Artist News: Due West, Lady A, Jake Owen, More

/by
Matt Lopez of Due West Presented With A Gold Record From Lady Antebellum Nashville, TN (July 27, 2009) - Matt Lopez of the new country trio Due West was recently presented with a Gold record by Lady Antebellum while on tour. Due West opened for Lady Antebellum in St. George, Utah and Lopez got a change to perform his song "Love's Lookin' Good On You" currently on Lady Antebellum's recently named Gold record.
Matt Lopez of Due West was presented a Gold Record by Lady Antebellum.

Matt Lopez of the new country trio Due West was recently presented with a Gold record by Lady Antebellum while on tour. Due West opened for Lady Antebellum in St. George, Utah and Lopez got a change to perform the song he co-wrote, “Love’s Lookin’ Good On You,” which is on Lady A’s album.

————————-
alli spokeswoman Wynonna Judd held a private performance recently at the Country Music Hall of Fame for 50 sweepstakes winners. The event celebrated her progress since starting the alli method, which has included dropping 2 dress sizes.
————————-

Jake Owen launched a fan club and new website, www.jakeowen.net, this week. The new fan club will include a free three-month membership for every user who was a community member on the original website. Otherwise, the yearly rate will be $9.99, offering access to video updates from Jake on the road, tour photos, Jake’s personal photos from his days off on the road, access to meet ‘n’ greet passes, and other cool features. He also recently filmed the video for latest single “Eight Second Ride,” which is slated to debut this summer.
————————-

TelluRide has been spending time in their home state of Washington performing homecoming shows and visiting radio in the Seattle area and Spokane to celebrate their debut American Roots Records single, “Pencil Marks” and Four Square Miles album. The band played two nights at the popular Tenino Wine & Music Festival, and visited Microsoft to perform for the staffs of WindowsMedia, Zune and Microsoft’s Xbox.

————————-
Richie McDonald’s song “Race Day” is being be used during pre-race programming on the SPEED network during the 2009 NASCAR Season. McDonald recorded the song he wrote with Aaron Barker and Leslie Satcher for his forthcoming solo debut on Stroudavarious Records, due in 2010.
————————-
A song written by Craig Bickhardt and Don Schlitz offers a humorous look at modern baseball vs. the sandlot and the diamond’s glory days. The cut, performed by Bickhardt, also features Terri Hendrix, Lloyd Maines, Andy Leftwich, Byron House and Tommy Geddes. Click here to see the YouTube video.

Road Photos: Toby & Trace, Chris Young, Darius

/by
Trace Adkins is supporting Toby Keith on his current "America's Toughest Tour." But nothing could have prepared the two for the reaction they've been getting when Toby brings Trace back out on stage for an encore performance of Keith's monster hit "Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue (The Angry America)." The natural connection between the two artists is obvious to the crowds and, in retrospect, to Toby as well. Keith has been bringing Adkins out for the explosive performance each night of the tour, which started in June and runs through September.

Toby Keith and Trace Adkins are getting a huge reaction each night on Keith's "America's Toughest Tour," when Toby brings Trace back out onstage for an encore performance of his monster hit "Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue (The Angry America)."

While in Tampa, FL recently for a stop on Rascal Flatt’s “Unstoppable” tour, Darius Rucker got the chance to meet one of his heroes, semi-retired professional wrestler Dusty Rhodes - better known as “The American Dream.” Rhodes is a HUGE country music fan and was thrilled to get to meet Darius.   Pictured L-R: Mike Culotta (WQYK PD), Rhodes & Rucker

While in Tampa, FL recently for a stop on Rascal Flatt’s “Unstoppable” tour, Darius Rucker and professional wrestler Dusty Rhodes, better known as “The American Dream,” were excited to meet each other. Pictured L-R: Mike Culotta (WQYK PD), Rhodes & Rucker

This past weekend Jimmy Wayne had the chance to grab a photo with Bob Schieffer, host of CBS’ Face The Nation, while on the Brad Paisley tour in the DC area.

