Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Big Yellow Dog’s Carla Wallace, co-writer Josh Kear, Carrie Underwood, co-writer Chris Tompkins, producer Mark Bright, Big Loud Shirt’s Craig Wiseman and Sony Music Nashville’s Gary Overton
Nashville’s music industry braved chilly, rainy weather on Wednesday (Jan. 16) to help
Carrie Underwood and ASCAP songwriters
Josh Kear and
Chris Tompkins celebrate the No. 1 song, “Blown Away.” Held at the Country Music Association offices, CMA CEO
Steve Moore introduced ASCAP’s
Mike Sistad to kick off the party.
Kear has four songs on Underwood’s current album and penned
Lady Antebellum‘s smash hit “Need You Now,” while Tompkins has penned songs for
Florida Georgia Line,
Tim McGraw and
Blake Shelton. Together, Kear and Tompkins also penned Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” and
Luke Bryan‘s “Drunk On You.”
The writers and singer accepted plaques, medallions and congratulations from the CMA’s
Brandi Simms, Big Loud Shirt’s
Craig Wiseman, Country Radio Broadcasters and
Carla Wallace of Big Yellow Dog Music.
“I’m just honored that they write songs and I get to sing them,” said Underwood. “I’m a lucky lady indeed. I’m lucky to know you guys. Whatever way the song get to me, just keep doing what you’re doing. I definitely look forward to more of these in the future. It’s just such a blessing to be able to write songs and hear songs that are amazing and that I know from the first second that I hear them start to play, that I want to sing them.”
“We respect you as an artist and you are such a great singer and we know that with the kind of songs that we write, we can deliver something that at least touches on something that you might want to record,” said Tompkins. He also thanked ASCAP, Sistad, Big Loud Shirt and singer
Caitlin Lynn, who sang the demo for ‘Blown Away.’ “Carrie’s such a strong singer so we needed a strong singer.”
“You changed our lives,” Kear told Underwood, referring to his and Tompkins’ hit “Before He Cheats.” “Everything we’ve had since then, all comes back to that song.”
The gracious singer was quick to reflect the praise back to Kear. “Well then you changed your own life by writing it.”
Republic Nashville Signs Winner of 'The Voice'
/by MichelleRepublic Nashville has signed Cassadee Pope to its roster. The young singer-songwriter emerged while competing on NBC’s The Voice and winning the Season 3 title in December 2012.
As a member of Team Blake (Shelton), Pope excelled throughout the competition, displaying diverse musical tastes and talents, covering songs like Keith Urban’s “Stupid Boy,” Kelly Clarkson’s “Behind These Hazel Eyes” and Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn.” After a performance of Miranda Lambert’s “Over You,” the tune catapulted to the No. 1 spot on the iTunes All Genre Chart.
“I am so excited to be joining the very talented Republic Nashville family. I am so passionate about my music and I couldn’t be more excited to have this amazing team to back me as I embark on this next chapter in my career,” said Pope.
“Cassadee was a standout from day one and once she delivered her incredible version of Miranda Lambert’s “Over You,” I started working over my NY label partner Monte Lipman (CEO of Republic Records) to try to convince him that Cassadee belonged in Nashville,” said Big Machine Label Group President Scott Borchetta. “Each week Cassadee continued to knock down big Country songs by Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and Faith Hill, and after she won we were THRILLED to find out that Cassadee was on the same page with us and wanted to come to Nashville. The BMLG Team is over the top excited about Cassadee Pope!”
Pictured (L-R): Front Row – Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta, Cassadee Pope, Republic Nashville President/BMLG EVP Jimmy Harnen; Back Row – BMLG, VP of A&R Allison Jones and BMLG General Manager Andrew Kautz (Photo Credit: Amy Fucci)
Scotty McCreery To Launch First Headlining Tour
/by Jessica Nicholson“I’ve been lucky enough to play a lot of great cities over the last year with Brad Paisley and some other great country artists,” explains McCreery. “This time I get to play some new places with a show that’s all my own. I can’t wait for my fans to see what we’ve lined up for them on my Weekend Roadtrip Tour 2013.”
McCreery says the tour’s title was born from the singer and college student’s day-to-day experiences. “Right now, I’m balancing my music career with my second semester at North Carolina State University. I go to school early in the week and get to play my music every weekend. So, calling this tour the Weekend Roadtrip Tour just made sense. Plus, what college student doesn’t love a good roadtrip?”
The tour will be sponsored by humanitarian organization World Vision.
