Rucker Helps Launch Fantasy Football League

/by

Darius Rucker has helped launch Pigskin Fantasy U (PFU), which brings a fun new twist to college fantasy sports. The league allows participants to draft entire teams to create their roster.

The concept is very simple, making it fun for college football fans of all levels. During an online, real-time draft, participants select teams to make-up their roster for the season. Each week, the participant selects teams to either start or bench. Points are given when a starting team wins.

“I can’t wait for football season to start,” said PFU Celebrity Commissioner Rucker. Rucker, a University of South Carolina graduate and avid Gamecocks fan continued, “Watching games on Saturday is one of my favorite things to do and adding Pigskin Fantasy U to the mix is going to be awesome. My buddies and I needed another reason to talk about football and trash talk each other.”

PFU resides at www.PigskinFantasyU.com, where you can start or join a league for free through Oct. 31, long after the season starts. When you start your own league, you set your own rules regarding the number of teams each person drafts, whether you play a head-to-head or one-vs.-all format, as well as many other options. The live, online draft feature lets friends and foes alike join together from far away places.

Artist Updates (8/31/12)

/by

David Nail recently announced his stripped down fall tour, which kicks off Sept. 6 in Cincinnati. But good luck getting into the Oct. 20 show at Chicago’s Joe’s Bar, which is already sold out weeks ahead of time. “When my manager called me to tell me, I thought he was putting me on,” says Nail. “But he was saying, ‘Don’t be thinking about putting too many people on the guest list… it’s sold all the way out!’ Which floored me, cause we’ve been going there and the fans are unbelievable… and so into music; but you don’t think in terms of people not being able to get a ticket!” Full dates here.

• • • • •

Claudia Lee

Singer/actress Claudia Lee has been cast in the Universal Pictures action film Kick-Ass 2: Balls to the Wall, which is based on the second volume of the comic book series by Mark Millar. Production will begin in September, with a reported June 2013 release date, and the film will be directed by Jeff Wadlow. Lee will play Brooke, the ringleader of a school posse. The singer currently co-stars as Magnolia Breeland on the CW Network series Hart of Dixie, and her debut country album Here Right Now was released in February 2012.

• • • • •

Dan Rather will join Willie Nelson for a special broadcast of AXS TV’s “Dan Rather Reports” from Austin City Limits Live, where the two will discuss the changing landscape of the music business. Also appearing will be newcomer Kat Edmonson, plus Marc Geiger, and NPR’s Bob Boilen. The show airs Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 8 pm/ET on AXS TV.

• • • • •

Rachele Lynae

Newcomer Rachele Lynae is giving fans a special preview of her album before it officially lands in October. Starting today (8/31), fans can visit Country Weekly’s Facebook page and click on the “7 Free Songs” tab at the top. Complete the signup form to have the first free song delivered via email. Six additional songs will be delivered, one per day, for a full week of music.

No. 1 Party: Dierks Bentley’s “5-1-5-0”

/by

(l-r): Jim Beavers, Dierks Bentley and Brett Beavers. Photo: Ed Rode

ASCAP Nashville’s Marc Driskill welcomed a crowd to celebrate Dierks Bentley’s No. 1 hit “5-1-5-0″ yesterday (8/30) at the newly expanded Tin Roof on Demonbreun in Nashville. “5-1-5-0,” which the singer co-wrote with Jim Beavers and Brett Beavers, marks Bentley’s 10th No. 1, all of which were co-written by Bentley with one or both of the brothers.

BMI’s Clay Bradley noted the brothers have accumulated 16 No. 1s between the two—seven for Jim, nine for Brett—as he presented No. 1 cups to the writers.

Capitol Records Nashville Sr. VP of Promotion Steve Hodges encouraged the writers for 10 more hits before presenting them with the infamous Capitol Records impaler awards. Other Capitol staffers, Shane Allen, Tom Becci, and Cindy Mabe were called to the stage to present a special 10th No. 1 plaque to Bentley.