This past weekend Jimmy Wayne had the chance to grab a photo with Bob Schieffer, host of CBS’s "Face The Nation," while on the Brad Paisley tour in the DC area.

“Billboard Country Update” Returns

/by
Wade Jessen

Wade Jessen

What starts with three, drops to two after one disappears and then returns to three on August 10? Answer: Country Music’s weekly pdf chart digests from MusicRow, Aircheck and the about-to-arrive Billboard Country Update. Industry observers were saddened and perhaps shocked when R&R’s HotFax shuttered its doors a few months ago. Unlike MusicRow’s CountryBreakout chart, which carved its own niche focusing on secondary radio and industry coverage, some executives opined that Aircheck and HotFax both covered mostly the same radio news, had mainstream radio charts and therefore perhaps two similar reports was unnecessary. Others felt it was important to get different perspectives especially since MediaBase, which provides data to Aircheck, is a Clear Channel property.

According to Billboard’s Nashville Sr. Chart Manager Wade Jessen, the new Country Update addresses the above comments by forging a more unique balance between radio and industry. Update will publish on Monday evenings starting Aug. 10 and offer a raft of new information. In addition to BDS-based radio charts the new publication will include an A-Z song index of country titles and become the venue for Billboard’s Touring Country Box scores. Also featured will be the debut of a country digital download chart via SoundScan. Jessen promises some other exciting new features including a mashup chart which combines digital sales and radio listening audience. Ken Tucker will helm Editorial coverage of the new undertaking in addition to continuing his other freelance duties.

Misc: Bob Willis Lifenotes, Propeller Goes Green, Beer At The Ballet

/by
bob-willis

Bob Willis

Lifenotes: Songwriter Bob Willis, best known for penning the ’70s hit “Guilty Of Love (In The First Degree),” passed away July 10, 2009 at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Louisville, KY. He was 75 years old. Willis recorded 15 albums throughout his career, and wrote over 1000 Country-Gospel songs, 15 of which were cut by Jimmie Davis. The Florida Boys and The Happy Goodman Family recorded “Guilty Of Love (In The First Degree)” on Canaan Records. In recent years, Willis was working with producer Doug Johnson and singer Marty Brown. His family also sends special thanks to Little Jimmy Dickens for his help through the years. An online memorial guest book is at BobWillismusic.com.

—————————-

solarPropeller, a marketing and branding agency in the faith and family market, is going green with a  new solar power system. Lightwave Solar Electric recently installed a 15 kilowatt photovoltaic system with 64 panels on the roof of the historic building where Propeller is headquartered in downtown Franklin, Tenn. Community leaders, building tenants, and those who worked on the project recently gathered for a “Making the Switch” ceremony celebrating the transition. The panels are supposed to offset energy costs, at current rates, by at least $3,850 annually.

—————————-

In the most unlikely pairing of the week, Friends of Nashville Ballet is hosting a new event called “Beer at the Ballet” on Friday, August 21 at Nashville Ballet Studios from 6:30 – 9:30 PM. Celebrating 24 years of dance in 2009/2010, Nashville Ballet will open the season with Giselle (Oct. 23-25). Other highlights include the new Nashville based Nutcracker (Dec. 11-13, and 18-20), a Hal Ketchum performance, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (April 23-25, 2010). www.nashvilleballet.com

bb

Gloriana Debuts New Album Online

/by

glorianaBefore Gloriana releases its self-titled debut album Aug. 4 on Emblem Music Group/Warner Bros. Records, fans will get to hear it in its entirety exclusively on Rhapsody.com’s “The Leak”, and CMT.com starting today (7/29).

The 13-track album includes hit single “Wild At Heart,” which is the best selling single by a new country act in 2009. Gloriana, the album, also includes the tracks from the band’s four-song digital collection that was released at the end of May.

Gloriana has been chosen as Rhapsody’s “Ones To Watch” for the month of August. Throughout the month, Rhapsody® will make exclusive Gloriana content available to fans, including an interview and a celebrity playlist chosen by the foursome. There will also be an exclusive “Rhapsody Originals” performance, featuring songs from the Rhapsody Rocks the CMT Music Awards event in Nashville back in June. Fans can also check out that performance on CMT.com starting Aug. 3.

