CLICK to Order the Artist Roster
Born in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana,
Hunter Hayes has been making music since about the time he learned to walk. As he recounts, “By the time I was almost two, I was picking up everything and making an instrument out of it. My grandmother gave me a toy accordion for my second birthday and I immediately began picking up Cajun songs by ear from the radio.”
Despite being in the early stage of his career, Hayes already has a long list of accomplishments: Singing “Jambalaya” with Hank Williams Jr. in front of 200,000 people (15 million YouTube views) at the age of four; appearing with Robert Duvall (who gave Hayes his first guitar) in The Apostle at the age of six; playing with Johnny and June Cash, and Charlie Daniels at a BBQ; performing for President Clinton, co-writing songs for Rascal Flatts and Montgomery Gentry and more. You might say that he’s lived a charmed life.
Now Hayes, in the producer’s chair with Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Trace Adkins) is in the studio preparing to record what he calls his debut album in 2011. “I’ve released independent records before, but this feels like the first real record I’m making—with the high stakes,” he says excitedly. For Hunter, even with those high stakes, he’s committed to doing it his way. With plans on “playing everything on the album, having fun and experimenting.”
Among the many extraordinary things about Hunter Hayes, the multi-talented musician, writer, producer and performer, perhaps what is most astonishing is that in truth, he’s just getting started.
Interesting facts: I’m a total gear geek. I could spend days on studio gear websites and days talking with engineers about Pro Tools and all things studio related. I could literally LIVE in a recording studio!
Outside Interests: I’m a bit of a car nut so I spend what is probably too much time watching a British car show called, Top Gear. Other than that it’s pretty much music, music and in my off time, more music – just in different forms. I cycle from touring to writing to the studio. That cycle is enough to keep it fresh and interesting while breaking from the other aspects.
Musical Influences: Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Bryan White, Brooks & Dunn, John Mayer, Ronnie Milsap, Michael Buble.
Favorite Records: I have several. One is Keith Urban’s Defying Gravity, I can just sing along to every song on that record. Love the musicality of it as well, super hooky and tasteful. Also, Me and My Gang by Rascal Flatts. It was the first record they made with Dann Huff and it’s super cool musically and lyrically, I totally relate to some of those tunes. Continuum by John Mayer, brilliant musical record. Battle Studies was more lyrical for me and I loved it for that reason. And MercyMe’s Coming Up to Breathe was such a brilliantly moving record.
CMT Adds New Sr. VP, Music Strategy
/by Sarah SkatesLeslie Fram
CMT has hired industry vet Leslie Fram to serve as Sr. VP, Music Strategy, overseeing all music integration within the CMT brand, including original programming, CMT.com, CMT Radio and music video airplay across all media platforms. The former PD and morning show co-host of New York rock station WRXP will join the team Sept. 1, reporting to Pres. Brian Philips. She replaces the exiting Jay Frank who is launching a new initiative.
Fram first worked with Philips in the early 90s, transforming Atlanta pop radio station Power 99 into a trendsetting, alternative rock station, 99X. Fram spent a decade at 99X both on-air and as Assistant Program Director and Program Director. She has been honored for her radio work, and outstanding contributions to the industry by the TJ Martell Association and NARAS’s Atlanta Chapter, where she served on the Board of Governors. She is a Lifetime Achievement Inductee in the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame.
“Leslie Fram is beloved throughout the entire industry,” said Philips. “Everyone knows of her hard-driving passion for music, her unyielding integrity and her relentless work ethic. I have always believed that Leslie, in her soul, ‘belonged’ at MTV Networks, and she’s finally here!”
Fram adds, “This move just feels right for me on so many levels. CMT is on a creative hot streak, and I’m honored to join Brian Philips and his all-star team at the network. CMT is a big stage — 93 million homes! I am excited about the creative freedom I’ve been given to invent and innovate with music across all CMT’s platforms. I’m anxious to get to Nashville, reconnect with old friends, make new ones and blaze a new trail with CMT.”
Philips added, “Jay has helped CMT make great strides, leaving in place a strong music infrastructure. He’s a futurist and successful author with an entrepreneurial spirit, and we wish him huge success with his new venture.”
Fram joins CMT at a time of growth across several divisions: CMT Radio Network now has 160+ affiliates across the country; CMT Radio Live With Cody Alan, the nightly syndicated show is heard in over 100 markets; CMT Pure, the network’s 24-hour music video channel is now in 25 million homes; and music video hours on CMT are up 10% over the last year.
