Tag Archive for: featured-2

Tim & Faith Debut Soul2Soul at Venetian in Vegas

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Photo:Denise Truscello/WIREIMAGE

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill kicked off the first of 10 select engagements this weekend (12/7-8) at The Venetian in Las Vegas for their latest revival of Soul2Soul.

The 1,800-seat Venetian theatre, previously home to Phantom — the Las Vegas Spectacular, features the Country couple sharing the stage for an intimate evening of hits including opening number, “Let’s Go To Vegas,” performed as the two entered through the back doors of the venue. The two tag-teamed through an evening of hits including “Breathe,” “Like We Never Loved At All,” “Live Like You Were Dying” alongside mainstay duets “It’s Your Love” and “I Need You” according to reports.

During the set, McGraw performed “I Can’t Tell You Why” and “Life in the Fast Lane” tributing musical influences The Eagles in addition to mentioning Merle Haggard, George Jones, Charlie Rich, Rush, and Led Zeppelin. Meanwhile, Hill performed “Dr. Feelgood (Love is Serious Business)” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” in tribute to her own musical icons including Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples, Tammy Wynette, and Elvis Presley.

McGraw wore a black suit during the Dec. 8 early performance, and a gray suit for the late show while Hill made four costume changes, revealing five outfits in total. Under the current deal, the singers perform two 90-minute shows during each select date through April.

Show Producer, Robert Deaton, revealed the Vegas production will include a combination of musicians selected from each Nashville star’s band.

Soul2Soul joins Shania Twain’s spectacular already running on The Strip at The Colosseum, and comes after Garth Brooks’ final show in Las Vegas this past month (Nov. 17) at the Wynn.

Ticket prices for upcoming Soul2Soul dates range from $110.00-302.50, click here for more information.

MusicRow Hires Jessica Nicholson

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MusicRow adds Jessica Nicholson as Staff Writer where she will create and manage editorial content for the company’s web and print publications.

Nicholson began her career as a public relations and marketing coordinator at Resonate Records. She has written for Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) Magazine, TasteofCountry.com and previously worked as a staff writer for Country Weekly Magazine.

“Jessica brings an impressive collection of writing experience and industry knowledge to MusicRow. Her passion for music and our industry makes her a great asset to our publication. Jessica is a wonderful addition to the MusicRow team as we continue to serve the music industry and its members,” says MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson.

Her passion for the music business, and particularly Country, Bluegrass and Christian music, led Nicholson to Nashville. In 2006, she graduated from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Music Business and Marketing (with a minor in Writing), and completed internships at Universal Music Group, Warner Music Nashville and Hot Schatz PR.

Nicholson can be reached at jnicholson@musicrow.com and 615-499-5416.

Weekly Chart Report (12/7/2012)

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Austin Webb visited Asheville’s WKSF during a radio tour for his latest, “It’s All Good” single. Pictured (L-R): WKSF's Jeff Davis, artist Austin Webb and WKSF's Brian Hatfield.

SPIN ZONE
Arista Nashville takes the top spot this week on the MusicRow Chart with Brad Paisley‘s “Southern Comfort Zone” in it’s eleventh week on the chart. Zac Brown Band‘s “Goodbye In Her Eyes” follows closely at No. 2 with only 33 spins separating the two songs. Last week’s chart-topper, Dierks Bentley‘s “Tip It On Back” now sits at No. 3 with Darius Rucker‘s “True Believers” and Kenny Chesney‘s “El Cerrito Place” at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively. Gary Allan‘s “Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)” enters the Top 10 this week at No. 8, as does Randy Houser‘s “How Country Feels” at No. 10.

Carrie Underwood‘s “Two Black Cadillacs” jumped from No. 29 to No. 22 with an additional 442 spins, garnering the single the greatest spin increase on the chart this week. Other top gainers included Tim McGraw‘s “One Of Those Nights” adding 345 spins and The Band Perry‘s “Better Dig Two” with 305 new spins this week. Dustin Lynch‘s “She Cranks My Tractor” jumps to No. 36 from last week’s No. 49 spot with 305 additional spins while Lee Brice‘s “I Drive Your Truck” ups 20 spots to No. 42 with 303 addition spins.

Making its debut this week, Kix Brooks‘ “Moonshine Road” landed at No. 60 while Rascal Flatts‘ “Changed” entered at No. 72. Other debuts included Taylor Made‘s “That’s What Life Is,” Josh Abbott Band‘s “I’ll Sing About Mine,” and Richie Fields‘ “Smile.”

