Lyric Street Records has signed Texas Music stalwart Kevin Fowler to its artist roster. The label, along with Fowler’s management company, Triple 8 Management, celebrated the signing this past weekend in Waco, Texas prior to Fowler’s performance at The Heart of Texas Complex. A native of Amarillo, Texas, Fowler is already well known in his home territory for such songs as “Beer Season” and “Best Mistake I Ever Made.” His songwriting credits include Montgomery Gentry’s “Long Line Of Losers” and George Jones’ “Beer, Bait And Ammo.” With a well-established fanbase in the Southwest, Fowler has sold more than 325,000 albums, and, in 2009 alone, over 180,000 hard tickets as a headlining act. Fowler’s first music on Lyric Street Records is expected this Spring.
Front row: Brian Hill (Paradigm Agency), Kelly Vermillion (Tripe 8 Management), Jenn Adams (Tripe 8 Management), Haley Elander (Tripe 8 Management), Larry Murray (Tripe 8 Management),
Middle row: Ashley Heron (Lyric Street Records), Sarah Blincoe (Tripe 8 Management), George Couri (Tripe 8 Management)
Back row: Kevin Herring (Lyric Street Records), Karen McGuire (Tripe 8 Management), John Ettinger (Lyric Street Records), Kevin Fowler, Doug Howard (Lyric Street Records), Dale Turner (Lyric Street Records), Chris Palmer (Lyric Street Records), Neda Tobin (Lyric Street Records), Cindy Heath (Lyric Street Records)
Apple Unveils iPad
/by FreemanThe base-level wi-fi only models will be available in approximately two months and be available at the following price points: $499 (16GB), $599 (32GB) and $699 ($699). A 3G-enabled version of the iPad will be available a month later and for $130 more. 3G data plan rates will be $14.99/month for 250MB or $29.99/month for unlimited.
The iPad will be able to run many of the existing apps compatible with the iPhone, but will also feature device-specific applications such as a version of Apple Productivity suite iWork. Additionally, Apple’s announced the launch of iBooks, an electronic reading application and store that aims to compete with Amazon’s Kindle reader.
Lyric Street Signs Kevin Fowler
/by contributorDan Harr Benefit Set For February 2
/by contributorHarr, a tireless supporter of the Nashville music community, was diagnosed with rectal cancer in May, 2009. From June through August, he underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and had his first surgery in October. He has just began his second round of chemotherapy which will continue for the next 16 weeks. For more information contact Clif Doyal at CDAnashville@aol.com.
Taylor Swift Shatters Female Download Record
/by contributor“Fairytale,” from the upcoming film Valentine’s Day, in which Swift co-stars, gives her the best Hot 100 start of her career and equals her highest peak, established with “You Belong with Me” this past August. Unlike “Fairytale’s” quick ascent, “Belong” took 16 weeks to reach the runner-up position.
Swift claims her first No. 1 on Digital Songs, having previously peaked at No. 2 with a pair of tracks; “You’re Not Sorry” (November, 2008) and “Jump Then Fall” (November, 2009). The only higher sales frame posted by one of her titles occurred during Christmas week 2008 when “Love Story” moved 360,000 downloads.
Country Music Hall Of Fame For Free
/by contributorJim Graham, manager Ford Fund, stated, “Ford Motor Company and the Nashville Area Ford Dealers are pleased to again offer the opportunity to enjoy the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s premier educational experiences. This day is part of a long standing commitment to preserving and enhancing Nashville’s important contribution to American history.”
Turnpike Staff Revealed; Republic Nashville Adds Blythe
/by Freeman“Establishing Turnpike will allow an entirely new level of highly targeted service to both new and existing clients moving forward,” says Pareigis. “This will fit hand-in-glove with what we’re already doing with mainstream Country radio at Nine North.”
Nine North staffers Greg Stevens (greg@turnpikemusic.com) and Ryan Barnstead (ryan@turnpikemusic.com) will transition to National Director roles for Turnpike. Stevens will handle the West region and Barnstead has been stations in the East region. Both have been on staff with Nine North since its opening in 2007. “I’m excited about what the future will bring with Ryan and Greg superserving currently underserved indicator, activator and secondary stations with Turnpike,” Pareigis says.
Turnpike opens for business Monday, February 1. Announcements about the roster are forthcoming.
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Stacy Blythe
Republic Nashville has hired Stacy Blythe for the newly-created position of Southeast Promotion rep. She will be based in Nashville and report to Republic National Promo Dir. Bobby Young.
