Is it hot enough for you?
With temperatures on Music Row soaring into the upper 90s this week, I’m taking every opportunity to stay here at my desk. Including penning today’s roundup of new country sounds.
Luke Bryan is always eager to please. And he certainly does that this week with his irresistible “Someone Else Calling You Baby.” It earns him our Disc of the Day award.
With “Georgia Clay,” Josh Kelley coasts to an easy win as the DisCovery Award winner. I can’t wait to hear the rest of his project. If you didn’t get the chance to see him, as well as Randy Montana, opening shows on the last Lady Antebellum tour, seek both of them out in other settings as soon as you can. You won’t be disappointed.
JASON STURGEON/Simple Life
Writer: Jason Sturgeon/Dane Clark; Producer: Dane Clark & Jason Sturgeon; Publisher: none listed; Toolpusher (track)
—His vocal is super expressive—I really like the resonance and individuality in his phrasing. The song could have easily fallen into a ditch of cliches, given its small-town theme we have heard so often before. But he treats the topic with imagination, and the weaving melody and clear production values are added pluses.
CLAY WALKER/Where Do I Go From You
Writer: Don Cook/Clint Daniels/Ryan Tyndell; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Katy’s Own/Sony-ATV Acuff-Rose, BMI; Curb (track)
—The follow-up to “She Won’t Be Lonely Long” has a rocking, swampy groove. He handles the lickety-split verbal pace with aplomb, even managing to sneak in the occasional improvised melodic lick. And although it is sung in his highest register, it never sounds forced. A winner.
JONALEE WHITE/Naked As Fools
Writer: Kay Harris/Molly Pauken/Jonalee White; Producer: James “Bubba” Hudson; Publisher: Harken/Smile Pretty, BMI/SESAC; Lick (track) (www.jonaleewhite.com)
—Softly jaunty. Pleasantly easy-going. Gently listenable.
LUKE BRYAN/Someone Else Calling You Baby
Writer: Luke Bryan/Jeff Stevens; Producer: Jeff Stevens; Publisher: Murrah/Bug/Katy Lou/Big Loud Bucks, BMI; Capitol Nashville (track)
—This one got my heart pumping before he ever uttered a note. The driving percussion and insistent guitar riff grabbed my ears at once. By the time he got to the hooks-a-plenty first chorus, I was bobbing my head and totally lost in this. The lyric might be a pang of heartbreak, but the record is a groovathon.
ROB BAIRD/Could Have Been My Baby
Writer: Rob Baird; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Tiltawhirl/Carnival, BMI; Carnival (track) (www.robbairdmusic.com)
—Squalling out on the open prairie. His strangled, semi-soulful vocal is buried too deep in the mix, and it takes forever to get to the chorus hook.
RANDY MONTANA/Tuesday’s Gone
Writer: Ronnie Van Zant/Allen Collins; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: none listed; Hip-O/UMG (track)
—This is doubtless an emotional month for Randy Montana. On July 1, Joshua Ragsdale—his cowriter on his single “Ain’t Much Left of Loving You”—died following a protracted illness. On Friday, Randy stages his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Yesterday, his standout track was part of the release of Sweet Home Alabama: The Country Music Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd. This Wal-Mart exclusive also features fellow Young Turks such as Randy Houser ( “Simple Man”), Shooter Jennings ( “Call Me the Breeze”), the Eli Young Band ( “Gimme Three Steps”), Eric Church, Uncle Kracker and Jamey Johnson. But Mr. Montana’s treatment of this oft-overlooked ballad is one of the set’s most majestic tracks.
DAN SHAFER/False Love
Writer: James L. Herman/Jerry Vandiver/George McClure; Producer: George McClure; Publisher: Trowbridge/North Fork, BMI/ASCAP; JIP (www.jiprecords.com)
—The track rolls right along, and the song is sturdy. But his pop-sounding vocal lacks country grit and believability.
