An article in the Sunday Tennessean (by Naomi Synder) asks “Could Nashville’s country and Christian music industry be crushing innovation? It sounds like a ridiculous question, were it not for the musicians who think it might be true.” The feature length article confuses quality, diversity and professionalism in a swirling discussion which fails to distinguish […]
Kazaa relaunched today (7/20) in a new form; morphed from an illegal file-trading service to a legal download subscription outfit. For $20/month, users get unlimited downloads of over 1 million tracks from all four major labels. The downside of the service is that the DRM tracks cannot be transferred to portable devices and can only […]
David Renzer, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group, and Pat Higdon, President, UMPG Nashville, today announced the signing of a worldwide publishing agreement with Keith Urban. UMPG will publish Urban’s catalogue throughout the world, including his recently-released fifth studio album, Defying Gravity, which topped both the Billboard Top 200 and Country Album charts upon […]
Sam Bush will receive the Lifetime Achievement for Instrumentalist award at the 8th Annual Americana Honors & Awards ceremony, presented by the Gibson Foundation, on Thurs., Sept. 17 at the historic Ryman Auditorium. As co-founder and leader of the seminal progressive bluegrass band New Grass Revival for 18 years, Bush was among the first purveyors […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-07-20 13:24:182009-07-20 13:24:18AMA To Honor Sam Bush
Dwight Wiles, President of Smith Wiles & Co., today (7/20) formally announced Do Write Music, his joint venture with music publishing veteran Marghie Evans. The company specializes in all aspects of music publishing administration and clearance services for songwriters, publishers, independent producers and label owners, and corporations in need of publishing administration, royalty accounting and […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-07-20 13:11:402009-07-20 13:11:40Wiles, Evans Announce Do Write Music
Several financial firms are looking into purchasing Michael Jackson’s share of the Sony/ATV catalog. Among those interested are Colony Capital, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, Plainfield Asset Management and the media mogul Haim Saban, the New York Times reports. Jackson’s 50% stake in the publisher–which owns a majority of the Beatles copyrights–could be worth as much a […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-07-20 12:35:072009-07-20 12:35:07Publishing Notes: Sony/ATV, Green Hills Music
Get well wishes to former BMI publicist and Music City News writer Ellen Wood, who is in the hospital following surgery to repair a broken shoulder. The operation was complicated by Wood developing pneumonia. She is recuperating slowly at St. Thomas Hospital. ————————– Condolences to Grammy winning songwriter, Tim Nichols, on the loss of his […]
The 36th Annual Music City Tennis Invitational (MCTI) donated $118,473.19 to the Center for Child Development at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The money was raised by 125 tennis players who participated in the tournament, along with sponsorships, donations, auctions and a songwriters’ concert that benefited the event. The annual MCTI charity tennis […]
The deadline has been extended to Friday, July 24 for submissions for the Nashville Music Awards. Revived in a partnership with Next Big Nashville (NBN) and Leadership Music, Inc. (LM), the Nashville Music Awards (NMA), were produced by LM from 1995 through 2000. The NMAs recognized outstanding contributions in all genres of music. Winners will […]
Brad Paisley tops the country album sales chart for a second consecutive week with his new release, American Saturday Night. The album’s first single, “Then,” has already become a three-week No. 1. The second single, “Welcome to the Future,” has already zoomed to No. 44 on the MusicRow Country Breakout chart, even though the official […]
While the goals of Nashville’s top three music trade groups are closely aligned, each has issues and objectives specific to its genre. The Country Music Association, Americana Music Association, and International Bluegrass Music Association work tirelessly to promote the music they represent to consumers and the industry. A recent poll on MusicRow.com posed the following […]
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Can I get a witness? Things were going along in a routine way during this listening session until I was stopped dead in my tracks and struck with profound awe. The record that did it was the churning, inspirational “Somebody Like Me” by Jason Crabb. Stop what you are doing right now to seek it […]
