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Bobby Karl Works CRS New Faces Show

February 11, 2016/by Robert K Oermann

Pictured (Back row) Brothers Osborne. (Middle row) Old Dominion. (Front row) Chris Janson, Kelsea Ballerini, Cam. Photo: Sara Kauss

Chapter 521

If this year’s New Faces Show at Country Radio Seminar is any gauge, the future of country music is in good hands.

No, I’m serious. I have been to more than 30 of these showcases, and this year’s lineup was one of the strongest that I can remember. Each act, in its own way, knocked it out of the park.

Co-sponsored by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, this was the first New Faces Show (and CRS convention) held at the Omni Hotel downtown. The Wednesday evening show (Feb. 10) was the culmination of three days of panel discussions, research presentations, radio awards, music showcases and parties.

There were pre-show video presentations by St. Jude and the ACM’s Paul Barnabee and Lisa Lee. The latter pointed out that all five New Faces are nominated for ACM awards this year.

Cam. Photo: Sara Kauss

The vivacious Cam kicked off the show with a flawless set. Her pert and rocking Untamed album’s title tune was followed by the furiously blazing “Runaway Train.” Her penetrating, poignant, throbbing and melodic new single, “Mayday,” was her segment’s highlight. She concluded with her plaintive, aching, breakthrough ballad, “Burning House.”

“I’m so proud to be a part of this lineup today,” she told the assembled radio poobahs. “We’ve had a really incredible year thanks to you guys.”

I took schmooze breaks between acts. That meant spotting attendees David Preston, David M. Ross, John Huie, John Esposito, Jon Freeman, John Zarling, Charlie Cook, Charlie Morgan, Bob Kingsley, Bob Doerschuk and Bob Paxman.

Meanwhile, magician Justin Flom, who opened for Cam, was featured in between-acts videos of him delighting and/or flummoxing CRS attendees with his slight-of-hand tricks.

Brothers Osborne. Photo: Sara Kauss

The second New Faces showcasers, Brothers Osborne, came out with guns blazing on the neo-Southern rock gem, “It Ain’t My Fault.” Then “21 Summer” was contrastingly breezy and enchanting. The bedrock barroom country “Loving Me Back” was another cool change of pace.

“I just want to thank you for letting me be a part of the most nerve-racking show of our lives,” said lead singer TJ Osborne. “You’ve treated us with so much respect, and we love you for it.”

Their finale, of course, was the pulse-pounding excitement of “Stay a Little Longer” with John Osborne’s trademark fleet-fingered guitar workout. This set was a star-making performance.

Entre-act schmoozathon #2 involved Dawn Delvo, Greg Green, Fletcher Foster, Royce Risser, Raeanne Rubenstein, Sarah Skates, Bobby Bones, Brandi Simms, Sherod Robertson, Phyllis Stark and Todd Cassetty.

Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Sara Kauss

Kelsea Ballerini may be only 22, but she showed real depth for someone who’s only been doing full shows for a year. “Dibs” was youthful and perky, yet “XO” was a frothing rocker and “Peter Pan” is a superbly-written, wise and tuneful tempo tune.

“Thank you for what you’ve done for this song; thank you for what you’ve done for me,” she said in introducing “Love Me Like You Mean It.” “Thank you for the most incredible year. I’m so grateful.”

Rick Murray. Randy Goodman, Eric T. Parker, Granger Smith, Diana Upton Hill, April Kry, Hannah Bethel, Craig Bann, Chuck Dauphin and Allen Brown were on our radar during schmooze break #3.

Old Dominion. Photo: Sara Kauss

The set by Old Dominion shone a spotlight on the band’s strong suit—its songwriting. “Snapback” was cheery, churning and anthemic. “Said Nobody” was jaunty and bopping. The lilting, sexy “Nowhere Fast” was a delight. The lyrics of “Song for Another Time” were splendidly clever. “Break Up With Him” still sounds refreshingly ringing and catchy.

Working the room and/or backstage during schmooze break #4 were Scott Hendricks, Karen Tallier, Troy Stephenson, Cindy Watts, Lon Helton, Wynn Varble, Tom Baldrica, Ed Morris, Leslie Fram, Jessica Nicholson and Deborah Evans Price.