JOSH KELLEY/Georgia Clay
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; MCA Nashville
—Josh is the brother of Lady A’s Charles Kelley. He formerly recorded in a pop/rock vein. But this soaring-yet-earthy, summer-romance tune places him squarely in the country mainstream. He held me on every word, and the dynamics in the production tickled my ears from start to finale. Play it again.
ANDY VELO/Hank it Up
Writer: Charlie Monk/Rick Huckaby; Producer: Ted Hewitt; Publisher: Carlie Monk/13th Avenue/Head Coach, BMI; LoozLip (CDX) (678-997-5692)
—“Hank,” in this case, refers more to Bocephus than to his honky-tonking daddy. Mr. Velo bellows this as a thumping rocker, not as the lovesick blues. Muscular, sweaty and assertive, to say the least.
THE BELLAMY BROTHERS/Jalapenos
Writer: David Bellamy; Producer: David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy & Randy Hebert; Publisher: Bellamy Brothers Music, ASCAP; Bellamy Bros. (CDX) (www.bellamybrothers.com)
—It says here that this is “banned by radio.” Gee could it be that, “burn your ass tomorrow” line? Or the one about the little blue pill making you “too erect” perhaps? Actually, this is a boatload of fun. And, as usual, soaked in hypnotic Bellamy rhythm.
Toby Keith Readies “Bullets In The Gun”
/by contributorFrom his first single and No. 1 smash “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” back in 1993 to his recent single “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song),” Keith has written the majority of his biggest hits.
Keith’s American Ride Tour opened last month at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ. Sponsored by Ford Trucks, the tour will hit dozens of cities through its Sept. 25 conclusion in Boston.
Remaining July dates:
July 22 Boise
July 23 Portland, OR
July 24 Seattle
July 25 Vancouver
July 27 Paso Robles, CA
July 29 Sacramento
July 30 Los Angeles
July 31 Las Vegas
Borman Ent. Announces Staff Additions, Promotions
/by contributor“We’re delighted to see Randy thrive and thrilled Doug and Michael agreed to join us,” says Gary Borman. “All three are experienced, excellent marketers and very welcome additions to our management team.”
Corcoran comes from the Nashville office of Nettwerk Management, where he worked with artists including Jars of Clay, Landon Pigg and Matt Wertz for the past five years. Corcoran has also done tour management for Guster, Phantom Planet and Ben Kweller.
Aitken is a 20-plus year veteran of the Nashville entertainment industry. Specializing in marketing, his previous positions include Pro Tours, Inc., RPM Management, Outback Concerts and the NHL’s Nashville Predators.
Brown has spent the past six years assisting with Borman clients and supporting the tour marketing efforts for the entire company roster. He previously served as marketing coordinator at Warner Brothers Nashville, working on projects by Faith Hill, Blake Shelton and Big & Rich.
Borman Entertainment’s current roster includes Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Alison Krauss, Randy Montana and Michael Franti.
BMI, ASCAP and Songwriters Hall Set Awards Dates
/by contributorBMI announced today (7/21) that the 58th annual BMI Country Awards will take place Tuesday, November 9 at the company’s Music Row offices in Nashville. The black-tie, invitation-only gala is the oldest awards ceremony saluting country music’s top songwriters.
Hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant, along with Nashville Writer/Publisher Vice President Jody Williams and Assistant Vice President Clay Bradley, the BMI Country Awards will salute the songwriters and publishers of the top BMI country songs played on American radio and television during the previous year. The organization will also bestow prestigious honors on the genre’s Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year and most-performed Song of the Year, also known as the Robert J. Burton Award.
The evening will culminate with the presentation of the BMI Icon award to a country legend who has rendered “a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” The Icon recipient will be announced in the coming months.
With more details to be announced in the next couple of weeks, ASCAP has announced a date and venue change for their annual ASCAP Country Awards. This year’s event will take place on September 14 at the War Memorial Auditorium in downtown Nashville.
