Brad Paisley recently played to a sold-out crowd at the Olympia Theater in Dublin, Ireland. Paisley posed for a picture with Maureen Grant, who was celebrating her 62nd year as manager of the backstage bar in the Theater.
(L-R): Rob Beckham, WME; Noel McHale, Promoter MCD Concerts; Paisley, Grant, Damien O’Donoghue, Chief Operations Officer-MCD Concerts; and Orin Murphy, Webmaster MCD Concerts. Photo By: Ben Enos
current single “Crazy Girl” was recently certified gold by the RIAA for sales of over 500,000 downloads and their label Republic Nashville presented them with plaques commemorating the milestone. The song from the band’s latest album
Life At Best (released Aug. 16) is currently inside the Top 10 and climbing on
MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart.
(L-R): EYB's James Young, Big Machine Label Group's Kelly Rich, EYB's Mike Eli, Big Machine Label Group's Scott Borchetta, EYB's Jon Jones, Chris Thompson and Triple 8 Management's George Couri.
Nashville singer/songwriter
Will Hoge fulfilled a lifelong dream last Friday (8/19) when he made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry.
Vince Gill, who appears on Hoge’s album Number Seven, introduced Hoge to the audience and made a special request to play his song “Baby Girl.”
(L-R): Hoge, Amy Grant, Vince Gill. Photo By: Chris Hollo
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum welcomed British pop legend
Nick Lowe to its Songwriter Session on Saturday, August 20. During the interview segment, Lowe discussed his ties to country music, including writing “The Beast In Me” for
Johnny Cash and covering
Tom T. Hall’s “Shame On The Rain” for his upcoming album
The Old Magic.
(L-R): Sirius XM Radio’s Jeremy Tepper, Nick Lowe, Museum Writer/Editor Michael McCall and Yep Roc Records’ Glenn Dicker. Photo by John Russell
GAC To Sponsor Own The Night Tour
/by admin“GAC and everyone who works over there have always shown us so much love and support, even from the very beginning of our career and the release of our first single,” said Lady A’s Dave Haywood. “This Own the Night tour has been so much fun to plan. We’re excited that we’ll have our friends at GAC out on the road with us and helping us put together a once-in-a-lifetime experience for country music fans.”
The trio’s album Own The Night is set to launch on Sept. 13, co-produced with veteran Paul Worley. “We’re definitely more in tune with each other musically and personally than ever,” Dave explains. “It’s an exciting place to be. This album was created from the ground up—we are writing these songs, playing these instruments and creating these arrangements. With Own The Night, more than ever before, I think we share a real feeling of accomplishment both as a band and as friends.”
Snapshots: Paisley, EYB, Hoge, Nick Lowe
/by FreemanBrad Paisley recently played to a sold-out crowd at the Olympia Theater in Dublin, Ireland. Paisley posed for a picture with Maureen Grant, who was celebrating her 62nd year as manager of the backstage bar in the Theater.
(L-R): Rob Beckham, WME; Noel McHale, Promoter MCD Concerts; Paisley, Grant, Damien O’Donoghue, Chief Operations Officer-MCD Concerts; and Orin Murphy, Webmaster MCD Concerts. Photo By: Ben Enos
Eli Young Band’s current single “Crazy Girl” was recently certified gold by the RIAA for sales of over 500,000 downloads and their label Republic Nashville presented them with plaques commemorating the milestone. The song from the band’s latest album Life At Best (released Aug. 16) is currently inside the Top 10 and climbing on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart.
(L-R): EYB's James Young, Big Machine Label Group's Kelly Rich, EYB's Mike Eli, Big Machine Label Group's Scott Borchetta, EYB's Jon Jones, Chris Thompson and Triple 8 Management's George Couri.
Nashville singer/songwriter Will Hoge fulfilled a lifelong dream last Friday (8/19) when he made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill, who appears on Hoge’s album Number Seven, introduced Hoge to the audience and made a special request to play his song “Baby Girl.”
(L-R): Hoge, Amy Grant, Vince Gill. Photo By: Chris Hollo
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum welcomed British pop legend Nick Lowe to its Songwriter Session on Saturday, August 20. During the interview segment, Lowe discussed his ties to country music, including writing “The Beast In Me” for Johnny Cash and covering Tom T. Hall’s “Shame On The Rain” for his upcoming album The Old Magic.
