CMA’s reigning “New Artist of the Year” Lady Antebellum just debuted the lead single from its forthcoming Capitol Nashville sophomore album. “Need You Now” goes for radio adds on Aug. 24 and was written by group members Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott, along with co-writer Josh Kear. Haywood says this of the new project, “The songs are more personal, the production is bigger, and I think we are in a stronger place vocally than we’ve ever been…just from all the touring we’ve done this year. We’re really anxious to get home and get it finished.” In the meantime, Lady Antebellum has returned to the recording studio to put the finishing touches on the yet-to-be-titled album. For a sneak peak of “Need You Now,” click here.
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“Why Don’t We Just Dance” is the debut single from Josh Turner’s forthcoming album entitled Haywire, to be released on Nov. 10. The song, written by Jim Beavers, Jonathan Singleton and Darrell Brown, will be sent to radio stations across the country tomorrow (8/12) at Noon CT via Play MPE. On Aug. 19, “Why Don’t We Just Dance” will be available for streaming at www.joshturner.com and it will be for sale Aug. 25 at iTunes and all other digital partners.
The UMG Nashville artist also recently awarded his first namesake scholarship to a 2009 graduate of his alma mater high school in Hannah, SC. The scholarship is for students who want to pursue an education within music or the arts.
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Stroudavarious Records has released Anthony Smith’s “Bringin’ Back The Sunshine,” his debut single for the label. This country rocker is taken from Smith’s Sunshine album (coming this winter) and was written by Smith and Jess Leary. Production duties were handled by Smith and acclaimed producer and Stroudavarious CEO James Stroud. “Bringin’ Back The Sunshine” will be available for download via digital music retailers in early September as part of the specially-priced Sunshine EP.
A video for the track directed by Taillight TV’s Traci Goudie is nearing completion. The video stars Derek Phillips (of NBC’s Friday Night Lights) and Danielle Rene, who is set to appear in the upcoming film, Tree Of Life, with Sean Penn and Brad Pitt.
As a songwriter, Smith has contributed hits to projects by George Strait, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry and countless others.
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Cupit Records’ Ben Gregg is set to release his debut single, “Radio Waves,” on Aug. 17 via Play MPE and CDX. It is from his forthcoming self-titled CD slated for an early 2010 release. “Radio Waves” was written by Jerry Cupit. Gregg can also be seen on an upcoming episode of RFD-TV’s Music & Motors television series, performing, participating in a NASCAR pit crew challenge, and in interview segments.
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Travis Rush is letting fans pick his new single from ten tunes posted at www.TravisRush.com/NewMusic. The single will be announced Oct. 27 and will be released to radio in early 2010 with GrassRoots Promotion’s Nancy Tunick leading the charge. In conjunction with the single release date, Rush has moved back his debut album release to March 16, 2010. The project is on Mason Records and will be distributed digitally by IODA and in retail stores by Burnside Distribution.
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The New Relics will release their debut single “Beautiful” to country radio on Sept. 7. Based out of Morgantown, WV, their new CD is named Monongalia and the single is being worked by Debbie Gibson
Palmer of Spinville Records. The New Relics have spent the last few years touring mostly the east coast and building a solid fan base.
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A new album by Montana native Ben Bullington features Rodney Crowell on guitar and vocals on the song “Toe The Line.” The CD, White Sulphur Springs, is out via King Easy Records, home to Darrell Scott, Jon Pousette-Dart and more.
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The Civil Wars, a duo comprised of local songwriters Joy Williams and John Paul White, have released a 10-song live digital album.
Brad Allen’s Upstart Working With Buddy Jewell, New Revolution
/by Sarah SkatesBrad Allen
Brad Allen has launched ALL Entertainment and signed Buddy Jewell as the first artist. After 20 years in the music business, Allen is weaving his record label management, production, and publishing experience into a full-service entertainment company. The multi-genre, multi-format operation will also handle CCM artists as well as house a movie/DVD division. Allen most recently co-headed A&R at Midas Records and co-produced Adam Gregory’s single “Crazy Days.”