Gloriana is supporting Taylor Swift on her Fearless 2009 Tour through October.

Larry Taping Christmas Special This Week

/by

larryIt’s Christmas in July when Larry The Cable Guy’s Hula-Palooza Christmas Luau tapes this week in Nashville; the holiday special will premiere Friday, Nov. 20 at 8 PM/CT on CMT. Jack Records/Warner Bros. Records will release the DVD of the show on Tues., Nov. 24.

Returning this year to CMT, Larry’s 90-minute special includes such guest stars as Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live), Caroline Rhea, George Lindsey (The Andy Griffith Show), comedians Reno Collier and Jon Reep, Peter Oldring, Sara Erikson, the MuzikMafia’s Two Foot Fred, mentalist Marc Salem and returning favorites Tony Orlando and Angela Little MacKenzie (Reno 911). In addition to comedy and sketches, the special will include musical performances from artists including Billy Currington and the Zac Brown Band.

With his signature catchphrase, “Git-R-Done”, Larry the Cable Guy continues to sell out theatres and arenas across the United States. His most recent specials have included Tailgate Party which will air on Comedy Central in January 2010 with a DVD release to follow, and The Comedy Central Roast of Larry The Cable Guy which garnered top ratings for the network.

A Parallel Entertainment and Taillight TV production, the special will be executive produced by JP Williams, CEO and founder of Parallel Entertainment, Larry the Cable Guy, and Taillight TV’s Tom Forrest. Producers are Dave Higby, Jennifer Novak and Ben Tyson. Ryan Polito will direct. John Hamlin and Margaret Comeaux are executive producers for CMT.

Nominees Announced For CCMA Awards

/by

ccma1The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) has announced the nominees and host for the 2009 CCMA Awards, to be held Sept. 13 in Vancouver, BC.

Johnny Reid leads the nominations with a total of six, including Single of the Year, Album, Songwriter, CMT Video, Male Artist and the CCMA Fans’ Choice Award. Reid will perform at this year’s CCMA Awards.

George Canyon is also nominated in the Single of the Year, Album of the Year, CMT Video of the Year, Male Artist of the Year and Fans’ Choice categories for a total of five major CCMA Awards nominations.

Songwriter and artist, Victoria Banks, earned five nominations. Her debut album, When You Can Fly, earned her nominations for Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Female Artist of the Year and the Rising Star Award.

Other Final Ballot nominees include the 2008 Top New Male Talent of the Year Gord Bamford (four nominations), and newcomer Dean Brody, who earned nominations for Rising Star, Single of the Year, CMT Video of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.

Jason Priestley will host the 2009 CCCMA Awards.  Now in his third decade as a professional performer, Priestley has spent much of the last year directing episodes of the hit ABC family show, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and a new online series for the CW called The Lake.

reba1Also today, the CCMA announced the addition of Reba McEntire to the superstar line-up of performers at the 2009 CCMA Awards. This year’s celebration, to be broadcast nationally on CBC TV with encore airings on CMT in Canada, will take place in Vancouver, BC on Sept. 13 at GM Place.

The two-hour review of a year in country music will also feature performances by George Canyon, Terri Clark, Doc Walker, Jessie Farrell, Martina McBride, Aaron Pritchett, and Johnny Reid.

FANS’ CHOICE AWARD
George Canyon, Doc Walker, Jessie Farrell, Aaron Pritchett, Johnny Reid

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
“A Woman Like You,” Johnny Reid
“
Brothers,” Dean Brody
“Just Like You,” George Canyon
“Little Guy,” Gord Bamford
“The Wheel,” Victoria Banks

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Dance With Me, Johnny Reid
Dawn Of A New Day, Crystal Shawanda
Thankful, Aaron Pritchett
What I Do, George Canyon
When You Can Fly, Victoria Banks

SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR
“A Woman Like You” (written by Johnny Reid / Brent Maher; recorded by Johnny Reid)
“Brothers” (written by Dean Brody; recorded by Dean Brody
“Little Guy” (written by Gord Bamford; recorded by Gord Bamford)
“One Last Sundown” (written by Jon Mabe /Chris Thorsteinson / Dave Wasyliw; recorded by Doc Walker)
“The Wheel” (written by Victoria Banks / Tia Sillers; recorded by Victoria Banks)

CMT VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“A Woman Like You,” Johnny Reid
“Brothers,” Dean Brody
“Go To Bed Angry,” Tara Oram
“Just Like You,: George Canyon
“Little Guy,” Gord Bamford

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Victoria Banks, Terri Clark, Jessie Farrell, Tara Oram, Crystal Shawanda

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Gord Bamford, Jason Blaine, Paul Brandt, George Canyon, Johnny Reid

GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR
Doc Walker, Emerson Drive, Hey Romeo, The Higgins, Jo Hikk

ROOTS ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Ridley Bent, Shane Chisholm, The Higgins, Corb Lund, Mike Plume Band

RISING STAR
Victoria Banks, Dean Brody, Jo Hikk, Damian Marshall, Tara Oram

For information or a complete list of nominees, visit www.ccma.org.

Sugarland Concert DVD Coming To Theatres

/by

dvd1Sugarland will debut the upcoming DVD from their CD/DVD release Live On The Inside in 35 theatres across the country on Thursday, Aug. 6. The one-time screening will happen just after the combo package is released exclusively at Walmart on Aug. 4.

Shot in high definition at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY, director Shaun Silva captures Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush performing 16 songs.

The movie will be shown locally at Nashville’s Thoroughbred 20 and Murfreesboro’s Wynnsong 16.

Sugarland’s worldwide theatrical premiere is in partnership with D&E Entertainment.

Click here to view the movie trailer. Or for participating theaters and to purchase tickets click here.

Gretchen Wilson and Sony Parting Ways

/by

gretchenStatement from Sony Music Nashville:

Gretchen Wilson and her longtime record label group, Sony Music Nashville, have mutually decided to part ways. The Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter and Best Selling author, who exploded on to the country music scene and the national spotlight in 2004 with her smash hit “Redneck Woman,” released three No. 1 albums with Here For The Party, All Jacked Up, and One Of The Boys. Though Wilson will no longer record with the label as a solo artist, both parties look forward to working together on future catalogue projects.

Skip Bishop Named VP Promotion

/by
Skip Bishop

Skip Bishop

NASHVILLE, TN – Sony Music Nashville Executive Vice President Butch Waugh has named Skip Bishop to the newly created position of Vice President, Promotion, Sony Music Nashville. Most recently Vice President, National Promotion, for the label group’s Arista Nashville imprint, Bishop will retain those duties while adding promotion oversight of Sony Music Nashville’s three other country recording labels: BNA Records, Columbia Nashville, and RCA Nashville.  Headquartered in Nashville, Bishop continues to report directly to Waugh.

On his new responsibilities, Bishop offered, “Stepping into this role at Sony Music Nashville is both exhilarating and humbling.  In a time when both radio and the music industry face trials, we are surrounded by artists and gifted teammates who see opportunities everywhere.  Working with [Sony Music Nashville Chairman] Joe Galante and my dear friend Butch Waugh has made it clear that music’s future has no walls and no ceilings … only new beginnings.  This is the greatest honor of my career, and I accept the responsibility with full velocity and rockets’ red glare!”

Bishop’s extensive and illustrious career includes Bishop Bait and Tackle, which he founded in 1997 and developed into one of the largest and most successful marketing and promotion companies in the music industry.  He’s held the title of Senior Vice President, Promotion, for MCA Records in Los Angeles, and during his decade tenure with RCA Records/BMG Music in New York, he rose through the ranks from a promotion regional to Vice President to Interim Senior Vice President.  He also served as Vice President Mainstream Marketing and Promotion for the Provident Music Group prior to taking the reins as Vice President, National Promotion, for Arista Nashville in October of 2005.