Letter From Sugarland
/by contributorThe statement is also available on the band’s official website, www.sugarlandmusic.com.
Chesney Reigns As King of the Road
/by Sarah SkatesChesney fans pack the New Meadowlands Stadium Saturday night.
Kenny Chesney is the country king of the road. For several years he’s been one of the biggest touring forces in all genres, and he continues to set records, such as Saturday night’s (8/13) concert which was the biggest ticketed country show in New York/New Jersey history. The monstrous event at New Jersey’s New Meadowlands Stadium featuring Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Billy Currington and Uncle Kracker sold over 55,000 tickets.
It was one of a dozen stadium dates on the 2011 Corona Presents Kenny Chesney’s Goin’ Coastal Tour. And he’s not the only country act filling stadiums this summer.
Chesney’s huge catalog of hits has contributed to his major draw. Combine that with top-name special guests and a party atmosphere, and its the reason his outing ranked as Pollstar’s highest-grossing country tour of 2011 so far.
While in the New York area, Chesney discussed his business enterprise with the New York Times in an article called “Country Singer, Songwriter and C.E.O.” In the interview he talks about the intricacies of being a boss and friend, keeping his team motivated with merch lotteries to win the night’s proceeds (sometimes up to $300,000), and the life lessons learned from his high school football coach.
Always the sports fan, Chesney brought New York Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher and New York Jets coach Rex Ryan onstage for Saturday night’s final moments. He had practiced with the Jets earlier in the week.
Chesney at the New York Jets training camp.
Atkins Sets Fall Release Date
/by Sarah SkatesDigital downloads of the single already total 350,000 units, moving almost 40,000 per week.
This will be Atkins’ fourth album for Curb Records.
The star is spending most of the summer and fall on tour. Beyond the road, Atkins is busy with an upcoming GAC shoot for the popular Origin series and will be shooting the video for “Take A Back Road” in several locations in the coming weeks.
Take A Back Road Track Listing:
Take A Back Road
He’s Mine
Family
The Corner
She’s A Girl
She’d Rather Fight
Feet
Cabin In The Woods
Just Wanna Rock N’ Roll
Growing Up Like That
Tips
Lifetime
Farmer’s Daughter
Valory and Sony/Sea Gayle Launching New Acts
/by Sarah SkatesSea Gayle/Sony BNA artist Wade Bowen is in the studio finishing his sixth album—his first on a major label. Recently Bowen was joined by one of his biggest musical influences, legendary singer/songwriter Guy Clark for a duet that is slated to appear on the upcoming project.
Bowen has made a living playing 200-plus nights a year on the road and grassroots fan development. With seven No. 1’s on the Texas Music Chart, multiple awards including 2009 Texas Music Awards’ Male Vocalist of the Year and the 2010 LoneStarMusic Awards’ Live Act of the Year, three studio albums and a Live At Billy Bob’s CD/DVD combo under his belt, the Texas native’s new music isn’t a debut, more like a fresh start on a bigger stage.
Guy Clark and Wade Bowen
• • • • •
The Valory Music Co. hosted a gathering of radio staffers at Brantley Gilbert’s sold-out performance in Foxboro, MA recently. They also used to opportunity to introduce the label’s newest artist, Thomas Rhett, known to many in Nashville as an EMI songwriter and son of hit songwriter Rhett Akins.
Back Row: George Briner, Mike Brophey (WKLB), Dave Hovel (WXCY), John "JT" Thomas (KYGO), Kris Wilson (Citadel) Mike Ferris (WMAD), Mike Tyler (WPKX), JoJamie Hahr (Valory), Miranda Williams-McDonald (Valory) Front: Bob Walker (WCTK), Don Gosselin (WNOE), Thomas Rhett, Brantley Gilbert, Brooke Yancey (Valory)
GMA Names Executive Director
/by Sarah SkatesJackie Patillo
Music industry veteran Jackie Patillo has been appointed Executive Director of the Gospel Music Association. The newly created position will report to the GMA Board of Directors, facilitating the day to day operations of the GMA, as well as working closely with its board to ensure that the organization’s mission and strategies continue to grow. The GMA currently represents those in the Gospel and Christian music markets anchored by the annual GMA Dove Awards.
The GMA has been without a leader since the September 2009 exit of John Styll, who spent six years as President and CEO.
Patillo has been an instrumental executive over the past few decades as she has lead the A&R departments for Star Song and Benson Music Group labels, as well as most recently serving as Verity Music’s (Sony Music Entertainment) VP of A&R and Artist Development. Her leadership roles have also included the general manager post at Integrity Gospel (Integrity Media) and running her own consulting firm on several occasions.
Patillo is affiliated with NARAS, GMA (Gospel Music Association) Board Secretary, GMTF (Gospel Music Trust Fund Trustee,) Mercy Children’s Clinic Board of Directors, SAGMA (Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy), AMTC (Actors, Models and Talent for Christ) and, ARTS (Applause Rising Talent Showcase).
GMA Board of Directors Chairman Mitchell Solarek states, “We are so excited to have Jackie servings as GMA’s Executive Director. She brings a wealth of experience in both Contemporary Christian and Gospel music to the position. She brings years of knowledge and relationships that she has built within the music community to the post. This will be a huge asset as we grow and continue to build our membership, The Dove Awards and our Immerse event.”
“I am both thrilled and humbled to be assigned to this post by people that I truly respect and have shared vision. Christian and Gospel music and the people they represent is more of a calling than a job for me. I look forward to serving our artists, leaders and valued members as we strategically move forward in all aspects of the GMA mission,” says Patillo.
Email Patillo at jackie@gospelmusic.org or call her at (615) 277-1331.
Lady Antebellum To “Own The Night” With New Tour
/by Freeman“We named our new album Own The Night after one of our favorite songs ‘We Owned The Night’ off the new album, and felt it was a great description of how we wanted our fans to spend each night of tour with us,” explains Lady A’s Dave Haywood. “When people come out to our live show or hear the song on the radio it’s a call to action. Be confident, live in the moment and enjoy the experiences you’re going through—own them.”
The 21-city arena tour will feature guests Josh Kelley (on all dates) as well as Edens Edge or Randy Montana opening select shows. Tickets for opening night go on sale Aug. 26. Full dates and guest details:
Own The Night 2011 Tour:
11/11 — Knoxville, Tenn. — Knoxville Coliseum*
11/12 — Macon, Ga. — Macon Centreplex*
11/13 — Pikeville, Ky. — East Kentucky Expo Center*
11/16 — El Paso, Texas — El Paso County Coliseum*
11/17 — Phoenix, Ariz. — Grand Canyon University*
11/18 — Las Vegas, Nev. — The Joint @ The Hard Rock*
11/25 — Huntsville, Ala. — Von Braun Civic Center**
11/26 — Florence, S.C. — Florence Civic Center**
11/27 — Savannah, Ga. — Savannah Civic Center**
12/1 — Colorado Springs, Colo. — Colorado Springs World Arena**
12/2 — Lubbock, Texas — City Bank Coliseum**
12/3 — Wichita Falls, Texas — Kay Yeager Coliseum**
12/4 — Belton, Texas — Bell County Expo Center**
12/8 — La Crosse, Wis. — La Crosse Center Arena**
12/9 — Sioux City, Iowa — Tyson Center**
12/10 — Springfield, Mo. — JQH Arena**
12/11 — Murray, Ky. — CFSB Center**
12/15 — Amherst, Mass. — The Mullins Center**
12/16 — Wilkes-Barre, Pa. — Mohegan Sun Arena**
12/17 — Roanoke, Va. — Roanoke Civic Center**
12/18 — Morgantown, W.Va. — WVU Coliseum**
*With Randy Montana
**With Eden’s Edge
Lady Antebellum To "Own The Night" With New Tour
/by Freeman“We named our new album Own The Night after one of our favorite songs ‘We Owned The Night’ off the new album, and felt it was a great description of how we wanted our fans to spend each night of tour with us,” explains Lady A’s Dave Haywood. “When people come out to our live show or hear the song on the radio it’s a call to action. Be confident, live in the moment and enjoy the experiences you’re going through—own them.”
