NBN SoundLand: Day 2

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Foster The People. Photo: Next Big Nashville

Day two of SoundLand, presented by Next Big Nashville presented more musical options, more musical genres, and more Nashville locations.

Following the work day, festival VIPs schmoozed at the super-swanky new location of Virago prior to the music start, where they enjoyed complimentary drinks and food courtesy of SunTrust, The Orchard, and Loeb & Loeb. As an aside, aren’t these M Street restaurants (see also: Tavern, Kayne Prime, Whiskey Kitchen) just gorgeous?

Kyle Andrews. Photo: Next Big Nashville

The crowds flocked to the 12th Avenue Block Party, where headlining bands were being featured on an outdoor stage at the end of the street. Beer vendors and food trucks were abundant. Neighboring venues 12th & Porter and Mai got in on the action as well, with sets from Nashville’s Kyle Andrews and Uncle Skeleton at 12&P and How I Became The Bomb and Boss of Nova at Mai. On the Block Party stage, Cults played upbeat, hazy pop that included the single “Go Outside.” Foster the People, enjoying a victory lap following the breakout success of their hit “Pumped Up Kicks,” delivered an energetic set of irresistibly quirky, danceable electronic pop.

Over at Mercy Lounge and Cannery Ballroom, festival organizers had underestimated the demand for Austin, Texas-based electro wizards Ghostland Observatory and a mob had formed outside the building when the room reached capacity. By the time we were permitted entrance, Ghostland’s set was more than half finished. But for a brief, 30 minute stretch, late-arriving audience members were rewarded with pummeling, thumping electro-funk, and a seizure-inducing laser and strobe light setup. Following Ghostland’s set, downtempo musician/DJ Bonobo was playing upstairs at Mercy Lounge.

Nearby at the Station Inn, Black Crowes founding member Rich Robinson, and My Morning Jacket’s Carl Broemel played sets before cellist/singer Ben Sollee. Rhode Island’s The Low Anthem turned in a late set over at the Basement.

On tonight’s itinerary are two Alabama boys: Americana fixture Jason Isbell and rapper Yelawolf.

Word Entertainment Celebrates 60 Years

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Word Entertainment, the Christian music division of Warner Music Group, commemorates its 60th anniversary in the industry this year.

The label’s 60 year milestone coincides with the Sept. 20 release of Word: Six Decades of Hits, a 3-CD set including 51 songs and bonus recordings. The set is divided up into three parts: The Early Years, Yesterday’s Favorites, and Today’s Hits. Amy Grant, Sandi Patty, Jaci Velasquez, Point of Grace, Francesca Battistelli and Chris August and Sidewalk Prophets are among the artists featured.

Word also released a complementary songbook called Word: The Story, The Songs. Available at Christian retailers, the book is comprised of 30 songs and a 44-page history of Word Entertainment, written by Deborah Evans Price.

Word’s celebration will culminate in a concert at Baylor University on Nov. 2 in Waco, TX, where Word Records got its start. Artists scheduled to perform include Chris August and Sidewalk Prophets.

For more information on Word’s 60 year celebration, please visit www.WordLabelGroup.com.

TV Show “Troubadour, TX” Follows Rising Singers

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Troubadour, TX, the documentary-style singer-songwriter reality television series produced by London Broadcasting and 41 Entertainment premieres Sat., Sept. 24 and Sun., Sept. 25. The show follows more than a dozen singers of various genres, including Stephanie Urbina Jones, Rick Trevino and Zane Williams.

The one-hour, high definition episodes will air in almost 40 million households and 140 U.S. markets, showing on the CW network in most markets. Twenty-two episodes are currently in production for season one and past episodes will be available for viewing at TroubadourTX.com. See trailer below.

Terry London is President and CEO of London Broadcasting Company. LBC is the parent company of 41 Entertainment, led by Wm. A. Landers, and Nashville-based BE Music and Entertainment, headed by Michael Blanton.

