paramore, Tommy Womack, The Features and many more. But this recent burst of publicity means that it is way past time to shine a spotlight again on our non-country music makers. So today’s column includes electric blues, folk-pop, heavy metal, classic r&b, political pop/rock and other styles.
For the Disc of the Day, I’m going with old-school r&b. That would be the Andy T-Nick Nixon Band. Their just-released collection is a total charmer. Give a DISCovery Award to Angel Snow. Yes, that’s her real name. And, yes, she is a mesmerizing stylist.
JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD/Sixpack
Writers: JEFF The Brotherhood; Producer: Dan Auerbach & JEFF The Brotherhood; Publisher: Automatic Bzooty/Otissery/WB; ASCAP
These enduring Nashville Infinity Cat indie faves have made the step up to the major leagues with their Warner Bros. contract. The resulting Hypnotic Nights album retains the fizzy, dense, loopy style of their prior work with perhaps a touch more pop catchiness, especially on this single. Collaborator Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys was named non-classical Producer of the Year at the Grammys. So there. Buy the collection on vinyl and you get a full CD version included with it, plus an autographed photo of the Orrall brothers, Jake and Jamin.
ANGEL SNOW/Holiday
Writers: Angel Snow; Producer: Viktor Krauss; Publisher: Emmett Till, ASCAP
Producer Krauss is notable as a record maker, himself, as well as being a longtime Lyle Lovett sideman. It’s easy to hear why he chose to work with newcomer Snow. She sings in a lustrous, compelling alto, weaving easily through the complexities of the dreamy melody. Acoustic pop washed with an echoey, electronic soundscape. In a word, haunting.
RED/Perfect Life
Writers: Anthony Armstrong/Michael Barnes/Randy Armstrong/Joe Rickard/Jasen Rauch/Jason McArthur; Producer: Howard Benson; Publisher: Logansong/Morning Harbor/Eden’s Lullaby/Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Schminigan, BMI/ASCAP
Some of the hardest rock in Nashville is made by our CCM brethren, most particularly this four piece, goth-sounding outfit. The lead single from Red’s new Release the Panic CD is soaked in guitar thunder, shouted vocals and frothing drumming.
BOOMTEMPLE/Soul Job
Writers: Kyle Frederick; Producer: Dyle Frederick/Marc Owens; Publisher: Vandermont/Cry Angels/Melody Chef, BMI
This is the title tune of what I am told is Boomtemple’s second album. It is a percussive rocker with loads of quirky sonic effects and a somewhat psychedelic vibe. For even more psychedelia, check out “The Girl at the Pork Store.” And for more outright rock, spin “Yes I Will.” Talent on parade.
CHARLIE PEACOCK/Ghost of the Kitty Cat
Writers: Charlie Peacock; Producer: Charlie Peacock; Publisher: none listed
Peacock has been contributing songs and pop production expertise in the CCM world for decades. His current CD, No Man’s Land, contains 12 songs inspired by his Louisiana ancestors. It’s an all-star affair, with a cast including Bryan Sutton, Ruby Amanfu, Bruce Bouton, Jeff Coffin, Andy Leftwich, Jerry McPherson and more. It also rocks smartly, particularly on this bubbling, bopping, Cajun-flavored jewel of a tune. It goes without saying that the production work is beyond brilliant. Highly recommended.
ANDY T-NICK NIXON BAND/Drink Drank Drunk
Writers: Thomas Hambridge/Gary Nicholson; Producer: Anson Funderburgh; Publisher: Tom Hambridge/Gary Nicholson/Sony-ATV, ASCAP
James “Nick” Nixon is a Nashville r&b institution who gigged up and down Jefferson Street back in the day. His sidemen have included Jimi Hendrix and Billy Cox, and he charted in the 1970s in the group Past, Present and Future. He toured with the New Imperials, produced The Fairfield Four and performed in the 2011 film Redemption Road. Guitar hotshot Andy T (Talamantez) came of age in Southern California, but is now Nashville based. Nixon’s deep-blues vocal delivery and Andy’s stinging guitar chops are fabulous together throughout their CD, including on this title tune. They will rock your world.
SHANNON LABRIE/I Remember A Boy
Writers: Shannon Labrie; Producer: Zodlounge; Publisher: none listed
This Music City resident was named one of the “Best Unsigned Artists of 2012” by Music Connection. Her debut album, Just Be Honest, was issued two weeks ago. She sings with aching authenticity, accompanying herself on guitar and/or piano. The sound harks back to the classic singer-songwriter era, yet is thoroughly contemporary with touches of jazz and soul in spots, along with plenty of thump. Labrie will be showcased alongside such talents as Brooke Waggoner, Matthew Perryman Jones, Katie Herzig and Mindy Smith via the iTunes “Nashville Indie Spotlight.”