Frozen Playlists: KFAV, KYKX, KVAY, KXKZ, WDHR, WXXK

Upcoming Singles
December 17
The Henningsens/American Beautiful/Arista
LeAnn Rimes/Borrowed/Curb
Austin Webb/It’s All Good/Streamsound

Holiday Singles
Tim McGraw/Mary And Joseph/Big Machine Records
Lorrie Morgan/Wrapped Up In Love/Octabrook Records
Craig Morrison/Santa Claus Boogie/Lucky 53s-GMV Nashville
Clinton Gregory/Peace On Earth Again/Melody Roundup Records
Kyle Park/Winter Wonderland
Phil Vassar/Merry Christmas Darling/Rodeowave Entertainment
Tanya Tucker/Merry Christmas Wherever You Are
Brinn Black/Breath of Heaven/Spin Doctors

New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Kix Brooks/Moonshine Road/Arista Nashville – 60
Rascal Flatts/Changed/Big Machine – 72
Taylor Made/That’s What Life Is/LG Records – 75
Josh Abbott Band/I’ll Sing About Mine/PDT-Atlantic-WMN – 79
Richie Fields/Smile – 80

Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Rascal Flatts/Changed/Big Machine – 22
Lee Brice/I Drive Your Truck/Curb – 21
Dustin Lynch/She Cranks My Tractor/Broken Bow Records – 20
Kix Brooks/Moonshine Road/Arista Nashville – 20
Taylor Made/That’s What Life Is/LG Records – 15
Jerrod Niemann/Only God Could Love You More/Sea Gayle-Arista Nashville – 13
Carrie Underwood/Two Black Cadillacs/19-Arista Nashville – 13
Thompson Square/If I Didn’t Have You/Stoney Creek – 11

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Carrie Underwood/Two Black Cadillacs/19-Arista Nashville – 442
Tim McGraw/One Of Those Nights/Big Machine – 345
Dustin Lynch/She Cranks My Tractor/Broken Bow Records – 305
The Band Perry/Better Dig Two/Republic Nashville – 305
Lee Brice/I Drive Your Truck/Curb – 303

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Brinn Black/That Should Have Been Us/SMG – 153
Angel Mary & The Tennessee Werewolves/Cowboy/Verado – 141
Ashley Forrest/Pourin’ Over Me/Truro-GMV – 140
Lisa Matassa/Somebody’s Baby/It Is What It Is-9North – 135
Summer Schappell/It Ought To Be a Sin/615 Records – 133

Dean Alexander recently visited KFRG in support of his debut Warner single “Moments.” Pictured (L-R): PD Lee Douglas, Alexander, MD Scott Ward, WMN’s Rick Young

 

Livewire members stopped by Pittsburg, KS’ 96.9-KKOW “The Kow” in support of their debut Way Out West Records’ album, LIVIN’ and new single, “Lies.” Pictured (L-R): Danny Bell, KKOW's J-DUB, Andy Eutsler, Bobby Degonia, and Way Out West Records President Clif Doyal

Cumulus Nashville radio stations 103.3 WKDF, 104-5 The Zone, Super Talk 99.7 WTN, i106, 92Q and 95.5 FM WSM listeners helped build a field of dreams comprised of thousands of toys for Salvation Army’s “Forgotten Angels,” during the annual Toy Field event at LP Field this week (12/4)

Skates On The Case: Grammy Noms Press Room

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Dierks for Mayor?

Dierks Bentley is a walking, talking Chamber of Commerce for the city of Nashville. Visits by him and newer country star Hunter Hayes left favorable impressions on members of the national and local press gathered backstage at last night’s Grammy nominations concert. Other country stars, who appeared on the show but didn’t stop by the press parade, missed a wonderful opportunity to welcome the media to their hometown.

Bentley is so proud of Nashville that he thinks non-residents are lucky to visit. “It’s a good opportunity for everyone else to get a peek of Nashville,” he said. “Our town’s really special.” He also elaborated on the enormous talent pool, and community of support and respect among the industry, artists, musicians and songwriters. He received his twelfth career nomination for Best Country Solo Performance for “Home.” Of the hit, he said, “At the live show, it is great to have a song that gives the singer goosebumps night after night.” After years of nominations without wins, he joked, “They’re starting a new thing next year, where if you’re nominated 13 times it’s an automatic win.” Surrounding the February Grammy ceremony, Bentley is considering hosting his annual special-guest-packed show at the Troubadour. As for his performance of “Jackson” with The Band Perry, he explained, “We really wanted to honor the song’s original spirit but also wanted to make it new and fresh. The Band Perry came up with the arrangement. It was career highlight. Kimberly’s a fireball.”

“I’m proud to wave the country flag in the new artist category,” said first-time nominee Hayes, who will compete in the all-genre category. He appeared on the show to announce the nominees for Best Pop Vocal Album by performing a snippet of each song. Because he couldn’t find out the nominees until the last minute, he admitted the reveal “was nerve racking, fun and a little challenging.” He was nominated for Best Country Album and will compete against Bentley for Best Country Solo Performance for his hit “Wanted.” “It’s what you dream of as a songwriter,” added Hayes, “to connect with that many people. I came to town to be one crazy dreamer and to get this kind of recognition is [unbelievable]. I spent years writing this record. I want to keep evolving and searching, that’s what I live for musically.”

Performer and nominee Ne-Yo was lively. “I would absolutely make a country album, and follow one of my idols, Lionel Richie,” he told the press. “I tell everyone in L.A. that Nashville is the place to be.” The r&b star, who collaborated with Tim McGraw for the country singer’s upcoming album, added, “The fact that he’d even step down off the country music throne [to work with me] means the world to me. He’s a super open-minded guy.” Ne-Yo shared how welcoming McGraw was, inviting him over for dinner for Faith’s homemade chicken after one of their first meetings.