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Hit songwriter Matraca Berg will take a seat at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum on Saturday, July 18, as the latest subject of the quarterly programming series Poets and Prophets: Legendary Country Songwriters. The 1:30 p.m. program, which will be held in the Museum’s Ford Theater, is included with Museum admission and free […]
Overstock.com spokespersons Joey+Rory appear in the third installment of their “At Home with the O” ad campaign. The spot hits the air this week and features the country duo’s favorite hound Rufus. They are on the road supporting their debut album The Life of a Song. The newest single, “To Say Goodbye,” is at radio […]
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Newcomer Holly Williams is profiled in this week’s People magazine, dated July 27th and on stands today (7/17). The story of her music and life has also garnered the interest of National Public Radio, which will feature her Sunday, July 19 on “Weekend Edition.” The show airs in Nashville on WPLN from 7-9 AM/CT. And […]
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Stroudavarious Records has launched a new imprint called BamaJam Records, with Atlanta band Blackberry Smoke as the flagship artist. The first release will be the sophomore album from the southern rockers called Little Piece of Dixie. The project was produced by Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts) and engineer Justin Niebank. “This is best live […]
Apple has just released an iTunes update (8.2.1) and among the “issues and improvements” it addresses is the music program’s ability to sync music with the Palm Pre phone. One of the new Palm smartphone’s selling points was that ability to seamlessly move music between iTunes and the phone, but obviously, Apple preferred that only […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-07-16 12:17:502009-07-16 12:17:50Palming Off a Bug Fix, CMA Voting, Songwriters Team With Studdard
Lauren “L.T.” Thomas has been hired as Associate Director of Promotion for Golden Music Nashville, the new label launching flagship act Williams Riley. She comes from KMLE-FM in Phoenix where she began as a Promotions Assistant in 2002 before being bumped up to Promotions Manager in 2007. L.T. works at the Golden Music Nashville offices […]
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Jason Aldean‘s “Big Green Tractor,” is plowing its way toward the Top 10 of MusicRow‘s Country Breakout chart; currently No. 16 and the fastest rising single of the Georgia-native’s career. The song has fueled over 40,000 digital downloads a week, helping his already Gold certified third album Wide Open move an average of 22,000 units […]
When Kenny Chesney’s Sun City Carnival hits Seattle’s Qwest Field on July 31, he will give a special sand bar performance for a select number of fans the night before. The lucky ticket holders—available through his Web site, local radio stations and other outlets will enjoy an hour-long set. “We wanna get in there and really […]
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The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and Frost Specialty today (7/15) announced the creation of the first-of-its-kind Group Copyright Infringement Insurance Policy for songwriters. This unique group insurance plan will dramatically reduce the cost of infringement-insurance premiums while establishing lower available coverage limits. “Until now, this kind of coverage was cost prohibitive or unavailable to […]
Big Kenny returned to his family farm in Culpeper, VA to film the video for his debut solo single “Long After I’m Gone.” Co-directed by Big Kenny and Christian Holiday, it is receiving immediate heavy rotation on CMT and GAC. Fans can watch the video and get a free download of the track at www.bigkenny.tv. The […]
The Nashville Symphony and the Americana Music Association are teaming for a one-of-a-kind musical event on Sept. 12, 2009 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The innovative concert called “Classical Americana” will explore the links between classical and American roots music with performances by Alison Brown, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Byron House, Buddy Miller, Karen Parks […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-07-15 13:18:522009-07-15 13:18:52Symphony To Showcase Americana Connection
W.O. Smith School students The White House Music Series will celebrate Country Music on July 21 with performances by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss and Union Station. Forty students from the W.O. Smith/Nashville Community School of Music will be able to attend the once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C., concert and educational workshop at the White […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-07-15 12:01:582009-07-15 12:01:58White House Celebrates Country With Paisley, Krauss; CMA Underwrites 40 W.O. Smith School Students
Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman, Luke Lewis announces the following promotions effective immediately: Regina Stuve is promoted to Senior Director of Artist & Media Relations for UMG Nashville (formerly Director of Artist & Media Relations). Stuve reports directly to Jason Owen, Senior Vice President of Artist Development & Marketing for UMG Nashville. Amanda Gavron is […]
Michelle Branch wrote on her official message board that she recently finished mixing the last track for her upcoming solo CD, “I can’t believe I’m finally officially finished. It’s been well worth the wait. (At least I think so.)” The album’s first single, “Sooner or Later,” will premiere on her website July 20. Zac Brown […]
Kenny Chesney is the only country act in the Top 10 of Pollstar’s annual Midyear Report of tour rankings. His Corona Extra Sun City Carnival tour lands at No. 7 behind Britney Spears, Fleetwood Mac, Celine Dion, Elton John/Billy Joel, the Eagles, and Bruce Springsteen. Rascal Flatts are at No. 17 on the list, followed […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-07-14 14:24:032009-07-14 14:24:03Chesney Tour In “Pollstar” Top 10
Actors Jeremy Piven (“The Kingdom,” “Entourage”) and Ed Helms (“The Hangover,” “The Office”) were in town last night for the premiere of their new film “The Goods. Live Hard. Sell Hard.” Stoney Creek Records’ Megan Mullins and Black River’s Sarah Darling were among the artists attending the VIP screening put on by CMT. The Paramount […]
Bug Music Publishing has announced two new executive appointments in the Creative Services division at its Nashville offices. Sara Johnson has been promoted to Senior Director of Creative Services, Nashville and Ed Williams has been appointed to Director of Creative Services, Nashville. Johnson and Williams will oversee all aspects of copyright development, writer management and […]
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UMPG recently welcomed renowned songwriter Lori McKenna to its roster of hit makers. Well known in the New England club scene, the Stoughton, MA native gained national prominence with her couch jumping appearance on Oprah, where she performed “Fireflies” with Faith Hill. After landing three songs on Hill’s album, the music community clamored to record […]
Become a fan of your favorite magazine, MusicRow, on Facebook. Click here. —————————- Facebook is worth $6.5 billion, estimated by a deal the social networking site made with a Russian Web firm called Digital Sky Technologies. The New York Post reports that Facebook is letting its employees sell their stock to the company which invested […]
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Two long-time entertainment companies have joined forces to offer country music artists, labels and managers an outlet to build their global footprints. Global Eyes Entertainment (GEE), a Nashville-based international artist development company founded in 1997, and London’s country radio station, CMR Nashville, have reached a strategic partnership agreement to offer radio promotion packages. Ramona E. Simmons, founder of […]
Jeffrey Steele’s 4th annual Songwriter Boot camp is set to kick off Sept. 10-13 in Nashville at the BMI offices. Steele, twice named BMI Songwriter of the Year and three time NSAI Songwriter of the Year, will shepherd 12 rising star songwriters through a three-day, two-night curriculum loaded with co-writing sessions, one-on-one coaching from Steele […]
Agency for the Performing Arts (APA) has signed country singer Darren Kozelsky for representation, with Clint Wiley and Scott Galloway acting as the responsible agents. Kozelsky joins artists Tanya Tucker, Collin Raye, David Lee Murphy, Kingbilly, Little Texas, Lee Roy Parnell, Cross Canadian Ragweed and more at APA. He is a Texas native who first […]
The stars are blindingly bright this week. If you’re looking for a gorgeous ballad, George Strait is your man. In the mood for a joyous rocker? Give a listen to Sara Evans. For a jolt of vocal passion, check out Jamie O’Neal. Do you wish to bask in heavenly harmonies? I hereby direct your attention […]
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It’s good to know that country music hasn’t lost its sense of humor. Both Rodney Carrington and Phil Vassar are tickling the funny bone with new singles this week. Rodney’s hilarious outing is produced by none other than Toby Keith, who also co-wrote two of the tunes on the comic’s El Nino Loco CD. The […]
