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DISClaimer: Elizabeth Cook, Paul Burch, Derik Hultquist Among Americana’s Top Offerings

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Elizabeth Cook

Elizabeth Cook

There is a whole lot to like in today overview of current Americana recordings.

So much so, that I’m splitting the Disc of the Day award in two. Our female winner is Elizabeth Cook, and our male prize goes to Paul Burch. These two are among the best this genre has to offer.

The DisCovery Award goes to singer-songwriter Derik Hultquist. His is the most “different” sounding record in this stack, and for that we applaud him. Don’t be surprised if pop/rock programmers aren’t smitten by him as well.

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DARRELL SCOTT/Love Is The Reason
Writer: Darrell Scott; Producer: Darrell Scott; Publisher: none listed; Full Light (track)
-Scott’s songwriting resume includes “Born to Fly,” “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive,” “Long Time Gone,” “Heartbreak Town,” “No Way Out,” “Family Tree” and “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive,” all of which are best known in versions by others. But he remains his own finest interpreter, as the performances collected on his new Couchville Sessions CD demonstrate. The album includes treatments of songs by Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Townes Van Zandt, Peter Rowan and James Taylor, but at its heart are the nine gems from the songwriter, himself. This one is a rippling, lilting, uplifting tune sung in Scott’s characteristically warm, enveloping voice.

THE HONEYCUTTERS/On The Ropes
Writers: Amanda Anne Platt; Producers: Amanda Anne Platt; Tim Surrett; Publishers: Button Down/Windsor Forest, ASCAP; Organic (track)
– Don’t let the name throw you: This is a country combo. The group is fronted by singer-songwriter Amanda Anne Platt, who delivers the goods in a tart, yearning tone that is captivating. Her fellow band members are tight and super engaging. This title tune to The Honeycutters new CD is a portal into a myriad of alternative honky-tonking delights. The group is a cornerstone act on the Asheville, North Carolina, music scene. Sign me up for the Nashville fan club.

SAM BUSH/Bowling Green
Writers: Sam Bush/Jon Randall Stewart; Producer: Sam Bush; Publishers: Samanda Lynn/BMG/Whayasay/Reynsong, BMI; Sugar Hill (track)
– How do I love him; let me count the ways: Awesome instrumentalist, hearty vocalist, great record maker, fabulous human being. Bush’s upcoming Storyman CD is all over the map, stylistically. Which is another reason to love him. Jazz, folk, blues, reggae, swing and more bubble in the mixes. This toe-tapping ode to his hometown is so rootsy and grassy it sounds like a folk song. It is immediately followed by a honky-tonk shuffle called “Handmics Killed Country Music” (co-written with Emmylou Harris and complete with Pig Robbins on piano) and then a down-home blues titled “Where’s My Love.” Go, man, go.

DERIK HULTQUIST/Dark Side Of Town
Writers: Derik Hultquist; Producers: Frank Liddell/Eric Masse; Publishers: Scrambler/Carnival, ASCAP; Carnival (track)
– This singer-songwriter is a real find. This clear, dark, direct song is delivered in a conversational hush that’s surrounded by an ethereal electronic soundscape. The mysterious audio settings throw his super-strong songwriting skills into high relief throughout his Southern Iron collection. Enthusiastically endorsed. Pop tastemakers also take note.

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ELIZABETH COOK/Straightjacket Love
Writer: Elizabeth Cook; Producer: Dexter Green; Publishers: Agent Love/Wixen, SESAC; Agent Love (track)
– Exodus of Venus is Cook’s brand new collection. She simply doesn’t know how to make a dull disc. This rousing mountain country rocker features harmony vocals by the sublime Patty Loveless. It’s great, but you can “needle drop” anywhere on this record and strike audio gold.

NED VAN GO/Lost In The Trouble
Writers: N. Hill/B. Grant/R. Becker/C. Becker/M. Webb; Producer: Michael Webb; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP/BMI/SESAC; DSF (track)
– This Nashville band used to lean toward a rock sound. But the addition of mandolin ace Bob Grant in 2010 led to its evolution into an Americana act. The group’s current CD, The Dirt and the Sun, features this wildly energetic crowd favorite. It brilliantly fuses rock attitude with acoustic instrumentation.

TONY JOE WHITE/Hoochie Woman
Writers: Tony Joe White/Leann White; Producer: Jody White; Publishers: Wampus Cat/Wolf Woman, BMI; Swamp/Yep Roc (track)
– This ageless cult figure still conjures magic with his groove-tastic swamp rhythms and spooky lyrics. His womper-stomper guitar sets the tone in this dark, sexy, throbbing portrait of a witchy beguiler. It leads off a splendid collection titled Rain Crow.