Hunter Hayes

The Recording Academy President/CEO Neal Portnow declared, “Nashville gets an A-plus tonight. There’s not a city like Nashville, and the warmth we felt, the collaboration and enthusiasm, it was a beautiful night.” As for the nominations show or awards ceremony returning, he added, “We have a fresh canvas, and no rules that say we have to be in a certain city. We’ve had a great experience here.” He also noted that the awards take up a week at an arena due to the extensive production and, of course, the economics of a move have to be considered.

First time nominee Rhett Walker received a nod for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song for writing the Rhett Walker Band hit “When Mercy Found Me” with Jeff Pardo. “I’m blown away!” he said. “I’m here at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville for the Grammy nomination event with my wife and our six-week-old daughter and I could not be more overwhelmed. I’m just a kid from the South that writes songs about life.”

Other first time nominees The Lumineers credited label home Dualtone as a major factor in their success. Wesley Schultz said, “In this whole process we’ve felt like underdogs, but our label has done a tremendous job.” As for the revival of roots-driven music, the band thanked Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers for “kicking down the door.”

Based on the nominations, Fun.’s Jack Antonoff noted, “There’s a change coming in music. If you turn on the radio it is pretty obvious.” As for their own nominations? “These things that we have no control over, we try not to think about them.”

The musical talent of rising success stories The Lumineers and Alabama Shakes is apparent, but in person their star qualities are ready-to-be-polished.

When asked about wardrobe, Alabama Shakes singer Brittany Howard drew friendly chuckles with her frank explanation: “I got these shoes at Burlington Coat Factory.” After making their debut album here, the Shakes are enthusiastic about Music City. “Nashville is a town with all kinds of sounds, there’s a lot of hidden things here,” she explained. As for the band’s nominations, she summed it up: “I’m happy and my Nana’s happy.”

Primetime ‘Nashville’: Where He Leads Me

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Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) performs "For Your Glory" on Nashville. Photo: ABC.com

“Where He Leads Me”–Season 1, Episode 8

Judging by Nashville’s winter finale, viewers can expect some major twists in the second half of the season.

In the previous episode, Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton) and Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) co-wrote and then performed “Wrong Song” at the Ryman Auditorium. In this episode, it becomes clear that the single has been released to radio and become a smash country hit, prompting Edgehill Republic’s executives to ask for a co-headlining tour between Rayna and Juliette—an idea that Rayna, surprisingly, doesn’t immediately shoot down. Still, the label hasn’t yet asked Juliette what she thinks of the idea.

Of course, Rayna has larger worries on her mind than a tour, after husband Teddy (Eric Close) comes clean about the photos of him with Peggy Kenter (Kimberly Williams-Paisley). He swears he isn’t cheating on Rayna and she seems convinced, until politician Coleman Carlisle shows her the photos of Teddy hugging Peggy. Rayna goes to confront Peggy, but arrives at Peggy’s home just in time to see Peggy being wheeled out on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance. A neighbor reveals to Rayna that Peggy’s husband just returned from a business trip to find his wife overdosed on pills in an apparent suicide attempt. Teddy reveals the whole story to Rayna, confessing the embezzlement. A shocked Rayna essentially calls him a criminal and claims she can’t trust him anymore.

Rayna later appears at a press conference organized by Teddy to clear up the situation. Rayna takes the podium to defend her husband and their marriage, but tells him privately that she “did it for our daughters.”

While Rayna’s relationship seems to have hit a major snag, Gunnar (Sam Palladio) experiences a breakup and a first kiss with a new flame, all in one episode. At the beginning of the episode, Gunnar’s girlfriend Hailey (Chloe Wang) attempts to convince Scarlett (Clare Bowen) to audition as the lead singer of a band, which tests her loyalty to writing with Gunnar. Scarlett tells Gunnar of Hailey’s idea. Just a block or two away, Gunnar and Hailey break up at Legato Gelato in Edgehill Village, after he confronts her about the idea for Scarlett to front a band and she realizes Gunnar’s strong feelings for Scarlett. He meets Scarlett at the Bluebird Cafe, revealing his romantic intentions and his very recent breakup with Hailey, before he shares a spontaneous first kiss with a confused Scarlett. Gunnar later performs “When The Right One Comes Along” (written by Justin Davis, Georgia Middleman and Sarah Zimmerman) at the Bluebird Cafe, as Scarlett watches and wrestles with her feelings for him. She announces that she wants to take a break from writing with Gunnar, that is, until their publishing company tells them that their song “Fade Into You” is on hold to be recorded by an artist.

As Scarlett and Gunner wade through the new dimension of their relationship, Avery Barkley’s career seems to finally be gaining traction. After a full band performance of “Peace In The Valley” (written by Gillian Welch), Avery (Jonathan Jackson) receives an invitation to fly to Atlanta to work with industry bigwig Domino Wells (Wyclef Jean). However, Avery’s loyalty to his band members, and a close friend in particular, is tested when Avery is informed that the producer only wants work with him, not the rest of the band.