Chris Janson. Photo: Sara Kauss

The finale slot belonged to the one-of-a-kind, wonderfully inventive Chris Janson. Lean and lanky and wired, he went all over the stage and right into our hearts. He wailed his harmonica on the romping “Back in My Drinkin’ Days.” “White Trash” is a moody ballad about his hillbilly childhood. His new single, “The Power of Positive Drinkin’,” was roaring and stomping.

“Thank you for putting food on my table and feeding my family,” he said sincerely. Then he let his searing, soaring tenor loose on the powerful love ballad “Holdin’ Her.” It was a thrilling vocal performance that drew a standing ovation. He finished with the jovial and drawling, star-making “Buy Me a Boat” and drew a second standing ovation.

Chris summed up the whole roster’s feelings with the shout, “Thank you for making my dreams come true!”

More than 1,100 attended. As I mentioned, this was the first CRS at The Omni. The high-end hotel lived up to its reputation with a first-class banquet featuring grilled shrimp, tender steak medallions, stewed tomato, asparagus spears and mashed potatoes, with pecan chocolate pie as the dessert.

Olivia Lane. Photo: Sara Kauss

The pre-show cocktail party was sponsored by Big Spark Records in order to showcase Olivia Lane. She pogo-bounced energetically during her uptempo tunes, sang strongly, had a tough little four-piece band and played acoustic guitar, mandolin and tambourine. “I’m insanely positive all the time,” she told the crowd. And she was.

The recipients for the 2016 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards were also announced during the festivities. The winners are:

WUBL/Atlanta (Major Market)
KAJA/San Antonio (Large)
WSSL/Greenville (Medium)
WKSF/Asheville, NC (Small)
Platinum Label: Capitol
Gold Label: Broken Bow

OM/PD:
Bruce Logan, KILT/Houston (Major)
Kerry Wolfe, WMIL/Milwaukee (Large)
Buzz Jackson, KIIM/Tucson (Medium)
Dave Michaels, WQHK/Ft. Wayne, IN (Small)

MD:
Marci Braun, WUSN/Chicago (Major)
Kimsey Kerr, WSIX/Nashville (Large)
Aaron Michael, WSSL/Greenville (Medium)
Bill Poindexter, WUSY/Chattanooga (Small)

SVP/VP: Royce Risser, UMG Nashville
National: Erik Powell, Big Machine

MM/GM:
Tim Pohlman, WUSN/Chicago (Major)
Pam McKay, KASE & KVET/Austin (Large)
Bill McMartin, WSSL & WESC/Greenville (Medium)
Gene Guinn, WBUL/Lexington (Small)

Personality:
Fitz In The Morning, KKWF/Seattle (Major)
Tige & Daniel, WSIX/Nashville (Large)
Ellis & Bradley, WSSL/Greenville (Medium)
Tim Leary, WUBB/Savannah, GA (Small)

National: The Bobby Bones Show
Regional: Cliff Blake, Columbia
Indie Promo: New Revolution/New Vision
New Face: Rod Phillips, iHeartCountry

Jennifer Nettles, Justin Moore Make An Impression At BMLG’s CRS Showcase

February 10, 2016/by Craig_Shelburne

Jennifer Nettles. Photo: Sara Kauss

On the final day of Country Radio Seminar (CRS), Jennifer Nettles and Justin Moore anchored the Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) luncheon at the Omni Nashville Hotel, bringing some older hits and new material to the Wednesday (Feb. 10) event.

New artists Tucker Beathard, Tara Thompson, and Drake White all made special appearances, following opening remarks from BMLG President and CEO Scott Borchetta and Nashville actor Charles Esten (“Deacon”).

Nettles is back on the scene following a solo project on another label, a short-term stint in Chicago on Broadway, and a star turn in the television movie, Dolly Parton’s Coat Of Many Colors. While her soaring new ballad, “Unlove You,” is climbing the country chart, she is out headlining CMT’s Next Women of Country Tour.

On stage at CRS, she wore a black leather jacket over a stylish patterned dress, which accentuated her tough girl/thoughtful woman personality. She unveiled two new songs with a lot of spunk: “Playing With Fire” and “Drunk in Heels.” Both are expected to be on her first BMLG project due later this year.

Then she slowed things down for “Unlove You,” a country-influenced ballad that allows her to open up her commanding vocals and wail. Encouraging the audience to take a trip back in time, she submitted fun versions of Sugarland staples “Baby Girl” and “Something More,” smiling all the while before saying farewell.