JENNIFER WARNES/The Well
Writers: Jennifer Warnes/Doyle Bramhall; Producers: Martin Davich/Jennifer Warnes; Publishers: Warnes/BMG, BMI; Porch Light/BMG
– I have been in love with this woman for years. Best known as a peerless interpreter—“Right Time of the Night,” “I’ve Had the Time of My Life,” “Up Where We Belong” and the like—she now emerges as a songwriter of striking strength. This CD was originally recorded in 2001, but is only now getting an “official” release. Its title tune is a heartbeat pulsing meditation on nature that marries lilting instrumentation to her always caressing vocals. The album also features her silky versions of songs by Tom Waits, Billy Joel, Jesse Winchester, Cindy Walker and Arlo Guthrie, in addition to her originals. Warnes is now working on a new collection. I can’t wait.

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PAUL BURCH/Back To The Honky Tonks
Writers: Paul Burch; Producers: Paul Burch/Dennis Crouch; Publishers: Borrowed & Broke, BMI; Plowboy (track)
–Meridian Rising is a stunning achievement. Burch imagines the life of the legendary Jimmie Rodgers in a 20-tune song cycle that takes the Singing Brakeman from his Mississippi roots to his premature death from TB in a Manhattan hotel room. On this tune, he’s vowing to die as he lived, to the accompaniment of a cool little jazz combo. This whole project is absolutely essential listening. Buy it now.

JIMBO MATHUS/Play With Fire
Writers: Jimbo Mathus/Robert Earl Reed; Producer: Jimbo Mathus; Publisher: none listed; BLM (track)
– Mississippian Mathus is a mainstay of the esteemed vaudeville/folk/swing ensemble The Squirrel Nut Zippers. His new solo project is a nine-song, gumbo/voodoo delight titled Band of Storms. This track is a neo-rockabilly summons to romance featuring twang guitar, echo-chamber vocal and a cool, lingering hiss each time he sings the word “yes.” Elsewhere on the collection, you’ll find elements of blues, rock, honky-tonk and bluegrass. It’s all good.

 

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Chris Tomlin, Matt Maher Earn Top Honors At BMI Christian Awards

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Pictured (L-R): BMI's Leslie Roberts, BMI Songwriters of the Year Chris Tomlin and Matt Maher, BMI's Mike O'Neill, Del Bryant and BMI's Jody William at the 2016 BMI Christian Awards

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Leslie Roberts, BMI Songwriters of the Year Chris Tomlin and Matt Maher, BMI’s Mike O’Neill, Del Bryant and BMI’s Jody Williams at the 2016 BMI Christian Awards. Photo: Steve Lowry

Matt Maher, Chris Tomlin, and For King and Country’s Luke Smallbone were among the big winners last night (June 21) during BMI’s annual Christian Awards, held at the performing rights organization’s Nashville office.

Maher and Tomlin tied this year for Christian Songwriter of the Year. Maher was honored for his songs “Because He Lives (Amen),” “Come As You Are,” and “Soul On Fire.” Tomlin, a co-writer on “Because He Lives (Amen),” also penned “At The Cross (Love Ran Red),” and “Jesus Loves Me.”

For King and Country’s “Shoulders” earned BMI Christian Song of the Year honors. The track was penned by BMI songwriter Luke Smallbone, alongside Ben Glover, Joel Smallbone, and Tedd Tjornhom. Publishers include Dayspring Music, Kilns Music and Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corporation.

Word Music Publishing (Dayspring Music and Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corporation) took home the Publisher of the Year award, having earned the highest percentage of copyright ownership among the year’s most-performed songs, including the hits “More Than You Think I Am,” “Save My Life,” “Shoulders,” “Through All Of It” and “Who I Am.”

Steven Curtis Chapman honors former BMI executive Joe Moscheo. Photo: Steve Lowry

Steven Curtis Chapman honors former BMI executive Joe Moscheo. Photo: Steve Lowry

BMI Nashville’s VP, Writer/Publisher Relations Jody Williams and BMI Nashville’s Executive Director, Writer/Publisher Relations Leslie Roberts hosted the ceremony.

The evening began on a somber yet joyous note, with Steven Curtis Chapman performing “My Redeemer Is Faithful and True,” in honor of musician, Imperials member, and former BMI executive Joe Moscheo, who died earlier this year. Moscheo joined BMI in 1978 and served as vice president of special projects, staying with the company for 16 years. Chapman is but one of the many songwriters Moscheo championed during his time at BMI.

Maher took his spot behind a keyboard for a rendition of “Because He Lives (Amen),” while duo All Sons & Daughters also offered a performance of “I Surrender.”

