Australia's 2009 Telstra Road to Tamworth winner, Peter McWhirter, has finished recording his debut album in Nashville with veteran producer and fellow Aussie Mark Moffatt. The first single is slated for release in Australia in August. Pictured: Moffat (L) with McWhirter (R) Photo: Kenny Mims
Larry Gatlin—the man Johnny Cash called “Pilgrim”—and the Gatlin Brothers are working on the upcoming release of The Pilgrimage, their new album on Curb Records. On it the Gatlins celebrate their love and respect for Mr. Cash and collaborate with his son John Carter Cash as producer. The lead single “Johnny Cash is Dead and His House Burned Down” is garnering attention, and the group performed it live on FOX TV’s Huckabee show this past weekend.
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This past weekend, Texas’ own Aaron Watson recorded "Deep In The Heart Of Texas: Aaron Watson LIVE" at the Hog Creek Icehouse’s backyard amphitheater in Waco. It will be released as a combo CD/DVD package on Sept. 15. With the help of a few thousand fans, he kicked off the two-hour show with his first nationwide single “Love Makin’ Song” from his most recent album Angels and Outlaws.
Big Kenny’s solo single “Long After I’m Gone” is at radio now, and a music video has also been released. The song is being promoted by Bigger Picture Entertainment/Love Everybody. It was written by Big Kenny, Marc Beeson, and Richie Supa.
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Well-known songwriter Vince Melamed (“Walkaway Joe,” “What Mattered Most,” “I’ll Take That As a Yes,” “She’d Give Anything”) is releasing a solo album on Adroit Records. It includes the aforementioned hits as well as six other songs. Jim Tract, president of Adroit records, produced the new album, What Matters Most. In his illustrious career, Melamed has toured or recorded with Bob Dylan, The Eagles, Dan Fogelberg, Glen Frey, J.D. Souther, Rodney Crowell, and Jimmy Buffett. He has written songs for Tina Turner, Trisha Yearwood, John Anderson, and most recently Phil Vasser.
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Emerging country artist Brittini Black (Slugfest Records / Star Tour Records, Nashville) has released “America,” written by Dustin James, to country radio as her newest single. A video will follow soon on GAC and CMT and is available now at www.brittiniblack.com.
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Rising country crooner Cooper Boone proves his cooking prowess on his weekly online cooking show “Cowboy Kitchen.” The multi-talented Boone is also a farmer, store owner, doctor of psychology and all-around entrepreneur. On “Cowboy Kitchen,” he treats viewers to a song while waiting for the pots to simmer. Boone’s self-titled debut album comes out August 4 on Green Rooster Records. See what “Coop’s Cookin'” here.
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George King, President of Size 10 Records in Nashville, has formed a cross-promotional partnership with Mansion Entertainment to launch the sophomore single from its flagship artist Dennis Wilson. Wilson is set to introduce his second single, “Gotta Get Away,” from his debut CD, Castles In The Sand, in early July. More than 100 radio stations are anticipated to participate in the “Gotta Get Away” radio promotion headed up by veteran radio-man Jerry Duncan of Jerry Duncan Promotions. Headed by founding President Gene Bicknell, The Mansion Entertainment and Media Center is the umbrella company of various entertainment venues and productions in Branson.
R.J. Curtis Is Arista’s New Reg. Promo. Mngr.
/by Sarah SkatesR.J. Curtis will be Arista Nashville’s new Regional Promotion Manager, Midwest beginning July 20. He will relocate to Music City to serve the region previously helmed by Tyler Waugh, who segues to the Southeast territory.
Skip Bishop, Vice President, National Promotion for Arista Nashville stated, “Bringing R.J. into the Arista family just felt like a natural fit. His plethora of talents and rigid high standards will be a tremendous contribution to our team. R.J.’s unshakable passion for music and remarkable knowledge of radio’s inner workings are a perfect match for our DNA.”
