Nashville Singers Featured In New ABC Series

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Justin Nault, Jessica Ridley

Two Nashville singer/songwriters will be featured in the premiere episode of Bud United presents: The Big Time, which airs Saturday, January 21 at 2 PM/CT on ABC.

Nashville’s Jessica Ridley and Justin Nault, along with Laura Jeanne of St. Albans, England, will square off through a series of challenges to prove their entertainment skill to producer Narada Michael Walden (Whitney Houston) and Clear Channel’s Julie Pilat. The winner will get to open a show at the MGM Grand Arena with will.i.am, Sublime with Rome and Jane’s Addiction during the iHeartRadio Music Festival.

Jessica Ridley had a brief flirtation with MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart early in 2011, when a handful of stations picked up and spun her single “Flaming Red.” Nault is a seasoned performer who studied music at Berklee College and makes a living as a human jukebox in lower Broadway’s Big Bang Piano Bar. Laura Jeanne has landed some acting roles in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2) and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, and began writing songs after discovering her singing talent in a school play.

The Big Time is a seven part series that claims to be the world’s first social reality show. Episodes will feature young adults attempting to fulfill their dreams of being a performer, race car driver, soccer player or professional baseball pitcher. Individuals were selected from casting applications submitted online. More info here.

Urban Plans Return To Stage Following Vocal Chord Surgery

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Photo: Chris Hollo

Keith Urban’s first live performance following vocal chord surgery will be at the Grand Ole Opry on Friday, Feb., 3. He underwent the successful procedure late last year.

Urban’s appearance will take place at the historic Ryman Auditorium, on the night the Opry concludes its winter run. The show will return to the Grand Ole Opry House the next day.

Urban is set for another Grand Ole Opry performance on Fri., March 9 at the Opry House.

Additional performers scheduled to appear on the Opry in upcoming weeks include Opry members Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Del McCoury, Craig Morgan, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs, and Josh Turner, as well as special guests Shawn Colvin, Rodney Crowell, and more.

Read the MusicRow article that questions why so many artists are having the surgery.

KCRS Live! Showcase Talent Revealed

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(L-R) Jim Collins, Andy Gibson, Aaron Lewis and Bobby Pinson

The lineup for this year’s KCRS Live!, sponsored by R&J Records, will feature Jim Collins, Andy Gibson, Aaron Lewis and Bobby Pinson. The artist/songwriter showcase will be held Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 4-5 PM at CRS 2012.

Collins has written some of Country music hits for Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley and Jason Aldean. Gibson’s debut release as a songwriter was “Don’t You Wanna Stay” for Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson. His current single as an artist is “Wanna Make You Love Me.”

Staind frontman Lewis has sold more than 14 million albums to date, including more than 300,000 copies of his 2011 R&J Records debut Country release, Town Line. Lewis will perform cuts at KCRS Live! from his soon-to-be released album, produced by R&J Records President James Stroud. And Pinson, a BMI Songwriter of the Year, has penned hits for Sugarland, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, among others.

“R&J Records is thrilled to be hosting KCRS Live! again this year,” says R&J Records’ Bill Catino. “Our industry and lives would be pretty boring without the music, and it all begins with a song. We have an amazing lineup again this year.”

CRS 2012 is held Feb. 22-24, 2012, in downtown Nashville, TN. The $499 regular rate registration expires Friday, Jan. 27.  On-Site registration increases to $599 effective Jan. 28. Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com to register today.

Performers Added to 2012 CMA Music Festival

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Faith Hill is among the new performers added to the nightly concert lineup at LP Field during CMA Music Festival 2012.

Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Faith Hill, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, and Zac Brown Band have been added to the nightly performance lineup at LP Field during 2012 CMA Music Festival. Previously announced performers include Jason Aldean, The Band Perry and Carrie Underwood and additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 40th annual CMA Music Festival will take place June 7-10 in downtown Nashville and for the second consecutive year, the nightly concerts at LP Field have sold out in advance.

To date, more than $4.7 million has been donated from CMA Music Festival proceeds to support music education. An announcement regarding the 2011 CMA Music Festival donations is expected soon.

CMA Music Festival nightly shows will be filmed for an ABC broadcast for the ninth consecutive year with Robert Deaton as the executive-producer.

Grammy Update: New Performers and Nominees Album

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Current Grammy nominees Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, and Nicki Minaj are the first performers announced for the 54th Annual Grammy Awards telecast. The ceremony will be held Sunday, Feb. 12 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, and will be broadcast live on CBS.

Aldean and Swift are up for three awards each. Aldean has nominations for Best Country Solo Performance for “Dirt Road Anthem,” Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Don’t You Wanna Stay” (with Kelly Clarkson), and Best Country Album for My Kinda Party. Clarkson is a two-time Grammy winner.

Four-time winner Swift has nods for Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song for “Mean,” and Best Country Album for Speak Now.