ALL Entertainment has partnered with New Revolution Entertainment to handle radio promotion of Jewell’s first single, due mid-September. This agreement re-aligns Allen with promotion vets Rob Dalton and Jeff Solima, who together reached the top of the Country Music charts with Emerson Drive’s No. 1 single for Midas, “Moments.” New Revolution is also working with new group Gloriana, helping drive its debut single into the Top 15 of the national country charts.
Buddy Jewell
Stay tuned—Allen hints at a number of other announcements on the horizon.
Jewell’s self-titled debut album on Columbia Records was certified Gold, and garnered two back-to-back top five hits with “Sweet Southern Comfort” and “Help Pour Out the Rain (Lacey’s Song).”
New Music Now: Lady A, Josh Turner, More
/by Sarah Skates————————————-
The UMG Nashville artist also recently awarded his first namesake scholarship to a 2009 graduate of his alma mater high school in Hannah, SC. The scholarship is for students who want to pursue an education within music or the arts.
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Stroudavarious Records has released Anthony Smith’s “Bringin’ Back The Sunshine,” his debut single for the label. This country rocker is taken from Smith’s Sunshine album (coming this winter) and was written by Smith and Jess Leary. Production duties were handled by Smith and acclaimed producer and Stroudavarious CEO James Stroud. “Bringin’ Back The Sunshine” will be available for download via digital music retailers in early September as part of the specially-priced Sunshine EP.
A video for the track directed by Taillight TV’s Traci Goudie is nearing completion. The video stars Derek Phillips (of NBC’s Friday Night Lights) and Danielle Rene, who is set to appear in the upcoming film, Tree Of Life, with Sean Penn and Brad Pitt.
As a songwriter, Smith has contributed hits to projects by George Strait, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry and countless others.
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Cupit Records’ Ben Gregg is set to release his debut single, “Radio Waves,” on Aug. 17 via Play MPE and CDX. It is from his forthcoming self-titled CD slated for an early 2010 release. “Radio Waves” was written by Jerry Cupit. Gregg can also be seen on an upcoming episode of RFD-TV’s Music & Motors television series, performing, participating in a NASCAR pit crew challenge, and in interview segments.
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Travis Rush is letting fans pick his new single from ten tunes posted at www.TravisRush.com/NewMusic. The single will be announced Oct. 27 and will be released to radio in early 2010 with GrassRoots Promotion’s Nancy Tunick leading the charge. In conjunction with the single release date, Rush has moved back his debut album release to March 16, 2010. The project is on Mason Records and will be distributed digitally by IODA and in retail stores by Burnside Distribution.
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The New Relics will release their debut single “Beautiful” to country radio on Sept. 7. Based out of Morgantown, WV, their new CD is named Monongalia and the single is being worked by Debbie Gibson
Palmer of Spinville Records. The New Relics have spent the last few years touring mostly the east coast and building a solid fan base.
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A new album by Montana native Ben Bullington features Rodney Crowell on guitar and vocals on the song “Toe The Line.” The CD, White Sulphur Springs, is out via King Easy Records, home to Darrell Scott, Jon Pousette-Dart and more.
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The Civil Wars, a duo comprised of local songwriters Joy Williams and John Paul White, have released a 10-song live digital album.
Brooks & Dunn Prepare Last Rodeo Tour
/by Sarah SkatesAlmost twenty years ago, then Arista Records head Tim Dubois introduced a Texan with a classic country voice, Ronnie Dunn, to a rockin’ Louisiana musician, Kix Brooks. It was the beginning of the biggest duo in modern country music. Now the pair has announced it will go out on top, with a greatest hits album called #1s…and then some coming Sept. 8, and a farewell tour to follow.
Brooks & Dunn have 19 CMA Awards and are the most awarded duo in the organization’s history. Only George Strait holds more CMAs, with 22 of the coveted trophies lining his shelves. The duo has received over 80 different kinds of awards, including 26 ACMs, and have been named Entertainer of the Year four times (3 ACM, 1 CMA).
Twenty-three No. 1 hits such as “Brand New Man,” “Boot Scootin Boogie,” “My Maria,” “Red Dirt Road,” and “Play Something Country” have spawned album sales upwards of 30 million. Many of these charttoppers will be on #1s … and then some. True to its title, the 30-song, double-disc collection will feature classics (“Neon Moon,” “That Ain’t No Way to Go,” “Only in America” and ACM and CMA Song of the Year “Believe”) as well as two new tracks, including the current hit, “Indian Summer.”