(L-R): Sirius XM Radio’s Jeremy Tepper, Nick Lowe, Museum Writer/Editor Michael McCall and Yep Roc Records’ Glenn Dicker. Photo by John Russell
Artists Pitch In For Upcoming Benefits
/by Freeman• • • • •
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Marcus & Colvin Form Entertainment Law Firm
/by Sherod RobertsonPreviously, Marcus established KMM, P.C. in 2008, an entertainment law firm based in Nashville, to provide focused business affairs and legal counsel for artists and companies in the music industry. Marcus spent several years in the film and television industries, as well as working in business affairs for both independent and major record labels. He has represented major acts including Kings of Leon, Paramore, and Randy Houser.
“I could not be more excited about the growth of our firm,” states Marcus. “Jeff stepped in and made an immediate contribution of great service, perspective, and professionalism.”
Colvin is a Nashville-based attorney, primarily representing artists and industry personnel in transactional matters in the entertainment industry. Colvin attended Pepperdine University School of Law, where he received a JD in 2003, and is currently a Master’s candidate in Pepperdine’s acclaimed Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution.
Colvin says, “I’ve long admired Kent’s practice, and working with him now has only confirmed that he is at the forefront of our profession. I’m honored to partner with him, and am thrilled to help grow this practice.”
The new firm has also expanded its operations and services with a unique of-counsel “bridge” with the prestigious New York and Los Angeles based entertainment law firm Carroll, Guido & Groffman, LLP.
www.mcentlaw.com
Marcus & Colvin Form Entertainment Law Firm
/by Sherod RobertsonPreviously, Marcus established KMM, P.C. in 2008, an entertainment law firm based in Nashville, to provide focused business affairs and legal counsel for artists and companies in the music industry. Marcus spent several years in the film and television industries, as well as working in business affairs for both independent and major record labels. He has represented major acts including Kings of Leon, Paramore, and Randy Houser.
“I could not be more excited about the growth of our firm,” states Marcus. “Jeff stepped in and made an immediate contribution of great service, perspective, and professionalism.”
Colvin is a Nashville-based attorney, primarily representing artists and industry personnel in transactional matters in the entertainment industry. Colvin attended Pepperdine University School of Law, where he received a JD in 2003, and is currently a Master’s candidate in Pepperdine’s acclaimed Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution.
Colvin says, “I’ve long admired Kent’s practice, and working with him now has only confirmed that he is at the forefront of our profession. I’m honored to partner with him, and am thrilled to help grow this practice.”
The new firm has also expanded its operations and services with a unique of-counsel “bridge” with the prestigious New York and Los Angeles based entertainment law firm Carroll, Guido & Groffman, LLP.
www.mcentlaw.com
CMA Offers Lifetime Memberships
/by Sherod Robertson“We value our longstanding members and wanted to offer them a convenient membership option,” says CMA CEO Steve Moore. “These members have made significant contributions to the industry and their accomplishments warrant our gratitude. Lifetime Membership guarantees that they will always have a voice in CMA.”
CMA membership for individual members is $100 annually. The CMA Lifetime Membership is available for a onetime fee of $1,000. Those interested in purchasing a Lifetime Membership can contact CMA’s Membership Department by calling (800) 788-3045.
CMA offers annual memberships to those currently employed full time in the Country Music industry.
www.CMAworld.com
Signings: Jenkins, Lehoux, Stephenson
/by Sherod Robertson(L-R): Combustion’s Chris Van Belkom, Jenkins (seated), Chris Farren, songwriter Ashley Gorley, Combustion’s Kenley Flynn.
Combustion Music and songwriter Ashley Gorley have signed Matt Jenkins to an exclusive songwriting agreement.
Jenkins grew up playing and singing in the Texas Opry circuit with his father and most recently, has songs on upcoming albums from Jake Owen and Steve Holy.
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Jimmy Lehoux
Nashville recording artist Jimmy Lehoux has signed an exclusive booking agreement with Cody Entertainment for fall dates and a 2012 tour. “Jimmy Lehoux is an incredibly talented singer and performer and we are pleased to have the opportunity to represent him,” says Cody Entertainment president Phil Smallwood.
Lehoux recently completed the southeastern leg of his radio tour in support of debut single “Twenty Toes In The Sand.”