Drake White. Photo: Sara Kauss

Her set was preceded by White’s pair of acoustic songs, performed with two other musicians. A scruffy Alabama native who has a blues tinge to his baritone, White is working on his bow on the Dot Records imprint. To preview the project, he offered the sultry “Makin’ Me Look Good Again” and the single, “Livin’ the Dream.”

Moore earned the sole standing ovation of the afternoon, thanks to an emotional rendering of 2011’s “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away.” His set was a strong reminder of his natural charisma and enviable track record at country radio. Although he’s working on a new album, the first four songs he performed were familiar: “Point at You,” “’Til My Last Day,” “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” and “Small Town USA.”

Justin Moore. Photo: Sara Kauss

Moore said he has taken time away from releasing singles to focus on making sure he was sending the best possible songs to radio. That hiatus officially ended when he shipped “You Look Like I Need a Drink” to country stations in late 2015. The catchy tune elicited laughter and knowing looks from the crowd, who had just finished dining on a spread of beef, salmon, fried chicken, roasted vegetables, dinner rolls and tossed salad.

Citing a previous engagement—baking cupcakes for his daughter’s 6th birthday the following day—Moore once again effusively thanked the programmers in the room for allowing him to have a career in country music.

Pictured (L-R): Tara Thompson, Drake White, Scott Borchetta, Jennifer Nettles, Tucker Beathard. Photo: Sara Kauss

Emerging from behind a black curtain, Beathard was almost shy on stage. That’s a surprise because so many of his family members have found a spotlight in various fields, from football to music. Although he’s relatively green at age 21, Beathard is able to pull off a solo performance on the strength of songs like “Rock On,” a memorable first single with a lyrical twist that feels comfortable in country music. His second tune, “20-10 Tennessee,” is a metaphorical slice-of-life song that indicates his upcoming album will be an interesting and intriguing one.

Tara Thompson. Photo: Sara Kauss

Opener, Thompson—or “Tara Damn Thompson” when she’s introducing herself—is currently on the road with Nettles’ CMT-sponsored tour, so she’s had some experience warming up crowds. With redneck imagery and a Jerry Springer reference, “Vows” is a romp down the wedding aisle. As for Thompson’s sole love song, it’s called “Jail.” Her take-charge debut single, “Someone To Take Your Place,” wrapped her set.

Bobby Karl Works The 14th Annual MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards

February 9, 2016/by Bobby Karl

Pictured (L-R): Craig Shelburne, Kelsea Ballerini, Sherod Robertson

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Craig Shelburne, Kelsea Ballerini, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

Let’s drop a few names right at the beginning, shall we?

MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Craig Shelburne, Troy Stephenson, Jessica Nicholson, Eric T. Parker, Molly Hannula. Those are the people you need to know if you want to snag an invitation to the schmooze-a-minute whoop-de-do that is MusicRow magazine’s annual radio party and awards.

This event has historically been sardine-packed with attendees, so the organizers limited the number of invitations sent this year. Guess what? Everyone in the world RSVP’d, so it was still quite a crowd at Margaritaville on Monday afternoon (Feb. 8).

There was an impressive number of artists in this year’s throng. Billy Dean brought his protégé Jason Pritchett. Singer-songwriter Trent Summar was celebrating his new publishing deal with TenTen Music. Sierra Black was handing out cute lollipops with her picture in/on them.

Pictured (L-R): Craig Shelburne, LOCASH, Sherod Robertson

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Craig Shelburne, LOCASH, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

Others working the room included such recording artists as Sammy Sadler, McKenna & Brock, Macy Martin, James Robert Webb, Morgan Riley, Charee White, The Voice winner Craig Wayne Boyd, Branch & Dean, Mitchell Tenpenny, SaraBeth, Denny Strickland, Courtney Dickinson, Lucas Hoge and Stephanie Quayle, not to mention award winners Florida Georgia Line, Kelsea Ballerini, LOCASH and Erica Nicole.

“Welcome to our 14th annual CountryBreakout Awards,” said Sherod. He introduced Craig Shelburne, since this is Craig’s first appearance at the event as MusicRow’s general manager.

Wasting no time, Sherod and Craig swung right into an award presentation. Capitol Records Nashville won Label of the Year for the 12th time. Eleven of those wins have been consecutive.