Producers Brett Beavers and Luke Wooten received special plaques from ASCAP and Daniel Lee of BMG Chrysalis reminisced about Bentley’s last No. 1, “Home.”

“Jim is a character,” teased presenter Sony/ATV’s Terry Wakefield, referring to the memorably funny hits like “5-1-5-0” and “Red Solo Cup.”

“Ten years ago, Brett introduced me to Dierks at Pie Wagon,” recalled Jim Beavers. “Dierks changed my life, and my family’s life. But something to remember, is this song is the most hyphenated song title since ‘D-I-V-O-R-C-E.’”

“Today I reminisced, driving up 4th and 5th Ave downtown,” said Bentley after thanking his manager and publicist Mary Hilliard Harrington of the Greenroom. “My experience in Nashville has been like songwriting. I didn’t come to this town with a hook, but have collected certain lines that meant something. And when you put each song together, they tell a story of my career.”

Dierks delivered special plaques to individuals who contributed to the success of the single, including label staff and the writer and production team.

Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox presented a financial contribution on behalf of each writer towards the Dierks Foundation’s Miles and Music for Kids. Brandi Simms offered the writers CMA Medallions to which the writers accepted with a collective cheer of ooh’s and awe’s. Bill Mayne presented the CRB No. 1 awards.

ICM Awards Final Nominees Announced

/by

The final nominees for the 18th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards have been announced, and Christian country singers Chuck Day and Tommy Brandt are leading the crowd with five and four respective nominations apiece. The annual awards event is scheduled for 7 pm Thursday, October 18 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville. See full list of nominees here.

Entertainer of the Year
Chuck Day
Laura Dodd
Steve Richard
The Roys
Tommy Brandt

Male Vocalist
Chuck Day
Chuck Hancock
Lucas Hoge
Russ Murphy
Tommy Brandt

Female Vocalist
Aubree Bullock
Kali Rose
Larissa
Laura Dodd
Mary James

Vocal Duo
Branded
Bruce & Betsy Mullen
Chuck Day with James Payne
Joey + Rory
The Roys

Vocal Group or Band
Crawford Crossing
CrossCountry The Band
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
Last Light Band
Sunday Drive

Mainstream Inspirational Country Song
“Between Sundays” – DJ Miller
“I’m Gonna Love You Through It” – Martina McBride
“That’s Why I Pray” – Big & Rich
“Threaten Me With Heaven” – Vince Gill
“Time Is Love” – Josh Turner

Mainstream Country Artist
Alan Jackson
Jeff Bates
Josh Turner
Scotty McCreery
Vince Gill

Christian/Inspirational Country Song
“I Am Pretty” – Laura Dodd
“In The Shadow Of My Steeple” – Aubree Bullock
“Jesus Is Enough” – Russ Murphy
“Toothbrush” – Steve Richard
“While I Still Can” – Greg McDougal

Songwriter (TIE)
Chuck Day
Chuck Hancock
Geoffrey Andrews
Paul Staggs of Branded
Russ Murphy
Tommy Brandt

Video
“I’m Gonna Love You Through It” – Martina McBride
“God Gave Me You” – Blake Shelton
“Like My Mother Does” – Lauren Alaina
“Love’s Gotta Go Somewhere” – Steve Richard
“That’s Why I Pray” – Big & Rich

New Artist
Geoffrey Andrews
Larissa
Rachel Holder
Scott Steele
Wade Hammond

Industry Ink (8/31/12)

/by

Lance Carpenter stopped by the ASCAP offices last week to celebrate his recently inked publishing agreement with Songs of Bigger Picture. In recent years ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel has worked with the songwriter to help him develop his craft.

Pictured (l-r): ASCAP's Ryan Beuschel, Songs of Bigger Picture's Jason Campbell, Lance Carpenter, and Songs of Bigger Picture's Jeff Carlton and Nicholas Garvin

• • • •

Republic Nashville Promotion Coordinator Kathleen Drosey is relocating to Louisville, KY with her fiance, and has accepted a new position with Church Hill Downs.