Sony Music Nashville Names New VP Sales

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Caryl Healey has been named Vice President, Sales, at Sony Music Nashville, it was announced by Sony Music Nashville Chairman/CEO Gary Overton and Sony Music Entertainment Executive VP Sales & Distribution Darren Stupak.

Healey will be based in Nashville, and responsible for overseeing all aspects of sales for the Sony Music Nashville labels and working closely with Overton. She will report directly to Stupak as a member of the SME sales management team.

She will lead Sony Music Nashville’s efforts in sales, catalog exploitation, and non-traditional/new business initiatives, as well as manage relationships with retail.

“Caryl has been a vital part of the Nashville sales team for a dozen years, and her experience and relationships throughout the industry, together with her insight, leadership, and front-to-back knowledge of our artists and music make her the perfect choice for her new role,” said Overton.

“We couldn’t be happier to be promoting Caryl to lead our Nashville sales efforts,” added Stupak. “She is a talented executive who has long been an integral part of our success on Music Row. Her rich understanding of the marketplace and our organization will allow us to continue to deliver the best possible performance from our retail partnerships for our Nashville labels.”

Most recently Assoc. Director of Sales for Sony Music Nashville, Healey joined the Sales department in 1999. Prior to that, she worked with PolyGram Distribution and Island Records.

Rimes To Release New Album With A New Perspective

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In her upcoming album, Lady & Gentlemen, LeAnn Rimes puts a feminine twist on songs previously recorded by male artists. Slated for release Sept. 27, Rimes covers country artists such as Waylon Jennings, George Jones and Merle Haggard.

“This album was born out of the memories of when I first fell in love with country music and in reflecting, I realized that almost all of my favorite country songs from back then were sung by men,” says Rimes. “I am honored to take a step back in time and sing these songs from a woman’s perspective and hopefully help reintroduce them to a new audience.”

For those who want a first listen, the album will stream online 48 hours prior to its release at www.LeAnnRimesWorld.com. The album is also available for pre-order through iTunes.

Lady & Gentlemen will also feature several bonus tracks along with two new songs, including “Give.” Rimes recently performed the televised debut of the song on the finale of America’s Got Talent.

“‘Give’ is a song with a message about how if we want love, kindness and happiness in our lives, then we need to give some of that back,” Rimes says. “I believe that message needs to be shared with the world.” Rimes blogs about the life-changing experience of shooting the music video for “Give” here.

Lady & Gentlemen tracklist:

1. Swingin’ (originally recorded by John Anderson, released in 1982)
2. Wasted Days And Wasted Nights (originally recorded by Freddy Fender, released in 1975)
3. Only Mama That’ll Walk The Line (originally recorded by Waylon Jennings “Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line”, released
in 1966)
4. I Can’t Be Myself (originally recorded by Merle Haggard, released in 1970)
5. 16 Tons (originally recorded by Tennessee Ernie Ford, released in 1955)
6. Help Me Make It Through The Night (originally recorded by Kris Kristofferson, released in 1970)
7. Rose Colored Glasses (originally recorded by John Conlee, released in 1978)
8. Good Hearted Woman (originally recorded by Waylon Jennings, released in 1972)
9. When I Call Your Name (originally recorded by Vince Gill, released in 1990)
10. He Stopped Loving Her Today (originally recorded by George Jones, released in 1980)
11. Blue (originally recorded by LeAnn Rimes, released in 1996)
12. Bottle Let Me Down (originally recorded by Merle Haggard, released in 1966)
13. Crazy Women (bonus track – original new song)
14.  Give (bonus track – original new song)

YouTube video

Hank Williams Box Set Released

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Time Life and the Estate of Hank Williams released Hank Williams: The Legend Begins earlier this month as a 3-CD box set. The newly-released material features previously unreleased recordings from Hank Williams when he was fifteen and seventeen years old, including the songs “Fan It” and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band.” The set also features recordings of Williams’ first radio series, “Health & Happiness,” which are fully restored in sound.