“Every year, we love coming here,” said the company’s Shane Allen. “Thanks for everything, and feel free to reach out to us at any time….We couldn’t do what we do on the MusicRow chart without Diane Richey Promotions.”

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Craig Shelburne, Capitol Nashville label staff, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

The show’s first entertainer was Erica Nicole. She’s the first female artist to score three consecutive top-20 records on the magazine’s charts. Erica displayed a commanding stage presence, confident vocal belting and a feisty attitude. She wailed effectively on her rocking “I Listen to My Bad Girl” and kept the heat turned up on the potent “It’s Comin’ Down.”

Her first top-10 hit in MusicRow was “I’m Making Mine,” and she nailed the power ballad with plenty of oomph. Erica’s producer, Kent Wells, was in her band on guitar and backing vocals.

Sherod presented MusicRow’s Group/Duo of the Year award to Florida Georgia Line. “It’s an honor to be here,” said FGL’s Tyler Hubbard. “Thank you guys for being here. MusicRow radio reporters were the people who believed in us when no one else did.”

“We really do feel like the luckiest guys in the world,” added his partner Brian Kelley. “We’re more inspired than ever.” Republic Nashville’s promo v.p. Matthew Hargis posed the guys for a photo with the crowd behind them and asked everyone to raise their hands in a No. 1 salute.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Craig Shelburne, FGL’s Tyler Hubbard and Bryan Kelley, and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

Florida Georgia Line were also awarded five MusicRow Challenge Coins for co-writing the No. 1 hits “Anything Goes,” “Sippin’ on Fire,” “Sun Daze,” “Dirt” and “This Is How We Roll.”

For the first time in MusicRow history, the Breakthrough Artist and Female Artist of the Year were awarded to the same person, Kelsea Ballerini. “This makes me feel a lot cooler than I actually am,” she quipped. “If you had told me that this would happen a year and a half ago, I probably would have fainted.” When presented with her Challenge Coin for co-writing “Dibs,” Kelsea posed adorably with it, pursing her lips in a smooch.

Male Vocalist of the Year winner Jason Aldean was unable to attend.

The Songwriter of the Year was a three-way tie, with Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne each penning five chart toppers. “Congratulations to Shane and Josh,” said Ashley. “To be in their company is awesome.” Shane added, “I really appreciate everything MusicRow does. Thanks for putting this together.” Josh said, “This is a huge honor. We love sharing it with the MusicRow folks.”

Pictured: FGL’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley accept MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins to celebrate their chart-topping hits. Photo: Molly Hannula

“This is the guy you all need to know, if you don’t already,” said Sherod in introducing Troy Stephenson, MusicRow’s chart director. All of the awards are based on activity on his weekly listings. “I’m thrilled with every single radio station that’s on our [reporting] panel,” said Troy. He presented the Independent Artist of the Year award to Erica Nicole.

“Thank you to MusicRow for making a platform for an artist like me,” she said. “Country radio, thank you for this moment. Thank you so, so much….I share this award with y’all.”

Troy announced Melissa Frost as MusicRow’s Reporter of the Year. She is the programming director at KRRV-FM in Alexandria, Louisiana.

“This is a pretty big honor,” Melissa began. “To all the females out there — keep doing your thing, because eventually it’s gonna pay off. It did for me.” She first learned about the music industry by reading MusicRow magazine as a teenager. How cool is that?

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Craig Shelburne and Troy Stephenson, Erica Nicole, and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

The members of LOCASH were given Challenge Coins for co-writing their MusicRow No. 1 “I Love This Life.”

“This is our first Number One, and it feels fantastic,” said the duo’s Chris Lucas. “Country radio, I can’t thank you enough.”

“We’re singing; we’re having fun,” added his partner Preston Brust. “Country radio, you are friends and family. Thank you for being here.”

Chris and Preston fronted their rocking band on the throbbing new single “I Know Somebody.” The frothing, emotional “Ship Wrecked” was dedicated to Preston’s wife, who is a new mom. LOCASH’s set concluded with the rolling, driving, joyous “I Love This Life.”