WILL HOGE/The Ballad of Trayvon Martin
Writers: Will Hoge; Producer: Will Hoge; Publisher: Will Hoge, BMI
Veteran Nashville pop-rocker Hoge has lately been collecting award nominations for co-writing the country hit “Even If it Breaks Your Heart.” But his current Modern American Protest Music collection demonstrates he still has his grit, passion and fire for compelling alt rock. He howls and grinds this timely, torrid cautionary tale like a man possessed.
THE VESPERS/Lawdy
Writers: Phoebe Cryar; Producer: Anderson East, Daniel Scobey & The Vespers; Publisher: Poodle Head, SESAC
The Vespers comprises two Cryar sisters and two Jones brothers, the latter of whom are that musical rarity, Nashville natives. The sound is folk-pop with an acoustic base overlaid with a variety of punchy rhythm instruments, claps and stomps, plus fey, gentle vocals. Enchanting. And in these Lumineer and Mumford times, quite contemporary and in step. The band’s current album is titled The Fourth Wall. Miss this gem at your peril.
MARK ROBINSON/Drive Real Fast
Writers: Mark Robinson; Producer: Mark Robinson; Publisher: Dogs in Trouble, SESAC
This blues-rock Nashvillian has titled his CD Have Axe — Will Groove, which is appropriate since he’s a guitar hoss. The sweat-soaked roadhouse set kicks off with this blistering number. It might be light on subtlety in the lyrics department, but in any case, he speaks most eloquently with his fingers on the frets. The album is entirely self penned except for three tunes, including a cover of the Ray Charles standard “Lonely Avenue.”
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow)
MusicRowPics: Samantha Landrum
/by Caitlin RantalaReviver Music’s Samantha Landrum visited MusicRow headquarters earlier this month (Feb. 4). Landrum hails from Laurel, Miss., sharing the same home turf as MusicRow’s owner/publisher Sherod Robertson.
Her single “Hometown,” which she played, will premiere on CMT and was also added to Sirius’ Highway Find. She also shared a couple of her favorites songs “One Stone at a Time” and “Just Another Day.”
For more information visit samanthalandrum.com.
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Weekly Register: Growth Needs New Releases
/by bossrossTim McGraw’s week two of his newest disc was helped by the Grammy Awards and therefore only dropped 56 percent, less than the 62 percent or so that might normally be expected. Taylor’s Red benefited with a 106 percent jump which moved it to No. 1 with almost 72k units. But even with the holiday and the Awards (which featured lots of country talents), the Top Country Current chart failed to pass the 500k total mark. However, it did edge up from last week’s 394k to 457k this week.
The Weekly Grid tells the sad tale in brief fashion. Country albums are down almost 5 percent and all genre album sales are off YTD 6.2 percent. Just like the cold winter weather we have been suffering, it will likely be late March before the charts begin to thaw in a big way.
If you haven’t already noticed, Hunter Hayes is becoming the new artist to watch. His song “Wanted” moved to the top of the Digital Genre Country tracks list with over 84k downloads and a jump of 31 percent. Labelmate Blake Shelton was close behind the young prodigy with 74k.
Filling out the Top 10 country tracks were:
Carrie Underwood/Two Black Cadillacs/60k (2.64 million)
The Band Perry/Better Dig Two/57k (1 million)
Carrie Underwood/Blown Away/55k (1.9 million)
Tim McGraw/One Of Those Nights/52k
Lady Antebellum/Downtown/47k
FGL/Cruise/44k (2x platinum)
Gary Allan/Every Storm/42k
Taylor Swift/We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together/3.38 million
Next week (Feb. 26), albums will hit the stores from newcomer Jaida Dreyer, The Mavericks and Curb’s Plumb.
Stay tuned…
CMA's Keep The Music Playing Donates $1.2 Million
/by Sarah SkatesThe CMA Foundation donated $1.2 million to benefit music education programs in Nashville’s public schools. Pictured (L-R): CMA Board President, Ed Hardy; CMA Board Chairman, Troy Tomlinson; CMA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Moore; Director of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, Dr. Jesse Register; Scotty McCreery; Nashville Mayor Karl Dean; Chevrolet National Promotions Manager, Michael Weidman; Chair of The CMA Foundation Board of Directors, Kitty Moon Emery; and Nashville Public Education Foundation Board Chair, Michael Carter, Sr. Photo credit: Donn Jones/CMA
The CMA Foundation donated $1.2 million to benefit music education programs through the Keep the Music Playing campaign last night (Feb. 20) at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The money raised from the 2012 CMA Music Festival will benefit Nashville’s 81,000 public school students.