“Hank continues to speak to and entertain us across the generations,” says Mike Jason, Senior Vice President of Retail, Time Life. “These recordings give us a rare and special insight as this American music giant begins his career.”

Hank Williams: The Legend Begins is available online at www.amazon.com and at other online and retail stores.

Hall Of Fame Exhibit To Feature Owens And Haggard

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opens a new exhibit, The Bakersfield Sound: Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and California Country, on Saturday, March 24, 2012. Slated for a two year run, the exhibit will explore the significance of the Bakersfield Sound and follow the timeline of its development. The exploration is specifically geared toward the careers of Country Music Hall of Fame members Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.

Narrated by Dwight Yoakam, the exhibit is an exploration of how Owen, Haggard, the Buckaroos and the Strangers played a significant role in developing the Bakersfield sound. The exhibit will additionally focus on publishing houses, recording studios, booking, management agencies, performance venues and Bakersfield’s music businesses. Ken Nelson’s role will also be a focal point, as the Capitol Records producer recorded many of Owen’s and Haggard’s songs. Key musicians include steel guitar innovator Ralph Mooney, Telecaster ace Roy Nichols and lead guitarist/harmony vocalist Don Rich.

“Long before the Outlaws or alternative country, the Bakersfield Sound evolved specifically to suit a time and a place, made an indelible mark on popular music, and spawned two of the most charismatic stars in the firmament.” said Museum Director Kyle Young.

The Bakersfield Sound will be a part of an ongoing series of school and family programs. The series involves live performances, panel discussions, films, instrument demonstrations and more. The exhibit will run from Mar. 24, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2013.

Party Pics: Leadership Music Reunion

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Leadership Music hosted an Alumni Reunion at the Noah Liff Opera Center last week (9/13). See party pics below and full Bobby Karl coverage here (subscribers only).

Leadership Music’s Karen Oertley and City National Bank's Diane Pearson

(L-R): R&J Records’ Tim McFadden, musician Jonathan Yudkin, songwriter Fred Knobloch

(L-R): producer Garth Fundis and Curb’s John Ozier

(L-R): publicist Cathy Gurley, CMA’s Sheri Warnke, CMA’s Tammy Donham

Weekly Chart Report (9/23/11)

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SPIN ZONE

Crosswind recording artist Teea Goans (R) recently visted with Larry Moffit from KDKD/Clinton, MO at the "Music on Main Street" Festival in Teea's hometown Lowry City, MO. Teea’s current single "Letter From God” is at No. 48 on the CountryBreakout Chart.

George Strait gets a second turn in the CountryBreakout Chart’s No. 1 spot with “Here For A Good Time,” as Blake Shelton’s “God Gave Me You” starts to put on a little pressure at No. 2. Eli Young Band’s “Crazy Girl” moves up to No. 3 with a gain of 119 spins, inching ahead of Thompson Square’s “I Got You.” New to the Top 10 is Miranda Lambert’s “Baggage Claim,” which lands at No. 8 ahead of Darius Rucker’s “I Got Nothin’” at No. 9.

In the spirit of George Strait’s No. 1, Texas makes a strong showing elsewhere on this chart. Sunny Sweeney’s latest, “Drink Myself Single,” notches the week’s highest debut at No. 64. Kevin Fowler’s “That Girl” also debuts admirably at No. 70, following a triple-digit spin increase. Texan hitmaker Tracy Lawrence is releasing music independently these days, but his latest “The Singer” is up to No. 37.

On his radio promo tour, Tyrone Vaughan stopped by WQHK/Ft. Wayne and performed an acoustic mini-concert which included his single, "Downtime." Vaughan’s debut album is due for release in early 2012. (L-R): Vaughan, WQHK PD Rob Kelley

Other new tracks on this chart include American Idol champ Scotty McCreery’s “The Trouble With Girls” at No. 71, Patrick Davis’ “Lucky” at No. 77, Jimmy White’s “Forever And A Day” at No. 78, Madonna Nash’s “Dirty Little Secret” at No. 79 and JaneDear girls’ “Merry Go Round” at No. 80.