Curtis is well known throughout the industry, most recently as Country Editor for Radio & Records, and for his more than 25 years of experience in radio, including 16 years at KZLA Los Angeles. He is a past member of the CMA and ACM Board of Directors and current CRB Board of Directors Vice President.
Glamorous Tidbits
/by Sarah SkatesToby Keith recorded his new single “American Ride” last week and following extreme demand, rushed it to radio in time for the Independence Day weekend.
Blake Shelton will be on Good Morning America on ABC on Mon. July 6.
Check out the music/film industry gossip site of Nikki Finke at www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com.
Nashville pop/folk songstress Madi Diaz, signed to Cherry Lane Publishing, recently received the Songwriters Hall of Fame Abe Olman Scholarship for Excellence in Songwriting.
Comedian Rodney Carrington’s new all-music album, El Niño Loco, debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Comedy chart last week, as well as at No. 19 on the Country chart.
Rascal Flatts is the first country act set to participate in the iTunes Pass program which allows fans access to exclusive content like live recordings, demos, and more. After the program launches on July 21, new audio will be released each week for the remainder of the summer.
Emerging singer Shawn Mayer is gearing up for her summer tour kicking off in Nashville at Cadillac Ranch on July 7. Show starts at 6:00PM and is a benefit concert for Spinal Muscular Atrophy presented by singer/songwriter Warren Silvers. From there, Shawn will travel to the Midwest for upcoming dates in Iowa and the surrounding areas opening for Josh Gracin, Jamie O’Neal, John Michael Montgomery and Andy Griggs.
Digital distribution label GMV Nashville has announced the addition of several new titles to their online catalog, including the epic This Is My America set, out-of-print titles from the Charlie Daniels Band and Toy Caldwell, and more. This Is My America is a three-disc compilation of original material that chronologically recounts the history of America through songs from 58 of Nashville’s finest award-winning singers and songwriters.
Rising country singer-songwriter Shane Wyatt has entered into a sponsorship with Farm Boy & Farm Girl brands, which makes clothing and accessories that capture the heartfelt pride of the farming lifestyle.
Williams Riley Celebrates William Morris Endeavor Signing
/by Freeman(L-R): Brinson Strickland, Pres./CEO Golden Music Nashville; Tinti Moffat, WME; Rob Beckham, WME; Paul Moore, WME; Steve Williams, Williams Riley; Rick Shipp, WME; Steve Hauser, WME; Charlie Hutto, Williams Riley; Lane Wilson, WME; and Derek George, Williams Riley. Photo: Bev Mosser
An industry crowd gathered at Nashville’s 12th & Porter yesterday (7/1) for a Cajun lunch and showcase hosted by Golden Music, William Morris and Jim Havey PR on behalf of new band Williams Riley. The seven piece outfit, fronted by singer/songwriter Steve Williams, charged through an energetic set including its current single “I’m Still Me,” “I Wish I Would Have Said That” and possible next single “(All About) Country Livin’.” The band is back on the road over the holiday weekend with an appearance in Cincinnati scheduled today and another in Frederick, Maryland on July 4. Kix Brooks even offered a video intro. WME’s Rob Beckham commented, “I was immediately a big fan of Williams Riley after seeing the ‘I’m Still Me’ video on GAC. Great song, great harmonies. I was drawn in immediately. I have known and worked with the band’s Derek George for years, and am proud to be a part of any project he is associated with.”
IBMA Members Elect Leadership To Board
/by bossrossProfessional members of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) recently elected several positions on the organization’s board of directors. Two new faces will be added and three were re-elected to new terms. Those elected and the membership categories they represent are:
* Alison Brown, an executive with Compass Records and an award winning artist from Nashville, Tennessee was re-elected to represent members involved in recording, distribution and marketing.
* Mike Bub, an award-winning musician from Nashville, Tennessee, was re-elected to represent artists, composers and music publishers.
* Craig Ferguson, a festival producer with Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado was elected by members involved in event production.
