A&M/Octone Records' Miss Willie Brown was invited to become honorary “Friends and Family” members of the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. The duo, comprised of Amanda Watkins and Kasey Buckley, recently released its debut single "You're All That Matters To Me.” Pictured (L-R): standing: CMHoF Membership Manager Rachel Weingartner, CAA’s Jim Butler, and CMHoF VP of Development Pamela Johnson, (sitting) Watkins and Buckley.
• The Listening Room Cafe will close its current Cummins Station location Aug. 10 to prepare for a grand reopening in downtown Nashville this fall. Venue owner Chris Blair says the soon-to-be-revealed new location will offer nightly shows, additional parking, and a fully renovated stage and bar. He also plans to launch a publishing company division called Emerge Nashville and a full service video and audio recording division.
• Jason Aldean is in the process of signing an endorsement deal with the Coors Brewing Company so he re-recorded a line in his new single “Take A Little Ride,” changing the lyric referencing Shiner Bock beer to “a couple rocky tops.” Radio stations are being asked to air the updated version.
• Jim Reyland, radio host and owner of Audio Productions, has written a new play. Stand stars Barry Scott and Chip Arnold, and is directed by David Compton. Thirty-six performances of Stand will be presented in the Nashville area for 12 consecutive weekends beginning Aug. 24. Proceeds will benefit Room In The Inn. Tickets at ticketsnashville.com.
• Former LA-based UMPG VP of Business Affairs Michael Rexford has joined the entertainment practice of law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips.
• The Arts & Business Council will present the Creative Capital Workshop: Strategic Planning, Funding & Marketing Intensive for Artists on Sept. 21-23 at Belmont University. The workshop is a crash course in self-management, strategic planning, fundraising and promotion for artists of all creative genres. Applications are due Aug. 15. Apply here.
• A federal court jury in Virginia has rendered a verdict of $276,000 against the owners and operators of WOLD-FM, a radio station based in Marion, Virginia, for its unlicensed broadcast of copyrighted songs represented by SESAC.
• Finest Worldwide Entertainment is expanding its offerings with the launch of Finest Worldwide Management Group, which will be headed by Shane Jemelka. He will report to Michael Sheahan, CEO.
Several hit songwriters traveled to Wood River, Nebraska on June 30 to perform a benefit concert supporting Team Abbie. The group performed two acoustic shows and donated various silent auction items to raise money for the family of Abbie Vialpando, who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Pictured (L-R): Arlos Smith, Michael Platek, Abbie Vialpando, Kevin Denney, Abbie's father Steve Powell, and Brice Long.
C.F. Martin & Co. Taps Richlyn Marketing
/by Sherod RobertsonThe firm will focus on strategic partnerships aligning the Martin brand with artists, events and media outlets. It will also increase Martin’s brand awareness among members of the music industry in Nashville.
“We are honored to be selected by C. F. Martin & Co., to represent their iconic brand,” said Richardson. “It is an exciting time to be a part of the Martin family, and we look forward to introducing great artists to these amazing instruments and strings.”
“We are thrilled to have Kate Richardson and Lynn Tinsey of Richlyn Marketing join the Martin family,” said Amani Duncan, Vice President of Brand Marketing for Martin Guitar. “Their combined exceptional expertise and enthusiasm for the Martin brand will greatly bolster our work together and enhance our relationships in the Nashville music community moving forward.”
Richardson is a music industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in marketing and public relations and is the former Director of Marketing at Gibson Guitars. Tinsey brings over 18 years of marketing experience including developing Procter & Gamble’s targeted marketing programs.
Snapshots: Kenny Chesney, Justin Moore, Rachel Holder
/by MichelleKenny’s Chesney’s “Come Over” has been certified Gold for sales in excess of 500,000. Reaching this milestone in just over nine weeks marks the fastest Gold single certification in Chesney’s career. The Brothers of the Sun Tour with Chesney and Tim McGraw made an emotional stop Saturday night (7/21) at Denver’s sold out Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. Chesney addressed Friday’s tragedy in Aurora, saying, “Me and my road family are just like the rest of the nation, hurting with this city tonight. We love you, and we’re with you, and if you guys will let us, we want to let music start to heal this town just a little bit tonight.” Later in the show, he brought Denver Broncos coach John Fox and Peyton Manning onstage for “Boys of Fall.”
(L-R): Manning, Chesney, Fox
(L-R): Justin Moore; BMLG Pres./CEO Scott Borchetta; VP of Whisky, Diageo North America Yvonne Briese; Curtiss Shaver; Troy, Ala. Mayor Jimmy Lunsford; Indianapolis Motor Speedway Pres./CEO Jeff Belskus; and Troy firefighters. Photo: Big Machine Label Group
• • •
Justin Moore performed a surprise acoustic set on July 18 in Troy, AL honoring local firefighter Curtiss Shaver who won Crown Royal’s “Your Hero’s Name Here” program.