Weekend Roadtrip Tour 2013 Dates:
Feb. 14 – Bethlehem, Pa. – Sands Bethlehem Event Center
Feb. 15 – Niagara Falls, N.Y. – Rapids Theatre
Feb. 16 – Atlantic City, N.J. – Golden Nugget
Feb. 21 – Pittsburgh – Stage AE
Feb. 22 – Dover, Del. – Dover Downs Hotel & Casino
Feb. 23 – Charleston, W.Va. – Clay Center for the Arts
Mar. 8 – Plant City, Fla. -Florida Strawberry Festival
Mar. 9 – Kansas City, Mo. – Uptown Theater
Mar. 28 – Aurora, Ill. – Paramount Theatre
Apr. 18 – Albany, N.Y. – The Palace Theatre
Apr. 19 – Wallingford, Conn. – Toyota Presents Oakdale Theatre
Apr. 20 – Wilkes-Barre, Pa. – F.M. Kirby Center
Apr. 26 – Robinsonville, Miss. – Horseshoe Casino
May 10 – Lancaster, Pa. – American Music Theatre
May 11 – Hampton, N.H. – Casino Ballroom
May 12 – Morristown, N.J. – Mayo Performing Arts Center
CMT Adds VP of Creative Services
/by Jessica NicholsonPeter Mannes
CMT’s Sr. VP of Brand Strategy, Marketing and Creative, Dee McLaughlin, announced that Peter Mannes has been hired as VP, Creative Services for CMT. The position is effective immediately, and Mannes will direct efforts of the creative team in creation, development and production of all on and off-air production and graphics for CMT. Mannes will be based in Nashville.
“From award-winning promo work to his successful brand campaign executions, to his vast experience working with other nets, Peter’s broad skillset is exactly the synergy we were seeking,” says McLaughlin.
Mannes has over 20 years experience in the media industry. Prior to his work at CMT, he was with Sundance Channel, where he was Director of Brand Marketing. His previous career ventures include founding Argot Media, a full-service creative production agency that worked with several TV networks, including History Channel, Biography and Bloomberg Television. Mannes also held the position of VP, Production for Global Media Holdings/Global Japan where he supervised production of all on-air promos, series, specials, print and marketing projects for the launch and operation of two television networks developed for the Japanese market, SheTV and SF.
Earlier in his career, Mannes was a production manager for MTV Networks. He graduated from Northwestern University in 1991.
Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town at CMA Music Festival
/by Jessica NicholsonUnderwood, Kear and Tompkins Celebrate No. 1 "Blown Away"
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Big Yellow Dog’s Carla Wallace, co-writer Josh Kear, Carrie Underwood, co-writer Chris Tompkins, producer Mark Bright, Big Loud Shirt’s Craig Wiseman and Sony Music Nashville’s Gary Overton
Nashville’s music industry braved chilly, rainy weather on Wednesday (Jan. 16) to help Carrie Underwood and ASCAP songwriters Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins celebrate the No. 1 song, “Blown Away.” Held at the Country Music Association offices, CMA CEO Steve Moore introduced ASCAP’s Mike Sistad to kick off the party.
Kear has four songs on Underwood’s current album and penned Lady Antebellum‘s smash hit “Need You Now,” while Tompkins has penned songs for Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw and Blake Shelton. Together, Kear and Tompkins also penned Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” and Luke Bryan‘s “Drunk On You.”
The writers and singer accepted plaques, medallions and congratulations from the CMA’s Brandi Simms, Big Loud Shirt’s Craig Wiseman, Country Radio Broadcasters and Carla Wallace of Big Yellow Dog Music.
“I’m just honored that they write songs and I get to sing them,” said Underwood. “I’m a lucky lady indeed. I’m lucky to know you guys. Whatever way the song get to me, just keep doing what you’re doing. I definitely look forward to more of these in the future. It’s just such a blessing to be able to write songs and hear songs that are amazing and that I know from the first second that I hear them start to play, that I want to sing them.”
“We respect you as an artist and you are such a great singer and we know that with the kind of songs that we write, we can deliver something that at least touches on something that you might want to record,” said Tompkins. He also thanked ASCAP, Sistad, Big Loud Shirt and singer Caitlin Lynn, who sang the demo for ‘Blown Away.’ “Carrie’s such a strong singer so we needed a strong singer.”
“You changed our lives,” Kear told Underwood, referring to his and Tompkins’ hit “Before He Cheats.” “Everything we’ve had since then, all comes back to that song.”
The gracious singer was quick to reflect the praise back to Kear. “Well then you changed your own life by writing it.”
Chesney Sets Album Release Date
/by Sarah SkatesReleased June 19, that project was his 13th studio album and has yielded hits “El Cerrito Place,” “Come Over,” and “Feel Like A Rock Star,” featuring Tim McGraw. After 30 weeks on the charts, the album has sold over 605,000 copies.
Chesney will kick off his No Shoes Nation Tour on March 16 in Tampa, Fla.
His career has resulted in 24 No. 1 singles and more than 30 million in album sales.
PLA Media Adds Publicist and Marketing Executive
/by Caitlin Rantala“I’m thrilled to be part of Pam Lewis’ legacy and look forward to sharing the experiences and relationships I have had the pleasure to develop over the years,” said Frederick.
Frederick moved to Nashville in 1980 to pursue career as a guitarist and has since recorded and toured US, Canada, and Europe with several nationally acclaimed recording artists. In 1992, he was hired by Clay Walker as band leader. That led to the role of Walker’s tour manager, publicist and then manager. Later, during his tenure at Network Ink Public Relations, Frederick was a key part of the team that coordinated the grand opening of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Most recently and following a stint with SHeDAISY in 2005 and 2006 as manager, Frederick returned to the Clay Walker camp as director of the singer’s charity organization, Band Against MS.
