Chase Rice signs with CAA. Pictured (L-R): CAA's Meredith Jones, Chase Rice, CAA's Brandon Frankel, CAA's Jim Butler, and Chase’s Tour Manager John Lessard
• Chase Rice recently signed with CAA for exclusive representation. Jim Butler and Meredith Jones will be his Responsible Agents. Chase’s debut album Dirt Road Communion, featuring lead single “How She Rolls,” was released March 20 and climbed to No. 6 on the iTunes Top Country Album Charts and No. 48 on the Billboard Top Country Album Chart. Rice is also a co-writer on “Cruise,” the debut single from Republic Nashville duo Florida Georgia Line. Rice’s interesting background includes CBS Survivor: Nicaragua, time as a UNC Chapel Hill football player, and work on the Hendrick Motorsports pit crew for Ryan Newman and Jimmie Johnson.
• Shaun Silva has a new venture in the works. Currently known as Forward, the project has been in development for about 18 months. The new company will be a standalone venture, separate from his decade old Tacklebox Films, which will remain in its current location with current staff. Details on Forward are coming soon, in the meantime get a preview at weareforward.com.
Flynnville Train
• Flynnville Train’s latest single, “The One You Love,” was the most streamed and third most downloaded on Play MPE its first week of release. Written by Kentucky HeadHunters members Richard Young, Fred Young and Doug Phelps, the track is the first release from the band’s album due out in early 2013. The single is available via Whiskey Bent Records/Flying Island Entertainment. Flynnville Train’s upcoming appearances include shows with Tracy Lawrence, The Kentucky HeadHunters and Gretchen Wilson.
• Nashville publicist Ed James is rejoining marketing company Cornerstone, with clients including Microsoft and Pepsi. He will resume his role as president and co-founder of the agency’s public relations division. James recently served as VP of Global Public Relations for Gibson Guitar. Prior to that he co-founded the Cornerstone Public Relations agency in 2006 as an extension of the New York based lifestyle marketing company. During his time as president, he signed numerous accounts for the firm and handled campaign strategy and execution for clients including HBO, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Pepsi, Nike, Reader’s Digest, Converse, Guitar Center and Levi’s.
• First-call studio keyboardist Gordon Mote has released his own album. Songs I Grew Up Singing is available on New Haven Records in association with RSI Music Group.
• The Harry Fox Agency, Inc. (HFA) has announced the renewal of a lyrics licensing agreement with LyricFind. Since its launch in 2004, LyricFind has entered into lyrics distribution agreements with major and many independent music publishers. In addition, LyricFind provides licensed lyrics to various digital service providers and has developed successful mobile applications for the iPhone, iPad, Android, and Blackberry Playbook. Using its bulk licensing process, HFA will continue to provide licenses for songs in LyricFind’s extensive database ensuring that music publishers and songwriters are accurately compensated for use of their lyrics.
• Porfirio Piña has been elected President of the Board of Directors of the BMI Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to encouraging the creation, performance and study of music. Piña is currently Senior Director, Writer/Publisher Relations for BMI.
Emmylou Harris Leads Inaugural WoofStock Benefit
/by Eric T. ParkerThe public is invited to the mansion on Sat., Aug. 18, from 11 AM-4 PM for a festival including performers Harris, Miller, Camp among others. Vendors include booths for Bonaparte’s Retreat, Woofstock, the Nashville Humane Association, as well as different rescue operations, pet services, veterinarians, and artists for several animal-centered activities.
There will also be an invitation only vegetarian dinner taking place Fri., Aug. 17 for guests and dogs at The Studio, featuring a silent auction of clothing and jewelry from local artists and a performance and autograph segment with Harris.
Tickets are available for Saturday’s events with a $20 donation, collected at the gate. Children twelve and under are free. Click here more information.
Snapshots: Greg Bates, Old Crow Medicine Show
/by Caitlin Rantala(L-R): MusicRow Magazine contributor, Robert K. Oermann; CMA Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Sheri Warnke; Big Machine Music Manager, Mike Molinar; CMA Senior Manager of Membership and Balloting, Brandi Simms; CMA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Moore; Greg Bates; Big Machine Label Group publicist, Nikki Burns; Big Machine Music Manager, Martha Earls; CMA Senior Coordinator of Member Relations and Services, Betsy Walker; Songwriter/Producer, Jimmy Ritchey.