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Craig Shelburne and Troy Stephenson, KRRV’s Melissa Frost, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

“Congratulations to all our winners!” said Sherod when bidding the crowd farewell. He gazed at a gathering that included such Music Row fabulons as Butch Baker, Tim McFadden, Paula Szeigis, Martha Moore, Bev Moser, Susan Niles, Skip Bishop, Butch Waugh, Woody Bomar, Rick Kelly, Clif Doyal, Preshias Tomes Harris, Neal Spielberg, David Macias, Rosey Fitzpatrick, Sarah Skates, Ron Huntsman, David M. Ross, Gator Michaels, Fletcher Foster and Jensen Sussman.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Craig Shelburne, songwriters Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

MusicRow Reveals 14th Annual MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards Winners

February 8, 2016/by Jessica Nicholson

The Nashville industry gathered Monday afternoon (Feb. 8) at Margaritaville to celebrate MusicRow’s 14th annual Country Radio Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards.

The award winners were celebrated for their success in 2015 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart, the leading secondary country radio chart.

This year’s winners are as follows:

Male Artist of the Year: Jason Aldean
Female Artist of the Year: Kelsea Ballerini
Breakout Artist of the Year: Kelsea Ballerini
Duo/Group of the Year: Florida Georgia Line
Independent Artist of the Year: Erica Nicole
Label of the Year: Capitol Records Nashville
Songwriter of the Year (three-way tie): Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne

At each awards show, MusicRow also honors one of its MusicRow panel radio station reporters. This year, Melissa Frost of KRRV-FM (Alexandria, La.) was honored as MusicRow’s Reporter of the Year.

Songwriters Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne tied for the Songwriter of the Year honor, which recognizes the writer(s) who penned the most No. 1 songs on the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart. McAnally, Gorley, and Osborne penned five chart-topping songs each in 2015.

The show also featured performances from MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart toppers LOCASH, as well as MusicRow’s 2016 Independent Artist of the Year Erica Nicole.

Stay tuned for Bobby Karl’s full recap of the 14th annual MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards on musicrow.com.

Weekly Register: Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” Tops 2 Million

February 8, 2016/by Jessica Nicholson

Little Big Town

In addition to earning Little Big Town a Grammy nomination, “Girl Crush” has sold 6.1K this week, enough to push the sultry ballad over the 2 million mark.

Thomas Rhett and Chris Stapleton continue their reigns over the Top Country tracks and Top Country albums rankings, respectively. Rhett’s “Die A Happy Man” pushed 39K units this week, while Stapleton’s Traveller project moved 27K units (landing at No. 8 on the overall rankings).

Following Rhett on the top-selling country tracks are Sam Hunt‘s “Break Up In A Small Town” (28K), Cole Swindell‘s “You Should Be Here” (28K), Luke Bryan with Karen Fairchild‘s “Home Alone Tonight” (24K), and Brett Eldredge‘s “Drunk On Your Love” (24K). Meanwhile, The Cadillac Three earned the top country debut, coming in at No. 47 and selling 4.1K in its debut week.

On the overall tracks rankings, Zayn debuted at No. 1 with “Pillowtalk” selling 240K. Drake‘s new track “Summer Sixteen” sold 213K.

Overall tracks sales are down 25.8 percent over last year, while country track sales are down 24.2 percent from last year.

Following up Stapleton’s lead on the country albums rankings are Sam Hunt’s Montevallo with 7.8K, Blake Shelton‘s Reloaded: 20 #1 Hits compilation selling 7.4K, Hank Williams, Jr‘s It’s About Time (6.7K), and Carrie Underwood‘s Storyteller (6.2K). The top country debuts include sets from Swon Brothers at No. 19 (1.8K), Aubrie Sellers at No. 23 (1.6K), and Buddy Miller & Friends at No. 30 (1.4K).

Rihanna‘s Anti album takes the No. 1 overall album spot this week, selling 166K. Kevin Gates follows at No. 2 with Islah selling 112K. Adele‘s 25 is at No. 3 (106K), and Sia‘s This Is Acting is at No. 4 (81K).

Info provided by Nielsen Soundscan.

Weekly Chart Report (2/5/16)

February 5, 2016/by Troy_Stephenson

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

DISClaimer: Cam, Brandy Clark, Aubrie Sellers Break Up The Boys Club

February 4, 2016/by Robert K Oermann

Pictured (L-R): Brandy Clark, Cam, Aubrie Sellers

For a while, it looked like Billy Currington, LOCASH or Dierks Bentley was going to rule the day, but you know what they say about the best laid plans.