“We are both Wilkes-Barre, PA natives, so I have had the honor and privilege of knowing Kathleen for many years,” says Republic Nashville President/BMLG EVP Jimmy Harnen. “She was here in the Ape den from day one and while we’ll certainly miss her, we are excited as she enters the next wonderful chapter of her life.”

Republic Nashville is currently seeking candidates to fill the position. Resumes can be sent to National Director of Promotion Matthew Hargis here.

• • •

The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has opened online registration for its September international panel, scheduled for Monday, Sept. 17, 4-6 pm at Cabana Restaurant. Attendance is free for AIMP members and $40 for guests. Visit www.aimp.org to register.

• • •

Music industry veteran April Potter Holleman has launched Creative Vision Entertainment in Hendersonville, TN. The new company specializes in tour booking, artist management, and song publishing. Clients include American Idol finalist Phil Stacey, FFH, The Ball Brothers, John Lemonis, the Browders, and Crosby Lane.

April Potter Holleman has over 16 years experience in the music industry, including time in booking with the Harper Agency and owning her own April Potter Agency. She has also worked in management, consulting, promotion, and publishing. Email her at [email protected] or visit www.creativevisionentertainment.com.

• • • •

San Francisco native Lara Johnston has been named the winner of the inaugural Unsigned Only Music Competition, as her song “K.I.S.S.” was chosen out of nearly 7500 entries worldwide. Judges included Cyndi Lauper, St. Vincent, Kenny Rogers, 3 Doors Down, and more. As the winner, Johnston will be mentored by a group of music industry executives for guidance in her career. More information here.

Wake Up Nashville Announces Event, Opens Songwriting Contest

/by

The second annual Wake Up Nashville event will take place at 7 pm, Sept. 21 at Marathon Music Works. Headlined by Jimmy Wayne, the fundraising event benefits Wake Up Narcolepsy, a national non-profit dedicated to building awareness of narcolepsy and raising funds to find a cure for this debilitating, life-long condition.

Additionally, until Sept. 12, unsigned artists will have the opportunity to submit their original songs to Wake Up Nashville’s songwriting contest for a $25 donation. Performers and publishers at Nashville’s Savannah Music Group will review the submitted song and select a winner. The winning artist will have the opportunity to perform his or her original work alongside Jimmy Wayne. The top 10 submissions will be recorded on a CD created for the event.

“Music Row can be a challenging environment for aspiring artists to get a fair hearing,” said Bob Saporiti, General Manager of Savannah Music Group. “Wake Up Nashville offers these artists a one-of-a-kind ‘audition,’ and at the same time raises much needed awareness and funds for a very worthy cause. And the chance to perform their song alongside successful songwriters and artists, as well as being exposed to the other industry elite in attendance – well, this is something really special!”

To enter the songwriting contest, or purchase a ticket for the event, visit: WakeUpNarcolepsy.org.

NBC Picks Up Series Based on Lambert’s Childhood

/by

For over a year Miranda Lambert has been shopping around a TV series based on her childhood as the daughter of private investigators.

NBC has purchased rights to the dramedy and Lambert will executive produce along with her manager Marion Kraft, according to Deadline Hollywood. Also on board as executive producers are Aaron Kaplan of Kapital Entertainment and Chad Hodge, who will write the series.

The show is reportedly about a couple running a successful detective agency and raising teenagers. Bev Lambert, Miranda’s mom, will consult.

NBC is also home to The Voice, the hit singing competition where Blake Shelton is a judge.

Lambert’s project was previously linked to ABC Family.

Snapshots (8/31/2012)

/by

Pictured (L to R): Steve Moore (The Shalom Foundation Chairman and Founder), Joe Galante, Martina McBride, Dr. Ken Moore (Board of Directors The Shalom Foundation, Mayor of Franklin, TN). Photo: Kimberly Galardi Photography

Last week (8/21), Martina McBride headlined Nashville’s Hymns, Hams & Jams concert from Loveless Barn in support of The Shalom Foundation. The event raised funds in support of its medical program in Guatemala.