Republic Nashville recording artist Greg Bates visited the CMA offices Tuesday, July 17 to perform for the staff. He played his current single, “Did It for the Girl,” as well as “Go Time,” “Brothers,” and “Fill in the Blank,” all from his self-titled EP.
• • • •
(L-R): (Back Row) Old Crow Medicine Show’s Critter Fuqua, Morgan Jahnig, Kevin Hayes, and Gill Landry; (Front Row) Paradigm Talent Agency’s Bobby Cudd, Old Crow Medicine Show’s Chance McCoy and Ketch Secor, manager Norm Parenteau, and BMI’s Clay Bradley. Photo: Eric England
BMI and ATO Records joined forces on Monday (7/16) to celebrate Old Crow Medicine Show’s new album Carry Me Back, released Tuesday (7/17). Held at Nashville’s legendary Station Inn, the invite-only event featured a performance by the roots music favorites.
Jason And The Scorchers Reunite For Baggs Fundraiser
/by Eric T. ParkerPaul Needham • mohawkvisuals.com
Jason And The Scorchers will reunite for a benefit and tribute honoring its late songwriter and drummer, Perry Baggs. Hosted at Exit/In Aug. 18 at 7 PM, the bill also includes Simmonz, The Stoney Creek Boys, and other friends.
Baggs passed away July 12 from an ongoing battle with diabetes and kidney failure.
Tickets are available for $20 in an effort to raise money for funeral costs. For more information, click here.
Aldean Cheers Fifth Consecutive No. 1 “Fly Over States”
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): ASCAP's Michael Martin, Michael Knox, Neil Thrasher, Jason Aldean, Michael Dulaney and ASCAP's Marc Driskill
Michael Martin welcomed a full house to the lobby of ASCAP Tuesday (7/17) to celebrate Jason Aldean’s eighth career No. 1 single “Fly Over States.”
Veteran songwriters Neil Thrasher and Michael Dulaney, who have received seven and five No. 1 honors respectively, accepted awards alongside representatives from BMG Chrysalis, Full Circle Music, Major Bob Music, Mojave Rain Music, Warner/Chappell Music, and We Jam Writers Group. Producer Michael Knox, Aldean and the staff from Broken Bow Records, including Owner/CEO Benny Brown, were on hand to accept plaques.
“This song shows what a true copyright is,” said President of Full Circle Music, Michael Hollandsworth. “There could not have been a better recording than this from Michael Knox and Aldean. They have the ability to find great songs the way George Strait did.”
Brandi Simms honored the songwriters with the first of CMA’s new No. 1 medallions. She briefly commented on the decision by the CMA Board to change from the former No. 1 plaques to medallions.
Michelle Kammerer, a Kansas native, gratefully delivered CRB trophies saying, “Thank you for letting people know my state is more than just Highway 70 to Colorado.”
“I didn’t have a choice not to cut this song,” said Aldean. “It was meant to be. I almost recorded it in 2009 for Wide Open and kicked myself for not putting it on there. I told Michael and made sure it was on this one.”
Broken Bow Music Group SVP Jon Loba paid thanks to radio, road crew and the BBR staff while delivering a special five for five plaque, commemorating the five No. 1 singles from Dirt Road Anthem.
“It takes a lot to set No. 1 records, but when you do it five times over, it’s incredible,” said Aldean, thanking his promotions team.
Loba reminisced of Brown’s forecast years ago when the label owner said, “You watch, Aldean will be the rocket ship we all take a ride on.”
Accordingly, “Take A Little Ride,” the lead single from Aldean’s upcoming fifth studio album was released this week and has already made the No. 1 spot on iTunes’ all-genre singles chart.