The announcement raises CMA’s Keep the Music Playing support of music education in Metro Schools to more than $6.5 million. This money has been used to build music labs and purchase instruments and supplies for all 144 Metro Nashville Public Schools through a partnership with the Nashville Public Education Foundation.
“Providing instruments for every Metro school is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “When we started this program in 2006, instruments in Metro band programs were more than 30 years old – if they were lucky enough to have them at all. Seeing what this program has accomplished on behalf of our artists is extremely gratifying. Keep the Music Playing is making a difference by helping to make quality music education a reality for our children.”
In 2006, the Keep the Music Playing program was established to give back to the community on behalf of the hundreds of Country artists who perform and make appearances at CMA Music Festival each year for free.
The announcement of the 2012 CMA Music Festival donation was made at a reception prior to the Fourth Annual CMA Keep the Music Playing All Stars Concert at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The All Stars Concert honors the best elementary, middle, and high school performance groups selected from Metro Schools. CMA Award nominee Scotty McCreery hosted the concert.
During the program, Michael Weidman, Chevrolet National Promotions Manager, presented a new Chevrolet Traverse, which will be used to pick up and deliver instruments for the Keep the Music Playing-funded instrument repair facility for Metro Schools; which means repaired instruments will get back into the hands of students faster.
With this announcement, the total figure for the Keep the Music Playing program is $7.6 million. This figure includes a $1 million endowment gift for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Words & Music” program, support of the 2012 W.O. Smith summer camp program, and a recent instrument donation to P.S. 103 in the Bronx, NY.
The 2013 CMA Music Festival will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 6-9.
Artist Updates (2-20-13)
/by Jessica Nicholson• • •
Marcel Bach, promoter for the event, says, “We always look to top the previous year but this is a special anniversary. I could not be happier with the lineup.”
Bates will perform on the Coca-Cola stage beginning at 11:30 a.m.
• • •
To participate, fans should visit the ChildFund website, choose a child and complete the sponsorship. They should then save and forward the confirmation to ChildFund@thompsonsquare.com with the subject line “concert date, concert city, your name, your phone number.”
Fans will then receive a confirmation and instructions on how to obtain their meet-n-greet passes prior to the show. Sponsorship confirmation must be received seven days before the concert date and fans must already have tickets to the show.
The pair promote ChildFund’s child development work through ChildFund’s LIVE! artist program.
Dixie Owen Launches All The Buzz
/by Sarah SkatesDixie Owen
Longtime publicist Dixie Owen today (Feb. 20) announced the launch of All The Buzz, LLC, (ATB) a Nashville-based agency specializing in public/media relations and event management. ATB will offer services including media marketing, branding, events and strategic planning, with a focus on establishing a solid foundation that builds careers.
Owner/President Owen has more than 15 years of experience with media campaigns on the local and national level. She most recently served as Senior Director of Artist & Media Relations at Universal Music Group Nashville. She spent eight years at Capitol Records Nashville, and three years as senior publicist at CMT: Country Music Television. She also spent four years at the Country Music Association and began her career at Network Ink Public Relations.
Owen can be reached at www.AllTheBuzzLLC.com, (615) 440-6171, dixie@allthebuzzllc.com or on Twitter at @DixieAllTheBuzz.
Industry Ink (2-20-13)
/by Jessica Nicholson“I am so honored that my team is working the radio promotion on Billy’s new project,” notes Flying Island President Shelia Shipley Biddy. “I have long admired Billy’s music and the impact it has had on country music.”
To view the blog, visit www.clearboxrights.com and click the “W” in the top right corner of the page.
Rod Parkin has joined the Out-Write Publishing team as a songplugger and assistant in songwriter development.
The company will host a launch party at Tin Roof Nashville on March 7, beginning at 7 p.m.
Atlantic recording artist Brett Eldredge, CAA agent Laura Huftless, Dashboard Media President Natalie Kilgore, CMT’s Jennifer Danielson and Clear Channel Communications’ Cathy Sewell were among those selected for the list.
Additionally, all were honored last night (Feb. 19) during the annual “Single In The City” celebration held at Nashville’s Sambuca Restaurant. For more information, visit NashvilleLifestyles.com.
Bigger Picture Group Promotes Two
/by Jessica NicholsonLiz Cost
Bigger Picture Group has promoted Liz Cost to Director of Marketing and Jody Mazer to Director of Project Management. Both were previously product managers.