The evening was especially sweet for those picking up their first BMI Christian honors. Though BMI writer Tim Nichols has been awarded 19 BMI awards for his country compositions, including “Live Like You Were Dying” recorded by Tim McGraw, he picked up his first BMI Christian award during last night’s ceremony, for co-writing “More Than You Think I Am,” alongside Bernie Herms and Danny Gokey.

For King & Country's "Shoulders" was named BMI Christian Song of the Year.

For King & Country’s “Shoulders” was named BMI Christian Song of the Year. Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Leslie Roberts; Word Music Publishing’s Josh Bailey; Trevor Mathiesen; Joel Timen; songwriter Joel Smallbone (accepting on behalf of his brother, BMI writer Luke Smallbone); Word Music Publishing’s Janine Appleton; Jonathan Mason; Rod Riley; Ben Vaughn; Jake Ottmann; BMI’s Jody Williams. Photo: Steve Lowry

Others picking up their first BMI honors included THiS Music’s Molly Reed (for “Through All Of It”), Monty Allen and Robert Arthur (for “Glory Bound”).

Among those in attendance were former BMI President/CEO Del Bryant, as well current BMI President/CEO Mike O’Neill and Sr. VP, Writer/Publisher Relations Phil Graham.

“We’re honored to be able to celebrate these top Christian music creators,” noted Williams. “These songwriters and publishers earned incredible airplay while spreading a wonderful message.”

For a full list of honorees, visit bmi.com.

All Sons & Daughters. Photo: Steve Lowry

All Sons & Daughters. Photo: Steve Lowry

 

Weekly Register: Brandy Clark, Frankie Ballard Make Top 10 Debuts

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Brandy Clark

Brandy Clark

Superb singer-songwriter Brandy Clark and soulful rocker Frankie Ballard make solid debuts this week on the country albums chart. Clark’s Big Day In A Small Town debuts at No. 8 country (No. 84 overall), selling 7.4K. Meanwhile, Ballard’s El Rio debuts at No. 9 country, with 6.7K.

Also making a big debut is the latest Now That’s What I Call Country compilation, which lands at No. 3 country and No. 28 overall, with 15.5K sold.

Just outside the Top 10 is Cold River Records artist Drew Baldridge‘s Dirt On Us, which lands at No. 11 country, selling 5.7K. Shawn Colvin and Steve Earle’s Colvin & Earle enters at No. 13 wit 5.6K albums sold.

Blake Shelton‘s If I’m Honest holds the top spot on the country chart with 22K sold, followed by Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller at No. 2 with 20K sold. Keith Urban‘s Ripcord lands at No. 4, with 12K sold this week, while Dierks Bentley‘s Black rounds out the Top 5 with 11.5K sold.

El Rio

Drake‘s Views remains atop the overall albums chart, with combined units of 121K. Of that number, 27K are albums, while the remainder factors in single-song downloads and streams. Following the Tony Awards on June 12, Hamilton, the Original Broadway Cast album rises to No. 3 this week, with 45K sold and combined units totaling 61.5K.

Also on the overall chart is the debut of Little Big Town‘s pop project with Pharrell, Wanderlust, which debuted at No. 105 overall, with 6.5K combined units in its debut week.

Overall album sales have decreased 13.3 percent YTD, while overall digital album sales have decreased 18.1 percent. Country album sales have decreased 5.1 percent YTD, while country digital sales have declined 12.2 percent.

Florida Georgia Line

Florida Georgia Line

On the country tracks rankings, Florida Georgia Line‘s “H.O.L.Y.” remains atop the list, with 72K sold this week. Tim McGraw‘s “Humble and Kind” follows with 32K, along with Dan+Shay‘s “From The Ground Up” at No. 3 (26K), Carrie Underwood‘s “Church Bells”  at No. 4 (25K), and Luke Bryan‘s “Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Every Day” at No. 5 (23K).

The top country track debut this week is Todd Crisley & Sara Evans‘ “Infinite Love,” which sold 12K to land at No. 19 country and No. 67 overall.

Justin Timberlake‘s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” stays atop the overall tracks sales charts, with 124K sold this week, and 1.175 million sold to date.

Overall track sales have diminished 24 percent YTD, while country track sales have declined 21.5 percent.

 

Of Songwriters And Books: Six Reading Recommendations

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It should come as no surprise that members of our songwriting community are also proficient in prose. Still, the number of current books by songwriters is impressive. Here are just a few of them.