Industry Ink (7/19/12)
/by Sarah SkatesChase Rice signs with CAA. Pictured (L-R): CAA's Meredith Jones, Chase Rice, CAA's Brandon Frankel, CAA's Jim Butler, and Chase’s Tour Manager John Lessard
• Chase Rice recently signed with CAA for exclusive representation. Jim Butler and Meredith Jones will be his Responsible Agents. Chase’s debut album Dirt Road Communion, featuring lead single “How She Rolls,” was released March 20 and climbed to No. 6 on the iTunes Top Country Album Charts and No. 48 on the Billboard Top Country Album Chart. Rice is also a co-writer on “Cruise,” the debut single from Republic Nashville duo Florida Georgia Line. Rice’s interesting background includes CBS Survivor: Nicaragua, time as a UNC Chapel Hill football player, and work on the Hendrick Motorsports pit crew for Ryan Newman and Jimmie Johnson.
• Shaun Silva has a new venture in the works. Currently known as Forward, the project has been in development for about 18 months. The new company will be a standalone venture, separate from his decade old Tacklebox Films, which will remain in its current location with current staff. Details on Forward are coming soon, in the meantime get a preview at weareforward.com.
Flynnville Train
• Flynnville Train’s latest single, “The One You Love,” was the most streamed and third most downloaded on Play MPE its first week of release. Written by Kentucky HeadHunters members Richard Young, Fred Young and Doug Phelps, the track is the first release from the band’s album due out in early 2013. The single is available via Whiskey Bent Records/Flying Island Entertainment. Flynnville Train’s upcoming appearances include shows with Tracy Lawrence, The Kentucky HeadHunters and Gretchen Wilson.
• Nashville publicist Ed James is rejoining marketing company Cornerstone, with clients including Microsoft and Pepsi. He will resume his role as president and co-founder of the agency’s public relations division. James recently served as VP of Global Public Relations for Gibson Guitar. Prior to that he co-founded the Cornerstone Public Relations agency in 2006 as an extension of the New York based lifestyle marketing company. During his time as president, he signed numerous accounts for the firm and handled campaign strategy and execution for clients including HBO, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Pepsi, Nike, Reader’s Digest, Converse, Guitar Center and Levi’s.
• First-call studio keyboardist Gordon Mote has released his own album. Songs I Grew Up Singing is available on New Haven Records in association with RSI Music Group.
• The Harry Fox Agency, Inc. (HFA) has announced the renewal of a lyrics licensing agreement with LyricFind. Since its launch in 2004, LyricFind has entered into lyrics distribution agreements with major and many independent music publishers. In addition, LyricFind provides licensed lyrics to various digital service providers and has developed successful mobile applications for the iPhone, iPad, Android, and Blackberry Playbook. Using its bulk licensing process, HFA will continue to provide licenses for songs in LyricFind’s extensive database ensuring that music publishers and songwriters are accurately compensated for use of their lyrics.
• Porfirio Piña has been elected President of the Board of Directors of the BMI Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to encouraging the creation, performance and study of music. Piña is currently Senior Director, Writer/Publisher Relations for BMI.
SOURCE Awards Celebrate 10 Years
/by Eric T. ParkerSOURCE honorees pictured (L-R): Pat Rolfe, Judy Harris, Karen Conrad, Kay Smith, Judy Wray, and Connie Bradley; Shelia Shipley Biddy is not pictured. Photo: Denise Fussell
Brenda Lee and Jeannie Seely return to host the 2012 SOURCE Awards which will honor successful women in Nashville’s entertainment industry at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum at Municipal Auditorium in Nashville Thurs., Aug. 23.
This year’s honorees include founding members Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris, Pat Rolfe, and Kay Smith. Other longtime supporting members of SOURCE being honored include Judy Wray, Connie Bradley, and Karen Conrad.
Invitations to the awards dinner are being mailed this week to SOURCE colleagues and special guests.
For more information, call 615-416-3814. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Shauna Collins.
Little Big Town Announces Next Album
/by Caitlin Rantala“I am so excited for people to hear this new record,” said Jimi Westbrook. “We worked with Jay Joyce and he really pushed us to be in the moment. There was such an amazing energy between all of us in the studio and I think you can feel it.”
The album’s lead single “Pontoon” was released to radio in April and is currently No. 7 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout radio chart. It has been the Capitol Nashville act’s fasting rising single to date. “Pontoon” is No. 1 on the Soundscan Digital Country chart for the second week in a row and has sold over 520,000 tracks in eight weeks.