In addition, the event featured performances from Bob DiPiero and live auction with host Storme Warren. Auction items included tickets to the 2012 World Series, Nashville Predators VIP packages, Peter Nappi footwear, a private bus party, exclusive tickets and backstage experiences with Brad Paisley, The Band Perry and Zac Brown Band.

••••

Pictured (L-R): Public Programs Coordinator Abi Tapia, Harold Bradley, Justin Davis, Emily West, Bob Mater, Sarah Zimmermann, Brad Albin, Mandy Barnett, Jeff Taylor, Jessi Alexander, Jimmy Capps and John Minick. Photo: Donn Jones

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted two programs on Saturday (8/25) to celebrate the opening of Patsy Cline: Crazy for Loving You. Cline’s daughter, Julie Fudge, and widower, Charlie Dick, along with George Hamilton IV, Jan Howard, and Hall of Fame member Harold Bradley participated in the panel discussion.

Bradley later served as bandleader for a musical tribute to the late singer, featuring Jessi Alexander, Mandy Barnett, duo Striking Matches and Emily West.

••••

Pictured (L-R): Lisa Whited, Donna Adams, Teresa Smith, Trace Lawrence, Sherry McDonald, Susan Maynard. Photo: Alex Torrez

Tracy Lawrence recently presented a check to Lace Up 4 Pink and Susan G. Komen of Greater Nashville for $5,000 each, helping to battle breast cancer. The funds were raised through the second annual Tracy Lawrence Golf & Concert For A Cure held in April 2012.

Lawrence is scheduled to receive the Wilson County Humanitarian Award on September 25, honoring his philanthropy and charitable efforts in the community. In addition, he will take part in the upcoming Music With A Mission Concert on October 14, at the Schermerhorn.

“Pontoon” Hits Platinum, LBT Preps Album Release

/by

Little Big Town has earned a RIAA Platinum certification for “Pontoon,” the smash single from their upcoming album Tornado, in stores September 11. The track, which was written by Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird and Barry Dean, is the group’s fastest selling-single to date and has spent four weeks as a No.1 country digital download.

To coincide with the release of Tornado, LBT will make coast-to-coast television appearances, including ABC’s Good Morning America (9/10) and a performance during the premiere week of The Ellen DeGeneres Show (9/13). The band will also perform on the upcoming ABC Television Special CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night To Rock (9/17) and will also be featured on CMT’s Unplugged Series, which will premiere on CMT.com September 11 and on CMT September 18.

The group has also been selected to perform at the T.J. Martell Foundation’s 37th Annual Honors Gala on Tuesday, October 23 at the legendary Ciprianis on 42nd St in New York. LBT will join fellow performer Grace Potter and presenters to help pay tribute to honorees Russell Simmons, Del Bryant, Edward Walson and Randy Jackson. The special evening includes a star-studded red carpet, musical performances by some of today’s greatest performers and attendance by celebrity friends and families. The night also includes a fantastic cocktail reception, dinner, awards presentation and world-class silent auction to raise funds for cancer and AIDS research.

Weekly Chart Report (8/31/2012)

/by

A mono-stricken Thomas Rhett (L) recently stopped by CMT Radio Live to catch up with Cody Alan, who strapped on his surgical mask as precaution. Rhett’s new single “Beer With Jesus” just made an impressive debut at No. 77 on the MusicRow chart

SPIN ZONE
Little Big Town’s “Pontoon” has now spent five weeks at No. 1 on the MusicRow chart. It’s not an all-time record, but it’s certainly the longest stretch in a couple years. The last time a record stayed on top this long was back in 2010, when LBT’s Capitol Records brethren Darius Rucker and Lady Antebellum both enjoyed five weeks at No. 1 with “Come Back Song” and “Our Kind Of Love,” respectively.