Deacon (Charles Esten) gets an offer to be a guitar player for the newly sober band The Revel Kings. Both Rayna and Juliette encourage him to accept the gig, which he does.

Meanwhile, Juliette’s pious athlete boyfriend, Sean Butler (Tilky Jones), maintains his stand of abstinence before marriage and asks his country singer girlfriend to visit church with his well-to-do family. In an attempt to impress the fam, Juliette agrees to sing a song with the church choir (“For Your Glory,” written by Kate York, Leeland Mooring and Jack Mooring), and later visits Sean’s family for dinner. At first, it seems Juliette is the perfect girlfriend in the eyes of Sean’s parents—she brings flowers for Sean’s mother and custom boots for Sean’s sister Dana (Madison Lintz). Juliette seems enchanted with the supportive, wholesome family, until Sean’s mother tells Juliette to get lost because she doesn’t want the singer’s tainted reputation to spoil Sean’s good-boy persona.

This seems to make Juliette determined to be part of the Butler clan. At the close of the winter finale’s, she invites Sean to her home where Juliette has set up a romantic outdoor atmosphere, complete with candles. Partly revealing the conversation she had with Sean’s mother, Juliette then asks him to marry her.

2013 Grammy Nominations Show Nashville’s Varied Sounds

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Taylor Swift and LL Cool J host the Grammy nominations concert.

The list of 2013 Grammy nominees shines with Nashville-based artists from a spectrum of genres. Revealed last night (12/5), the nominations reaffirmed that Music City is home to quality artists of all formats, which was a major factor in The Recording Academy’s decision to bring its nominations concert here. The Grammy Nominations Live!–Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night aired live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, marking the first time the show was held outside Los Angeles.

Nashville based rocker Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys earned six nominations, tying for the lead with five other stellar acts. Five of Auerbach’s noms were for The Black Keys, and he scored an additional nod for Producer of the Year, thanks to work with his band and others including Dr. John and Hacienda.

Hunter Hayes reveals nominees. Photo: Kevin Winter

Earning a substantial three nods each were Nashvillians including pop star and recent country crossover success Kelly Clarkson, revered rocker Jack White, pop/country’s unstoppable superstar Taylor Swift, country wiz kid Hunter Hayes (who could be shaping up to enjoy Swift’s cross-genre success), and CCM star Mark Hall of Casting Crowns.

This places Hayes and Swift as tied for the most nominations by a country singer. They are both in the running for overall categories: Hayes for Best New Artist, and Swift for Record of the Year for “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” Hayes’ other nods are for Best Country Solo Performance (“Wanted”) and Best Country Album (Hunter Hayes). Swift’s other noms come from her collaboration with The Civil Wars, “Safe & Sound,” for Best Country Duo/Group Performance and Best Song Written For Visual Media. The track was from The Hunger Games film.

Country stars receiving two nominations apiece were Eric Church, Ronnie Dunn, and The Time Jumpers, which includes perennial Grammy darling Vince Gill. Also scoring two nods were CCM hitmaker Matthew West, and musical mastermind T Bone Burnett, who is spending lots of time here as executive music producer for TV show Nashville. Alabama Shakes, who recorded their album in Nashville, earned two nominations.

Leading the slate with six nominations each are Auerbach, Jay-Z, fun., Mumford & Sons, Frank Ocean, and Kanye West.

A slew of country performances dotted the nominations concert. Luke Bryan performed “I Don’t Want This Night To End,” while The Band Perry and Dierks Bentley joined up for Johnny Cash’s “Jackson” in tribute to the late country legend. Hunter Hayes sang, rather than read, the nominations for Best Pop Vocal Album. Swift and co-host LL Cool J offered a version of her hit “Mean,” with Swift beatboxing. Maroon 5 scored two performance slots during the show, and stuck around after the televised portion to give attendees a full concert. fun. was joined by Janelle Monae for its megahit “We Are Young.” Ne-Yo burned up the stage with hot dance moves and The Who brought their brand of classic rock. Presenters during the telecast included Little Big Town, Sheryl Crow, The Lumineers and Chris Young.

Winners will be announced during the live Grammy telecast on Sun., Feb. 10 in Los Angeles. The eligibility period for the nominees was 10/1/11-09/30/12.

Since 2009, Nashville has been on a Grammy winning streak, started by the acclaimed Alison Krauss and Robert Plant collaboration which was that year’s top winner. In 2010, Taylor Swift racked up the most trophies and in 2011, Lady Antebellum followed suit. In 2012, Adele dominated the overall categories, but Nashville was well-represented with wins by Swift, Lady A, Alison Krauss and Union Station, and The Civil Wars.