* Jim Roe, of Roe Entertainment from Owensboro, Kentucky was elected to represent agents, managers and publicists.
* Neil Rosenberg, an author and historian from St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada was re-elected by all professional members to an at-large post.
Each was elected to a three-year term which begins on September 28, 2009.
The board is IBMA’s policy-making governing body which determines long range goals and priorities for the association.
Photo Ops: Costco Queen, Winans, Walker, and Wayne
/by Sarah Skates"Costco Queen," from the hit show, Motherhood: The Musical, is available for download on iTunes as a song or music video. The video was filmed inside the Brentwood Costco and features the cast of Motherhood. The retailer is using the video as part of its national marketing. (L-R): Jaclyn Brown, Janna Landry, Sue Fabisch (co-writer), Gerry D'Arco (Costco Mgr.), Ilene Angel (co-writer), Ruth Rosen and Gina D'Arco
Jeff Foxworthy performed at the 2nd Annual Clay Walker Charity Classic Golf Tournament at Pebble Beach Resorts on June 30, at the tournament’s gala to benefit Walker’s charity, Band Against MS. The event raised more than $56,000 from live and silent auctions which will be used to fund education for those living with MS, research and more. To date, BAMS has raised more than $2 million to fight MS. Photo: Christine Bush
Coffee Talk attendees recently met at the Stillwater Café to hear gospel artist CeCe Winans discuss her Always Sisters/Forever Brothers organization which will hold its Youth Conference at Belmont University in July. The conference’s goal is to educate, motivate and re-direct the life choices of teens and young women and men. Coffee Talk unites business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders for the purpose of effective networking. Pictured: Connie Kinnard, SVP Convention & Visitors Bureau with Winans
Jimmy Wayne takes a camera with him everywhere he travels, and this week his label Valory Music Co. launched a weekly series spotlighting some of his favorite photos from the road. See below.
Wayne and Dierks Bentley having a blast on Brad Paisley’s "American Saturday Night Tour."
Also, a few shots from Eldon, Iowa where Wayne visited the American Gothic House, home of the famed painting, and while there dressed up in garb worn by the dentist in the picture.
Revisiting The New Rules Of Engagement
/by bossrossIn August 2007 MusicRow released a special report entitled Embracing Change: The New Rules of Engagement. Its content was the result of a series of think-tank sessions with Jim Beavers, David Gales, Scott Heuerman, Todd Cassetty and David Ross—tech devotees with group experience in virtually all aspects of the music industry. Now, two years later, the report’s business model predictions have become reality.
1. Redistribution of Risk and Reward
2. Artist Development Costs Must Be Flexible and Scaleable
3. Balance of Power Will Be Redefined
4. The Artist Is A Brand
5. Profitability—the new No. 1 Party. In Nashville people are obsessed with getting a No. 1 radio hit, when good business demands profits be the goal.
A copy of the full 2007 report can be downloaded here.
In this model labels create value for many revenue streams, but only benefit from record sales.
The new model demands a redistribution of risk, reward and roles. Revenue from all streams is aggregated and divided accordingly.
New Music Rundown
/by Sarah SkatesAustralia's 2009 Telstra Road to Tamworth winner, Peter McWhirter, has finished recording his debut album in Nashville with veteran producer and fellow Aussie Mark Moffatt. The first single is slated for release in Australia in August. Pictured: Moffat (L) with McWhirter (R) Photo: Kenny Mims
Larry Gatlin—the man Johnny Cash called “Pilgrim”—and the Gatlin Brothers are working on the upcoming release of The Pilgrimage, their new album on Curb Records. On it the Gatlins celebrate their love and respect for Mr. Cash and collaborate with his son John Carter Cash as producer. The lead single “Johnny Cash is Dead and His House Burned Down” is garnering attention, and the group performed it live on FOX TV’s Huckabee show this past weekend.