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Songwriters Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe are celebrating their first No. 1, with the smash pop/country hit “The Climb,” performed by Miley Cyrus for her Hannah Montana movie. The track has already sold more than 2 million downloads, and reached the top of both the Billboard and Mediabase AC charts last week. It continues to […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-07-13 13:49:162009-07-13 13:49:16Alexander, Mabe Score Big With First No. 1
Grammy award winning banjoist Alison Brown, two-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Dale Ann Bradley, and seven-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year Missy Raines are featured in The Wall Street Journal in an article written by Barry Mazor entitled “The Sisterhood of Bluegrass.” The article focuses on the tradition of women in bluegrass […]
From Gibson Guitar: Born Lester William Polsfuss in Waukesha, Wisconsin on June 9, 1915, Les Paul was already performing publicly as a honky-tonk guitarist by the age of 13. So clear was his calling that Paul dropped out of high school at 17 to play in Sunny Joe Wolverton’s Radio Band in St. Louis. As […]
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Songwriters Lisa McCallum, Steve Diamond, Kelley Lovelace and J. D. Souther traveled to Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Canada to perform in-the-round at an invitation-only event for the Casino’s top customers. Pictured are ASCAP’s Herky Williams, writers Lisa McCullum, Steve Diamond, ASCAP’s Pat Rolfe; Kelley Lovelace, J. D. Souther, and Fallsview VP of Marketing […]
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The quote of the week belongs to Sony CEO Howard Stringer, who when asked about the success of Twitter and other social networking sites replied, “A lot of people are doing very well at making very little money. It’s not a club I’m looking to join.” The joke may be on the Sony CEO because, […]
Label: Golden Music Current Album: Williams Riley Current Single & Video: “I’m Still Me” Current Producers: Noel Golden, Derek George Hometowns: Larose, LA; Nashville, TN Interesting Fact: The band is named after the guitar player’s great-grandfather. Outside Interests: Hunting, fishing, horses, cattle and thumb wrestling Awards: American Country Countdown Superstars 2009, Voted Best New Country […]
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Brad Paisley—busy celebrating last week’s No. 1 country debut of his album American Saturday Night—will be the first country artist featured on the MySpace Music Feed. The exclusive interview, in which Paisley talks about his new project and the creative thread flowing through his family, is online now and viewable here. The album’s chart-topping first single, […]
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Asleep at the Wheel will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance at the 8th Annual Americana Honors & Awards ceremony, presented by the Gibson Foundation, scheduled for Sept. 17 at the Ryman Auditorium. Since 1969, the Austin-based band has released over twenty-five albums, charted over twenty Billboard singles and won nine Grammy Awards. The […]
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Republic Nashville’s newest act, Fast Ryde visited the Music Row conference room to share some of their new music. Here’s what happened when we turned on our iPhone video camera to capture some of the action. A Cecil B. deRoss Production
“I Know Where Heaven Is” Stylesonic/Picnic Hill/Bigger Picture “I Know Where Heaven Is” is the new single for Kentucky-raised duo Halfway To Hazard (Chad Warrix and David Tolliver), and was penned by top-shelf Nashville writers Dave Berg and Sam and Annie Tate. The duo’s distinctive name refers to Hazard, the county seat of Perry Co., […]
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Organizers of Willie Nelson‘s annual Farm Aid concert are keeping fans guessing about where the 2009 Farm Aid event will take place by giving one hint per day for seven days. The organizers started posting hints for fans yesterday (7/9) on Twitter and followed with a second hint today (7/10). Concert hint #1: Your state […]
The 80th Major League baseball game will be held at St. Louis’ Busch Stadium on Tues. July 14. Sara Evans has been invited to perform “God Bless America” during the 7th inning stretch of this year’s diamond shaped contest. Evans plans to make the event a family outing. “I’m a huge baseball fan, as are […]
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Your favorite social network may tell a lot about you. For example, Twitterers are more interested in sex than users on other social sites. LinkedIn users are more likely to watch soap operas and MySpacers are generally not into exercise. According to an Anderson Analytics study, a user’s social network preference can identify “likely interests, buying habits, […]
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Is Country Crushing Nashville’s Creativity?
