Underwood closes the show with "Blown Away," the current single and title track from her latest album.
Carrie Underwood brought The Blown Away Tour to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena last night (Sun., Sept. 24) touching down on a packed and enthusiastic crowd. In the first few minutes it became very clear this show was going to live up to its name.
Using a massive video wall, special effects and a rising floor, we were transported to the scene of a tornado when Underwood entered the stage performing her mega hit, “Good Girl.” She followed the powerful opening number with hits “Undo It” and “Wasted.”
After spending countless hours watching husband Mike Fisher play for the Nashville Predators, she told the audience, “You have no idea how much time I spend at Bridgestone.” She said Fisher joked before the show, “You’re on my turf now.” She replied, “I was here first!”
After performing “I Told You So” and “Two Black Cadillacs,” she made a quick costume change and followed with “Last Name” and “All-American Girl.” She thanked everyone for coming and told the fans $1 of every ticket purchased from the entire tour is going to the American Red Cross. Based on last night’s performance, we can expect that’s going to be a really big check.
Next, her stellar and compelling performance of “Temporary Home” sent onlookers down a powerful emotional ride. Followed by “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” many in the crowd didn’t make it through with dry eyes. She then pulled everyone back into party mode with “Cowboy Casanova.”
Underwood next appeared wearing Fisher’s Predators jersey and cut off blue jean shorts to a cheering crowd. She joined a few members of her band on a section center stage, which levitated above the crowd and moved toward the back of the arena. She performed several songs from her current Blown Away album including, “Nobody Ever Told You,” “Thank God For Hometowns,” and “Do You Think About Me.” She tossed Hawaiian leis from the floating stage while oversized beach balls bounced around the stadium, and performed “One Way Ticket,” telling us we all deserved a vacation.
She brought opening act, Hunter Hayes back on stage to duet on “Leave Love Alone.” Hayes had captured the audience’s attention earlier that evening performing “Storm Warning” and “Wanted” among several other songs. Peter Strickland, Sr. VP of Warner Music Nashville and other members of the staff presented Hayes a plaque during his set for his No. 1 single, “Wanted.” Hayes then returned the favor, surprising the Warner staff with a plaque of their own honoring them for all of their hard work.
Underwood then gave her rocking rendition of “Sweet Emotion” that would have easily put a smile on Steven Tyler’s face. But perhaps the biggest highlight of the evening, and there were many to choose from, was Underwood’s performance of “Remind Me.” While the Brad Paisley duet is usually performed via video on tour, she was completely taken back and surprised when Paisley walked on stage singing his part. An emotional Underwood took a few moments while singing to wipe away the tears as the audience gave them a thunderous and deafening applause. The energy was there to stay as she followed up with “Cupid’s Got a Shotgun” and “Before He Cheats.”
Brad Paisley surprises Carrie during the performance of their #1 hit "Remind Me."
Underwood’s vocals were perfection and it was obvious we were watching a superstar. Although the stage was sophisticated and impressive, the set design kept Underwood’s talent center stage. She had five costume changes and looked beautiful, as always, in each one.
The encore took us back to the scene of the tornado, which had apparently gained strength during the concert. Underwood performed her last song of the night, “Blown Away,” before literally disappearing into the tornado’s vortex. And just like Underwood, we were also blown away.
Before taking the stage last night at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for “The Blown Away Tour,” Carrie Underwood was presented a Platinum plaque for sales of over one million copies of her latest album, "Blown Away." (L-R): Paul Barnabee, SVP Marketing, Sony Music Nashville; Caryl Healey, VP Sales, Sony Music Nashville; Underwood, Gary Overton (Chairman/CEO, Sony Music Nashville), Alaina Vehec (Dir., Digital Sales, Sony Music Nashville). Photo: Alan Poizner
Quick Pics
/by Sarah Skates(L-R): Due West’s Brad Hull, Tim Gates and Matt Lopez. Photo: Chris Hollo
Black River Entertainment’s Due West made its Grand Ole Opry debut recently. Upon entering the circle, Opry member Jim Ed Brown extended them a warm welcome. Due West performed two songs including the current radio single, “Things You Can’t Do In A Car.” Playing the Grand Ole Opry is a career high for the vocal trio. Due West described the milestone as “nothing less than a magical experience and an evening we’ll never forget.”