Sandestin Festival To Benefit Gulf Wildlife
/by contributorA cross-section of country and rock’s most acclaimed songwriters and performers will come together on Florida’s gulf coast during the weekend of August 13 and 14 for the inaugural Sandestin Music Festival. Sponsored by BMI, TrustCore, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sunquest Cruises and Southwest Airlines, the festival is all about great music for a great cause. Donations collected will support the National Audubon Society and its efforts to help the birds and other wildlife affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Legendary guitarist and songwriter Steve Cropper, contemporary country hitmakers Jeffrey Steele, Danny Myrick, Marty Dodson and James Slater, acclaimed guitarist/singer/songwriter Lee Roy Parnell, Grammy-winning bluesman Delbert McClinton, powerhouse vocalist Lari White, and up-and-comer Kree Harrison will perform with the 2,400-acre Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort serving as the backdrop.
Entry to the Sandestin Music Festival is free for the public with a printed ticket via www.sandestinmusicfestival.com. While there is no charge for admittance, festival organizers are asking for donations to benefit the National Audubon Society’s Gulf Coast efforts. Donations may be made online at www.sandestinmusicfestival.com or through $10 text donations during the event.
VIP Packages are available to the first 150 overnight guests to book accommodations at Sandestin Florida Beach Resort via www.sandestin.com for the Sandestin Music Festival Weekend. The VIP Package includes priority seating and a meet-and-greet with all the performers on the Solaris, the area’s only dining and entertainment yacht, after the show on Saturday. VIP pass holders also will receive a bag filled with one-of-a-kind memorabilia, including autographed CDs from participating artists, an autographed Sandestin Music Festival program and a photo with their favorite artist.
“We invite everyone to gather their families and join us for a wonderful weekend of top-shelf entertainment,” says John Russell, Sandestin resort chief and president of Sandestin Investments LLC. “These talented artists represent the best in the industry. We are so fortunate to have such an incredible line up of award-winning performers. This is the perfect way for us to cap the summer season.”
“BMI constantly seeks out new ways for our songwriters to connect with new audiences, and the first annual Sandestin Music Festival is an ideal opportunity,” says Jody Williams, BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations. “Live music ensconced in the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s paradisiacal setting is a perfect way for fans to really get to know the masters behind the hits and to support worthwhile efforts on the Gulf Coast.”
Gwen Sebastian Hits the Road and the Charts
/by contributorRaised in rural Hebron, North Dakota, and now living in Nashville while maintaining a heavy touring schedule, Sebastian can completely relate to “V.I.P. (Barefoot Girl),” which she wrote with Dean Miller (Terri Clark’s “A Little Gasoline” and Trace Adkins‘ “I’m Gonna Love You Anyway”) and Brian Eckert. When she sings, “I’m a barefoot girl walking in a high heel world,” she means it.
Sebastian and her band have a full schedule of summer tour dates with more than 30 shows in July and August. She’s also taking time to visit country radio stations along the way. She calls performing in front of a crowd “my favorite thing to do. That’s my outlet.”
“I want to make sure that everybody that comes out to see me has an experience, that they’re forgetting about everyday life,” Sebastian says. “When people are paying money to come see you, you have to make sure they’re getting something special. So I want to make sure they are part of the show, that each and every person feels like they are on stage with me, and that every song means something.”
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
July 21 Washington County Fair, Washington, Iowa
July 22 WXFL Radio Concert (with Bo Bice), Muscle Shoals, Ala.
July 23 Fairibault County Fair, Blue Earth, Minn.
July 27 Stevens County Fair, Hugoton, Kan.
July 30 Rhythms Bar & Grill, Englewood, Colo.
Aug. 6 Sublette County Fair (with Luke Bryan), Big Piney, Wyo.
Aug. 7 Private party, Rock Springs, Wyo.
Aug. 13-21 Montana Fair, Billings, Mont.
Aug. 26-27 Minnesota State Fair, St. Paul, Minn.
Aug. 29 WOKO Country Club Music Festival, Essex Junction, Vt.