“Stacy’s passion, creativity and professionalism makes her the perfect addition to our amazing promotion staff,” says Young. “Hiring her is another great catch for Republic Nashville, and I’m confident it won’t take long for her to get up and running in the Southeast, becoming another key component of our organization!”
Blythe’s resume includes stops at 1720, Category 5, and most recently, Stoney Creek Records. She is a graduate of MTSU’s Recording Management program. Reach her at 615-887-9860 or stacy.blythe@republicnashville.com.
Burns & Poe
/by ProgrammerPlaylistBlue Steel Records
“Big Blue Steel thank yous to the MusicRow Panel. 71 stations strong and growing every day. Top 20 looking good – Don’t Get No Better Than That!”
Blue Steel Records duo Burns & Poe have a new single, “Don’t Get No Better Than That” and it has already climbed to No. 28 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart.
Keith Burns and Michelle Poe individually are no strangers to country music fans. He was a founder and vocal mainstay of the group Trick Pony, and she has been the accomplished bass player and harmony singer for the likes of Dierks Bentley and Hank Williams Jr. Producer James Stroud brought the two together, and there was an instant connection.
“She’s got these real silky vocals—real smooth and sexy,” Burns observes, “and mine are real raspy and edgy. Together, it just works.” “We realized from the beginning that we had something special to offer,” Poe adds. “We clicked in every way.” Not only did the two singers blend together musically, they also discovered a profound songwriting chemistry. Almost all the songs on their new CD, which is due out in May, were penned together.
As a songwriter Burns has had his work recorded by Joe Diffie, Hootie & The Blowfish, Sammy Kershaw, Anita Cochran and, of course, Trick Pony. Like Burns, Poe has a keen sensibility on what great country music entails. “It’s about real life,” she told one interviewer, “about honest, straight-from-the-heart emotions.”
http://www.myspace.com/burnsandpoe
Nashville Rocks: Kesha; Road To Bonnaroo
/by Sarah Skates—————————————
The Road to Bonnaroo contest is helping local rock acts vie for a coveted performance spot at Bonnaroo. Thirty-two bands—eight each night—will compete during four nights of BMI’s free 8 off 8th showcase series at Mercy Lounge. Shows are set for February 22, March 22, April 19 and May 17.
A panel of industry judges will vote for 50% of the total score, and onsite fan votes will make up the other 50%. Among the many finalists are AutoVaughn, Caitlin Rose, Cassino, Cortney Tidwell, Glossary, How I Became the Bomb, Kyle Andrews, Nobility, Space Capone and The Silver Seas.
The contest, sponsored by BMI, Mercy Lounge, Yuengling, Camping World, and the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, offers four slots at Bonnaroo 2010, slated for June 10-13, in Manchester, Tennessee.
Gibson Luthier Hutchins Passes
/by Sarah SkatesHutch’s career with the company spanned 45 years, two states, three changes of ownership, and thousands of guitars. He joined Gibson on March 25, 1963 in the original Kalamazoo, Michigan plant, making a name for himself there before transferring to Nashville in 1983.
The company says he worked every job from maintenance to pattern making with an unflinching attention to detail and an abiding pride in the Gibson name. Gibson says he helped define its legacy, heritage and tradition through the many guitars and people he worked with.
“Hutch was a remarkable man, with a talent all his own,” said Henry Juszkiewicz, CEO and Chairman of Gibson Guitar. “His light will shine forever through every corner, every hall and with every team member of the company. His legacy will live on.”
Hutch loved to hunt and fish and spend time with his three grown sons, all of whom live in the Nashville area. He is survived by his wife his sons and wife Gail.
Gill’s “Love Songs,” Urban/Mayer “Crossroads,” More
/by Sarah Skates———————-
Keith Urban will pair with hit rocker John Mayer for tonight’s taping of CMT Crossroads. The show is set to air at a later date. Mayer was on a previous episode with Brad Paisley, and Urban has joined John Fogerty for an installment.
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The star packed line-up for this year’s Gift of Music concert benefiting W.O. Smith Music School caused tickets to sell out in about 20 minutes. Rascal Flatts, Kellie Pickler, Jason Michael Carroll, Keith Anderson, Little Big Town and surprise guests are set for the concert on Feb. 22 at the Wildhorse Saloon. VIP packages are still available for $500 by calling 615–371-8878.