—Sarah Skates

Select 2013 Grammy Nominations

Record Of The Year
“Lonely Boy” — The Black Keys
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” — Kelly Clarkson
“We Are Young” — FUN. Featuring Janelle Monáe
“Somebody That I Used To Know” — Gotye Featuring Kimbra
“Thinkin Bout You” — Frank Ocean
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” — Taylor Swift

Best Country Solo Performance
“Home” — Dierks Bentley
“Springsteen” — Eric Church
“Cost Of Livin'” — Ronnie Dunn
“Wanted” — Hunter Hayes
“Over” — Blake Shelton
“Blown Away” — Carrie Underwood

Best Country Album
Uncaged — Zac Brown Band
Hunter Hayes — Hunter Hayes
Living For A Song: A Tribute To Hank Cochran — Jamey Johnson
Four The Record — Miranda Lambert
The Time Jumpers — The Time Jumpers

Best Country Duo/Group Performance
“Even If It Breaks Your Heart”–Eli Young Band
“Pontoon”–Little Big Town
“Safe & Sound” — Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars
“On The Outskirts Of Town”–The Time Jumpers
“I Just Come Here For The Music”–Don Williams Featuring Alison Krauss

Best Country Song
“Blown Away”–Josh Kear & Chris Tompkins, songwriters (Carrie Underwood)
“Cost Of Livin'”–Phillip Coleman & Ronnie Dunn, songwriters (Ronnie Dunn)
“Even If It Breaks Your Heart”–Will Hoge & Eric Paslay, songwriters (Eli Young Band)
“So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore”–Jay Knowles & Adam Wright, songwriters (Alan Jackson)
“Springsteen”–Eric Church, Jeff Hyde & Ryan Tyndell, songwriters (Eric Church)

Best New Artist
Alabama Shakes
FUN.
Hunter Hayes
The Lumineers
Frank Ocean

Best Song Written For Visual Media
“Abraham’s Daughter” (From The Hunger Games)–T Bone Burnett, Win Butler & Régine Chassagne, songwriters (Arcade Fire)
“Learn Me Right” (From Brave)–Mumford & Sons, songwriters (Birdy & Mumford & Sons)
“Let Me Be Your Star” (From Smash)–Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman, songwriters (Katharine McPhee & Megan Hilty)
“Man Or Muppet” (From The Muppets)–Bret McKenzie, songwriter (Jason Segel & Walter)
“Safe & Sound” (From The Hunger Games)–T Bone Burnett, Taylor Swift, John Paul White & Joy Williams, songwriters (Taylor Swift Featuring The Civil Wars)

Album Of The Year
El Camino — The Black Keys
Some Nights — FUN.
Babel — Mumford & Sons
Channel Orange — Frank Ocean
Blunderbuss — Jack White

Song Of The Year
“The A Team” — Ed Sheeran, songwriter (Ed Sheeran)
“Adorn” — Miguel Pimentel, songwriter (Miguel)
“Call Me Maybe” — Tavish Crowe, Carly Rae Jepsen & Josh Ramsay, songwriters (Carly Rae Jepsen)
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” — Jörgen Elofsson, David Gamson, Greg Kurstin & Ali Tamposi, songwriters (Kelly Clarkson)
“We Are Young” — Jack Antonoff, Jeff Bhasker, Andrew Dost & Nate Ruess, songwriters (FUN. Featuring Janelle Monáe)

Best Pop Solo Performance
“Set Fire To The Rain (Live)” — Adele
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” — Kelly Clarkson
“Call Me Maybe” — Carly Rae Jepsen
“Wide Awake” — Katy Perry
“Where Have You Been” — Rihanna

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
“Shake It Out” — Florence & The Machine
“We Are Young” — FUN. Featuring Janelle Monáe
“Somebody That I Used To Know” — Gotye Featuring Kimbra
“Sexy And I Know It” — LMFAO
“Payphone” — Maroon 5 & Wiz Khalifa

Best Rock Performance
“Hold On” — Alabama Shakes
“Lonely Boy” — The Black Keys
“Charlie Brown” — Coldplay
“I Will Wait” — Mumford & Sons
“We Take Care Of Our Own” — Bruce Springsteen

Best Rock Album
El Camino — The Black Keys
Mylo Xyloto — Coldplay
The 2nd Law — Muse
Wrecking Ball — Bruce Springsteen
Blunderbuss — Jack White

Best Alternative Music Album
The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do — Fiona Apple
Biophilia–Bjork
Making Mirrors — Gotye
Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming — M83
Bad As Me — Tom Waits

Best Americana Album
The Carpenter — The Avett Brothers
From The Ground Up — John Fullbright
The Lumineers — The Lumineers
Babel — Mumford & Sons
Slipstream — Bonnie Raitt

Best Spoken Word Album
American Grown (Michelle Obama) — Scott Creswell & Dan Zitt, producers (Various Artists)
Back To Work: Why We Need Smart Government For A Strong Economy — Bill Clinton
Drift: The Unmooring Of American Military Power — Rachel Maddow
Seriously…I’m Kidding — Ellen DeGeneres
Society’s Child: My Autobiography — Janis Ian

Best Comedy Album
Blow Your Pants Off — Jimmy Fallon
Cho Dependent (Live In Concert) — Margaret Cho
In God We Rust — Lewis Black
Kathy Griffin: Seaman 1st Class — Kathy Griffin
Mr. Universe — Jim Gaffigan
Rize Of The Fenix — Tenacious D