Brooks & Dunn also stay busy outside of the duo. Dunn has twice been named the BMI Country Songwriter of the year and has received 23 BMI Million Airplay Awards for songs he wrote or co-wrote that have attained one million radio spins.
Brooks is host of internationally syndicated radio program, “American Country Countdown.” He is also active in the industry and the community, serving on the CMA Board, and as CMA President in 2004, and Chairman in 2005. He also sits on the boards of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Females Up Front
/by Sarah Skates————————
Taylor Swift appears in the new video game Band Hero, from the makers of Guitar Hero. Players can act as Swift or alongside her as band members, while performing her hits “Love Story,” “You Belong With Me,” and “Picture to Burn” as part of the game. Band Hero allows fans to create a band using any combination of guitar or drum controllers and vocals. It is due out in November for most gaming systems, and will also feature other musical acts such as the Jackson 5, No Doubt, Lily Allen and The All-American Rejects.
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Terri Clark is planning a tour, album and was recently nominated for the Canadian Country Music Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year. As Clark readies The Long Way Home, her first studio project since her mother fell ill with cancer over 3 years ago, she is selling her live album, Road Rage, via her website and at shows. Meanwhile, the studio album’s lead single, “Gypsy Boots,” is the fastest moving of her career in her homeland Canada.
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rista Nashville’s vibrant sibling group Jypsi will be in New York for 10 days this month, playing a string of shows including a free 7-night stand starting Aug. 17 at the Living Room in Manhattan. In addition, Jypsi is slated to perform at the new Southwest Porch at Bryant Park on Aug. 20. Jypsi is made up of siblings, ages 18-28, who grew up on the road singing, playing, and writing since youngest, Lillie Mae (lead vocals / fiddle) was just three years old. The now-seasoned performers include older siblings Amber-Dawn (vocals / fiddle), Scarlett (mandolin) and Frank (vocals / guitar). Their current single is “Mister Officer.”
St. Jude Street Party, Stars For Second Harvest, Blood Drive
/by Sarah SkatesThe party will be 5-8 PM at Roy Acuff Place, between 17th and 18th Aves. S. It is open to the music industry and will be hosted by the St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Board and Country Cares program founder Randy Owen and ALSAC/St. Jude COO Dave McKee.
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Year after year acclaimed songwriter Craig Wiseman puts together a stellar lineup of musicians for the Stars for Second Harvest concert benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank. The 5th Annual Stars for Second Harvest will be held at the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 29 at 7:30 PM, featuring Phil Vassar, Heidi Newfield, Rodney Atkins and many more. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
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MusiCares and the American Red Cross are partnering together to host a blood drive scheduled for Thurs. Aug. 20, 12– 4 PM at the MusiCares office, 1904 Wedgewood Avenue. To respect the donors’ time, appointments are being scheduled. Please call MusiCares at 615-327-0050 or email cortney.bailey@grammy.com to sign up. Due to parking limitations, valet parking will be available.
Pickler On Tour, Swift Twitters About Awards, More
/by Sarah Skates————————–
The Teen Choice Awards 2009 don’t air until 7 PM/CT tonight (8/10) on Fox, but Taylor Swift’s Twitter feed has been giving away some of the surprises. She posted, “Two of my best friends @therealpickler and Abigail came out and surprised me onstage tonight in Omaha. I won 2 Teen Choice Awards!! AHHH!!” and “Choice female artist and choice female album! YESSSSS!!!”
Swift, Carrie Underwood and Miley Cyrus are among the nominees for the popular show, honoring everything from music, TV, and film, to favorite athletes, celebrity babies and celeb pets.
There isn’t a Country category, so the music nominations listed here are all-genre. Swift received four nods, including favorite Female Artist, Love Song, Tour and Female Album. Underwood’s Carnival Ride is also competing for Female Album. Cyrus is one of the leading nominees, with the chance to take home 10 surfboard trophies, including one for her Country/Pop crossover single “The Climb,” which was written by Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe.
The most nominations, 12, went to vampire teen flick Twilight and its cast. Also up for 10 awards are High School Musical 3: Senior Year and its cast, and TV’s Gossip Girl.