ROBERT BURKE WARREN
Perfectly Broken (The Story Plant)

Perfectly Broken

The songs of Robert Burke Warren have been recorded by Rosanne Cash, Wanda Jackson and The Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Band. He starred in the title role in the musical Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story and was formerly in The Fleshtones.

Warren’s debut novel is the tale of three couples who are survivors of the ‘90s rock scene in New York. Betrayals, breakups, child rearing, depression, grief and forgiveness are woven through their lives.

I completely believed all of these characters, and the book is a real page turner. The author has a real gift for captivating dialogue and vivid scenarios. The flooding episode and drowning death are as gripping as the childhood vignettes and sex scenes. Heartily recommended.

Robert Burke Warren will read from his “sex, dads and rock & roll” book and perform songs this evening at 6:30 p.m. at Parnassus Books in Green Hills.

RODNEY CROWELL
Chinaberry Sidewalks: A Memoir (Alfred A. Knopf)

Rodney Crowell book

While you’re at Parnassus, you would do well to pick up Crowell’s 2011 memoir, which is newly stocked there in paperback. This Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member is doubly blessed by having a stunning childhood story and a breathtaking gift as a prose stylist to tell it.

It is a real testament to the power of music that Crowell emerged from such a crazy, violence-punctuated family circumstance to become a songwriter of such grace and dignity. That he finds love, humor, gentility and redemption from such a harrowing background is truly inspiring. This is a jaw-droppingly good read.

 

 

 

JESSE F. McRAE
My Four-Minute Life: The Journey of a Very Human Songwriter (MFML Publishing)

book coverweb

You won’t find McRae’s name on any big Nashville hits. He is a lifelong singer-songwriter who spent many years “in the trenches” on Music Row, but never achieved major success. And maybe that’s why his autobiography is so compelling. This is not a tale of celebrity name-dropping or glamorous living. Rather, it is the eloquently related story of a man’s struggle to achieve wisdom and maturity.

McRae survives boyhood sexual abuse, a distant father and loneliness. He endures numerous health problems throughout his life that should have killed him. He screws up several marriages. Yet at each juncture, he writes songs. In between the book’s chapters, he quotes lyrics from his works that fit the episodes.

I found this surprisingly evocative and completely enthralling. So I guess the take-away is that it’s not just “star” songwriters who have the best stories to tell.

The book is self published. MFML Publishing is at P.O. Box 4326, Bellingham, WA 98227-4326.

 

BOBBY BRADDOCK
A Life on Nashville’s Music Row (CMF/Vanderbilt University)

bobbybraddock

To know him is to love him. If you don’t know Bobby Braddock, here’s an excellent way to meet him. Like most of those gathered here, he writes prose that’s as vivid as his songwriting.

In the book, he looks back at his personal life as well as his professional one with great insight and gentle humor. There is heartbreak, self-revelation, intelligence and remarkable perspective in these pages. Most of all, there is heart.

Perhaps even more gripping is the first volume of Braddock’s autobiography, Down in Orburndale: A Songwriter’s Youth in Old Florida. Both books are enthusiastically recommended.

 

 

EVEN STEVENS
Someday I’m Gonna Rent This Town (Heritage Builders)

Even Stevens book

Songwriters Hall of Fame member Stevens has a slim volume that is a breezy and enjoyable read. But do not look for any deep insights in its pages. In fact, you won’t even find his real name or his age.

He sails through his hits “Drivin’ My Life Away,” “Suspicions,” “Love Will Turn You Around,” “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman” and the like. He deals with his encounters with stars, publishers, producers and record companies in light brush strokes.

He deals with everything via self-deprecating humor. Along the way, you’ll learn the music-business lessons he has learned.

 

 

 

RITA COOLIDGE with MICHAEL WALKER
Delta Lady: A Memoir (HarperCollins)

Rita Coolidge book

To many, it will come as a revelation that Rita Coolidge co-wrote such gigantic successes as “Superstar” (The Carpenters) and “Layla” (Derek & The Dominos), but was cheated out of her writing credits. These tales are told in her book without rancor or recrimination. Her languid, liquid delivery is serene throughout these pages. Even when the love of her life, Kris Kristofferson, is breaking her heart, she tells her tale with calm resignation.

Her girlhood in Nashville is written quickly, with a nod to her years as a cheerleader at Maplewood High alongside Brenda Lee. Tall Coolidge and diminutive Lee were called “Mutt and Jeff” by their classmates. Coolidge seems to feel instinctively that readers really want to read about her star-making years in L.A.

So her affairs with Leon Russell, Steven Stills and Graham Nash are dealt with at length, as his her marriage and performing career with Kristofferson. As the marriage was disintegrating, her solo career took off with “Higher and Higher,” “We’re All Alone” and “All Time High.” But she does not dwell at length on her own successes.