/by bossrossAn article in the Sunday Tennessean (by Naomi Synder) asks “Could Nashville’s country and Christian music industry be crushing innovation? It sounds like a ridiculous question, were it not for the musicians who think it might be true.” The feature length article confuses quality, diversity and professionalism in a swirling discussion which fails to distinguish […]
Tech Tracks: Kazaa, Rock Band, Twitter
/by Sarah SkatesKazaa relaunched today (7/20) in a new form; morphed from an illegal file-trading service to a legal download subscription outfit. For $20/month, users get unlimited downloads of over 1 million tracks from all four major labels. The downside of the service is that the DRM tracks cannot be transferred to portable devices and can only […]
AMA To Honor Sam Bush
/by Sarah SkatesSam Bush will receive the Lifetime Achievement for Instrumentalist award at the 8th Annual Americana Honors & Awards ceremony, presented by the Gibson Foundation, on Thurs., Sept. 17 at the historic Ryman Auditorium. As co-founder and leader of the seminal progressive bluegrass band New Grass Revival for 18 years, Bush was among the first purveyors […]
Wiles, Evans Announce Do Write Music
/by Sarah SkatesDwight Wiles, President of Smith Wiles & Co., today (7/20) formally announced Do Write Music, his joint venture with music publishing veteran Marghie Evans. The company specializes in all aspects of music publishing administration and clearance services for songwriters, publishers, independent producers and label owners, and corporations in need of publishing administration, royalty accounting and […]
Publishing Notes: Sony/ATV, Green Hills Music
/by Sarah SkatesSeveral financial firms are looking into purchasing Michael Jackson’s share of the Sony/ATV catalog. Among those interested are Colony Capital, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, Plainfield Asset Management and the media mogul Haim Saban, the New York Times reports. Jackson’s 50% stake in the publisher–which owns a majority of the Beatles copyrights–could be worth as much a […]
LifeNotes: Ellen Wood Hospitalized, Tim Nichols’ Mother
/by Sarah SkatesGet well wishes to former BMI publicist and Music City News writer Ellen Wood, who is in the hospital following surgery to repair a broken shoulder. The operation was complicated by Wood developing pneumonia. She is recuperating slowly at St. Thomas Hospital. ————————– Condolences to Grammy winning songwriter, Tim Nichols, on the loss of his […]
Industry Tourney Aids Children’s Hospital
/by Sarah SkatesThe 36th Annual Music City Tennis Invitational (MCTI) donated $118,473.19 to the Center for Child Development at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The money was raised by 125 tennis players who participated in the tournament, along with sponsorships, donations, auctions and a songwriters’ concert that benefited the event. The annual MCTI charity tennis […]
NAMM, Jamey, Billy, Jimmy, Nashville Music Awards, Symphony Sale
/by Sarah SkatesThe deadline has been extended to Friday, July 24 for submissions for the Nashville Music Awards. Revived in a partnership with Next Big Nashville (NBN) and Leadership Music, Inc. (LM), the Nashville Music Awards (NMA), were produced by LM from 1995 through 2000. The NMAs recognized outstanding contributions in all genres of music. Winners will […]
Photo Friday: Carrie, Randy, Sheryl, Sara, and Eric
/by Sarah SkatesPaisley Mines Digital Gold
/by Sarah SkatesBrad Paisley tops the country album sales chart for a second consecutive week with his new release, American Saturday Night. The album’s first single, “Then,” has already become a three-week No. 1. The second single, “Welcome to the Future,” has already zoomed to No. 44 on the MusicRow Country Breakout chart, even though the official […]
Trade Organizations Work Best As Separate Entities
/by Sarah SkatesWhile the goals of Nashville’s top three music trade groups are closely aligned, each has issues and objectives specific to its genre. The Country Music Association, Americana Music Association, and International Bluegrass Music Association work tirelessly to promote the music they represent to consumers and the industry. A recent poll on MusicRow.com posed the following […]
DISClaimer (7/17/09)
/by Robert K OermannCan I get a witness? Things were going along in a routine way during this listening session until I was stopped dead in my tracks and struck with profound awe. The record that did it was the churning, inspirational “Somebody Like Me” by Jason Crabb. Stop what you are doing right now to seek it […]
Songwriters This Weekend: Matraca, Bluebird on Mtn.