In related news, the 2012 Grammy Nominees album includes music from several country stars in the running for awards. The album will be available Jan. 24 from Universal Republic Records and The Recording Academy’s Grammy Recordings. (Full track list below).

Nominees for many of the most widely recognized Grammy categories are on the collection including nominees for Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Best New Artist, Best Country Album, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

One music fan who purchases the album will win a trip to the 2013 Grammy Awards. Each 2012 Grammy Nominees album includes a special game piece featuring a unique entry code which must be entered at www.grammy.com/grammyticketgame.

Now in its 18th edition, the best selling album rotates labels from year to year. A portion of the proceeds benefit the MusiCares® Foundation and the GRAMMY Foundation®.

2012 Grammy Nominees Album Tracklist:

1. Adele, “Rolling In The Deep”
Record Of The Year
Album Of The Year

2. Bruno Mars, “Grenade”
Record Of The Year
Album Of The Year

3. Katy Perry, “Firework”
Record Of The Year

4. Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera, “Moves Like Jagger”
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

5. Nicki Minaj, “Super Bass”
Best New Artist

6. Rihanna ft. Drake, “What’s My Name?”
Album Of The Year

7. J. Cole, “Work Out”
Best New Artist

8. Lady Gaga,”You And I”
Album Of The Year

9. Foster The People, “Pumped Up Kicks”
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

10. Skrillex, “Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites”
Best New Artist

11. Coldplay, “Paradise”
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

12. Foo Fighters, “Walk”
Album Of The Year

13. The Band Perry, “If I Die Young”
Best New Artist

14. Mumford & Sons, “The Cave”
Record Of The Year

15. Bon Iver, “Holocene”
Record Of The Year
Best New Artist

16. Lady Antebellum, “Just A Kiss”
Best Country Album

17. Taylor Swift, “Mean”
Best Country Album

18. Blake Shelton, “Honey Bee”
Best Country Album

19. Eric Church, “Drink In My Hand”
Best Country Album

20. The Black Keys, “Dearest”
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

21. Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay”
Best Country Album

22. Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse, “Body And Soul”
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

Video Premieres (1/12/12)

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Pam Tillis— “Two Kings” 

Pam Tillis and rising R&B artist Kris Thomas have recorded a song titled “Two Kings,” dedicated to civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Elvis Presley. The song’s video premiered on AOL’s The Boot yesterday, between the 77th birthday of Elvis on Jan. 8 and Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 16. “This song is just an earnest attempt to honor each man’s legacy and ask, ‘what will you do to make the world a better place?’ explained Tillis. “Two Kings” was written by Tillis with Brenda O’Brien and the video was filmed in Memphis with documentary director Molly Secours.

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Gloriana— “(Kissed You) Good Night”

Gloriana will offer an exclusive preview of the video for “(Kissed You) Good Night” on ABC Family Friday, Jan. 13 during the airing of A Walk To Remember. Immediately following the on-air preview the full length video, starring Tyler Hilton and ABC Family actress Megan Park, will be featured exclusively online at abcfamily.com. CMT will give the full length broadcast premiere Tuesday, Jan. 17. The video was shot in Franklin, TN with director TK McKamy and is the trio’s first single from the forthcoming second album, A Thousand Miles Left Behind. Band member Tom Gossin penned the tune with Josh Kear.

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Corey Wagar— “I Hate My Boyfriend”

Corey Wagar will release the new video for her single “I Hate My Boyfriend” on her website Jan. 17. The song is the second single off her debut album, On The Edge, produced by Kent Wells, and is No. 45 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart. The video was filmed in several different locations, including the historic Manchester Naval Base, of the Hindenburg disaster, and Jersey shore.

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Casey Donahew Band— “Double Wide Dream”

The Casey Donahew Band premiered the Evan Kaufmann-directed music video for the title track, “Double Wide Dream” on CMT.com where it became the No. 1 daily streamed video for the site. “Double Wide Dream” is one of those songs that are just really fun,” says Donahew. “Songs that provide a little comic relief. Not every song has to change your life, there also has to be entertainment in the world.” The Casey Donahew Band wrapped up 2011 with the release of Double Wide Dream, which reached No. 2 on the iTunes Country chart, No. 8 on the overall iTunes Chart and appeared on iTunes “Best of 2011” list.

 

InstiGator Hires Luke Jensen

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Luke Jensen

InstiGator Entertainment has hired radio vet Luke Jensen as Director of Promotion. Jensen will report to InstiGator president Gator Michaels, who launched the company in September 2011. Jensen will be based in Nashville, TN.

“Luke is a winner,” said Michaels. “His passion, knowledge and energy are infectious and I’m thrilled to have him as part of our family.”

Jensen brings nineteen years of radio experience to his new position. Most recently, Jensen was Program Director/mornings at KVOO/Tulsa where he led the station to its first No. 1 ratings book in the station’s history. Jensen also spent time at KCKC/Kansas City as PD/mornings and was on air at WSOC/Charlotte. Before that, Jensen served in various roles at KBEQ/Kansas City, KZKX/Lincoln, and KXBZ/Manhattan, KS.