“Liz and Jody are hard workers, strategic thinkers and key members of the Bigger Picture Group team,” said Executive Vice President/GM Bob Cahill. “We are excited to recognize their past accomplishments as we all work together towards creating additional success and opportunities for Bigger Picture Group and our artists.”
Jody Mazer
Cost joined Bigger Picture Group in June 2010, and has served as Product Manager for artist Craig Campbell since 2011. The Syracuse, N.Y.-native graduated from Hobart & William Smith Colleges in 2007 before becoming an Assistant Producer for television/radio commercial production at Arnold Worldwide Advertising in Boston. In 2009, she moved to Nashville and became both a Production Coordinator for audio branding services at iV Group as well as a Backstage Coordinator at the Ryman Auditorium before joining Bigger Picture Group the following year.
Mazer joined Bigger Picture Group in November 2010, and has served as Product Manager for artists Chris Cagle and Chris Janson. Prior to that, the New Jersey-native served as Executive Assistant at Entertainment Services from 2004-2010. There she worked with a diverse roster of artists, including country music acts Jessica Andrews and Marcel as well as rock/metal performers Breaking Benjamin, Lamb of God, and New Found Glory. Mazer also served as Assistant Tour Manager and Production Manager for rock legend Pat Benatar during Summer 2008 and Summer/Fall of 2010.
MusicRowRecess: Aldean's '1994' Brings Out Stars' Old Photos
/by Jessica NicholsonJason Aldean just announced that his next single will be “1994,” a tribute to the days when Joe Diffie ruled the charts.
To commemorate the song, Aldean took to Twitter to share a photo of what he looked like in 1994 and the idea caught fire. Other country artists, including Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Hillary Scott, Kristen Kelly and Dierks Bentley, took to Twitter to share their photos from 1994.
Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean)
Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw)
Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) “I was rockin the oversize thrift store jacket in #1994!–KU”
Kristen Kelly (@kristenkelly)
Dierks Bentley (@DierksBentley) “bedroom posters pics…embarrassing! ill dig around for the ones of spiked hair and parachute pants,” he said via Twitter.
Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott (@hillaryscottLA)
Kaleidoscope Media Adds Marcario
/by Jessica NicholsonKatie Marcario
Kaleidoscope Media has added Katie Marcario to the publicity, events, branding and partnerships team as Assistant to the President and Director of Social Media and Web Content.
“In a small firm where we all wear many hats, Katie has proved to be nimble, resourceful, smart and enthusiastic when she comes to work every day,” says President Angie Gore. “She started as a part-time employee six months ago and has made herself an indispensable asset to the team.”
Marcario may be reached at agasst@kaleidoscope-media.com
DISClaimer: Non-Country Music Makers Shine Bright
/by Robert K OermannBoth of those artists’ nominated discs were highlighted in this column, as have been efforts by Kings of Leon, Ben Folds, Paramore, Tommy Womack, The Features and many more. But this recent burst of publicity means that it is way past time to shine a spotlight again on our non-country music makers. So today’s column includes electric blues, folk-pop, heavy metal, classic r&b, political pop/rock and other styles.
For the Disc of the Day, I’m going with old-school r&b. That would be the Andy T-Nick Nixon Band. Their just-released collection is a total charmer. Give a DISCovery Award to Angel Snow. Yes, that’s her real name. And, yes, she is a mesmerizing stylist.
JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD/Sixpack
Writers: JEFF The Brotherhood; Producer: Dan Auerbach & JEFF The Brotherhood; Publisher: Automatic Bzooty/Otissery/WB; ASCAP
These enduring Nashville Infinity Cat indie faves have made the step up to the major leagues with their Warner Bros. contract. The resulting Hypnotic Nights album retains the fizzy, dense, loopy style of their prior work with perhaps a touch more pop catchiness, especially on this single. Collaborator Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys was named non-classical Producer of the Year at the Grammys. So there. Buy the collection on vinyl and you get a full CD version included with it, plus an autographed photo of the Orrall brothers, Jake and Jamin.
ANGEL SNOW/Holiday
Writers: Angel Snow; Producer: Viktor Krauss; Publisher: Emmett Till, ASCAP
Producer Krauss is notable as a record maker, himself, as well as being a longtime Lyle Lovett sideman. It’s easy to hear why he chose to work with newcomer Snow. She sings in a lustrous, compelling alto, weaving easily through the complexities of the dreamy melody. Acoustic pop washed with an echoey, electronic soundscape. In a word, haunting.