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Donovan is set to be named a BMI Icon at the performing rights organization’s annual Oct. 6 London Awards. The gala celebration honors UK/European songwriters and publishers of the year’s most played BMI songs on American radio and TV. The Icon award indicates, “a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Other winners have included Bryan Ferry, Ray Davies, Van Morrison, the Bee Gees, Paul Simon and many more. Donovan’s hits include “Sunshine Superman,” which has earned over 3 million performances and “Mellow Yellow” which has tallied over 2 million. Other hits include “Wear Your Love Like Heaven,” “Jennifer Juniper,” and “Lalena.” BMI collects royalties for Donovan in the U.S. and he is a member of British Performing Rights Organization PRS.
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Christian rockers MercyMe (Provident-Integrity) were in an accident over the weekend in northeastern Indiana, when their tour bus hit a car which turned into its path unexpectedly. Witnesses told police the bus was going through a green light about 1:15 a.m. Saturday when the car made a left turn in front of it. Two passengers in the car were killed, as well as the pregnant driver’s unborn child. The driver remains in critical condition. There were no injuries reported on the bus. The band canceled its Saturday show in St. Louis.
“People Country Special” On Newsstands And TV
/by Sarah SkatesClick to read
People Country magazine debuts on newsstands today (8/7), with an accompanying TV special set to premiere on CMT.
Dedicated entirely to the Country music scene and lifestyle, this edition, the third of five special Country issues to be published by People in 2009, takes readers inside the homes of Country’s biggest stars.
In the cover story, Reba McEntire opens the doors to the Tennessee home she shares with her manager and husband of 20 years, Narvel Blackstock. The 54-year-old singer also talks about the upcoming release of her 33rd album, Keep on Loving You, her first solo studio album since the new generation of females took over the charts. “Competition fuels me,” McEntire tells People Country. “I look at the charts, and I want to know where I am and whom I have to beat out. It’s more fun that way.”
Also inside: Miranda Lambert dishes on her favorite things, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill talk about their new fragrances, Jennifer Nettles counts her blessings, and Brad Paisley reveals the inspiration behind his newest single and reminisces about the first time he laid his eyes on his wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, when he went to see 1991’s Father of the Bride with his then-girlfriend.
Also included:
Exclusive pics of Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley’s wedding to Cassie McConnell in the Bahamas, attended by brother Josh Kelley and wife Katherine Heigl.
The homes of Darius Rucker, Gretchen Wilson, Holly Williams, Kenny Rogers and Jimmy Wayne.
Yearbook photos of Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Lee Ann Womack and others.
Another bonus: free iTunes downloads from Jack Ingram, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and others. Go to www.people.com/free to get the promo code to download the free People Country playlist.
People Country on CMT is a 30-minute special with exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage of photo shoots and interviews (Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Gretchen Wilson and Darius Rucker). The special premiered today (8/7) at 1:30 p.m. ET/PT, and will encore on Sat., Aug. 8 at 1:30 p.m. ET/PT and Sun., Aug. 9 at 11:00 a.m. ET/PT.
Chris Young, Shawna Russell At CRB Meeting
/by Sarah SkatesRCA Nashville hitmaker Chris Young delivered a lunchtime performance for members of the Country Radio Broadcasters’ Board of Directors and CRS 41 Agenda Committee amid meetings recently in Nashville. Chris is currently all over the country airwaves with “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song),” from his upcoming sophomore album, The Man I Want to Be, in stores September 1.
Pictured (l-r): RCA Nashville Promo VP Keith Gale; CRB Board President and KMPS Seattle PD Becky Brenner; Young; CRB Executive Director Ed Salamon; and Sony Music Nashville Executive VP Butch Waugh. Photo credit: Kristen England Photography
Shawna Russell played the Country Radio Broadcasters Board Meeting Breakfast in Nashville. She and her band delivered a 6-song set to the radio and music industry luminaries. Russell’s label, Way Out West Records, of which she is a co-owner, sponsored the event, which was emceed by the label’s radio consultant, Mike Borchetta.
(l-r): Ed Salamon- CRB Executive Dir.; Michael Osterhout-MCC Radio; Shawna Russell; Carole Bowen-WKIS Radio; Mike Borchetta Photo credits: Kristen England Photography