“Words can’t describe the excitement I have to be joining the team at InstiGator,” said Jensen. “With Gator’s track record of success and the entire team’s passion for great music, I am confident this opportunity will provide me a great foundation to use my radio experience to positively impact our roster of artists and radio partners.”

Jensen can be reached at 918-508-9683 and luke@musicinstigator.com.

VEVO Launches Dierks Bentley Sweepstakes

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Vevo has launched a sweepstakes for two lucky fans to win a trip to see Dierks Bentley when he plays Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium February 2.

Fans entering the contest will have the chance to win airfare for two to Nashville, lodging for two nights, ground transportation, two tickets to the Feb. 2 Ryman show, and two day of show Meet & Greet passes. The contest is open through January 20 on Vevo’s Facebook page.

Bentley’s show at the Ryman precedes the Feb. 7 release of his sixth studio album Home, his first mainstream country album since 2009. The second leg of his Country & Cold Cans tour will resume February 15 and includes dates in Canada and Australia.

Average Joe’s Builds Publicity Team

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Karen Tallier

Average Joe’s Entertainment is bringing Karen Tallier in house as Director of Publicity. Effective immediately, she will handle publicity duties for the entire label roster which includes Colt Ford, Montgomery Gentry, Ira Dean, Josh Gracin, Kevin Fowler, Corey Smith, Matt Stillwell, Sunny Ledfurd, The LACS, JB and The Moonshine Band, Lauren Briant, Rachel Farley, and Rich O’Toole.

“Karen’s energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and she will be a fabulous addition to the Average Joe’s staff,” says Average Joe’s Pres. Tom Baldrica.

“I am very excited to work with the amazing staff and talented roster at Average Joe’s Entertainment,” adds Tallier. “I have always admired Tom Baldrica for his undying passion and love of this industry and I’m honored to be a part of his team.”

Tallier will continue to handle select accounts through her own Loudmouth Entertainment.

In addition, Average Joe’s has tapped Kirt Webster’s Webster & Associates to serve as publicity and marketing consultants for the label and management roster.

Reach Tallier at karen@averagejoesent.com or (615) 733-9983.

Industry Ink Thursday (1/12/12)

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FUNL/Flying Island artist Ty Herndon appeared at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Ford Theater in front of a live audience recently to perform some of his hits, including “Living In The Moment” and “What Mattered Most." The event was broadcast on WSM-AM and host Bill Cody debuted Herndon's new single, “Stones.” The follow-up to his 2010 Grammy-nominated album, Journey On, is slated for release early this year.

••• Ebie McFarland’s Essential Broadcast Media is now handling independent publicity for superstar Ronnie Dunn. The company’s other clients include Eric Church, Randy Houser, Rodney Atkins, Colt Ford, Darius Rucker and many more.

••• The $499 CRS regular registration rate expires Friday, Jan. 27. The $99 Unemployment Rate will end on this date as well for advance registration, but will be available for in-person registration at the event. Beginning Jan. 28 registration increases to the $599 On-Site Rate. CRS 2012 runs Feb. 22-24 in downtown Nashville. Contact Kristen McRary at (615) 327-4487 or Kristen@CRB.org for registration materials.

••• Jamie Nehasil has exited his post as VP Strategic Partnerships for 220 Entertainment/Black Fuel Music. His 15-year career in Personal Management/Networking Consulting includes eight years as Director of Marketing and Music at Tri Star Sports and Entertainment working with Niki Taylor, Mat Kearney, Britney Spears, Jamie Lynn Spears, and Titans coach Jeff Fisher. He can be reached at (615) 594-3911 or jamie@commongroundsentertainment.com.

••• The 10th Annual Nashville SongWriters Festival will be held June 1-3, 2012 on Music Row.

Pictured at the Tiny Firefly Music launch party. (L-R): Britney Monroe (songwriter), Misha Williams (Publishing Asst. TKO Artist Management), Angie Griffith (Tiny Firefly Music), Bridgette Orten (The Tennessean) Photo: Ray Hailey

••• Tiny Firefly Music celebrated its launch Sunday night (1/8) at Belcourt Taps & Tapas. The songplugging and publishing outfit is the brainchild of Angie Griffith. Reach her at angie@tinyfireflymusic.com or www.tinyfireflymusic.com.

••• Brandy Reed of RPR Media has a new email address rprmedia@yahoo.com. She is working with 598 Recordings, The Damn Quails and the Mike McClure Band.

••• Music Row’s Fresh Salon has relocated to the ground floor of The Rhythm condominiums on Demonbreun. Stylists include owner Rosemary Darby, Debbie Dover-Hall, Julee Bellar, Brian O’Conner, Eric Wright, Roger Tison and Derrick Lachney. Reach them at (615) 739-5614 or freshsalon.net.