Best Contemporary Christian Music Song
“Jesus, Friend of Sinners”–Mark Hall and Matthew West, songwriters (Casting Crowns)
“10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)”–Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman, songwriters (Matt Redman)
“When Mercy Found Me”–Jeff Pardo and Rhett Walker, songwriters (Rhett Walker Band)
“White Flag”–Jason Ingram Matt Maher, Matt Redman and Chris Tomlin, songwriters (Passion & Chris Tomlin)
“Your Presence Is Heaven”–Israel Houghton and Micah Massey, songwriters (Israel & New Breed)

Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance
“Jesus, Friend of Sinners”–Casting Crowns
“Take Me To The King”–Tamela Mann
“Go Get It”–Mary Mary
“10,000 Reasons”–Matt Redman
“My Testimony”–Marvin Sapp

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
Come To The Well–Casting Crowns
Where I Find You–Kari Jobe
Gold–Britt Nicole
Eye On It–TobyMac
Into The Light–Matthew West

Best Gospel Song
“Go Get It”–Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell and Warryn Campbell, songwriters (Mary Mary)
“Hold On”–Cheryl Fortune, James Fortune and Terence Vaughn, songwriters (James Fortune & FIYA, Monica & Fred Hammond)
“I Feel Good”–Phillip Feaster, Fred Hammond, Jonathan Miller and Calvin Rodgers, songwriters (Fred Hammond)
“My Testimony”–Aaron Lindsey and Marvin Sapp, songwriters (Marvin Sapp)
“Released”–Donald Lawrence, songwriter (Bill Winston and Living Word, Featuring Donald Lawrence)

Best Gospel Album
Identity–James Fortune & FIYA
Jesus At the Center–Israel & New Breed
Gravity–Lecrae
I Win–Marvin Sapp
Worship Soul–Anita Wilson

Best Bluegrass Album
The Gospel Side Of–Dailey & Vincent
Life Finds A Way–The Grascals
Beat The Devil and Carry A Rail–Noam Pikelny
Scratch Gravel Road–Special Consensus
Nobody Knows You–Steep Canyon Rangers

Click here for the complete list of nominees.

If you know of additional Nashville-related nominations please e-mail news@musicrow.com

Lady A’s Winter Night at The Schermerhorn

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I got to sing with Lady Antebellum Monday night! Ok, so did everyone else in the audience at the Schermerhorn, but it was still special, right?

The occasion was the band’s elegant On This Winter’s Night concert (Dec. 3), where one highlight was the crowd sing-along of “Silent Night.” The event presented by SunTrust was being taped by Taillight TV for broadcast tonight (12/5) on GAC at 7 p.m. CT and throughout the month.

Backed by the symphony, the band offered Christmas favorites and shared personal memories about the beloved songs. The set list, taken from their album On This Winter’s Night, included reverent classics such as “The First Noel,” which showcased the sweet innocence in Hillary Scott’s voice, and a an artful arrangement of “Silent Night” featuring a unique counter melody written by Charles Kelley.

The most fun was the uptempo chestnuts that inspired a sea of fans to clap in time to “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” and “Blue Christmas.” As usual, Lady A seemed to be having as much fun onstage as the audience. The trio performed “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and be-bopped along on “A Holly Jolly Christmas.”

The holiday album was recorded this summer with producer Paul Worley. Between songs, the band members explained that because holiday music was such an important part of their youths, they took the project very seriously, hoping this album would become part of fans’ holiday traditions.

The album’s title track is an original penned by Lady A with frequent collaborator Tom Douglas. For the performance, students from the W.O. Smith School of Music joined them onstage.

The set was a twinkling winter wonderland; a mix of Christmas evergreens and bare-branched trees adorned with lights.

Dave Haywood strummed a red and white acoustic guitar, and I wondered if he spent as much time selecting that shade of red as he did choosing the color for the grand piano he took on the road this year. Joining him in the audience were several family members from Augusta, Ga., including his 91-year-old grandfather. He and new bride Kelli are starting their own traditions, including trying to perfect a family candy recipe.

“We felt like kids at Christmas all year, while we were on tour playing to our fans,” exclaimed Scott. Her family was watching in the audience too, including little sis, Rylee, who is acting in a production of Miracle on 34th Street.

Sporting spectacles and a long scarf, Professor Kelley explained that he can’t wear contacts because he is having Lasik surgery this month. He and the others good-naturedly tried to keep the audience entertained during lulls in production (where the pre-taped packages will air during the television special). Kelley recalled his cover band days and offered snippets of hits like “You Shook Me All Night Long.” Someone in the crowd suggested the band write a new song on the spot, but he quipped, “I’m pretty sure we’d have to split the publishing 2000 ways.”

Despite the band’s best efforts, the show lost significant momentum for the in-house audience during the multiple breaks. They closed the show with their biggest hits.

A four-piece a cappella group called Breath of Soul opened the evening, getting the crowd warmed up with fresh versions of hits “Pumped Up Kicks” and “Superstition”—driven by a talented beatboxing vocal percussionist.