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This past weekend, Texas’ own Aaron Watson recorded "Deep In The Heart Of Texas: Aaron Watson LIVE" at the Hog Creek Icehouse’s backyard amphitheater in Waco. It will be released as a combo CD/DVD package on Sept. 15. With the help of a few thousand fans, he kicked off the two-hour show with his first nationwide single “Love Makin’ Song” from his most recent album Angels and Outlaws.
Big Kenny’s solo single “Long After I’m Gone” is at radio now, and a music video has also been released. The song is being promoted by Bigger Picture Entertainment/Love Everybody. It was written by Big Kenny, Marc Beeson, and Richie Supa.
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Well-known songwriter Vince Melamed (“Walkaway Joe,” “What Mattered Most,” “I’ll Take That As a Yes,” “She’d Give Anything”) is releasing a solo album on Adroit Records. It includes the aforementioned hits as well as six other songs. Jim Tract, president of Adroit records, produced the new album, What Matters Most. In his illustrious career, Melamed has toured or recorded with Bob Dylan, The Eagles, Dan Fogelberg, Glen Frey, J.D. Souther, Rodney Crowell, and Jimmy Buffett. He has written songs for Tina Turner, Trisha Yearwood, John Anderson, and most recently Phil Vasser.
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Emerging country artist Brittini Black (Slugfest Records / Star Tour Records, Nashville) has released “America,” written by Dustin James, to country radio as her newest single. A video will follow soon on GAC and CMT and is available now at www.brittiniblack.com.
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Rising country crooner Cooper Boone proves his cooking prowess on his weekly online cooking show “Cowboy Kitchen.” The multi-talented Boone is also a farmer, store owner, doctor of psychology and all-around entrepreneur. On “Cowboy Kitchen,” he treats viewers to a song while waiting for the pots to simmer. Boone’s self-titled debut album comes out August 4 on Green Rooster Records. See what “Coop’s Cookin'” here.
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George King, President of Size 10 Records in Nashville, has formed a cross-promotional partnership with Mansion Entertainment to launch the sophomore single from its flagship artist Dennis Wilson. Wilson is set to introduce his second single, “Gotta Get Away,” from his debut CD, Castles In The Sand, in early July. More than 100 radio stations are anticipated to participate in the “Gotta Get Away” radio promotion headed up by veteran radio-man Jerry Duncan of Jerry Duncan Promotions. Headed by founding President Gene Bicknell, The Mansion Entertainment and Media Center is the umbrella company of various entertainment venues and productions in Branson.
Photos: Rascal Flatts, Rhonda Towns, Colt Ford
/by Sarah SkatesJay DeMarcus Photo: Zach Henderson
Rascal Flatts visited a JC Penney store in a Washington, D.C. suburb prior to their show at the Nissan Pavilion on June 27. The band created a little “fan fare” when their secret visit was leaked by a local radio station and hundreds of fans showed up to greet them. The retailer’s American Living clothing line sponsors their tour- “Rascal Flatts American Living Unstoppable Tour.”
Rhonda with Gwen Foster/KMLE Music Director
Rhonda Towns (Dawn Records/Spinville Records) is on a radio tour to promote the remix of her current single “Slow Rain,” and on Wednesday, June 24 visited the staff and radio personalities at Camel Country–KMLE Country 108 in Phoenix.
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How Artists Are Spending the 4th
/by Sarah SkatesBroken Bow Records' Dean Brody will be included in "Operation Music City," a special to air on the Pentagon Channel over the 4th of July weekend. He talks about his debut single "Brothers" with Sgt. Ted MacDonald and also discusses new single "Gravity."
Here’s a list of what a few artists are doing this weekend. What is your artist up to? Add a comment below and let us know.