/by Sarah SkatesHit songwriter Matraca Berg will take a seat at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum on Saturday, July 18, as the latest subject of the quarterly programming series Poets and Prophets: Legendary Country Songwriters. The 1:30 p.m. program, which will be held in the Museum’s Ford Theater, is included with Museum admission and free […]
Photos: Joey+Rory, O’Shea, and Emma Jacob
/by Sarah SkatesOverstock.com spokespersons Joey+Rory appear in the third installment of their “At Home with the O” ad campaign. The spot hits the air this week and features the country duo’s favorite hound Rufus. They are on the road supporting their debut album The Life of a Song. The newest single, “To Say Goodbye,” is at radio […]
Holly Williams, David Nail, Jeff Cook, and The Oaks
/by Sarah SkatesNewcomer Holly Williams is profiled in this week’s People magazine, dated July 27th and on stands today (7/17). The story of her music and life has also garnered the interest of National Public Radio, which will feature her Sunday, July 19 on “Weekend Edition.” The show airs in Nashville on WPLN from 7-9 AM/CT. And […]
Palming Off a Bug Fix, CMA Voting, Songwriters Team With Studdard
/by Sarah SkatesApple has just released an iTunes update (8.2.1) and among the “issues and improvements” it addresses is the music program’s ability to sync music with the Palm Pre phone. One of the new Palm smartphone’s selling points was that ability to seamlessly move music between iTunes and the phone, but obviously, Apple preferred that only […]
Promo News: A Tale of Two Thomases, And A Wagner
/by Sarah SkatesLauren “L.T.” Thomas has been hired as Associate Director of Promotion for Golden Music Nashville, the new label launching flagship act Williams Riley. She comes from KMLE-FM in Phoenix where she began as a Promotions Assistant in 2002 before being bumped up to Promotions Manager in 2007. L.T. works at the Golden Music Nashville offices […]
Aldean Wrangles Hits, Jean Deal, Conan
/by Sarah SkatesJason Aldean‘s “Big Green Tractor,” is plowing its way toward the Top 10 of MusicRow‘s Country Breakout chart; currently No. 16 and the fastest rising single of the Georgia-native’s career. The song has fueled over 40,000 digital downloads a week, helping his already Gold certified third album Wide Open move an average of 22,000 units […]
Crook & Chase, Chesney, Clark, and Harry Potter
/by Sarah SkatesWhen Kenny Chesney’s Sun City Carnival hits Seattle’s Qwest Field on July 31, he will give a special sand bar performance for a select number of fans the night before. The lucky ticket holders—available through his Web site, local radio stations and other outlets will enjoy an hour-long set. “We wanna get in there and really […]
NSAI/Frost Specialty Offering Group Infringement Insurance
/by Sarah SkatesThe Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and Frost Specialty today (7/15) announced the creation of the first-of-its-kind Group Copyright Infringement Insurance Policy for songwriters. This unique group insurance plan will dramatically reduce the cost of infringement-insurance premiums while establishing lower available coverage limits. “Until now, this kind of coverage was cost prohibitive or unavailable to […]
New Videos From Big Kenny, Caitlin & Will, Rascal Flatts
/by Sarah SkatesBig Kenny returned to his family farm in Culpeper, VA to film the video for his debut solo single “Long After I’m Gone.” Co-directed by Big Kenny and Christian Holiday, it is receiving immediate heavy rotation on CMT and GAC. Fans can watch the video and get a free download of the track at www.bigkenny.tv. The […]
Symphony To Showcase Americana Connection
/by Sarah SkatesThe Nashville Symphony and the Americana Music Association are teaming for a one-of-a-kind musical event on Sept. 12, 2009 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The innovative concert called “Classical Americana” will explore the links between classical and American roots music with performances by Alison Brown, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Byron House, Buddy Miller, Karen Parks […]
White House Celebrates Country With Paisley, Krauss; CMA Underwrites 40 W.O. Smith School Students
/by Sarah SkatesW.O. Smith School students The White House Music Series will celebrate Country Music on July 21 with performances by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss and Union Station. Forty students from the W.O. Smith/Nashville Community School of Music will be able to attend the once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C., concert and educational workshop at the White […]
UMGN Promotes Stuve, Gavron
/by Sarah SkatesUniversal Music Group Nashville Chairman, Luke Lewis announces the following promotions effective immediately: Regina Stuve is promoted to Senior Director of Artist & Media Relations for UMG Nashville (formerly Director of Artist & Media Relations). Stuve reports directly to Jason Owen, Senior Vice President of Artist Development & Marketing for UMG Nashville. Amanda Gavron is […]
Michelle Branch, ZBB, Love & Theft, Katie Armiger
/by MichelleMichelle Branch wrote on her official message board that she recently finished mixing the last track for her upcoming solo CD, “I can’t believe I’m finally officially finished. It’s been well worth the wait. (At least I think so.)” The album’s first single, “Sooner or Later,” will premiere on her website July 20. Zac Brown […]
Chesney Tour In “Pollstar” Top 10
/by Sarah SkatesKenny Chesney is the only country act in the Top 10 of Pollstar’s annual Midyear Report of tour rankings. His Corona Extra Sun City Carnival tour lands at No. 7 behind Britney Spears, Fleetwood Mac, Celine Dion, Elton John/Billy Joel, the Eagles, and Bruce Springsteen. Rascal Flatts are at No. 17 on the list, followed […]
Photo Fabulous: Kate Kacey & Hazel, Urban/Aldean, Piven, Etc.