Produced by Garth Fundis and written by Due West’s Brad Hull, “Things You Can’t Do In A Car” is the lead single from the band’s release due out in early 2013.
• • • •
BMI recently co-sponsored a showcase with Secret Road, a Los Angeles-based film and TV licensing company, at Nashville venue the Basement. Featuring the songs of Adam Agin, Amy Stroup, Liz Longley, Peter Bradley Adams, Trent Dabbs, and Holly Williams, the show celebrated the launch of Secret Road’s newly-opened publishing division and gave some of its writers the opportunity to perform in front of an enthusiastic Nashville music industry crowd.
Pictured are Ali Harnell, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Holly Williams, Adam Agin, Amy Stroup, Daniel Higby, Joshua Sarubin, Liz Longley, Peter Bradley Adams, Trent Dabbs, and BMI’s Penny Everhard. Photo by Drew Maynard
• • • •
Columbia Nashville singer-songwriter Tyler Farr recently made a return visit to the Grand Ole Opry and performed his Top 50 single “Hello Goodbye.” The autobiographical song was written by Farr, Kris Bergsnes and Skip Black. Farr’s debut album will be released in early 2013.
Tyler Farr met Billy Dean backstage at the Opry.
Swift to Play Joni Mitchell
/by FreemanThe story follows the careers of the three singer-songwriters and their influence on female musicians that followed. Sheila Weller wrote the book, and John Sayles adapted the script.
In other Swift news, her label Big Machine just released the new single “Begin Again” to country radio with an October 1 add date. Swift’s pop-friendly breakup anthem “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is still a big presence on the radio (including country) so it will be interesting to see how programmers react to the more country-tinged “Begin Again.”
Swift’s highly-anticipated fourth album Red is due out October 22 and she will continue releasing one new song per week for download on iTunes until the album drops. She is previewing each new song on Good Morning America at the beginning of each week. Check here for days and times.
Snapshots (9/25/12)
/by FreemanRepublic Nashville’s The Band Perry stopped by MusicRow headquarters earlier today (9/25) to say hello, catch up for a few minutes. The sibling trio has spent 2012 touring relentlessly and used any downtime to work on a new album with Rick Rubin. Kimberly Perry assured us new Band Perry music will be here very soon, so stay tuned.
(L-R): front: MR’s Caitlin Rantala, Kimberly Perry, MR’s Sarah Skates; back: Reid Perry, MR’s Eric Parker, Jon Freeman, Michelle Stephens, and Sherod Robertson, and Neil Perry
• • • • •
Contemporary Christian artist Karyn Williams recently presented music from her first Inpop Records release, Only You, for a packed house at SESAC’s Nashville offices.
(L-R): SESAC’s VP, Writer/Publisher Relations, Tim Fink, Williams and Inpop’s GM / VP of A&R, Andrew Patton. Photo: Peyton Hoge
• • • • •
Legendary guitarist Phil Keaggy recently appeared on Fox 17’s Tennessee Mornings to promote the upcoming Christian Music Summit (CMS) Nashville conference, which features workshops and performances from the Christian and country industries. The conference hits Nashville October 5 and 6 at Grace Chapel in Leiper’s Fork.