Down the track came Brandy Clark and Cam, and they ran over those boys like a pair of locomotives. The two women finish in a tie for the Disc of the Day award.

Today’s DisCovery Award also goes to a female artist. That would be Aubrie Sellers.

LESLIE COURS MATHER/That Was The Whiskey
Writer: Nini Camps; Producer: Denny Diante; Publisher: none listed; CM (track)
-I think I have liked everything this gal has put out. This time around she applies her soulful, husky pipes to a punchy rocker about a wild child who looked an awful lot like her when she was tearin’ up the town last night. “That was the whiskey,” not her, in that red dress dancing on the table. Lots of verve. Lots of fun.

BILLY CURRINGTON/It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To
Writers: Billy Currington/Cary Barlowe/Shy Carter; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Coconut Hut/Castle Bound/We Be Pawtying/BMG Rights Management/You Want How Much of What Pub/Worldwide EMG, ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; Mercury (CDX)
– Crunchy and stomping. He sings the fire outta this lyric about a guy going through hell getting over a heartbreak. The shuddering guitar, shouted chorus boys and catchy, chesty chorus are all just terrific. Currington strikes pay dirt again.

DIERKS BENTLEY/Somewhere On A Beach
Writers: Michael Tyler/Jaron Boyer/Alex Palmer/Dave Kuncio/Josh Mirenda; Producer: Ross Copperman; Publishers: Peermusic III/Peertunes/Jaron Boyer/BMG Silver/Fuego/BMG Rights Management/David Ryan/The Real Brain/WB/Music of the Corn, BMI/SESAC/ASCAP; Capitol (CDX)
– Take this, ex-girlfriend. He’s getting over you by chilling next to the ocean with a hot babe and a cold drink. So there.

LORRIE MORGAN/How Does It Feel
Writers: Mark Oliverius/Loretta Lynn Morgan/Kelly Lang; Producer: Richard Landis; Publishers: Omee/Kelly Lang, BMI; Shanachie (CDX)
– Still one of our most lustrous vocalists. Morgan uses her range and emotive abilities to alternately caress with a soprano whisper and contemplate with an alto moan on this ballad. The “answering” harmonica and steel guitar are both expertly deployed by producer Landis. Recommended.

CAM/Mayday
Writers: Camaron Ochs/Tyler Johnson; Producers: Jeff Bhasker/Tyler Johnson; Publishers: Marvelous Oaks/One Year Yesterday/Creative Pulse/These Are Pulse, BMI; Arista/RCA (track)
– As before, extremely melodic and sung with superb élan. The double-time undertow thump in the production is a nifty contrast with her soaring, broken-note soprano. A hit if I’ve ever heard one.

LOCASH/I Know Somebody
Writers: Ross Copperman/Jeremy Stover/Rhett Akins; Producer: Londsay Rimes; Publisher: none listed; Reviver (track)
– These boys are on a roll. This whole lyric is one extended pick-up line. And the track cooks with gas. Check ‘em out at Monday’s MusicRow Margaritaville showcase and radio awards show.

BRANDY CLARK/Girl Next Door
Writers: Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon/Shane McAnally; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Highway 508/House of Sea Gayle/Clearbox Rights/Nettwerk One B/Revelry/Jay Gatsby/Universal/Smack Ink, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.
– She’s kinda rough and kinda trashy. She’s definitely no debutante, Marcia Brady, Barbie or girl next door. And she rocks while she’s dishing out the facts to you, buddy. Attitude on a platter. Spunk and snark and sass you can dig for days.

PETE SCOBELL BAND/Walkin’ A Wire
Writers: Dierks Bentley/Ross Copperman/David Lee Murphy; Producer: Cactus Moser; Publishers: Big White Tracks/EMI Blackwood/Songs By Red Room/Old Desperados/N2D, ASCAP/BMI; FrogBonz
– I like the slight rasp in his delivery and the chiming guitar in the band’s sound. He’s trying to make time with her, but is pretty scared and tense about it. A tempo tune with countryboy feelings.

AUBRIE SELLERS/Sit Here and Cry
Writers: Aubrie Sellers/Adam Wright; Producer: Frank Liddell: Publishers: none listed; Thirty Tigers
– The band is stark and raw on this toe tapper. She sings with splendid assurance and moxie. Aubrie is the daughter of songwriter Jason Sellers and singer Lee Ann Womack, but she definitely has her own thing goin’ on. Garage country, anyone?

