Weekend Notes (6/3/11)

Next week is a busy one, with the Billboard Country Music Summit (June 6-7), CMT Music Awards (June 8), and CMA Music Festival (June 9-12) scheduled. But first we have to survive the weekend. Here’s what’s happening starting today (6/3). Friday, June 3 Country Throwdown Tour: 3 – 10 pm, The Woods at Fontanel. Featuring […]

Photo Friday: Trace Adkins, Matraca Berg, Steve Azar

Trace Adkins Debuts New Video • BMI Fetes Matraca Berg • Steve Azar Guests On “Delta Music…”

Forecast: iCloudy With A Chance of New Revenues

In what may come to be viewed as a music industry watershed moment, just like the invention of the phonograph, the CD, Napster and the iTunes store, Apple has come to terms with record labels and music publishers to be able to launch its iCloud music service. The upfront cost, reportedly close to $150 million […]

Now That's What I Call Country Release

NOW That’s What I Call Country Vol. 4, the fourth installment of the popular series, will be released June 14 and features music by Sugarland, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Zac Brown Band and Miranda Lambert among others. Eleven of the album’s 18 tracks were No. 1 hits. […]

Paisley's World Tour Launches Today

Following a No. 1 single (“Old Alabama”) and album (This Is Country Music), reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Brad Paisley will launch his H20 II: Wetter & Wilder World Tour today (6/3) in Virginia Beach, VA. He’ll follow that performance with another tomorrow (6/4) in Hartford, CT. The 30 city trek includes four stadiums […]

Scotty McCreery Makes History With Debut Single

Mercury Nashville artist and American Idol champ Scotty McCreery’s “I Love You This Big” debuted at No. 32 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, the highest debut for a new artist’s first single since the chart began using BDS in 1990.

Bundy Hosts CMT Special and Country Weekly Fashion Show

Mercury Records singer-songwriter Laura Bell Bundy will be hosting CMT’s Video Of The Year Special, premiering Saturday, June 4 at 1 pm CT. In the one-hour special, Bundy will portray everyone from Taylor Swift to Zac Brown as she presents the 10 nominees vying for Video of the Year at the 2011 CMT Music Awards […]

Weekly Chart Report (6/03/11)

A scant nine weeks is all it took for Blake Shelton’s “Honey Bee” to make the top of the charts. It’s been on a rapid climb since its ACM Awards debut, and scoots ahead of last week’s No. 1, “Mean” by Taylor Swift. Justin Moore will also be vying for a No. 1 soon as “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” edges up to No. 3. Toby Keith’s “Somewhere Else” sits tight at No. 4, and Luke Bryan’s “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” packs on 100 new spins to move up to No. 5.

Shania Debuts First Single in Six Years

The Oprah Winfrey Network will host the world premiere superstar Shania Twain’s first new music in six years a song titled, “Today Is Your Day.” The event takes place during the final episode of “Why Not? with Shania Twain” airing Sunday, June 12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. As is fast becoming the custom, labels are […]

Republic Nashville Adds Crystal Williams

Crystal Williams has joined Republic Nashville’s Promotion team as Director Southwest Promotion. “I am so thankful for this opportunity and am excited to be joining a team of such passionate and talented people. Although I will miss my friends and family in Florida, I am looking forward to starting this new chapter in my life with Republic Nashville!” says Williams.

Rascal Flatts Announce Flatts Fest Tour

Rascal Flatts will launch its new tour Flatts Fest on June 18 in Bristow, Virginia, and the trek will take the trio to 23 total cities with opening acts Sara Evans, Easton Corbin and Justin Moore. Full dates are included below.

Rise, Shine & Party During CMA Fest

It starts at 10 a.m., Thurs. June 9 at The Rutledge. The first 250 people will get in free and there will be a $5 breakfast plate available. But make sure you are awake, because the inaugural Rise, Shine & Party Time acoustic concert at CMA Music Festival is set to be anything but laid […]

Country Music Summit Set For June 6-7

The Billboard Country Music Summit is planned for June 6-7 in downtown Nashville at the Renaissance Hotel. The two-day event features numerous panels, superstar Q&As with Kenny Chesney and Carrie Underwood plus an Industry Keynote study with Jason Aldean. The CMA will also sponsor a special industry research presentation. In addition to the educational schedule, […]

Artist Signings: Hollywood Meets Nashville

Actor Tim Robbins signs with 429 Records • Georgia artist Andy Velo signs with Red Dirt Music • Rodney Dillard and The Dillard Band sign with Mountain Music Entertainment

Luke Bryan To Headline CMT On Tour

Luke Bryan is set to headline the 10th annual CMT On Tour this fall with special guests Lee Brice and Josh Thompson. CMT On Tour: Luke Bryan Tailgates & Tanlines is set to kick off this September with approximately 25 shows to support Bryan’s third studio album for Capitol Records Nashville, Tailgates & Tanlines, due […]