(L-R): Erika Kurre, Fox 17 anchor and reporter; Erin Como, traffic reporter; Kelly Sutton, Tennessee Mornings anchor; Keaggy; Nick Paranjape, Tennessee Mornings anchor; Craig Edwards, meteorologist; Justin McFarland, Fox 17 reporter. (Marc Kordalski/Fox 17 photo)
Industry Ink Tuesday
/by Sarah SkatesAaron Kelly
• Buddy Lee Attractions (BLA) has signed Aaron Kelly to its performer/entertainment roster. The 19-year-old was a Top 5 finalist on American Idol (Season 9/2010), and has concluded his Idol obligations. He is preparing to embark on a cross-country tour and recording his first album alongside producer Mark Moffat, which is due out in spring 2013. “Aaron Kelly is a natural-born singer and has the talent, personality and drive that is necessary to become a career artist. BLA is pleased to be a part of Aaron’s team to put him in front of millions more–from television to live performances,” said BLA VP David Kiswiney. At 17, Kelly became the youngest contestant to ever reach the Idol Top 5.
• Gaylord Entertainment will change its name to Ryman Hospitality Properties, pending shareholder approval of the $210 million sale of its hotel management/operations rights to Marriott International Inc., reports the Nashville Post. The change reflects a focus on the Ryman brand.
CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore with new CMA Awards mascot Eddy A. Ward. Photo credit: Christian Bottorff / CMA
• HFA has appointed Louise Broderick Sr. Vice President, Client Services. Previously Vice President, Finance, Broderick will report directly to Gary Churgin, President & CEO. Since joining HFA in 2001, Broderick has been central to the transformation of the organization as it evolved its business platform to support a full suite of rights management services. Prior to joining HFA, Broderick held positions at Arista Records, Warner Communications and other media-related companies.
• VIP experiences are available for “Capitol Street Party 5: Luke Bryan Takes Broadway,” starting at $100. The concert on Wed., Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. is a free, public music event to be held on Lower Broadway between 1st and 2nd Avenues. Set to perform are Bryan, Kelleigh Bannen and Jon Pardi. Details at www.capitolnashvillevip.com.
• Penske Media Corp., owner of editor Nikki Finke’s Deadline, is now the leading bidder for Hollywood trade Variety, reports the L.A. Times. The $30 million deal, in conjunction with private equity fund Shamrock Capital Advisors, would bring the competitors under the same roof.
On Sat., Sept. 22 members of the music industry participated in the Women’s ½ Marathon through Run, Walk, Wheel & Roll (RWWR). RWWR presented a $12,000 check to support ABLE Youth’s initiatives to teach children in wheelchairs about living happy, healthy, successful and independent lives. (L-R): Front row: Dovie, Jay-Rod, Amy Saffell (EMI Distribution/ABLE Youth board member), and Rosie. Back row: Whitney Duncan (singer/songwriter), Martha Ivester (CAA), Montine Felso (Warner Bros. Records), Cindy Heath (Monarch Publicity), Zac Koffler (Octagon Entertainment Management, RWWR founder), Laura Huftless (CAA), Callie Brackett (Scripps Network), Catherine Melvin (High Five), Shanna Strassberg (GAC). Photo: Kris Steer
No. 1 Party: Little Big Town’s “Pontoon”
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured Back Row (L-R): Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen, EMI Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran, Capitol Nashville’s Steve Hodges, Universal Music Publishing’s Kent Earls, and BMI’s Jody Williams. Front Row: Little Big Town’s Philip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild, and Jimi Westbrook; and co-writers Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird, and Barry Dean. Photo: Steve Lowry
BMI gathered Music Row executives, songwriters, friends, and family on the rooftop of its Nashville offices Friday afternoon (9/21) for a party celebrating Little Big Town’s first No. 1 single, “Pontoon.”
The summer anthem was co-written by Luke Laird, Natalie Hemby, and Barry Dean; marking the writer’s tenth, second, and first-time No. 1, respectively. The platinum-selling single is featured on Little Big Town’s latest album, Tornado, which also landed at No. 1.