THOMAS RHETT/T-Shirt
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally; Producers: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Publishers: External Combustion/Songs of Southside Independent/WB/Atlas/Songs of Universal/Creative Nation/Smack Ink, ASCAP/BMI; Valory Music
– The track bobs and bops and burbles. He babbles atop it about falling in love. There’s not much of a tune, here, but plenty of energy crackles in it.

CMA Honors Triple Play Award-Winning Songwriters

February 3, 2016/by Jessica Nicholson

Pictured (Back row, L-R): Luke Laird; Rhett Akins; Chris DeStefano; Tyler Hubbard; Shane McAnally. (Front row, L-R): Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Josh Osborne; Ross Copperman; Ashley Gorley; Zach Crowell; Brett James; host Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Photo: Donn Jones / CMA

Several of Nashville’s chart-topping songwriters were recognized as CMA Triple Play Award winners during the seventh annual CMA Songwriters Luncheon, held today (Feb. 3) at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works.

Seventeen songwriters were honored with the award, which is presented to those who pen three chart-topping hits in a 12-month period.

CMA Triple Play Award recipients included Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman, Zach Crowell, Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, Tyler Hubbard, Sam Hunt, Brett James, Jaren Johnston, Brian Kelley, Luke Laird, Hillary Lindsey, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, and Brad Tursi.

Pictured (L-R): Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; CMA’s first triple Triple Play Award recipient Ashley Gorley; and host Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Photo: Donn Jones / CMA

For the first time since CMA began an annual recognition program for the Triple Play Awards, the Association presented three trophies to one songwriter. Gorley had nine songs reach No. 1 last year. The three Triple Play Awards bring Gorley’s total number of Triple Play honors to seven.

“Being on stage today with so many friends is a great feeling,” Gorley said. “We are all thankful for the CMA and the community of Nashville for respecting and recognizing us as songwriters, and awarding what we do behind the scenes. I’m thankful to be a part of the day.”

Copperman, DeStefano, and McAnally each received two Triple Play trophies, each having six songs race to the top of the charts. This brings their Triple Play Awards career totals to two, three, and four, respectively.

Akins and Laird received their fifth Triple Play Awards during the luncheon.

Receiving their first Triple Play Award today were Copperman, Crowell, Hubbard, Hunt, Johnston, Kelley, Ramsey, Rosen, and Tursi.

Pictured (L-R): Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Triple Play Award recipient and reigning CMA Song of the Year Award winner Hillary Lindsey; and host Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Photo: Donn Jones / CMA

“Songwriters keep Music City playing and I’m honored to return as host for this important event celebrating this significant milestone in their careers,” said Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Nashville and CMA Board member.

“We are very pleased to recognize these talented songwriters and songwriting artists for this impressive accomplishment and significant contribution to country music,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Their craft evokes emotion and we are grateful they’ve chosen the country format to share their rare talents with the world.”

A full list of this year’s CMA Triple Play Award winners follows (in alphabetical order):

Rhett Akins: “Just Gettin’ Started,” “TonightLooks Good On You,” “Young & Crazy”
Ross Copperman: “Beat Of The Music,” “Don’t It,” “Smoke,” “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16,” “Strip It Down,” “Lose My Mind”
Zach Crowell: “Where It’s At,” “House Party,” “Hell Of A Night”
Chris DeStefano: “Rewind,” “Something In The Water,” “Just Gettin’ Started,” “Little Toy Guns,” “Kick The Dust Up,” “Smoke Break”
Ashley Gorley: “Play It Again,” “Yeah,” “I See You,” “Just Gettin’ Started,” “Don’t It,” “Tonight Looks Good On You,” “Kick The Dust Up,” “Young & Crazy,” “Nothin’ Like You”
Tyler Hubbard: “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” “Burnin’ It Down,” “Sun Daze”
Sam Hunt: “We Are Tonight,” “Leave The Night On,” “Take Your Time”
Brett James: “I Hold On,” “Bottoms Up,” “Something In The Water”
Jaren Johnston: “Beachin’,” “Sunshine & Whiskey,” “Raise ‘Em Up”
Brian Kelley: “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” “Burnin’ It Down,” “Sun Daze”
Luke Laird: “American Kids,” “Sunshine & Whiskey,” “Talladega”
Hillary Lindsey: “Shotgun Rider,” “Girl Crush,” “Little Toy Guns”
Shane McAnally: “American Kids,” “Leave The Night On,” “Take Your Time,” “Say You Do,” “Wild Child,” “Young & Crazy”
Josh Osborne: “Leave The Night On,” “Take Your Time,” “Wild Child”
Matthew Ramsey: “Say You Do,” “Save It For A Rainy Day,” “Break Up With Him”
Trevor Rosen: “Say You Do,” “Sangria,” “Break Up With Him”
Brad Tursi: “A Guy Walks Into A Bar,” “Save It For A Rainy Day,” “Break Up With Him”