/by Sarah SkatesActors Jeremy Piven (“The Kingdom,” “Entourage”) and Ed Helms (“The Hangover,” “The Office”) were in town last night for the premiere of their new film “The Goods. Live Hard. Sell Hard.” Stoney Creek Records’ Megan Mullins and Black River’s Sarah Darling were among the artists attending the VIP screening put on by CMT. The Paramount […]
Bug Music Promotes Johnson, Adds Williams
/by Sarah SkatesBug Music Publishing has announced two new executive appointments in the Creative Services division at its Nashville offices. Sara Johnson has been promoted to Senior Director of Creative Services, Nashville and Ed Williams has been appointed to Director of Creative Services, Nashville. Johnson and Williams will oversee all aspects of copyright development, writer management and […]
MusicRow Now on Facebook, More
/by Sarah SkatesBecome a fan of your favorite magazine, MusicRow, on Facebook. Click here. —————————- Facebook is worth $6.5 billion, estimated by a deal the social networking site made with a Russian Web firm called Digital Sky Technologies. The New York Post reports that Facebook is letting its employees sell their stock to the company which invested […]
Partnerships Equal Expanded Services
/by Sarah SkatesTwo long-time entertainment companies have joined forces to offer country music artists, labels and managers an outlet to build their global footprints. Global Eyes Entertainment (GEE), a Nashville-based international artist development company founded in 1997, and London’s country radio station, CMR Nashville, have reached a strategic partnership agreement to offer radio promotion packages. Ramona E. Simmons, founder of […]
Steele Songwriter Boot Camp
/by bossrossJeffrey Steele’s 4th annual Songwriter Boot camp is set to kick off Sept. 10-13 in Nashville at the BMI offices. Steele, twice named BMI Songwriter of the Year and three time NSAI Songwriter of the Year, will shepherd 12 rising star songwriters through a three-day, two-night curriculum loaded with co-writing sessions, one-on-one coaching from Steele […]
DISClaimer (6/26/09)
/by Robert K OermannThe stars are blindingly bright this week. If you’re looking for a gorgeous ballad, George Strait is your man. In the mood for a joyous rocker? Give a listen to Sara Evans. For a jolt of vocal passion, check out Jamie O’Neal. Do you wish to bask in heavenly harmonies? I hereby direct your attention […]
DISClaimer (6/19/09)
/by Robert K OermannIt’s good to know that country music hasn’t lost its sense of humor. Both Rodney Carrington and Phil Vassar are tickling the funny bone with new singles this week. Rodney’s hilarious outing is produced by none other than Toby Keith, who also co-wrote two of the tunes on the comic’s El Nino Loco CD. The […]
Alexander, Mabe Score Big With First No. 1
/by Sarah SkatesSongwriters Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe are celebrating their first No. 1, with the smash pop/country hit “The Climb,” performed by Miley Cyrus for her Hannah Montana movie. The track has already sold more than 2 million downloads, and reached the top of both the Billboard and Mediabase AC charts last week. It continues to […]
“WSJ” Highlights Compass Records; NaFF Entries; Etc.