Perhaps the most frustrating thing about this tome is that it pretty much ends when the Kristofferson years do. By this time, you’ve become so enthralled with her writing voice, that you don’t want the book to end.

Weekly Chart Report (6/17/16)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

DISClaimer: Blake Shelton Has A Way With Hit Songs

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Blake Shelton

Blake Shelton

I was going to take a break from mainstream country and review some other genre this week, but the stars had other plans. In the wake of the CMA Music Festival, a large crop of hillbilly headliners released new music. So I was compelled to scrap my agenda.

Swatting away all competitors, Blake Shelton rules the roost with the Disc of the Day. This fella really is the bomb. Since everyone here is a proven quantity, there is no DisCovery Award winner. Let me just say that the two records that came closest to matching Blake’s in song quality were the new singles by Darius Rucker and Pat Green.

BLAKE SHELTON/She’s Got A Way With Words
Writers: Wyatt Earp/Andy Albert/Marc Beeson; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: Western Legend/Downtown DL/Son of Ron, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
– Very cleverly written. And in case you haven’t noticed by now, this guy is one of the greatest country singers of our time. This is going straight to the top.

 

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MAREN MORRIS/80s Mercedes
Writers: Maren Morris/busbee; Producers: Maren Morris/busbee; Publisher: none listed; Columbia (track)
– It ain’t all that “country,” but it sure is cool. Synth lines throb beneath her exuberant, youthful vocal about a babe out on the town.

JACK INGRAM/I’m Drinking Through It
Writers: Jack Ingram/Lori McKenna/Liz Rose; Producer: Jon Randall; Publishers: Beat Up Ford/Songs of Universal/Hoodie/Crazy Girl/Warner-Tamerlane, BMI; Rounder (track)
– His drawling performance is charming, and the song is a dandy. The only thing I didn’t like was the continuous bass rumble that assaulted me in one speaker. Somebody remix this.
 

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JERROD NIEMANN & LEE BRICE/A Little More Love
Writers: Shane McAnally/Ross Copperman/Natalie Hemby/Kristi Neumann; Producers: Jimmie Lee Sloas, Jerrod Niemann & Lee Brice; Publishers: Smack Hits/Smack Songs/Kobalt/EMI Blackwood/Songs By Red Room/Happygownucke/Creative Pulse/These Are My Pulse/Hello Jerry, GMR/BMI/SESAC; Curb (CDX)
– I could put up with the country-rap verses if the song was more interesting. As it is, it’s just an endless loop of the same repeated phrases.

PAT GREEN/Day One
Writers: Shane McAnally/John Osborne/Matt Ramsey; Producers: Jon Randall Stewart, Justin Pollard & Gary Paczosa; Publishers: Universal/Smack Ink/Songs of Black River/One Little Indian Creek/RPM/Sonic Geo/HoriPro/Calhoun, ASCAP; Greenhouse (CDX)
– Nicely done. He counts down the days as he survives a breakup. His pleading delivery is accompanied by a sweet, spare, guitar-chiming track. Whoever is singing the tenor harmony part is flawless.
 

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DARRYL WORLEY/Rainmaker
Writers: Darryl Worley/Jay Brunswick/Brock Berryhill; Producers: Jim “Moose” Brown, Billy Lawson & Brock Berryhill; Publishers: Myers/Worleybird/Spirit, ASCAP/BMI; Worleybird (CDX)
– Thunderstorm audio effects underscore his delivery of this sexy lyric.

BRAD PAISLEY & DEMI LOVATO/Without a Fight
Writers: Brad Paisley, Kelley Lovelace and Lee Thomas Miller; Producer: Brad Paisley and Luke Wooted; Publisher: none listed; Arista (ERG)
-They fuss and scrap, then make up. The big, pounding track tries to stir up excitement, but the song just isn’t that compelling.

DARIUS RUCKER/So I Sang
Writers: Darius Rucker/Rivers Rutherford/Tim James; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publishers:Universal Music Corp./Cadaja Publishing/ Universal Music Corp./Memphianna/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./T-Bird’s Music, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol Nashville
-I love this. He is just an ordinary guy, who excels at nothing much. Except for one thing: At every twist and turn in life, he sings his heart out. Resonant and moving.

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CASSADEE POPE/Summer
Writers: Cassadee Pope, Kelly Archer, Emily Shackelton; Producer: Corey Crowder; Publisher: Universal Music Corp./It’s the Coolest Publishing/Canal Music Publishing BV/Stars and Stripes and Maple Leaf Music/Downtown DMP Songs/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./Better Boat Music; ASCAP/BMI; Republic Nashville (ERG)
– His love burns like the sunshiny weather. Her bright vocal matches the lyric. The drummer is working overtime, but the rest of the instrumental track is pretty ordinary.