Tornado track listing:
1. Pavement Ends (Jason Saenz/Brent Cobb)
2. Pontoon (Barry Dean/Natalie Hemby/Luke Laird)
3. Sober (Liz Rose/Hillary Lindsey/Lori McKenna)
4. Front Porch Thing (Chris Stapleton/Adam Hood)
5. On Your Side Of The Bed (Lori McKenna/K.Fairchild/J.Westbrook/K.Schlapman/P.Sweet)
6. Leavin’ In Your Eyes (Brett Warren/Brad Warren/Jay Joyce/J.Westbrook/K.Fairchild/K.Schlapman)
7. Tornado (Natalie Hemby/Delta Made)
8. On Fire Tonight (Luke Laird/P.Sweet/J.Westbrook/K.Fairchild/K.Schlapman)
9. Can’t Go Back (Natalie Hemby/Kate York/Rosi Golan)
10. Self Made (Natalie Hemby/Jedd Hughes/J.Westbrook/K.Fairchild)
11. Night Owl (Natalie Hemby/J.Westbrook/K.Fairchild/K.Schlapman/P.Sweet)
Chesney Tops “Pollstar” Country Rankings
/by Sarah SkatesScoring the top 3 spots on the list are Cirque du Soleil Michael Jackson ($78.5 million), Roger Waters (61.9) and Van Halen (44.9).
Pollstar’s Top Country Tours of the Year
No. 4 Kenny Chesney, 33.9 million
No. 5 Lady Antebellum, 30.9
No. 15 Brad Paisley, 20.5
No. 22 Miranda Lambert, 17.6
No. 25 Jason Aldean, 13.8
No. 27 Eric Church, 12.8
No. 31 Zac Brown Band, 11.9
No. 33 Rascal Flatts, 11.3
No. 34 Blake Shelton, 10.6
No. 35 George Strait, 10.4
Others Nashville related acts charting in the Top 100 include Willie Nelson, Casting Crowns, Sugarland, Glen Campbell, Alison Krauss and Union Station and MercyMe.
Pollstar reports that the Top 100 Tours in North America generated a combined gross of $1,125.9 billion, up 1.2 percent over last year. This increase came despite a 9.4 percent drop in ticket prices, which currently average $58.61 per ticket. Artists made up the difference by playing more shows. More here.
For the full list on North American tours and details including average ticket price, average gross, and number of shows click here. The top Worldwide Tours list is here.
JT Hodges Sets Debut Album Release
/by Sarah SkatesEarlier this month, Hodges asked fans to help select the next single via a Facebook poll. As voting edges past the halfway point, the contenders have been narrowed down to major frontrunner “Sleepy Little Town” and “Rather Be Wrong Than Lonely.” Fans may continue to vote here.
Hodges hit the scene in 2011 with the release of his debut single, “Hunt You Down,” and a slot on Toby Keith’s Locked & Loaded Tour. He followed that with “Goodbyes Made You Mine,” the second single from his soon to be released CD.
JT Hodges track list
1. Rather Be Wrong Than Lonely
2. Sleepy Little Town
3. Hunt You Down
4. Give It One More Night
5. When I Stop Crying
6. Goodbyes Made You Mine
7. Leaving Me Later
8. Right About Now
9. Rhythm of The Radio
10. Green Eyes Red Sunglasses
Hot Line Up For “Country’s Night to Rock” TV Special
/by Sarah SkatesKimberly Perry and Luke Bryan host "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock."
Luke Bryan and Kimberly Perry host this summer’s hot television music event CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock, airing Monday, Sept. 17 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on ABC.
Shot June 7-10 at the Festival, the special offers behind-the-ropes access and interviews, late-night jams, and full-throttle performances. Bryan and Perry will be featured on the three-hour show along with Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Kix Brooks, Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Hank Williams Jr. and Zac Brown Band.
The primetime television special, CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock, debuted in 2004 on CBS as a two-hour special. In 2005, it moved to the ABC Television Network, and then expanded to three hours in 2009. The special will air annually on ABC through 2021.
In 2011, CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock drew an average audience of 7 million viewers and finished as the most-watched program in its three-hour time period.