Years ago, Shaver almost died during a farming accident, but the firefighters who saved him inspired his life calling. Though the accident claimed the lower part of his left leg, Shaver persevered and began a career as a firefighter and certified EMT with the goal of giving back to his community.
In an effort to bring a little piece of the famed track known as The Brickyard to Troy, AL, Crown Royal orchestrated a ceremony with BigMachineRecords.com to lay a replica “Yard of Bricks” in Troy’s downtown area.
• • •
While on a radio tour in the northeast promoting her single “In Your Arms,” Curb Records artist Rachel Holder ran into old friend and former Cincinnati Reds’ great Pete Rose. They first met several years ago and have kept in touch. Holder sat with him during his autograph session in Cooperstown, NY during baseball’s Hall of Fame weekend, and also performed for the crowd.
Rose (L), Holder (R)
Barry Gibb Set For Opry Debut
/by Sarah SkatesPhoto: Sayre Berman
Pop icon Barry Gibb will make his debut on the Grand Ole Opry on Fri., July 27. “I have dreamed of performing on the hallowed stage of the Opry since I was 12 years old,” says Gibb, “so this is a dream come true for me. There is no greater honor.”
As the co-founder and creative leader of The Bee Gees, Gibb, along with his brothers Maurice and Robin, represent one of the most successful vocal groups in rock and roll history. His career as a singer, songwriter and producer has spanned more than five decades.
Kellie Pickler Salutes Troops on Cover of “Maxim”
/by Eric T. ParkerThe cover and centerfold images are reminiscent of the 1940s-50s era with a modern flare. Pickler shares her experiences performing for overseas troops on five USO tours in an in-depth interview. “I come from a military family,” said Pickler. “It really does take someone special to sacrifice everything.”
The story and full photo spread is currently at Maxim.com.
In recent news, Pickler’s manager confirmed to ABC News the singer has parted ways with Sony Music Nashville. The split follows the release of her third album, 100 Proof, which came out Jan. 20.
Toby Keith Debuts Single From Next Album
/by Caitlin Rantala“We were in the studio and everybody who heard it was like, ‘You’ve got to release that,'” Keith said.
Keith produced the new single, which he wrote with longtime collaborator Bobby Pinson. The star is working on the rest of the album in between dates on his Live In Overdrive Tour.
In more news, “Red Solo Cup,” the second single from Keith’s Clancy’s Tavern, has been certified double platinum by the RIAA.
Love And Theft Releases RCA Nashville Debut Tomorrow
/by Sarah Skates“Angel Eyes” is the lead single from the new album. Co-written by Jeff Coplan, Eric Paslay and Gunderson, the single is No. 6 on MusicRow’s Country Breakout chart. The track has sold nearly 500K digital downloads and the music video has received over 1.5 million views on VEVO.com.
The duo will perform “Angel Eyes” live on FOX & Friends tomorrow, and will perform an additional track from the record, “Runnin’ Out of Air,” for the live web show that airs immediately following FOX & Friends.
Love and Theft is currently on Brad Paisley’s Virtual Reality World Tour, performing on the “Virtual Opry” stage through Sept. 29.
“This record represents the way we sound live,” says Liles.
“It shows a more mature, evolved Love and Theft but the core is still the same,” adds Gunderson. “Our sound will always be driven by harmonies.”
The duo is also giving fans a chance to participate in a Love vs. Theft sweepstakes. Fans choose a team based on whether they see themselves as a hopeless romantic or a heartbreaker, then try to earn points for their respective teams. Prizes will be announced on Aug. 10 and include dinner with Love and Theft, and signed merchandise.
After Midnight Launches “Third Shift Awards”
/by Eric T. ParkerWinners in 10 unique categories will be chosen via a bracket-style contest here. First round voting runs through July 29, third and final eliminations take place through Aug. 22. The Third Shift Award winners will be announced live on After MidNite the morning of Aug. 29.
“In the spirit of After MidNite, we have created 10 fun categories for our listeners, many of whom work the third shift, to vote for their favorite artists,” said Garner. “It’s a twist on some of the more traditional categories.”