Nashville always celebrates the 4th of July with style and this year’s 25th anniversary event will be better than ever with headliner Wynonna Judd performing alongside the Symphony Orchestra. The Riverfront Park free festivities will begin at noon with the Family Fun Zone, presented by Coca-Cola. The NowPlayingNashville.com First Stage will feature music beginning at 2 PM with Frankie Ballard, The Grascals, MTA’s “Transit,” Lee Roy Parnell and more. The main stage concert will kick off at 7 PM with the Fisk Jubilee Singers and the Nashville Symphony Orchestra performing the national anthem, then there will be a patriotic salute by Mayor Karl Dean, followed by The Gabe Dixon Band and Wynonna. The evening will conclude with fireworks dancing to the rhythm of the Nashville Symphony at around 9:25 PM. Wynonna will also be appearing at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum on the afternoon of July 4th to sign autographs from 2-4 PM. http://www.musiccityjuly4th.com/
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Charlie Daniels, Phil Vassar and Jimmy Webb will appear on a new singer-songwriter series called Legends & Lyrics, airing Saturday, July 4 at 10 p.m. on local Nashville public television channel WNPT. The program, which debuted on May 9, pairs legendary songwriters and performers with promising new talent in an “in-the-round” writer’s format that features performances and interviews with the artists. Daniels recently returned from his third international trip to visit military troops in Iraq and Kuwait and is currently touring the U.S. through the end of 2009.
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StarCity Recording artist Brady Seals visits host Harry Chapman on the set of News Channel 5+’s Words & Music this Sat., July 4 at 4:00 pm. Words & Music: The Showcase for Nashville’s Songwriters gives viewers an inside look at some of the area’s most successful songwriters and the stories behind some of their biggest hits. Seals will perform “God Blessed Texas,” a #1 single he co-wrote during his time with Little Texas, and “Ho Down,” the debut single from his upcoming solo album, Play Time.
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Jack Records/Warner Bros. Records Comedian Larry the Cable Guy will release his first 4th Of July Special, Tailgate Party, digitally on the holiday. The digital download package will be distributed exclusively by Basecamp Productions and will be available at http://live.larrythecableguy.com. The special was taped during a unique performance at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, NE on Independence Day in support of Husker Fans on the UNL Campus.
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American Roots Records Group TelluRide will head south to Daytona Beach on the 4th of July for a performance on the Coca Cola Fan Stage prior to the Coke Zero 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup Race that evening at the Daytona International Speedway.
Toby K., Holly W., Luke B. and Aaron T.
/by Sarah SkatesHolly Williams recently visited E’s "Chelsea Lately" (pictured here with host Chelsea Handler). Williams will also perform, interview and sign autographs tomorrow (6/3) at 1:30 PM at the Country Music Hall of Fame, followed by her Grand Ole Opry debut that night.
Toby Keith‘s sixth annual golf and music fundraising weekend to benefit Ally’s House raised more than a half-million dollars to help children with cancer and their families in Keith’s native Oklahoma. The $550,000 raised brings the to-date total to nearly $3 million. The dinner, music and auction saw several big ticket items drawing huge bids. A dinner party for 20 with Keith earned $32,500. The Alaskan Adventure with Deadliest Catch boat captain Sig Hansen brought in $13,000, and a Costa Rica getaway to the Four Seasons drew a $19,000 bid. More than 40 sports and music celebrities were in attendance, including Keith’s Beer For My Horses co-star and co-writer Rodney Carrington, and baseball player Roger Clemens.
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Luke Bryan hosted Yahoo! Music’s first Country Music Wednesdays on Twitter last night. Fans were able to watch the conversation by adding twitter.com/lukebryanonline and twitter.com/yahoo_music to their “follow” list. Bryan also debuted the video for his current single “Do I” on Amazon this week, where fans can watch the video, buy the single, and pre-order his Capitol Nashville album Doin’ My Thing, which will be released Oct. 6. Bryan is on the road all summer on his Miller Lite sponsored tour.
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Aaron Tippin has launched a line of nutritional supplements called Aaron Tippin Nutrition (ATN). In his mid 20s the singer was a competitive bodybuilder and he’s been a fitness buff ever since, which led to him starting what he describes as this new “way-of-life” program.