“As we continue to build the PLA team we’re very happy to have Kyle and his background as part of our brain trust,” said Lewis.
Frederick can be reached at 615-327-0100 or kyle.frederick@plamedia.com.
Blake Shelton To Headline Ten Times Crazier Tour
/by MichelleThis is Shelton’s second headlining tour, following last year’s sold out Well Lit & Amplified Tour.
Live Nation’s 2013 Country Megaticket is the first opportunity for fans to purchase tickets by visiting www.Megaticket.com and signing up to receive more information about this year’s Country Megaticket in their city. General public tickets for the tour will go on-sale in March. For more information visit www.blakeshelton.com.
“My fans, country radio, friends, family, you name it – they know I love to perform. With The Voice schedule, I was not able to go out and perform as much as I wanted last year but I plan to make up for it this year,” Shelton says. “This summer is going to be a blast. I want everyone at my shows to leave feeling like they got every penny’s worth of their ticket. I am going to give them every ounce of me on that stage because they deserve it. My fans are die hard country fans, they love to laugh and have a good time and I’m going to join them in what truly will be the Ten Times Crazier Tour.”
Blake Shelton’s upcoming tour dates include:
2013 TEN TIMES CRAZIER TOUR DATES:
7/19 Virginia Beach, Va. Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
7/20 Bristow, Va. Jiffy Lube Live
7/21 Wantagh, N.Y. Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
7/26 St. Louis Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
7/27 Noblesville, Ind. Klipsch Music Center
7/28 Cincinnati Riverbend Music Center
8/1 Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Blossom Music Center
8/2 Burgettstown, Pa. First Niagara Pavilion
8/3 Tinley Park, Ill. First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
8/9 Raleigh, N.C. Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion
8/10 Camden, N.J. Susquehanna Bank Center
8/11 Bethel, N.Y. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
8/29 Atlanta Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
8/30 Tampa, Fla. 1-800-ASK GARY Amphitheatre
8/31 West Palm Beach, Fla. Cruzan Amphitheatre
9/5 Holmdel, N.J. PNC Bank Arts Center
9/6 Hartford, Conn. Comcast Theatre
9/7 Mansfield, Mass. Comcast Center
9/12 St. Paul, Minn. Xcel Energy Center
9/13 Milwaukee, Wis. Bradley Center
9/14 Auburn Hills, Mich. The Palace of Auburn Hills
9/19 Charleston, W.V. Charleston Civic Center
9/20 Columbus, Ohio Nationwide Arena
9/21 Lexington, Ky. Rupp Arena
9/26 Charlottesville, Va. John Paul Jones Arena
9/27 Knoxville, Tenn. Thompson-Boling Arena
9/28 Nashville, Tenn. Bridgestone Arena
10/3 Kansas City, Mo. Sprint Center
10/4 Tulsa, Okla. BOK Arena
10/5 Wichita, Kan. INTRUST Bank Arena
Artist News (1/17/13)
/by Jessica NicholsonCarrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood‘s music video for “Two Black Cadillacs” will debut on Entertainment Tonight and VEVO on Wednesday, Jan. 23.
• • •
Gary Allan
Gary Allan is scheduled to perform his smash hit “Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)” on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Jan. 23 and Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on Feb 11. The single is the lead track off the forthcoming album Set You Free, due in stores on Jan. 22.
• • •
Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, Photo: David McClister
Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell will embark on a series of tour dates this March with co-headliner Richard Thompson Electric Trio. Tickets go on sale starting this week. The tour will launch on March 13 at the House of Blues New Orleans and will run through April 4 in Atlanta. The outing supports Harris and Crowell’s new collaborative album, Old Yellow Moon, out Feb. 26 on Nonesuch Records.
CMT Names 'Next Women of Country'
/by Jessica NicholsonJana Kramer
While the country charts have been dominated by male artists in the past few years, CMT will highlight several of country music’s best up-and-coming female performers (both signed and unsigned) with its year-long ‘Next Women of Country’ initiative.
The campaign launched Wednesday (Jan. 16) and named 10 female powerhouse vocalists and performers who will be promoted across CMT platforms and at Nextwomen.cmt.com. The 10 high-profile ladies include Ashley Monroe, Holly Williams, Jana Kramer, Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark, Lauren Alaina, Sarah Darling, Rose Falcon, Rachel Farley and Kelleigh Bannen.
Coverage will include video premieres, performances and more across CMT, CMT.com, CMTEdge.com, CMT Pure, CMT Radio Networks and more than 4 million followers on social media. Videos premiering this month include Kramer’s “Whiskey” and Williams’ “The Highway.”
“Women are the cornerstone of country music,” said Leslie Fram, SVP of Music Strategy, CMT. “We want to recognize, support and expose the next wave of authentic female artists, signed or independent, who are writing, recording and making it happen on their own in a crowded, male-dominated format.”