RED/Perfect Life
Writers: Anthony Armstrong/Michael Barnes/Randy Armstrong/Joe Rickard/Jasen Rauch/Jason McArthur; Producer: Howard Benson; Publisher: Logansong/Morning Harbor/Eden’s Lullaby/Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Schminigan, BMI/ASCAP
Some of the hardest rock in Nashville is made by our CCM brethren, most particularly this four piece, goth-sounding outfit. The lead single from Red’s new Release the Panic CD is soaked in guitar thunder, shouted vocals and frothing drumming.
BOOMTEMPLE/Soul Job
Writers: Kyle Frederick; Producer: Dyle Frederick/Marc Owens; Publisher: Vandermont/Cry Angels/Melody Chef, BMI
This is the title tune of what I am told is Boomtemple’s second album. It is a percussive rocker with loads of quirky sonic effects and a somewhat psychedelic vibe. For even more psychedelia, check out “The Girl at the Pork Store.” And for more outright rock, spin “Yes I Will.” Talent on parade.
CHARLIE PEACOCK/Ghost of the Kitty Cat
Writers: Charlie Peacock; Producer: Charlie Peacock; Publisher: none listed
Peacock has been contributing songs and pop production expertise in the CCM world for decades. His current CD, No Man’s Land, contains 12 songs inspired by his Louisiana ancestors. It’s an all-star affair, with a cast including Bryan Sutton, Ruby Amanfu, Bruce Bouton, Jeff Coffin, Andy Leftwich, Jerry McPherson and more. It also rocks smartly, particularly on this bubbling, bopping, Cajun-flavored jewel of a tune. It goes without saying that the production work is beyond brilliant. Highly recommended.
ANDY T-NICK NIXON BAND/Drink Drank Drunk
Writers: Thomas Hambridge/Gary Nicholson; Producer: Anson Funderburgh; Publisher: Tom Hambridge/Gary Nicholson/Sony-ATV, ASCAP
James “Nick” Nixon is a Nashville r&b institution who gigged up and down Jefferson Street back in the day. His sidemen have included Jimi Hendrix and Billy Cox, and he charted in the 1970s in the group Past, Present and Future. He toured with the New Imperials, produced The Fairfield Four and performed in the 2011 film Redemption Road. Guitar hotshot Andy T (Talamantez) came of age in Southern California, but is now Nashville based. Nixon’s deep-blues vocal delivery and Andy’s stinging guitar chops are fabulous together throughout their CD, including on this title tune. They will rock your world.
SHANNON LABRIE/I Remember A Boy
Writers: Shannon Labrie; Producer: Zodlounge; Publisher: none listed
This Music City resident was named one of the “Best Unsigned Artists of 2012” by Music Connection. Her debut album, Just Be Honest, was issued two weeks ago. She sings with aching authenticity, accompanying herself on guitar and/or piano. The sound harks back to the classic singer-songwriter era, yet is thoroughly contemporary with touches of jazz and soul in spots, along with plenty of thump. Labrie will be showcased alongside such talents as Brooke Waggoner, Matthew Perryman Jones, Katie Herzig and Mindy Smith via the iTunes “Nashville Indie Spotlight.”
WILL HOGE/The Ballad of Trayvon Martin
Writers: Will Hoge; Producer: Will Hoge; Publisher: Will Hoge, BMI
Veteran Nashville pop-rocker Hoge has lately been collecting award nominations for co-writing the country hit “Even If it Breaks Your Heart.” But his current Modern American Protest Music collection demonstrates he still has his grit, passion and fire for compelling alt rock. He howls and grinds this timely, torrid cautionary tale like a man possessed.
THE VESPERS/Lawdy
Writers: Phoebe Cryar; Producer: Anderson East, Daniel Scobey & The Vespers; Publisher: Poodle Head, SESAC
The Vespers comprises two Cryar sisters and two Jones brothers, the latter of whom are that musical rarity, Nashville natives. The sound is folk-pop with an acoustic base overlaid with a variety of punchy rhythm instruments, claps and stomps, plus fey, gentle vocals. Enchanting. And in these Lumineer and Mumford times, quite contemporary and in step. The band’s current album is titled The Fourth Wall. Miss this gem at your peril.
MARK ROBINSON/Drive Real Fast
Writers: Mark Robinson; Producer: Mark Robinson; Publisher: Dogs in Trouble, SESAC
This blues-rock Nashvillian has titled his CD Have Axe — Will Groove, which is appropriate since he’s a guitar hoss. The sweat-soaked roadhouse set kicks off with this blistering number. It might be light on subtlety in the lyrics department, but in any case, he speaks most eloquently with his fingers on the frets. The album is entirely self penned except for three tunes, including a cover of the Ray Charles standard “Lonely Avenue.”
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow)