DISClaimer Single Reviews (7/27/11)

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Is it hot enough for you?
There’s nothing like Nashville in July-August to wear you out. And there are no ballads in this week’s column to cool you off.
The new sounds from Bomshel, Randy Travis, Montgomery Gentry and Marlee Scott are particularly hot stuff. Justin Moore follows up his tender “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” with a scorching little attitude tune titled “Bait A Hook.” The boy is on a roll. Hand him a Disc of the Day award.
Perhaps the hottest sounding performance of the day came from some unknown Texans billed as Brad Dunn & Ellis County. They’re an Austin bar band. Their CD shines with promise. Hands down, my DisCovery Award of the week.
MARLEE SCOTT/Beautiful Maybe
Writer: Tania Hancheroff/Marcus Hummon/Tia Sellers; Producer: David Kalmusky; Publisher: Universal/MGB/Careers/Ourtrinity/Coburn/Sillers with an I Think Tank, ASCAP/BMI; CO5 (www.marleescott.com)
—Brightly optimistic and positive. Produced with clarity and class. Irresistibly rhythmic, to boot.
RANDY TRAVIS/Everything And All
Writer: Troy Jones; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Publisher: Tiltawhirl/Carnival, BMI; Warner Bros.
—His burnished baritone voice remains one of the truly great things about the country-music format. This uptempo twangfest is a delightful showcase for it. Spin it.
RYAN TURNER BAND/Sweet Time
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RTB (www.ryanturnermusic.com)
—The track has a cool nervous energy about it. His vocal doesn’t have a huge amount of personality, but he gets the job done on this tempo celebration.
BOMSHEL/Halleluy’all
Writer: Josh Kear/Mark Irwin; Producer: Chad Carlson; Publisher: Global Dog/Big Yellow Dog/LunaLight/Green Vinyl, ASCAP; Curb
—I dig these gals. If this sizzling, frothy, beat frenzy doesn’t get folks out onto the dance floor, I can’t imagine what will. Crank it up.
KATIE QUICK/Best In Me
Writer: Katie Quick/Ben Goldsmith; Producer: Katie Quick & Chip Hardy; Publisher: Katiequickmusic, BMI; KQ (track) (www.katiequick.com)
—She wrote all 14 tunes on her Valley Between Love CD, including this hand-clapping, banjo-propelled, sunny, toe-tapper of a single. Sweet as candy.
THE BAND PERRY/All Your Life
Writer: Brian Henningsen/Clara Henningsen; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/How Bout That Skyline/Cactus Moser, BMI; Republic Nashville (track)
—This plea for lifelong devotion goes down smoothly, thanks to the lilting mandolin work, gentle percussion and oh-so-creamy vocal harmonies. The bluesy bridge is especially cool with its melodic shift and chiming bells.
BRAD DUNN & ELLIS COUNTY/Red White And Blue
Writer: Brad Dunn & Ellis County; Producer: Kevin Szymanski, Brad Dunn & Ellis County; Publisher: none listed; BD (track) (www.reverbnation.com/bradleyddunn)
—The grinding groove makes it sound kind of like a countrified ZZ Top. The title refers to the Texas state flag, and everything about this screams Lone Star State roadhouse rawk. The song and performance are both loaded with sweaty macho attitude. I’ll bet these guys are great live. Even the ballads on the band’s Ranch Cat album seethe with personality and individuality.
JUSTIN MOORE/Bait A Hook
Writer: Rhett Akins/Justin Moore/Jeremy Stover; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Rhettneck/Big Music Machine/Double Barrel Ace/Super 98/EMI April/Songs of Countrywood, BMI/ASCAP; Valory Music
—Her new boyfriend can’t hold his liquor, drives a Prius and eats sushi. But he can’t catch fish, skin a deer, drive a truck or belt Jack Daniels, so the redneck singer isn’t worried a bit that she’ll come running back. Highly humorous, enormously rhythmic and deeply drawled.
JOEL WARREN & JASON ALLEN/Straight Up Country
Writer: Steve Guidos/Bill Warrington/Ward Tolbert; Producer: Eric Paul; Publisher: Wynnestar/Bill Warrington/Song Brook, BMI/ASCAP; Wynnesong (track) (www.joelwarrencountry.com)
—The swingin’ honky-tonk band kicks up plenty of dust. Jason has the pipes to front the sound. Joel doesn’t.
MONTGOMERY GENTRY/Where I Come From
Writer: Rodney Clawson/Dallas Davidson; Producer: Michael Knox; Publisher: Big Red Toe/Amarillo Sky/EMI Blackwood/String Stretcher, BMI; Average Joe (CDX) (615-733-9983)
—Pretty much what you might expect from the title—a defense of the small-town, countrified lifestyle. It is better written than most songs like this, and the boys deliver it with their trademarked propulsive punch.

Eric Church's "Chief" Debuts Today

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EMI Records Nashville’s Eric Church hangs out with WKKT/Charlotte PD Steve Geofferies following his show at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach last week.


EMI Records Nashville is releasing Eric Church’s third studio album, Chief today (7/26). Lead single “Homeboy” is already Top 10 on MusicRow’s Country Breakout Chart and the album is getting good early reviews.
Church is celebrating release day with a sold-out show tonight at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom. The event, called “CHIEF: Deconstructed,” will have Church and many of the songwriters from the album sharing stories behind the songs—see writer credits below. Most of the album was written by Church and company when the artist spent a month in a secluded North Carolina cabin.
For Chief, Church once again teamed with producer Jay Joyce, who produced his first two albums. That collaboration has resulted in the Gold certification of his sophomore album Carolina, as well as six Top 20 hits (“How ‘Bout You,” “Two Pink Lines,” “Guys Like Me,” “Love Your Love The Most,” “Hell On The Heart,” and “Smoke A Little Smoke”).
Church, the reigning ACM New Solo Vocalist of the Year, will continue through October on Toby Keith’s Locked and Loaded Tour.
Chief track listing
1. Creepin’ (Eric Church / Marv Green)
2. Drink In My Hand (Eric Church, Michael P. Heeney, Luke Laird)
3. Keep On (Eric Church / Ryan Tyndell)
4. Like Jesus Does (Casey Beathard / Monty Criswell)
5. Hungover & Hard Up (Eric Church / Luke Laird)
6. Homeboy (Eric Church / Casey Beathard)
7. Country Music Jesus (Eric Church / Jeremy Spillman)
8. Jack Daniels (Eric Church / Jeff Hyde / Lynn Hutton)
9. Springsteen (Eric Church / Jeff Hyde / Ryan Tyndell)
10. I’m Gettin’ Stoned (Eric Church / Jeff Hyde / Casey Beathard / Jeremy Cradey)
11. Over When It’s Over (Eric Church / Luke Laird)

Randy Montana Digital Album Out Today

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Mercury Nashville releases singer/songwriter Randy Montana’s self-titled debut album to all digital retailers today (7/26). Montana teamed with producer Jay Joyce for the project which includes “Ain’t Much Left Of Lovin’ You,” “1,000 Faces,” and “Last Horse,” which features Emmylou Harris on harmony vocals.
Montana has been getting plenty of good press to coincide with the launch. He is featured in the current issue of Country Weekly and was listed as one of E! News’ Hot New Country Guys. In addition, on July 28 AOL’s The Boot will feature a special video of Montana’s “1,000 Faces” on both homepages.
The rising singer has spent most of 2010 and 2011 on the road. He’s opened for Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Sugarland and Taylor Swift.

World of Bluegrass Attracts Genre's Biggest Names

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Alison Krauss and Union Station will perform at the World of Bluegrass.


Bluegrass music’s premier indoor festival is just around the corner, with this year’s event celebrating the 100th birthday of the Father of Bluegrass Music, the late Bill Monroe. IBMA’s World of Bluegrass Week runs Sept. 26- Oct. 2 in Nashville with confirmed artists including Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, The Grascals, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Dale Ann Bradley, J.D. Crowe & The New South, and Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers.
One highlight of the event is sure to be the International Bluegrass Music Awards, set for Thurs., Sept. 29 at the Ryman Auditorium. Award-winning artist, bandleader, songwriter and mandolin monster Sam Bush will host the 22nd annual show.
The World of Bluegrass Week also includes the Bluegrass Fan Fest, running Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 at the Nashville Convention Center.
For details on the World of Bluegrass, including tickets to the International Bluegrass Music Awards, go to www.worldofbluegrass.org or call 615-256-3222 (888-GET-IBMA). See a video preview of World of Bluegrass below.

Kevin Forbes And Brian Peterson Join BMI

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Kevin Forbes


BMI welcomes Kevin Forbes and Brian Peterson to the company’s executive ranks. Both will be based in the organization’s Nashville office.
Forbes enters as Senior Enterprise Architect in BMI’s Information Services Group reporting to Camellia Petty, Vice President, Product & Application Development. He will serve as a bridge between different departments, refining BMI’s strategy, processes and information technology assets.
“Kevin is an award-winning strategist,” says Petty. “His wealth of experience as an enterprise architect will be an invaluable resource to BMI.”
Forbes has more than nine years of experience in the area, most recently for Prolifics and Healthways. He has ranked on the Enterprise Architecture lists of InformationWeek (No. 8 in 2010), and CIO magazine. Forbes began his career in the United States Air Force and attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Brian Peterson


Peterson joins as Senior Product Manager, and will help drive BMI’s social media and e-commerce product development. He reports to Nancy Merrill, Assistant Vice President, Product Management.
“Brian is a true leader,” says Merrill. “Brian is more than familiar with our target audiences—he’s actually developed new ways to better serve them.”
In 2008, he co-founded Bandbox, which allows artists to sell music directly to their fans from their websites, as well as Facebook and MySpace. In January 2011, he launched RedRovor, a social music app for Facebook. He sold both platforms earlier this year. Peterson’s experience includes Sony Music Entertainment and EMI Music. He graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara.

Industry Ink Tuesday (7/26)

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• • • Pitch group Singles Only hosted its third quarterly A Night of Hits show on July 20 at Winner’s Bar & Grill. The evening featured performances of some of their writers’ best uncut material. Singles Only is made up of pluggers from eight successful independent publishing companies.

Pictured (L-R): Natalie Harker (Cal IV Entertainment), Scott Ponce (Liz Rose Music), Shane Barrett (Shane Barrett Music), Penny Everhard (Love Monkey Music/Tom-Leis Music), Denny Carr (Roots Three Music), Taylor Lindsey (BMG Chrysalis), Eric Gallimore (Red Vinyl Music), and Daniel Lee (Ten Ten Music Group)


• • • John Clore has joined Word Entertainment as Director of Brand Management. He makes the move from Sony Music Entertainment’s Provident Label Group, where he served as Associate Director, Digital Marketing & Campaigns, working with RED and Jars of Clay. His track record also includes time handling publicity at Provident Label Group, Webster & Associates PR, and PLA Media. The Illinois native is a graduate of Belmont University’s Music Business program. He can be reached at john.clore@wmg.com or 615-726-7870.
• • • Capitol Records Nashville Sr. Director of New Media Dawn Gates raised $81,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and was named 2011 Woman of the Year. Her campaign in honor of young cancer patient Tanner Page included a celebrity memorabilia auction. The organization’s total campaign raised $341,000.
• • • CMT One Country’s Lucia Folk is featured in a new article in AdAge. In the interview she talks about promoting local volunteerism among CMT viewers, offering rewards and prizes, as well as making charitable donations on behalf of artists.

JP Dansereau


• • • The Fontanel Mansion & Farm has hired Jean Pierre (JP) Dansereau as General Manager. In the newly created position he will oversee business development, sales and operations for the property that includes The Fontanel Mansion, Woods Amphitheater, Farm House Restaurant, Studio Gallery and more. Dansereau previously served as Director of Travel Industry Sales for Gaylord Opryland, and as Vice President of Tourism for the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau. He will assume the new role Aug. 1 and can be reached at jp@fontanelmansion.com, or 615-724-1600.
 

Kathy Olen Launches Atticus Brand Partners

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Kathy Armistead Olen


Kathy Armistead Olen, former Vice President and Brand Agent for WME, has launched Atticus Brand Partners, LLP, handling tour sponsorship, product endorsement, licensing, music placement and other forms of partnership between brands and artists. Her new company will continue to find sponsorship opportunities for WME’s roster.
During her career Olen has paired artists with major brands including Hershey’s, Chevrolet, Anheuser-Busch, Sharpie, McDonalds, Coca-Cola, and Miller Brewing Company.
Olen’s career also includes time as Director of Marketing for the Nashville Arena and Starwood Amphitheatre, where she handled sponsorship, venue signage, publicity, and advertising.
Joining Olen at Atticus Brand Partners is Lindsay Friedgood, Director of Brand Partnerships. Friedgood also makes the move from WME, where she worked directly with Olen. Friedgood’s track record also includes handling brand management at the Nashville office of experience marketing agency George P. Johnson.
Atticus Brand Partners:
54 Music Sq. E., Suite 350
Nashville, TN 37203
615-983-8203
kathy@atticusbrandpartners.com
www.atticusbrandpartners.com

CRS2012 Names Pittman Keynote Speaker

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Bob Pittman


CRS 2012 will kick off Feb. 22-24 with keynote speaker and media legend, Bob Pittman, MTV Founder and currently Chairman of Media and Entertainment Platforms for Clear Channel. A 35-year industry veteran, Pittman’s keynote is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 9:30 a.m. in downtown Nashville.
“Bob Pittman’s resume speaks for itself,” says CRS President Mike Culotta. “His experience in radio, television and marketing will undoubtedly provide our CRS attendees with unique insight into the issues the Country radio industry is facing today. We are once again anticipating another informative keynote address at Country Radio Seminar, and we encourage everyone to do themselves a favor and attend.”
CRS 2012’s limited-time, $399 Early Bird registration is now available.  To register, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.
 

Editorial: Seduced By Technology?

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Sometimes the step-by-step development of an event, like technology, becomes society’s total focus and its historical, political or social meaning gets obscured. A space shuttle landing on the moon, an oil leak spewing in the Gulf of Mexico, the invention of nuclear power, or a demonstration for social change in Cairo’s Liberation Square. Is the medium actually the message as Marshall McLuhan prophesied in 1964? Has technology’s time horizon been curtailed to a day-by-day time cycle? What about its long term implications?
I’m reminded of Nineteen Eighty-Four, published in 1949 by George Orwell. Highly praised for its ability to glimpse the future, this work of political fiction introduced terms such as doublethink, Big Brother, thoughtcrime and gave rise to the adjective, Orwellian. It was dystopian fiction about a political construct where society was ruled by an oligarchical dictatorship.
Orwell envisioned that it would be necessary to use brute force to enslave mankind in a way that would allow for a total and complete invasion of personal privacy, and glorify the end regardless of the means.
But what if Orwell got it wrong? How could he have imagined the Internet in 1949? Or the smartphone. Certainly not Facebook, Twitter, foursquare and Google+. Or a scenario where Big Brother was smart enough to create a subjugating influence so seductive and desired it didn’t require the force of a dictatorship?
Today we carry GPS-equipped phones that know exactly where we are 24/7. The words we search for online, our emails, personal calendars and more are perfectly positioned for Big Brother’s inspection in the cloud. And then there are the social networks where little by little we are pulling back the curtain on privacy and willingly sharing our every movement and thought with friends, followers, likes and circles…. Are we moths flying toward technology’s flame?
The important questions aren’t, “When will Google+ open up its new service to corporate brands?” Or what about the latest software update?
We should be asking, “Where are we going?”
 

Average Joe's Inks Ira Dean

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Average Joe’s Entertainment has added Ira Dean to its growing roster. The former Trick Pony member will release his first single for the label, “Something About A Sunday,” this September. He’s also had some recent radio activity with the album cut “Beer or Gasoline,” which he co-wrote and was previously recorded by Chris Young. Dean’s self-titled solo debut CD is set to be released by Average Joe’s Entertainment in late 2011.
“Ira is a true triple threat: he’s a hit songwriter, a great singer and a true entertainer! We are thrilled to welcome him to Average Joe’s,” said Pres. Tom Baldrica.
“I’m very excited to be working with Tom Baldrica and Average Joe’s and to be label mates with my good friends Colt Ford and Montgomery Gentry,” added Dean.
Chart-topping hits written by Dean and recorded by Trick Pony include “Pour Me,” and the Grammy nominated “Just What I Do.” Since leaving the trio in 2008, Dean has been busy writing songs for artists including Joe Nichols, Chris Young, ex–band mate Heidi Newfield, Jake Owen, Gary Allan, and Montgomery Gentry, including their big hit “One In Every Crowd.” He also has the writing credits on the title track of Proud To Be Here, Trace Adkins’ album, due out Aug/ 2.