Ross Copperman, Jon Nite Receive MusicRow’s No. 1 Challenge Coins

February 3, 2016/by Troy_Stephenson

Pictured (L-R): Ross Copperman and Jon Nite

Ross Copperman and Jon Nite received their latest No. 1 MusicRow Challenge Coins this week for co-writing “Break On Me.” The song was recorded by Keith Urban and released as the second single from his forthcoming studio album, RipCORD. The song reached the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart on January 14, 2016.

Copperman co-wrote four songs that reached No. 1 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart in 2015. He currently has two songs working their way up including Brett Eldredge’s “Drunk On Your Love” and Florida Georgia Line’s “Confession.” He also produced Dierks Bentley’s upcoming album, Black.

Jon Nite picked up three coins last year for co-writing “Strip It Down” by Luke Bryan, “Smoke” by A Thousand Horses, and “Beachin’” by Jake Owen.

All songwriters and artists that reach the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart receive the No.1 Challenge Coin. See the full list of recipients.

Weekly Register: Thomas Rhett, Sam Hunt Surpass Million Mark

February 1, 2016/by Craig_Shelburne

Thomas Rhett

Thomas Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man” has officially passed the million mark for digital sales. In its 19th week on the chart, the song moved 42.5K units and tops the country digital sales chart. On Monday morning (Feb. 1) it received an ACM nomination for Single of the Year. Rhett was also nominated for Top New Male Vocalist, while his album, Tangled Up, will compete for Album of the Year.

“Die a Happy Man” also outpaces his earlier release, “Crash and Burn,” which ranks at No. 45 this week and reaches total sales of 891K. “Make Me Wanna” stands at No. 87 with 2K in sales this week and overall sales of 728K.

Sam Hunt

Sam Hunt’s “Break Up in a Small Town” stays at No. 2 with sales of 29K this week. His corresponding album, 2014’s Montevallo, moves past the million mark this week too. (However, due to new RIAA policies, Montevallo now qualifies as a double-platinum album.) The project received a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album and an ACM nomination for Album of the Year.

Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” races from No. 46 to No. 3, following an endorsement from Oprah Winfrey, with weekly sales figures of 27K. Luke Bryan featuring Karen Fairchild’s “Home Alone Tonight” sits at No. 4 with 26K units, just ahead of Cole Swindell’s “You Should Be Here” at No. 5 with 25K.

Just below that is Dierks Bentley’s “Somewhere on a Beach” (22K), Brett Eldredge’s “Drunk on Your Love” (22K), Maren Morris’ “My Church” (18K) and Chris Young featuring Cassadee Pope’s “Think of You” (17.5K).

Steven Tyler rounds out the Top 10 with “Red, White & You.” In its first week of release, it moves 16K. Other new entries include Reba McEntire’s “Just Like Them Horses” at No. 50, with 3.7K units, and Brandy Clark’s “Girl Next Door,” with 3.1K units.

Chris Stapleton stays atop the country albums chart with Traveller, selling 27.5K and reaching 804K overall. Hank Williams Jr.’s It’s About Time is No. 2 with 9K. Stapleton and Williams will tour together in August.

Blake Shelton’s Reloaded: 20 #1 Hits rises to No. 3 with 9K, trailed by Hunt’s Montevallo with 7K and Brothers Osborne’s Pawn Shop with 6K. Rhett’s Tangled Up is at No. 6 with 5.5K in sales and 283K overall. The latest releases by Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Bryan and McGraw round out the Top 10.

Adele tops the overall album chart with 25, with 116K units. Rihanna debuts at No. 1 on the overall digital tracks chart with “Work” featuring Drake, selling 120K.