GARY ALLAN/Do You Wish It Was Me
Writers: Gary Allan/Jonathan Singleton/Andrew Dorff; Producers: Gary Allan/Greg Droman; Publishers: Crystal Beach/Super Big/Jett/Big Machine/Songs of Universal/Morendorffin, BMI/ASCAP; EMI (CDX)
– The steady driving track is just right for Gary’s impassioned delivery. A guy misses his gal fiercely and hopes desperately that she feels the same.

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In Pictures: SESAC Honors Heritage, Offers Modern Amenities With New Music Row Office

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Pictured (L-R): SESAC's Pat Collins, Mayor Megan Barry and SESAC's John Josephson. Photo: Terry Wyatt

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Pat Collins, Mayor Megan Barry and SESAC’s John Josephson at SESAC’S open house event. Photo: Terry Wyatt

SESAC welcomed artists, songwriters, publishers, and more from Nashville’s music community on Monday (June 13) to get a first look at its modern new office space at 35 Music Sq. E. in the Music Row neighborhood. Among those taking in the new office space was Nashville Mayor Megan Barry.

SESAC’s 42,000-square-feet space, located on the building’s fourth and fifth floors, was designed by Nashville’s Tuck-Hinton and California’s Wolcott Architecture/Interiors. The plan incorporates plenty of natural lighting and open work spaces. Light woods, glass-paneled offices and punches of red add vibrancy and transparency to SESAC’s two floors of space.

SESAC (C) Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC (C) Moments By Moser Photography

On the first floor, a plaque welcomes visitors, informing them of the site’s musical heritage as the former location for Combine Music, followed by EMI and Broken Bow Records.

“We have been searching for a location on Music Row for three or four years. We were insistent from day one that SESAC stay on Music Row,” SESAC’s Pat Collins tells MusicRow. “It was extremely important to us to stay on Music Row. In the main lobby of the building, we did a plaque that acknowledges that Combine Music started here, followed by EMI and ultimately Broken Bow. It’s very important for us to also be aware and be respectful of the heritage of this site.”

SESAC (C) Moments By Moser Photography

A plaque honoring Combine Music at SESAC’s Music Row office. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

The new space balances history with progress, and provides a comfortable workspace for SESAC’S 110 employees, along with plenty of amenities, including a gym and a Fresh Market, which provides healthy food options on-site for employees. In addition to spacious songwriters rooms, a piano is available in the main lobby for visitors and employees to play.

“Many of the people who work with and at SESAC are musicians in their own right, so we give them an opportunity to move from their workspace if they need a break and they can go tickle the ivories,” says Collins. “It was as much mental health as productivity that we were looking to harness.”

“I love the openness of it and the light,” says SESAC’s Dennis Lord. “I think it has such a positive effect on everybody, being in this open space. It also promotes a collaborative attitude. We talk more to each other, because we are all together.”

SESAC (C) Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

“We believe a more open plan was appropriate and fitting for this day and age and the way that young people work and their work habits, and the comfort level they would like while they practice their trade,” says Collins. “Our Nashville employees also had input into the building. We didn’t do anything without bringing it to our folks. We gave them the objective and many people including the Sr. VP of Plant Operations and HR, Cathy Grizzell, were involved. We are delighted that we have received glowing marks from our employees.”

At the heart of the move is the desire to build upon the legacy of the companies that previously inhabited the site on 16th Avenue, while offering a progressive work space for SESAC’S staff in a modern music industry era. “We are honored to work on hallowed ground where Combine, Broken Bow, and great artists like Kris Kristofferson penned many classic evergreen compositions,” says Collins. “We are very proud of this space.”

SESAC (C) Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC Conference Room. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC (C) Moments By Moser Photography

Writers room at SESAC. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC (C) Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC Writers Room. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC (C) Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC office space. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC (C) Moments By Moser Photography

Previous SESAC logos line one wall in the new office. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC (C) Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC offers a variety of meeting spaces throughout its new office. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC (C) Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC office space. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC (C) Moments By Moser Photography

Open office space at SESAC new location. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC (C) Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC’s main lobby. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC (C) Moments By Moser Photography

Open work areas at SESAC’s new office space. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC (C) Moments By Moser Photography

Rooftop views at SESAC’s new office space. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

SESAC (C) Moments By Moser Photography

The main lobby at 35 Music Sq. E. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

Weekly Register: Maren Morris Tops Country Albums Chart

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Maren-Morris_Hero_Cover

This week’s country albums chart is all about Hero worship.