Frozen Playlists: KMOK, KTWI, KYEZ, KYKX, YYK, WAXX, WBKR, WCJW, WCMS, WDHR, WJMQ, WTCM

Upcoming Singles
September 26
Coy Taylor/Fall For You/Twang City/Flying Island Ent.
Bobby Dean/White Lightning or Pink Champagne/Lamon
Crystal Shawanda/Love Enough/Sun/Nine North
Kip Moore/Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck/MCA

October 3
Brent Anderson/Amy’s Song/Sea Gayle/Arista
Corey Smith/Maybe Next Year/Average Joe’s
Sunny Sweeney/Drink Myself Single/Republic Nashville
Trent Tomlinson/A Man Without A Woman/Skyville Records
Blake Wise/Can’t Live Without/Broken Bow

• • • • •

New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Sunny Sweeney/Drink Myself Single/Republic Nashville — 64
Kevin Fowler/That Girl/Average Joe’s — 70
Scotty McCreery/The Trouble With Girls/19 Ent./Mercury — 71
Patrick Davis/Lucky/BOC Records — 77
Jimmy White/Forever And A Day/Tone Box — 78
Madonna Nash/Dirty Little Secret/Mad Charm — 79
JaneDear girls/Merry Go Round/Warner Bros./WMN — 80

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Zac Brown Band/Keep Me In Mind/Southern Ground/Atlantic — 328
Luke Bryan/I Don’t Want This Night To End/Capitol — 317
Jason Aldean/Tattoos On This Town/Broken Bow — 282
Lady Antebellum/We Owned The Night/Capitol — 281
Chris Young/You/RCA — 219

Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Zac Brown Band/Keep Me In Mind/Southern Ground/Atlantic — 16
Sunny Sweeney/Drink Myself Single/Republic Nashville — 16
Kevin Fowler/That Girl/Average Joe’s — 12
Luke Bryan/I Don’t Want This Night To End/Capitol — 12
Chris Young/You/RCA Nashville — 10

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Erica Nicole/Shave/Heaven — 150
Luke Pilgrim/Sweet Tea/MM/Southern Tracks — 146
Brett Eldredge/It Ain’t Gotta Be Love/Atlantic/WMN — 134
Casey James/Let’s Don’t Call It A Night/BNA — 133
Clay Dustin/I’ll Take That Job/Pure Heart — 127
Attwater/Never Gonna Happen/Twenty Ten — 127

Montgomery Gentry recently helped WKKT morning personality Paul Schadt celebrate his 30th anniversary of waking up Charlotte. MG’s latest single “Where I’m From” is climbing the CountryBreakout Chart at No. 22. (L-R): Schadt, Troy Gentry, WKKT MD Tyler Reese, Eddie Montgomery and Average Joe’s Jay Cruze.

BNA Records artist Wade Bowen recently made a visit to K102 in Minneapolis before his show at Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar & Grill." (L-R): KEEY PD Gregg Swedberg, Bowen, and KEEY MD JD Green

CountryBreakout No. 1 Song

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Words you’ll never hear an artist say: “Aw man, do I have to be No. 1 again?”

That’s right, George Strait’s “Here For A Good Time” is the CountryBreakout No. 1 song for a second consecutive chart. So apparently a “good time” lasts, at a minimum, two weeks. The track is Strait’s 89th (!) career single, from his 24th (!!) album of the same title. Strait is also the most-nominated country artist in CMA Awards history, with 81 career nominations, as well as the most-awarded with 22 wins. Suffice it to say, we think he’s got a pretty good shot at making it in this crazy country music business.

In addition to Here For A Good Time, Universal Music also recently issued George Strait – Icon, an 11 track collection highlighting his signature hits. Nine of his No. 1 singles are present, including “All My Ex’s Live In Texas,” “Ocean Front Property,” “Check Yes or No,” “Give It Away” and more.