Gretchen Wilson Speaks Up For Education
/by contributorAccording to the US Census Bureau, more than 35.7 million adults ages 18-64 do not have a high school diploma. Data shows that students who drop out of high school tend to earn less, perform less well in society, and have a lower quality of life. Many of them must work multiple jobs just to support their family. Moreover, in 2005, 21% of families without a high school diploma were living below the poverty line, compared to 7.1% of those with high school diplomas.
“As a longtime supporter of literacy and education, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation strongly believes that furthering one’s education can improve lives for generations to come,” said Cal Turner, Chairman of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “The Foundation is enthusiastic about the potential impact of this campaign. Our goal is to inspire potential GED candidates and make it easy for people from all walks of life to access local resources that will help them begin their journey to a brighter future through a GED.”
Created pro bono by DDB Chicago, the campaign includes television, radio, print, outdoor and online ads available in English and Spanish. The PSAs aim to reach men and women in their mid to late 20’s who are high school dropouts. The ads illustrate to these young adults that achieving their GED Diploma gives them access to more possibilities in life — further education, better positions, and more confidence in themselves.
Campaign spokesperson Wilson dropped out of school after the eighth grade and received her GED nearly 20 years later at the age of 34. She has since become an advocate to help spotlight the funding needs of adult education programs and the adults on waiting lists hoping to further their education. She spoke to a Congressional subcommittee in the spring of 2009 about the need for continued funding. She was honored with a 2009 National Coalition for Literacy Leadership Award at a reception at the Library of Congress, which recognizes individuals and/or organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to improving literacy and raising awareness of adult literacy in the United States.
“People need the right tools to succeed, and, at the very minimum, a major tool on the road to success is a high school diploma or GED,” said Wilson. “This campaign will go a long way toward educating people on how to take that first step to make a difference in their lives and the lives of their families, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
“We are excited to partner with Gretchen Wilson and Dollar General Literacy Foundation on this engaging and important campaign,” said Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of The Advertising Council. “Research has shown that adults without a GED Diploma get the lowest paid and the least stable jobs. One of our missions is to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to achieve their full potential in life. I am confident these PSAs will give them the encouragement and resources to get them started on achieving their GED.”
The campaign directs viewers to a toll free number 877-38-YOURGED and a new website, www.yourged.org, available in English and Spanish. The site provides visitors with free referrals to local GED programs and information on the GED Diploma process. The campaign also has a mobile component. Young adults can text 69222 from their cell phones and receive messages about the three literacy centers closest to them.
“We’re excited about the work we created with the Ad Council and Dollar General Literacy Foundation,” said Rick Carpenter, President & CEO of DDB Chicago. “When you understand some of the reasons for dropping out of high school, it is truly rewarding to let people know they have a second chance and their life can be changed by earning a GED”
Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs will be distributed to media outlets nationwide this week and will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.
Rocket Club Completes Nashville Showcase Trifecta
/by contributorMinneapolis-based country act, Rocket Club, will conclude its three-night run of Nashville showcases tonight (7/21) with a 6:00 PM performance at 12th & Porter. The band’s current single, “One Thing Beautiful,” debuted at No. 59 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart last week and climbed to No. 57 this week without the support of record label promotion. Rocket Club played their first Nashville showcase Monday night at The Rutledge, followed by a Tuesday night acoustic performance at 3rd & Lindsley.
(l to r): Spielberg Consulting’s Neal Spielberg, CMT’s Jay Frank, Rocket Club members Brian Kroening, Chris Hawkey, Don Smithmier, CMT’s Stephen Linn, Rocket Club members Matt Kirkwold, Al Bergstrom and Rocket Club manager Chris Palmer after the band's Monday night showcase at The Rutledge.
BigChampagne Unveils “Ultimate Chart”
/by contributorThe news was broken yesterday (7/20) at the New Music Seminar, currently underway in New York, during the opening remarks conversation between NMS Founder Tom Silverman and BigChampagne CEO Eric Garland. BigChampagne’s partners and sources for the Ultimate Chart include retailers, online and traditional broadcasters (radio and television), major content companies, subscription services, social networks and other venues where fans demonstrate their passion for music: Yahoo!Music, Amazon, iTunes, YouTube, VEVO, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, MTV, Clear Channel, MediaBase, AOL, Napster, Microsoft Zune, We Are Hunted, LastFM and many more.