/by Sarah SkatesGrammy award winning banjoist Alison Brown, two-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Dale Ann Bradley, and seven-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year Missy Raines are featured in The Wall Street Journal in an article written by Barry Mazor entitled “The Sisterhood of Bluegrass.” The article focuses on the tradition of women in bluegrass […]
Les Paul Bio
/by Sarah SkatesFrom Gibson Guitar: Born Lester William Polsfuss in Waukesha, Wisconsin on June 9, 1915, Les Paul was already performing publicly as a honky-tonk guitarist by the age of 13. So clear was his calling that Paul dropped out of high school at 17 to play in Sunny Joe Wolverton’s Radio Band in St. Louis. As […]
Photos: Music City Songwriters Make The Rounds
/by Sarah SkatesSongwriters Lisa McCallum, Steve Diamond, Kelley Lovelace and J. D. Souther traveled to Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Canada to perform in-the-round at an invitation-only event for the Casino’s top customers. Pictured are ASCAP’s Herky Williams, writers Lisa McCullum, Steve Diamond, ASCAP’s Pat Rolfe; Kelley Lovelace, J. D. Souther, and Fallsview VP of Marketing […]
Country’s Shrinking Middle Class
/by bossrossThe quote of the week belongs to Sony CEO Howard Stringer, who when asked about the success of Twitter and other social networking sites replied, “A lot of people are doing very well at making very little money. It’s not a club I’m looking to join.” The joke may be on the Sony CEO because, […]
On the Music Row Cover: Williams Riley
/by LB CantrellLabel: Golden Music Current Album: Williams Riley Current Single & Video: “I’m Still Me” Current Producers: Noel Golden, Derek George Hometowns: Larose, LA; Nashville, TN Interesting Fact: The band is named after the guitar player’s great-grandfather. Outside Interests: Hunting, fishing, horses, cattle and thumb wrestling Awards: American Country Countdown Superstars 2009, Voted Best New Country […]
Paisley, Chesney on “GMA,” And More
/by Sarah SkatesBrad Paisley—busy celebrating last week’s No. 1 country debut of his album American Saturday Night—will be the first country artist featured on the MySpace Music Feed. The exclusive interview, in which Paisley talks about his new project and the creative thread flowing through his family, is online now and viewable here. The album’s chart-topping first single, […]
Asleep at the Wheel Honored
/by MichelleAsleep at the Wheel will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance at the 8th Annual Americana Honors & Awards ceremony, presented by the Gibson Foundation, scheduled for Sept. 17 at the Ryman Auditorium. Since 1969, the Austin-based band has released over twenty-five albums, charted over twenty Billboard singles and won nine Grammy Awards. The […]
Fast Ryde Visits MusicRow
/by bossrossRepublic Nashville’s newest act, Fast Ryde visited the Music Row conference room to share some of their new music. Here’s what happened when we turned on our iPhone video camera to capture some of the action. A Cecil B. deRoss Production
Halfway To Hazard
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“I Know Where Heaven Is” Stylesonic/Picnic Hill/Bigger Picture “I Know Where Heaven Is” is the new single for Kentucky-raised duo Halfway To Hazard (Chad Warrix and David Tolliver), and was penned by top-shelf Nashville writers Dave Berg and Sam and Annie Tate. The duo’s distinctive name refers to Hazard, the county seat of Perry Co., […]
The Farm Aid Concert Location Mystery
/by MichelleOrganizers of Willie Nelson‘s annual Farm Aid concert are keeping fans guessing about where the 2009 Farm Aid event will take place by giving one hint per day for seven days. The organizers started posting hints for fans yesterday (7/9) on Twitter and followed with a second hint today (7/10). Concert hint #1: Your state […]
Artists On TV
/by bossrossThe 80th Major League baseball game will be held at St. Louis’ Busch Stadium on Tues. July 14. Sara Evans has been invited to perform “God Bless America” during the 7th inning stretch of this year’s diamond shaped contest. Evans plans to make the event a family outing. “I’m a huge baseball fan, as are […]
Your Social Network Tells About You
/by bossrossYour favorite social network may tell a lot about you. For example, Twitterers are more interested in sex than users on other social sites. LinkedIn users are more likely to watch soap operas and MySpacers are generally not into exercise. According to an Anderson Analytics study, a user’s social network preference can identify “likely interests, buying habits, […]