Tennessee Signs Law Prohibiting Netflix Password Sharing

Tennessee state legislators have passed a bill that would make it illegal to use a friend’s login on music or video services like Netflix and Rhapsody, according to The Tennessean. TN Governor Bill Haslam has signed the bill, which goes into effect July 1. The purpose of the measure is to target hackers who sell […]

Artist TidBits Thursday

Jo Dee Messina • Frankie Ballard • Joe Nichols • Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen

HLN's Robin Meade Offers Debut Release

Robin Meade, host of Morning Express with Robin Meade on HLN, will release her musical debut, Brand New Day, on Tuesday, June 21. Other stars appearing on the album include Celebrity Apprentice winner John Rich, American Idol’s Bo Bice, Kix Brooks, and Sarah Buxton. Victoria Shaw produced the album, which includes songs Meade co-wrote with […]

Gaga Says Digital Album Only Worth 99¢

An interesting Ben Sisario blog in the N.Y. Times proclaims, “In Lady Gaga’s Album, Evidence Of A New Order.”

Industry Ink: SESAC Awards, SongWriters Fest, Mow the Row

SESAC’s Nashville Music Awards has been set for Monday, November 7 at the company’s Nashville headquarters. The invitation only event, which honors the top songwriters and publishers in country and Americana, awarded Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott with its coveted Songwriter of the Year honor in 2010. • • • The 9th Annual Nashville SongWriters Festival tunes up […]

Ole Ups Buenahora To GM

ole has announced the promotion of Arthur Buenahora to the position of General Manager, Nashville Creative. Buenahora, who joined ole in March 2010 as Senior Creative Director, will continue to be located in the Nashville office overseeing its staff and roster. He will also sign new writers and collaborate with ole Chief Creative Officer Gilles […]

Big Machine and Curb Sponsored Car Wins Indy 500

Scott Borchetta got to have a victory celebration of a different kind along with Mike Curb at the Indy 500 on Sunday (5/29). The record label chiefs/racing buffs sponsored driver Dan Wheldon in the No. 98 William Rast/aigo/Curb/Big Machine/Forsythe Solutions/Dallara/Honda/Firestone car for Bryan Herta Autosport/Curb-Agajanian, which wound up in the winner’s circle after the historic 100th Anniversary Indy 500.

Amber Hayes Heads To Silver Screen

Amber Hayes has landed her first movie role in Cowgirls N’ Angels due out in 2012. The FUNL Music recording artist has extensive theater experience, including a leading role as Kathy Twitty in the 2008 critically acclaimed Conway Twitty musical It’s Only Make Believe, but this will be her first appearance on the silver screen. […]

DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/1/11)

When the Americana Music Association announced its 2011 awards contenders recently, it jolted me into awareness of how long it has been since I penned an Americana review column.

Artist Action: Chesney's Million Tickets, Kings of Leon's New Video

Kenny Chesney sells one millions tickets for his Goin’ Coastal tour • Ash Bowers launches Homegrown Hero contest, labelmates Thompson Square on Fox & Friends • Kings of Leon debut new video • Clint Black plays in space

Benefit News: Toby Keith, Stealing Angels, Nashville Sounds

Toby Keith recently completed his 8th annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic with more than $650,000 raised toward construction of the OK Kids Korral, a home for children undergoing treatment for cancer. The “Denim & Diamonds’ themed event was sold out with more than 750 people attending the dinner and auction. The top auction […]

Donna Hughes Joins Capitol/EMI Records Nashville

Capitol/EMI Records Nashville has hired Country radio and television veteran Donna Hughes as National Director/Radio Syndication. Hughes will report directly to Capitol SVP Promotion Steve Hodges. In her new role, Hughes’ responsibilities will include spearheading national syndication, major contests/events, and special audio/video content for radio. “Bringing Donna on board is a huge score for the Capitol/EMI […]

Band Perry's Double Platinum Cert, "Save The Music" For VH1

The Band Perry’s star keeps rising. The Republic Nashville sibling trio’s current single “You Lie” has already reached No. 1 on the CountryBreakout Chart and sits inside the Top 10 on the monitored airplay charts. And now the group’s previous smash single “If I Die Young” has been certified double platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding 2 million.

Sales Wrap Gaga Style

Lady Gaga leaves the industry wide eyed, open mouthed and smiling but Brad Paisley and Idol’s newbies Scotty McCreery and Laura Alaina also contributed to an up week…

Lisa Matassa – Me Time

It Is What It Is recording artist Lisa Matassa presents her new country radio single, “Me Time.” Nine North Records has signed on for national promotion efforts, and the single goes for adds June 13. Matassa’s life is a comeback story, a fairytale that has yet to have its ending written. From a little girl […]

Jolene Mercer Passes

Texas music publicist Jolene Mercer died Saturday, May 28, following a long illness. She was noted for working with such artists as Chris LeDoux, Ricky Lynn Gregg, Janie Fricke, Asleep at the Wheel, Charley Pride, Neal McCoy, Josh Logan and Billy “Crash” Craddock. At various times during her career, she was also an event planner, […]

United Way Song Contest

United Way is hosting its second annual “LIVE UNITED Song Contest.” The organization is looking for songs about hope, teamwork, restoration, community impact and overcoming adversity. Up to ten finalists will perform their songs live at The Listening Room on June 21st for a panel of judges including: hit songwriter Cary Barlowe (Lady Antebellum, tobyMac, […]

Sony/ATV Promotes Berschback, Inks Kristen Kelly

Sony/ATV has promoted Duff Berschback to Sr. VP, Legal Affairs and Business Development, Nashville and signed RCA artist Kristen Kelly to an exclusive publishing deal.