Columbia Nashville newcomer Maren Morris‘ debut album Hero has topped the country albums rankings this week, with 37K albums sold. The project lands at No. 5 on the overall chart rankings with combined sales and streaming units of 45K.

Following Morris is a new project from Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville duo Dan+Shay. Obsessed debuts at No. 2 on the country albums chart with 26K albums sold and No. 8 on the overall chart with 33K combined units.

Dan + Shay ObsessedRounding out the Top 5 country albums this week are Blake Shelton‘s If I’m Honest (26K), Dierks Bentley‘s Black (20K), and Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller (18K).

Other notable debuts include Republic Nashville artist Cassadee Pope‘s Summer EP at No. 14 on the country album chart (3.8K albums), Craig Morgan‘s Whole Lot More to Me at No. 16  (3.5K), and the Randy Rogers/Wade Bowen collaboration Watch This at No. 21 (2.8K). Royal Bliss‘ The Truth lands at No. 28 (1.5K).

On the Top 200 albums chart, Drake‘s Views remains at the pinnacle, with 135K (32K album only). Overall album sales have decreased 13.3 percent YTD, while overall digital album sales have declined 18 percent. Country album sales have scaled back by 5.2 percent, while country digital album sales have diminished by 12.3 percent YTD.

Florida Georgia Line

Florida Georgia Line

Florida Georgia Line‘s “H.O.L.Y.” tops this week’s country tracks sales with 74.5K, surpassing the 500K mark. That’s followed by Tim McGraw‘s “Humble and Kind” with 34K, Dan+Shay‘s “From The Ground Up” with 31.5K, Morris’ “My Church” with 29K, and Luke Bryan‘s “Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Everyday” with 26.5K.

The top country debut this week is Charles Kelley‘s “The Only One Who Gets Me,” which debuts at No. 7 country and No. 18 overall, with 12.5 K sold.

Justin Timberlake‘s “Can’t Stop The Feeling” remains at No. 1 on the overall digital track sales chart, with 138K this week, enough to top the 1 million mark in only five weeks of release.

Overall track sales have decreased 24 percent YTD, while country track sales have declined 21.1 percent YTD.

Information provided by Nielsen Soundscan.

‘Nashville’ Confirmed For Fifth Season On CMT And Hulu

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Nashville on ABC

CMT, Hulu, Lionsgate and ABC Studios have confirmed a fifth season of Nashville.

Longtime SVOD partner Hulu will make all Nashville episodes available to stream the day after they air on CMT.

A spokesperson for CMT stated that the agreement calls for 22 episodes. Returning cast members have not yet been announced.

The series is produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios, and Opry Entertainment. Production will commence in Nashville with Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz (the creators of Thirtysomething) at the helm.

The deal, negotiated by Lionsgate Television Group President Sandra Stern on behalf of Lionsgate and ABC Studios, Sarah Levy of Viacom Kids and Family Group on behalf of CMT, and Hulu executives, is an orchestrated initiative to ensure that Nashville fans will continue to have the same level of access to their favorite show.

Nashville image“CMT heard the fans. The wave of love and appreciation they have unleashed for Nashville has been overwhelming,” said Brian Philips, President of CMT. “Nashville is a perfect addition to our evolving line-up of big music specials, documentaries, and original series. We see our fans and ourselves in this show and we will treasure it like no other network. Nashville belongs on CMT.”

“Nashville has long been a fan favorite show on Hulu and we are so proud to continue to make new episodes available for fans to stream the day after they air,” said Craig Erwich, SVP and Head of Content, Hulu. “We look forward to bringing even more episodes of this acclaimed series to its passionate and devoted audience.”

“CMT and Hulu are the perfect combination for our iconic and beloved series Nashville and we want to thank the incredible fans for their unwavering support—#Nashies, you helped make this possible,” said Kevin Beggs, Chairman of the Lionsgate Television Group. “We also want to extend our appreciation to the State of Tennessee, City of Nashville, and Ryman Hospitality for their unending support. They have been a key ingredient to the continued success of this show and we’re thrilled to extend our partnership for a fifth season.”

“We always had faith that we would find a way to bring Nashville back to its devoted fans, and we’re very proud to be in partnership with CMT and Hulu to extend the life of this series,” said Patrick Moran, Executive Vice President, ABC Studios.

Nashville album

The fourth season of Nashville attracted more than 8 million weekly viewers across all platforms and ranks as one of television’s most DVR’d series. The series is particularly strong with women 18-34. Out of more than 180 broadcast dramas since fall 2012, Nashville ranks in the top 20.