The 21-city arena tour will feature guests Josh Kelley (on all dates) as well as Edens Edge or Randy Montana opening select shows. Tickets for opening night go on sale Aug. 26. Full dates and guest details:
Own The Night 2011 Tour:
11/11 — Knoxville, Tenn. — Knoxville Coliseum*
11/12 — Macon, Ga. — Macon Centreplex*
11/13 — Pikeville, Ky. — East Kentucky Expo Center*
11/16 — El Paso, Texas — El Paso County Coliseum*
11/17 — Phoenix, Ariz. — Grand Canyon University*
11/18 — Las Vegas, Nev. — The Joint @ The Hard Rock*
11/25 — Huntsville, Ala. — Von Braun Civic Center**
11/26 — Florence, S.C. — Florence Civic Center**
11/27 — Savannah, Ga. — Savannah Civic Center**
12/1 — Colorado Springs, Colo. — Colorado Springs World Arena**
12/2 — Lubbock, Texas — City Bank Coliseum**
12/3 — Wichita Falls, Texas — Kay Yeager Coliseum**
12/4 — Belton, Texas — Bell County Expo Center**
12/8 — La Crosse, Wis. — La Crosse Center Arena**
12/9 — Sioux City, Iowa — Tyson Center**
12/10 — Springfield, Mo. — JQH Arena**
12/11 — Murray, Ky. — CFSB Center**
12/15 — Amherst, Mass. — The Mullins Center**
12/16 — Wilkes-Barre, Pa. — Mohegan Sun Arena**
12/17 — Roanoke, Va. — Roanoke Civic Center**
12/18 — Morgantown, W.Va. — WVU Coliseum**
*With Randy Montana
**With Eden’s Edge
2011 Artist Roster—On The Cover: Hunter Hayes
/by contributorCLICK to Order the Artist Roster
Born in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, Hunter Hayes has been making music since about the time he learned to walk. As he recounts, “By the time I was almost two, I was picking up everything and making an instrument out of it. My grandmother gave me a toy accordion for my second birthday and I immediately began picking up Cajun songs by ear from the radio.”
Despite being in the early stage of his career, Hayes already has a long list of accomplishments: Singing “Jambalaya” with Hank Williams Jr. in front of 200,000 people (15 million YouTube views) at the age of four; appearing with Robert Duvall (who gave Hayes his first guitar) in The Apostle at the age of six; playing with Johnny and June Cash, and Charlie Daniels at a BBQ; performing for President Clinton, co-writing songs for Rascal Flatts and Montgomery Gentry and more. You might say that he’s lived a charmed life.
Now Hayes, in the producer’s chair with Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Trace Adkins) is in the studio preparing to record what he calls his debut album in 2011. “I’ve released independent records before, but this feels like the first real record I’m making—with the high stakes,” he says excitedly. For Hunter, even with those high stakes, he’s committed to doing it his way. With plans on “playing everything on the album, having fun and experimenting.”
Among the many extraordinary things about Hunter Hayes, the multi-talented musician, writer, producer and performer, perhaps what is most astonishing is that in truth, he’s just getting started.
Outside Interests: I’m a bit of a car nut so I spend what is probably too much time watching a British car show called, Top Gear. Other than that it’s pretty much music, music and in my off time, more music – just in different forms. I cycle from touring to writing to the studio. That cycle is enough to keep it fresh and interesting while breaking from the other aspects.
Musical Influences: Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Bryan White, Brooks & Dunn, John Mayer, Ronnie Milsap, Michael Buble.
Favorite Records: I have several. One is Keith Urban’s Defying Gravity, I can just sing along to every song on that record. Love the musicality of it as well, super hooky and tasteful. Also, Me and My Gang by Rascal Flatts. It was the first record they made with Dann Huff and it’s super cool musically and lyrically, I totally relate to some of those tunes. Continuum by John Mayer, brilliant musical record. Battle Studies was more lyrical for me and I loved it for that reason. And MercyMe’s Coming Up to Breathe was such a brilliantly moving record.
Networks In Bidding War For CMA Awards
/by Sarah SkatesAccording to Vulture, NBC, CBS, and ABC are all offering big bucks to score the coveted broadcast rights to Country Music’s Biggest Night.
The news has also been picked up by the LA Times.
CBS is home to the ACM Awards show, and Fox hosts the new ACA Awards, so logic points to the Peacock vying hardest for rights to the CMAs.
This year’s CMA Awards show is set for Nov. 9 on ABC.
One look at last year’s ratings show why the trophyfest is such a hot commodity. In 2010 it was the No. 1 entertainment program on television for the whole week of its broadcast, drawing an estimated 33.8 million viewers to become the second largest audience since 2005.