Jerrod Niemann Plans to “Rock Your Room”
/by Eric T. ParkerThe sweepstakes, which continues through Oct. 22, will award one student a live dorm room performance from Niemann and over $700 worth of Sony electronics including a 32” TV, PlayStation Vita Madden NFL 13 Bundle, 2GB W series Walkman and portable iPod + iPhone speaker.
The first runner-up will receive an autographed limited edition vinyl copy of Free the Music, drum head, and black light poster. The next five runners-up will each get an autographed copy of the album.
A free download of Niemann’s current single, “Shinin’ On Me,” is available to fans who pre-order exclusive merchandise bundles, limited edition vinyl, posters, and CDs on his official site.
Lyor Cohen Resigns From Warner
/by Sarah SkatesLyor Cohen
Warner Music Group has announced the resignation of Recorded Music Chairman and CEO Lyor Cohen, effective Sept. 30, 2012. After joining the company in 2004, Cohen oversaw the restructuring of WMG’s Recorded Music division following its acquisition from Time Warner. The company grew in the U.S. and U.K. under his leadership, during a time that included transitioning to digital music and multi-right artist partnerships. During his tenure, WMG enjoyed success with country artists including Blake Shelton and Zac Brown Band, and with pop/rock acts including The Black Keys, Bruno Mars, Cee Lo Green, Flo Rida, fun., James Blunt, Jason Mraz, Paramore and Rob Thomas.
In making the announcement, Cohen said, “To all the artists and employees who live and die for the music every day, and who personally sacrifice for the good of the creative process: ‘keep on keepin’ on’ in the tradition of a company that respects and honors the artistic community.”
Following Cohen’s departure, the company’s senior label executives will report directly to CEO Stephen Cooper. Cooper was brought in by Access Industries, the conglomerate that bought Warner last year.
Cohen’s career includes time heading Universal Music Group’s Island Def Jam Music Group, and founding Rush Management with partner Russell Simmons.
According to the New York Times via Warner’s annual report, Cohen earned nearly $11 million in total compensation last year, more than any other employee. The Times also reports talk of former EMI Chief Executive Roger Faxon moving to a leadership role at Warner. Faxon resigned last week following regulatory clearance of Universal’s purchase of EMI.
Len Blavatnik, Chairman and founder of Access Industries, said, “I personally want to thank Lyor for his dedication and contributions to Warner Music. He has been both a business partner and personal friend and I wish him only the best.”
Cooper added, “Lyor Cohen has built something very special here. While we understand his desire to move on to his next challenge, the enduring success of our recorded music division will serve as a great testament to the progress we’ve made during Lyor’s time at WMG. We are grateful for Lyor’s contributions, and we wish him the best. I’m confident that given the strength of our talented management team in Recorded Music, we’ll be able to drive further success.”
Rodeowave Wrangles New Promo Staffer
/by Freeman“The Rodeowave Entertainment team feels very fortunate to have such an accomplished music industry veteran such as Jennifer join us,” said Rodeowave General Manager Teddi Bonadies.
Shaffer was most recently a Southeast regional promotion manager for Warner Music Nashville’s W.A.R. promo team. The Fairmont, WV, native graduated from James Madison University and began her career at Sony Music Nashville in 1993. Her resume also includes time at Atlantic, Warner Bros. Nashville, MCA Nashville, Lyric Street, and Columbia Records.
Her first day on the job will be October 1, 2012. Congratulate her here.
Underwood “Blows Away” Arena
/by Sherod RobertsonUnderwood closes the show with "Blown Away," the current single and title track from her latest album.
Carrie Underwood brought The Blown Away Tour to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena last night (Sun., Sept. 24) touching down on a packed and enthusiastic crowd. In the first few minutes it became very clear this show was going to live up to its name.
Using a massive video wall, special effects and a rising floor, we were transported to the scene of a tornado when Underwood entered the stage performing her mega hit, “Good Girl.” She followed the powerful opening number with hits “Undo It” and “Wasted.”