The series airs in 82 international markets on six continents. Since its debut, the show has inspired 10 soundtracks, including a Christmas album, which have collectively sold more than one million album units and over 5 million single-track downloads to date. It has also been nominated for multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards.

Bobby Karl Works The Room: CMA Music Festival, Day 1

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Jake Owen at CMA Music Fest Riverfront. Photo: Jake Owen twitter

Jake Owen at CMA Music Fest Riverfront. Photo: Jake Owen/Twitter

Chapter 532

I love this week.

No, I do not have sunstroke. And, no, country music hasn’t finally driven me insane. Unlike some in the industry, I genuinely love the people of the CMA Music Festival. The fans now come in all ages, sizes, shapes and colors. What unites them is camaraderie.

As I plunged into the crowds on Thursday (June 9), I felt like I was bathing in goodwill. I met people from France, Australia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Alabama, Wisconsin and elsewhere. They were bonded together by their love of our music.

I usually just make a complete circuit of all the sites and stages of the fest daily, grabbing impressions from whatever I see along the heated pavements. This year, I decided to try a targeted approach. I highlighted the acts I really wanted to see and directed my steps accordingly.

Chris Janson performs at CMA Music Festival's Riverfront Stage. Photo: Chris Janson/Instagram

Chris Janson performs at CMA Music Festival’s Riverfront Stage. Photo: Chris Janson/Instagram

In order of appearance, those artists were Brothers Osborne at Riverfront, The Last Bandoleros at the Hard Rock, Shenandoah on the Durango Stage, Hailey Whitters at the Music City Stage, Chris Janson at Riverfront, Dailey & Vincent at Ascend Amphitheater and Maren Morris at Riverfront. What I hadn’t allowed for was the amount of time it takes to get from stage to stage. So I didn’t catch everybody exactly on time.

Jake Owen kicked things off at Riverfront by arriving by boat. Which was way cool. Up in the Fan Fair X exhibit hall in the Music City Center, Shane Owens was getting the lay of the land in advance of his Durango Stage performance. Marie Osmond, Cassadee Pope, The Swon Brothers, Jericho Woods and Ashton Shepherd were autographing while Bill Cody was interviewing Charlie Daniels on the CMA Close-Up Stage.

Maren Morris performs at CMA Music Festival's Riverfront Stage. Photo: Maren Morris/Instagram

Maren Morris performs at CMA Music Festival’s Riverfront Stage. Photo: Maren Morris/Instagram

Besides the fabulous Ascend Amphitheater, there’s another new stage this year. I found it in the visitor center in the base of the “needle” of the Bridgestone Arena. It’s small, but perfect for singer-songwriters.

“My name is Hailey Whitters, and I’m happy to be here at CMA Fest,” said the performer. “Like everybody else here, I’m writing songs.” She had a capacity crowd of roughly 100. “Thank y’all for coming out and spending time with us.”

Wandering further downtown I passed by Tucker Beathard rocking the Chevy Cruise Stage, then found another new music spot, the Honky-Tonk Alley, just off Broadway. David Nail was soulfully wailing there. The Hard Rock rocked with Cale Dodds and Jacob Davis.

Tearin’ it up at the Ascend were Dailey & Vincent. There, some 200 bluegrass lovers caught some welcome shade in the first 10 rows of seats. Chris Janson concluded a barn-burning set at Riverfront by thanking even the people in the boats on the Cumberland behind the stage.

David Nail greets fans during a signing time at Fan Fair X at CMA Music Fest. Photo: David Nail/Instagram

David Nail greets a fan during a signing time at Fan Fair X at CMA Music Fest. Photo: David Nail/Instagram

As always, the Riverfront audience was packed with young sun worshippers. Maren Morris, whose album dropped last Friday, displayed confident stage presence. And even though most of her songs were probably unfamiliar to the fans, they grooved with her all the way. Beaming in the wings was Sony boss Randy Goodman. Maren was his first signing, and she seems to be working out. Big time.

Among the other fabulons I greeted at various locations on the “campus” were Patrick Clifford, Steve Popovich Jr., Mike Sirls, Dale Bobo, T.K. Kimbrell, singer-actor Lindsey Haun, Tom Luteran, Joe Galante, Kerry O’Neil and Hunter Kelly.

On Broadway, music was pouring out of every honky-tonk. The souvenir shops were jammed. Street buskers were everywhere. Strollers, bicycles, wheelchairs, walkers and Segways jockeyed for position. On the last named were the more than 100 medical personnel circulating to tend to emergencies.

The sky was blue. The sun was shining. Tens of thousands were having the times of their lives. Even the traffic cops were mellow. It was a beautiful day.