Categories include:
Fanatical Fans (the artist with the most fanatical fans)
3rd Shift Pin Up – Female
3rd Shift Pin Up – Male
Pop-A-Top Award (the artist you’d most like to share a beer with)
3rd Shifter Artist of the Year
3rd Shifter Song of the Year
Pedal to the Medal Award (the song most likely to get you a speeding ticket)
Underdog Artist (the artist deserving of more respect)
Top Twit (the artist who gives good Twitter)
Fantasy Duet (living artists only)
Industry Ink: Listening Room To Relocate
/by Sarah SkatesA&M/Octone Records' Miss Willie Brown was invited to become honorary “Friends and Family” members of the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. The duo, comprised of Amanda Watkins and Kasey Buckley, recently released its debut single "You're All That Matters To Me.” Pictured (L-R): standing: CMHoF Membership Manager Rachel Weingartner, CAA’s Jim Butler, and CMHoF VP of Development Pamela Johnson, (sitting) Watkins and Buckley.
• The Listening Room Cafe will close its current Cummins Station location Aug. 10 to prepare for a grand reopening in downtown Nashville this fall. Venue owner Chris Blair says the soon-to-be-revealed new location will offer nightly shows, additional parking, and a fully renovated stage and bar. He also plans to launch a publishing company division called Emerge Nashville and a full service video and audio recording division.
• Jason Aldean is in the process of signing an endorsement deal with the Coors Brewing Company so he re-recorded a line in his new single “Take A Little Ride,” changing the lyric referencing Shiner Bock beer to “a couple rocky tops.” Radio stations are being asked to air the updated version.
• Jim Reyland, radio host and owner of Audio Productions, has written a new play. Stand stars Barry Scott and Chip Arnold, and is directed by David Compton. Thirty-six performances of Stand will be presented in the Nashville area for 12 consecutive weekends beginning Aug. 24. Proceeds will benefit Room In The Inn. Tickets at ticketsnashville.com.
• Former LA-based UMPG VP of Business Affairs Michael Rexford has joined the entertainment practice of law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips.
• The Arts & Business Council will present the Creative Capital Workshop: Strategic Planning, Funding & Marketing Intensive for Artists on Sept. 21-23 at Belmont University. The workshop is a crash course in self-management, strategic planning, fundraising and promotion for artists of all creative genres. Applications are due Aug. 15. Apply here.
• A federal court jury in Virginia has rendered a verdict of $276,000 against the owners and operators of WOLD-FM, a radio station based in Marion, Virginia, for its unlicensed broadcast of copyrighted songs represented by SESAC.
• Finest Worldwide Entertainment is expanding its offerings with the launch of Finest Worldwide Management Group, which will be headed by Shane Jemelka. He will report to Michael Sheahan, CEO.
Several hit songwriters traveled to Wood River, Nebraska on June 30 to perform a benefit concert supporting Team Abbie. The group performed two acoustic shows and donated various silent auction items to raise money for the family of Abbie Vialpando, who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Pictured (L-R): Arlos Smith, Michael Platek, Abbie Vialpando, Kevin Denney, Abbie's father Steve Powell, and Brice Long.
CMT Boosts Roots Music Offerings
/by Eric T. ParkerThe Lumineers performing in Nashville's Gulch neighborhood.
The Lumineers will kick off a new season of CMT.com’s gritty, online performance series Concrete Country debuting today (7/23). The band visited downtown Nashville to record live videos of acoustic versions of its songs, including debut single “Ho Hey,” currently in video rotation on CMT.
Mark Hall and Lewis Bogach produce the series, which launched earlier this year celebrating roots music with original performances from creators. The late summer lineup includes new music from Green River Ordinance, Carolina Chocolate Drops, The Infamous Stringdusters, Yarn and Trampled by Turtles.
To complement the launch of Concrete Country, CMT.com will publish exclusive daily interviews with notable songwriters Brandi Carlile, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jason Isbell, Billy Joe Shaver and Mindy Smith.
CMT.com continues to explore new ways to aid fans in music discovery, and is prepping the launch of a new blog CMT Edge, focusing on undiscovered roots music. Curated by CMT.com Writer/Producer Craig Shelburne, the blog is expected to launch this fall.
The Boot Premieres Parmalee Single
/by Caitlin Rantala“The response we get from fans when we play this song live is crazy – the fans know all the words and everyone’s dancing. It becomes a party both on stage and in the crowd,” Parmalee’s lead singer Matt Thomas told AOL’s The Boot. “We’re finding out that there’s a lot of people out there who really like to have a good time.”
“Musta Had A Good Time” has been voted by country fans as the No. 1 song on SiruisXM’s The Highway’s “The Hot 30 Live” countdown for the last two weeks. The song also leapt to No. 51 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart.
Parmalee heads back out on the road tonight with a show at the Midnight Rodeo in Springfield, MO.