After spending countless hours watching husband Mike Fisher play for the Nashville Predators, she told the audience, “You have no idea how much time I spend at Bridgestone.” She said Fisher joked before the show, “You’re on my turf now.” She replied, “I was here first!”
After performing “I Told You So” and “Two Black Cadillacs,” she made a quick costume change and followed with “Last Name” and “All-American Girl.” She thanked everyone for coming and told the fans $1 of every ticket purchased from the entire tour is going to the American Red Cross. Based on last night’s performance, we can expect that’s going to be a really big check.
Next, her stellar and compelling performance of “Temporary Home” sent onlookers down a powerful emotional ride. Followed by “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” many in the crowd didn’t make it through with dry eyes. She then pulled everyone back into party mode with “Cowboy Casanova.”
Underwood next appeared wearing Fisher’s Predators jersey and cut off blue jean shorts to a cheering crowd. She joined a few members of her band on a section center stage, which levitated above the crowd and moved toward the back of the arena. She performed several songs from her current Blown Away album including, “Nobody Ever Told You,” “Thank God For Hometowns,” and “Do You Think About Me.” She tossed Hawaiian leis from the floating stage while oversized beach balls bounced around the stadium, and performed “One Way Ticket,” telling us we all deserved a vacation.
She brought opening act, Hunter Hayes back on stage to duet on “Leave Love Alone.” Hayes had captured the audience’s attention earlier that evening performing “Storm Warning” and “Wanted” among several other songs. Peter Strickland, Sr. VP of Warner Music Nashville and other members of the staff presented Hayes a plaque during his set for his No. 1 single, “Wanted.” Hayes then returned the favor, surprising the Warner staff with a plaque of their own honoring them for all of their hard work.
Underwood then gave her rocking rendition of “Sweet Emotion” that would have easily put a smile on Steven Tyler’s face. But perhaps the biggest highlight of the evening, and there were many to choose from, was Underwood’s performance of “Remind Me.” While the Brad Paisley duet is usually performed via video on tour, she was completely taken back and surprised when Paisley walked on stage singing his part. An emotional Underwood took a few moments while singing to wipe away the tears as the audience gave them a thunderous and deafening applause. The energy was there to stay as she followed up with “Cupid’s Got a Shotgun” and “Before He Cheats.”
Brad Paisley surprises Carrie during the performance of their #1 hit "Remind Me."
Underwood’s vocals were perfection and it was obvious we were watching a superstar. Although the stage was sophisticated and impressive, the set design kept Underwood’s talent center stage. She had five costume changes and looked beautiful, as always, in each one.
The encore took us back to the scene of the tornado, which had apparently gained strength during the concert. Underwood performed her last song of the night, “Blown Away,” before literally disappearing into the tornado’s vortex. And just like Underwood, we were also blown away.
Before taking the stage last night at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for “The Blown Away Tour,” Carrie Underwood was presented a Platinum plaque for sales of over one million copies of her latest album, "Blown Away." (L-R): Paul Barnabee, SVP Marketing, Sony Music Nashville; Caryl Healey, VP Sales, Sony Music Nashville; Underwood, Gary Overton (Chairman/CEO, Sony Music Nashville), Alaina Vehec (Dir., Digital Sales, Sony Music Nashville). Photo: Alan Poizner
Hunter Hayes Presents WMN With Plaque
/by Freeman“Being surprised by Hunter on Sunday evening was such an honor, and indicates the humility Hunter has retained on his path to becoming a superstar,” said Peter Strickland, Sr. VP of Brand Management and Sales (WMN). “Warner Music Nashville and Atlantic Records are proud to have such a wonderful team such as Hunter’s as a member of our musical family.”
Hayes released his self-titled debut in fall 2011, and entered the history books as the only country artist to play every instrument, write or co-write every song, and co-produce on a debut album. He is currently supporting Carrie Underwood on the Blown Away Tour.