“The explosive popularity of music in the digital age has given us access to a quality of information about the connection between artists and fans previously unimagined,” said Garland. “The internet launched a thousand charts. But the marketplace is asking, ultimately, what does it all mean? There has been no satisfying answer, until now. The Ultimate Chart examines music sales and radio airplay and the access to music, and socializing around music, that are growing much faster. We’re rewriting the top of the charts for the new music business and enlisting the help of its chief architects to surface the most popular music that the charts have overlooked.”
“The evolution of the Ultimate Chart will revolutionize the way artists and labels measure the fan/artist relationship,” Silverman said. “This information will eventually allow artist and their representatives to maximize the monetization of that relationship.”
“This chart is long overdue and represents for the first time an accurate view of where popular music is today,” said Tamara Conniff, Founder/Editor of The Comet and former Billboard Editor-in-Chief and Associate Publisher. “Music is not just about sales, it’s about interaction—listening, watching, playlisting, evangelizing and socializing. The Comet (TheComet.com) will be publishing the Ultimate Chart and using BigChampagne’s data for analysis, prediction, and consumer trends.”
BigChampagne will also develop the Ultimate Chart for independent and DIY artists and has partnered with a who’s-who of top marketing and distribution partners, including Tunecore, CDBaby, Disc Makers, MySpace Music, Reverb Nation, Topspin, Nimbit and many more to ensure eligibility for all artists and to produce unprecedented insight into the independent music world.
“We’re examining the fastest-growing aspect of the music business for which there has not been a standard measure, by the numbers,” Garland said. “Every artist can be counted, and every artist will be counted.”
The Ultimate Chart is one of the new features of BigChampagne’s ground-breaking business intelligence dashboard, BC Dash Ultimate, and will be widely syndicated across BigChampagne’s media and press partners. The Ultimate Chart is a ranked list of the week’s most popular artists and songs.
DISClaimer Single Reviews (7/21/10)
/by Robert K OermannWith temperatures on Music Row soaring into the upper 90s this week, I’m taking every opportunity to stay here at my desk. Including penning today’s roundup of new country sounds.
Luke Bryan is always eager to please. And he certainly does that this week with his irresistible “Someone Else Calling You Baby.” It earns him our Disc of the Day award.
With “Georgia Clay,” Josh Kelley coasts to an easy win as the DisCovery Award winner. I can’t wait to hear the rest of his project. If you didn’t get the chance to see him, as well as Randy Montana, opening shows on the last Lady Antebellum tour, seek both of them out in other settings as soon as you can. You won’t be disappointed.
JASON STURGEON/Simple Life
Writer: Jason Sturgeon/Dane Clark; Producer: Dane Clark & Jason Sturgeon; Publisher: none listed; Toolpusher (track)
—His vocal is super expressive—I really like the resonance and individuality in his phrasing. The song could have easily fallen into a ditch of cliches, given its small-town theme we have heard so often before. But he treats the topic with imagination, and the weaving melody and clear production values are added pluses.
CLAY WALKER/Where Do I Go From You
Writer: Don Cook/Clint Daniels/Ryan Tyndell; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Katy’s Own/Sony-ATV Acuff-Rose, BMI; Curb (track)
—The follow-up to “She Won’t Be Lonely Long” has a rocking, swampy groove. He handles the lickety-split verbal pace with aplomb, even managing to sneak in the occasional improvised melodic lick. And although it is sung in his highest register, it never sounds forced. A winner.
JONALEE WHITE/Naked As Fools
Writer: Kay Harris/Molly Pauken/Jonalee White; Producer: James “Bubba” Hudson; Publisher: Harken/Smile Pretty, BMI/SESAC; Lick (track) (www.jonaleewhite.com)
—Softly jaunty. Pleasantly easy-going. Gently listenable.