Weekly Register: Vetting ‘The Voice’ Sales

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The Voice—soap opera or talent incubator? Final four contestant Cassadee Pope.

Country sales continue to outpace the overall industry with only four weeks remaining in the 2012 sales calendar. This week albums with the Music City Made moniker increased Y/Y from 3.9% to 4%, while all-genre slid from -3.9% to -4% Y/Y. Country needs to sell a total of 42.923 million albums or 1.2 million per week to break even with 2011. (This post-Thanksgiving week, country album sales totaled 1.12 million.)

The 3-car holiday choo-choo continues to ring registers as Lady A (59k), Blake Shelton (53k) and Scotty McCreery (41k) chug into this week’s No. 2, 3 and 4 country album positions.

At the top of the list is Taylor Swift’s Red (137k) which after six weeks has total sales of 2.216 million. It may seem almost unbelievable, but the Big Machine elves and Santa Scott are celebrating as Red sales outpace Swift’s previous Speak Now outing which hit week six on 12/5/10 with 2.147 million in sales. (Dear Santa, I’d like a Macbook Air for Christmas.)

As we lunge into seasonal sales, the popularity of plastic over digital grows as evidenced by the W/W decline for both country and all genre in the Digital Album Sales % of Total Album Sales. One possible explanation is that some gift buyers are not regular music purchasers and still conditioned to buying something they can wrap and place under the tree (which outweighs a gift card).

Over in the Tracks Trenches, the Digital Country Chart shows Florida Georgia Line and The Band Perry in the top positions with “Cruise” (67k) and “Better Dig Two” (53k). Taylor Swift “We Are Never Ever…” (40k) and Hunter Hayes “Wanted” (39k) fill spots No. 3 and 4.

Vetting The Voice
Country Tracks position No. 5 brings us to an interesting bend in the road filled by The Voice contestant Cassadee Pope, who last night was voted to move into the final four. Pope’s version of “Over You” topped the country digital tracks chart last week with sales of 152k! This week it added 39k downloads for a two-week total of almost 200k.

Regular readers will note that Pope is coached by Voice judge Blake Shelton and the CMA Song of the Year she performed was written by Shelton and wife Miranda Lambert. A careful chart search shows that Pope also has a self-titled EP on the Top New Artist Albums chart (No. 80) that scanned 462 units this week and digital track “Are You Happy Now?” which entered the Digital Tracks list at No. 27 with 43k downloads. A spectacular showing by anyone’s yardstick, but is this art or commerce? Are we seeing the birth of a new superstar or merely the careful cultivation of this year’s crop of contestants? Pope’s version of “Over You” truly connected with TV viewers, but this morning, after her lackluster showing last night, she fell outside of iTunes Top 10 and behind fellow contestants Terry McDermott and Nicholas David.

Now in its third season, The Voice has had excellent ratings, been a springboard of media exposure for its judges (especially Mr. Shelton), but has utterly failed to launch any new artist careers. Frankly, it looks like this year’s final four might again prove the rule. And the rule is that TV talent shows have become more like soap operas than talent incubators. Contestants are artfully showcased amid lavish sets, state of the art lighting and with the benefit of high-dollar hair, makeup and styling. But listen carefully to details like vocal mixes and how instruments and backup voices are being used to find clues as to what the future might really bring for each performer. It’s a rare moment when a Miranda Lambert or Carrie Underwood steps out on the TV stage.

In the meantime, stay tuned as we count down the final four—not the final four contestants of course—the final four sales weeks!!!

No. 1 Party: Lee Brice’s ‘Hard To Love’

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(L-R): Founder and Chairman of Curb Records Mike Curb, CMA Senior Manager of Membership and Balloting Brandi Simms, songwriter Billy Montana, Curb recording artist Lee Brice, CMA CEO Steve Moore, songwriters John Ozier and Ben Glover, CMA Senior Coordinator of Member Relations and Services Betsy Walker, and CMA Membership and Balloting Assistant Brenden Oliver. Photo: Christian Bottorff, CMA

Curb Records’ Lee Brice celebrated his second No. 1 single, “Hard To Love,” with songwriters Ben Glover, Billy Montana and John Ozier during a party held at the CMA offices on Tuesday (Dec. 4).

Presentations were made by CMA’s Brandi Simms, Country Radio Seminar’s Bill Mayne, Avenue Bank’s Cooper Samuels, BMI’s Bradley Collins and ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel. Drew Alexander, Director of Publishing at Curb Records, congratulated Mike Curb on the 317th No. 1 record of his career.

“Hard To Love” marks Glover’s first No. 1 country hit, though he has had considerable success in Contemporary Christian music. He was named ASCAP’s 2012 Christian Songwriter of the Year and has had 15 No. 1 Christian songs in his career. His songs have been recorded by artists including Brandon Heath, Britt Nicole and Kari Jobe, as well as Steve Holy, Trace Adkins and Gloriana. “These guys are some of my dear friends,” he said of Brice, Ozier and Montana. “That’s one of the cool things [about working as a songwriter] is working with your friends.” He later told Brice, “You hope your song gets sung by someone who can sing really well, so thank God for you.”