CMT Awards Crank Star Power; Sugarland Helps Heartland

Sugarland and Little Big Town Help Tornado Victims • CMT Awards Crank Up The Star Power

Post Holiday Highlights

Colleen Taylor Joins BMLG • Spalding Addresses SOURCE • Hall Of Fame Readies Atkins Exhibit • Jaron Fans Salute Armed Forces

Artist Visits: Photo Spread

Zac Brown Band shoots video for “Knee Deep” • Paisley performs on GMA, celebrates 19th No. 1 • Bradley Gaskin visits Crook & Chase

CMA Awards Live On ABC Nov. 9

The Country Music Association and ABC Television Network have announced that The 45th Annual CMA Awards will air live Wednesday, Nov. 9 (8:00-11:00 PM/EST) on ABC from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. “The CMA Awards recognizes the best in the format – that’s what makes this ‘Country Music’s Biggest Night’,” says CMA CEO Steve […]

Benefits: Morgan, Atkins, Bowen

Craig Morgan’s 5th annual Charity Ride and Concert • Rodney Atkins headlines Music City Gives Back concert • Wade Bowen raises over $127k with concert and golf tournament

Artist Action (5/31/11)

Randy Montana performs at Jimmie Jam • Bill Anderson welcomes new grandchild • Matt Gary to perform at NASCAR race • The Roys on Somebody Cares telethon

Amazon's Gaga Loss Leader Losses

Fans and music industry observers were taken aback last week by Amazon.com’s offering of the new Lady Gaga album for a mere 99¢. On Monday (5/23), the stultifying crowd of traffic severely compromised the Amazon servers. So to prove it could, “ramp up” to meet any demand, the online retail giant offered the mega-sale again […]

Reba And Blake Raise $500,000 For Tornado Victims

Reba and Blake Shelton raised $500,000 for victims of recent tornadoes in Atoka County, OK during two sold-out Tornado Relief Concerts in Durant on May 25 and 26. Susie McEntire-Eaton and Kelly Clarkson made a surprise guest appearance at the May 26 relief show. The artists entertained for over two hours each night, opening with a […]

Catalog Cast Picks A Song For Scotty McCreery

America got to hear newly crowned American Idol Scotty McCreery’s first single “I Love You This Big” on Wednesday (5/25), but he also recorded another song that has yet to be be released. Written by veteran hitmakers Tim Nichols and Jonathan Singleton, the song is “Out Of Summertime” and its journey to meet Scotty was an unusual one.

Billy Dean, Spokesperson for Naturipe Farms

Grammy Award-winning country artist Billy Dean has been chosen as celebrity spokesperson for Naturipe Farms.  Dean is currently writing and recording songs for their promotional videos and appearing at retail events and media tours throughout the year.  Dean’s “Earning our Place on Earth” and “A Seed” are featured on a five-song EP, sponsored by Naturipe. “I am so honored for this […]

Otto Performs On StageIT

Everyone gets a front row seat at James Otto’s StageIt.com concert on June 2 @7p.m. CDT. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase virtual tickets to his CMA-Fest kick-off acoustic show which will be broadcast live from his home studio. Otto will give fans an exclusive sneak-peak of his brand new music that hasn’t even […]

Seen And Signed

Songwriter Jason Mizelle recently signed a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell. • • • The Nashville Country Club spoke with Sara Evans at her #1 Party for “A Little Bit Stronger” at Nashville’s Cabana Restaurant.

her Nashville Music Issue Hits Stands

The June issue of her Nashville features Her Music City.  This month’s issue highlights five successful women, Kay Clary, Virginia Hunt Davis, Kim Buie, Sally Williams, and Kylie Sackley, who have made a name for themselves in the music industry. These leaders discuss everything from their humble beginnings to favorite achievements including what it takes to […]

Weekly Chart Report (5/27/11)

Nice girls rule, y’all. Taylor Swift’s “Mean” is the CountryBreakout Chart’s new No. 1 song, easing ahead of previous chart topper “You Lie” by nice girl-fronted The Band Perry.

In Color: Photo Friday

Kellie Pickler, Trace Adkins, Nan Kelley, Craig Morgan, Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry • Big Kenny • Blake Gray and David Kroll

Friday Updates (5/27)

Tyler Reeve signs booking & management deals • Luke Bryan partners with LongHorn Steakhouse • BMI promotes Michael Drexler

Big Loud Parking Lot Party Pics

Revelers flocked to Big Loud Shirt’s 16th Ave. S. offices last night (5/25) for the company’s annual Parking Lot Party.