LUKE BRYAN/Someone Else Calling You Baby
Writer: Luke Bryan/Jeff Stevens; Producer: Jeff Stevens; Publisher: Murrah/Bug/Katy Lou/Big Loud Bucks, BMI; Capitol Nashville (track)
—This one got my heart pumping before he ever uttered a note. The driving percussion and insistent guitar riff grabbed my ears at once. By the time he got to the hooks-a-plenty first chorus, I was bobbing my head and totally lost in this. The lyric might be a pang of heartbreak, but the record is a groovathon.
ROB BAIRD/Could Have Been My Baby
Writer: Rob Baird; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Tiltawhirl/Carnival, BMI; Carnival (track) (www.robbairdmusic.com)
—Squalling out on the open prairie. His strangled, semi-soulful vocal is buried too deep in the mix, and it takes forever to get to the chorus hook.
RANDY MONTANA/Tuesday’s Gone
Writer: Ronnie Van Zant/Allen Collins; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: none listed; Hip-O/UMG (track)
—This is doubtless an emotional month for Randy Montana. On July 1, Joshua Ragsdale—his cowriter on his single “Ain’t Much Left of Loving You”—died following a protracted illness. On Friday, Randy stages his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Yesterday, his standout track was part of the release of Sweet Home Alabama: The Country Music Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd. This Wal-Mart exclusive also features fellow Young Turks such as Randy Houser ( “Simple Man”), Shooter Jennings ( “Call Me the Breeze”), the Eli Young Band ( “Gimme Three Steps”), Eric Church, Uncle Kracker and Jamey Johnson. But Mr. Montana’s treatment of this oft-overlooked ballad is one of the set’s most majestic tracks.
DAN SHAFER/False Love
Writer: James L. Herman/Jerry Vandiver/George McClure; Producer: George McClure; Publisher: Trowbridge/North Fork, BMI/ASCAP; JIP (www.jiprecords.com)
—The track rolls right along, and the song is sturdy. But his pop-sounding vocal lacks country grit and believability.
JOSH KELLEY/Georgia Clay
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; MCA Nashville
—Josh is the brother of Lady A’s Charles Kelley. He formerly recorded in a pop/rock vein. But this soaring-yet-earthy, summer-romance tune places him squarely in the country mainstream. He held me on every word, and the dynamics in the production tickled my ears from start to finale. Play it again.
ANDY VELO/Hank it Up
Writer: Charlie Monk/Rick Huckaby; Producer: Ted Hewitt; Publisher: Carlie Monk/13th Avenue/Head Coach, BMI; LoozLip (CDX) (678-997-5692)
—“Hank,” in this case, refers more to Bocephus than to his honky-tonking daddy. Mr. Velo bellows this as a thumping rocker, not as the lovesick blues. Muscular, sweaty and assertive, to say the least.
THE BELLAMY BROTHERS/Jalapenos
Writer: David Bellamy; Producer: David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy & Randy Hebert; Publisher: Bellamy Brothers Music, ASCAP; Bellamy Bros. (CDX) (www.bellamybrothers.com)
—It says here that this is “banned by radio.” Gee could it be that, “burn your ass tomorrow” line? Or the one about the little blue pill making you “too erect” perhaps? Actually, this is a boatload of fun. And, as usual, soaked in hypnotic Bellamy rhythm.
End In Sight For Wayne’s 1700 Mile Walk
/by adminWayne’s Meet Me Halfway campaign is designed to raise awareness of children who age out of the foster care system, and without any sort of support, can end up homeless. All along his 1700 mile path, Wayne has talked to individuals, media, and politicians to make them aware of this situation and discuss possible solutions. In May he was named National Celebrity Spokesperson of FosterClub of America, the only organization representing youth in foster care.
Wayne is now expected to reach finish his trek at month’s end. Plans are now being set for Wayne and his band to perform a July 31 free evening concert at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill. The next morning, Aug. 1, the artist will invite supporters to join him in walking the last mile of MMH to Homebase Youth Services, his final destination.