Brice was quick to pass on praise to the songwriters. “This day wouldn’t have happened without my buddies,” said Brice. “This party is about them.” He also thanked fiancee Sarah, saying “Thank you for letting me work so hard. I’m gone a lot and it’s hard, so thank you for being so supportive.” He also thanked the promotion team at Curb Records. Producers Kyle Jacobs and Matt McClure were among those in attendance, as well as Jacobs’ wife and recording artist Kellie Pickler.

It was the first chart-topper for Ozier, who is also Curb Records’ VP of A&R. He wrote the song on his father’s 1967 Martin guitar. Montana, marking his fourth No. 1 single, perhaps best summed up the mood, saying, “Music speaks to people. Let’s not forget that music affects their lives and that’s a beautiful thing.”

Both “Hard To Love” and Brice’s previous hit, “A Woman Like You,” are platinum-selling singles.

(back row, l-r): Curb Records’ Mike Curb; Curb Music’s Drew Alexander; producer Matt McClure; and ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel (middle row, l-r): Lee Brice; co-writers Billy Montana, John Ozier, and Ben Glover; and Ariose Music Group’s Jeremy Ash; (front row, l-r): BMI’s Bradley Collins; producer Kyle Jacobs; and Ariose Music Group’s Eddie DeGarmo. Photo: Erika Goldring

 

DISClaimer: Train Teams With Ashley Monroe

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Train's Pat Monahan and Ashley Monroe in video for "Bruises."

How interesting: The two best country platters of the week both come from bands who are considered to be outside the country format.

The British folk-rock combo Mumford & Sons has definitely earned its acoustic bona fides while rising to Platinum and Grammy-nominated status. Now it is knocking on country music’s door with “I Will Wait.” I, for one, would open it.

The San Francisco pop rockers Train have also attained Platinum and Grammy recognition. They’ve also appeared on CMT with Martina McBride. They perform super catchy songs and lead singer Pat Monahan blends fantastically well with mountain soprano Ashley Monroe. All of that is why “Bruises” is the Disc of the Day.

And since Mumford & Sons have never appeared in this column before, that qualifies them for a DisCovery Award.

Mumford and sons

HANNAH BETHEL/No Where Left to Roam
Writer: Hannah Bethel; Producer: Andy Sheridan & Hannah Bethel; Publisher: Hamywyn, BMI; Hannah Bethel (CDX) 
—She sings splendidly, with just the right blend of sweetness, ache and hillbilly heart. The softly brushed drums, scampering fiddle, plaintive dobro and stacked vocal harmonies are all pluses, even if the title seems buried in the lyric.

RANDY HOUSER/How Country Feels
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Stoney Creek (track) 
—The title tune to Houser’s upcoming CD is a solid stomper that places his bruiser voice right up front, where it belongs. The man can sure-nuff sing. Play it.

CLAYTON BELLAMY/Straight Into the Sun
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; MDM (ERG) 
—I think it’s meant to sound slow and sultry. It put me to sleep.

TRAIN & ASHLEY MONROE/Bruises
Writer: Pat Monahan/Espen Lind/Amud Bjorklund; Producer: Espionage & Butch Walker; Publisher: EMI April/Ptimon/Stellar, ASCAP; Columbia 
—Train writes such catchy tunes. No wonder it has a shot on country playlists. Especially when collaborating with a hillbilly angel like Hippie Annie. This little sparkler is an addictive audio delight.

JASON KIRKNESS/Leavin’
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; MDM (ERG)  
—This Canadian has a slightly folkie bent, but with all the earnest “heart” that good country singing requires. The mid-tempo song is loaded with hooks, and the production is stellar. In short, come on down.

MUMFORD & SONS/I Will Wait
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Glassnote (ERG) 
—It’s a frothy, banjo-and-guitar driven track with loads of energy. Their haunting vocal harmony work captures your full attention. I have been smitten with this folk-rock band for quite some time and think this format could do itself a big favor by inviting the Mumfords to the party.

WAYNE WARNER/The Journey
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; B-Venturous (ERG) 
—His quivering, quavering vibrato is either a welcome novelty or an audio irritant. Take your pick.

PAT GREEN/Even the Losers
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Sugar Hill (ERG) 
—His voice sounds as urgent and rousing on a semi-ballad like this as it does on his crowd-pleasing rockers. I remain a fan.

ELVIS BEFORE NOON/Best Year
Writer: Daylon Greer; Producer: Eric Racy; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; EBN (track) 
—This Arizona four-piece jangles like The Byrds, twangs like The Eagles, rocks like Creedence and crafts tunes that sound as good as familiar oldies. A classic country-rock sound.

KEVIN DEAL/There Goes the Neighborhood
Writer: none listed; Producer: Lloyd Maines; Publisher: Piedrero, ASCAP; Blindfellow (track)
—This perennial Texas favorite is back with a new collection this year. Its bouncy, banjo-backed title tune and lead track lets you know you’re in for a good-natured ride. Ragged but right, as they say.