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Larry Stephenson (seated) signs with Compass Records
Bluegrass vocalist and bandleader Larry Stephenson has signed to Compass Records. Stephenson will begin work at Compass Sound Studio this fall on a new project with a targeted release date of early 2012. He will share production duties with engineer/co-producer Ben Surratt.
The signing follows on the heels of the Larry Stephenson Band’s win for “Recorded Event of the Year” at the 2010 International Bluegrass Music Awards for his most recent effort “20th Anniversary.”
Zac Brown Band Partners With Jack Daniel’s
/by FreemanZac Brown Band and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey have announced a one-of-a-kind partnership, the famed distillery’s first with a major music artist in over a decade.
The partnership officially begins during ZBB’s sold-out two night run Sept. 5-6 at Red Rocks in Morrison, CO and includes U.S. and Canadian advertising/promotion, a dedicated responsibility campaign, and co-presenting tour support.
“There is a natural affinity between Jack Daniel’s friends and Zac Brown Band fans,” says JD Master Distiller Jeff Arnett. “They are folks who embrace authentic values, love great music and the spirit of friendship. We couldn’t be happier to partner with ZBB.”
The Jack Daniel’s partnership with ZBB aims to enhance the fan experience at live events through its presence at ZBB’s “Eat & Greets,” bringing “Lynchburg on Wheels” to ZBB events, ticket giveaways and more. The pairing will also launch a commemorative bottle program to support Camp Southern Ground, Brown’s camp for special needs children, as well as a campaign promoting responsible drinking.
“We love what we do and every night when we take the stage, we promise to blow our fans away with an experience unlike any other,” says Brown. “Jack Daniel’s is one of the most iconic American brands and because of their dedication to giving people their very best, they’ve earned some of the most loyal fans in the country. We’re proud to be working with them.”
Zac Brown Band Partners With Jack Daniel's
/by FreemanZac Brown Band and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey have announced a one-of-a-kind partnership, the famed distillery’s first with a major music artist in over a decade.
The partnership officially begins during ZBB’s sold-out two night run Sept. 5-6 at Red Rocks in Morrison, CO and includes U.S. and Canadian advertising/promotion, a dedicated responsibility campaign, and co-presenting tour support.
“There is a natural affinity between Jack Daniel’s friends and Zac Brown Band fans,” says JD Master Distiller Jeff Arnett. “They are folks who embrace authentic values, love great music and the spirit of friendship. We couldn’t be happier to partner with ZBB.”
The Jack Daniel’s partnership with ZBB aims to enhance the fan experience at live events through its presence at ZBB’s “Eat & Greets,” bringing “Lynchburg on Wheels” to ZBB events, ticket giveaways and more. The pairing will also launch a commemorative bottle program to support Camp Southern Ground, Brown’s camp for special needs children, as well as a campaign promoting responsible drinking.
“We love what we do and every night when we take the stage, we promise to blow our fans away with an experience unlike any other,” says Brown. “Jack Daniel’s is one of the most iconic American brands and because of their dedication to giving people their very best, they’ve earned some of the most loyal fans in the country. We’re proud to be working with them.”
CMA Honors International Broadcaster of the Year
/by FreemanBrad Paisley "presents" Sandy Harsch with the CMA International Broadcaster Award, improvising with a digital recorder until the award arrives. Photo credit: Ben Enos
RTE broadcaster Sandy Harsch recently received good and bad news when Brad Paisley revealed to her that she had been named CMA International Broadcaster of the Year.
The good news, of course, was the honor of being selected. The bad news was that the actual award was held up in customs and didn’t make it to the presentation backstage at Paisley’s show at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin, Ireland.
“I never could figure out why people cried when they won awards, but now I know,” Harsch said. “The CMA International Broadcaster Award is certainly the biggest thing that has ever happened to me, other than having my two children. And – does anyone really deserve getting an award for doing something they absolutely love?”
Harsch moved to Ireland from the US in 1960, working as a freelance photo journalist and then as chief photographer, reviewer and interviewer for Hot Press magazine. She started in radio at RTE as a guest critic on “Outside Track,” before moving on to Century Radio in 1989. She rejoined RTE in 1996, and has been presenting “Country Time” ever since. Harsch also serves as editor for Lonesome Highway magazine.
“Country Music has been a huge part of my life since I was a kid,” she said. “I have been sharing this passion on air for 22 years and I am totally honored that the CMA thinks I am doing a good job. Country is a wonderful part of my life and it is knockout to be given an award. Thank you so, so much.”