Speaking of Lady A, the trio is at No. 2 with “Wanted You More” and in good position for a takeover. Unless, that is, they don’t get usurped by a red hot collection of singles from No. 3 to 6 including Zac Brown Band’s “The Wind,” Miranda Lambert’s “Fastest Girl In Town,” Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah,” and Hunter Hayes’ “Wanted.” Applying the pressure are Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away” at No. 7 and Jason Aldean’s “Take A Little Ride” at No. 8.

While in Los Angeles, Columbia Nashville’s Tyler Farr visited with KKGO to promote his new single "Hello Goodbye.” He’s pictured here with KKGO PD Tonya Campos.

And for Darius Rucker’s part, he has the biggest debut of the week with his new single “True Believers,” which hits No. 57 in its first week charting. Other new singles faring very well include Taylor Swift’s massive “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” which moves to No. 24 in its third week, Dierks Bentley’s “Tip It On Back” at No. 28, and Eli Young Band’s “Say Goodnight” at No. 40.

Frozen Playlists: KBOE, KGMN, KVVP, KWEY, KXKZ, KYYK, WKKW, WKWS, WXXK

Upcoming Singles
September 4
Kix Brooks/Bring It On Home/Arista
Thomas Rhett/Beer With Jesus/Valory

September 10
High Valley/Love You For A Long Time/Eaglemont-Rodeowave
Phoenix Stone/100 Proof Moonshine/Stonehall-Nine North-Turnpike
Kacey Musgraves/Merry Go ‘Round/Mercury
JT Hodges/Sleepy Little Town/Show Dog-Universal
Gloriana/Can’t Shake You/Emblem-WAR

New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Darius Rucker/True Believers/Capitol – 57
Craig Morgan/More Trucks Than Cars/Black River – 71
Lonestar/The Countdown/4 Star Records – 76
Thomas Rhett/Beer With Jesus/Valory – 77
Reggie Shaw/Someone I Can’t Live Without/Wynnesong Records – 78

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Darius Rucker/True Believers/Capitol – 424
Dierks Bentley/Tip It On Back/Capitol – 300
Eli Young Band/Say Goodnight/Republic Nashville – 291
Luke Bryan/Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye/Capitol – 249
Alan Jackson/You Go Your Way/ACR/EMI Nashville – 226

Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Darius Rucker/True Believers/Capitol – 35
Eli Young Band/Say Goodnight/Republic Nashville – 18
Dierks Bentley/Tip It On Back/Capitol – 14
Alan Jackson/You Go Your Way/ACR/EMI Nashville – 13
Thomas Rhett/Beer With Jesus/The Valory Music Co. – 13

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Zach Paxson/Good Luck With That/FutureGrass – 216
Bucky Covington w/Shooter Jennings/Drinking Side of Country/eOne – 210
Pat Green/All Just To Get To You/Sugar Hill – 203
Kevin Fowler/Here’s To Me And You/Average Joe’s – 191
Tim Dugger/Tennessee/Curb – 181

Dustin Lynch shared his new self-titled album with WKIS/Miami at his album release party at Cowboys Davie. Lynch's "Cowboys and Angels" lands at No. 16 on the MusicRow Chart this week. (L-R): PD Ken Boesen, Lynch and Broken Bow’s Lee Adams

Radio and music industry friends gathered at Belmar Country Club in Norman, OK for a Toby Keith golf outing and new music listening event. Keith's latest single, "I Like Girls That Drink Beer," from his upcoming Nov. 13 album release takes the No. 18 spot on the MusicRow chart. (L-R): TK Kimbrell, Tom Travis (KTST), Wade Jessen, Joe Patrick, Laurie Gore (SDU), Mark Wright (SDU President), Macy Morgenthaler (SDU), Bob Moody, Robin Rhodes, Keith, Abby Zellmar (WMAD), Lon Helton, Nathan Cruise (SDU). Lisa Owens (SDU), Bill Mayne (CRB) and Kevin Christopher (KJKE). Kneeling: Greg Sax (SDU), Smokey Rivers (KNIX), Rick Hughes (SDU), Steve Powers (WKSJ) Rick Moxley (SDU) Mick Anselmo (KMNB), Rob Morris (KMNB)

High Valley visited WBCT in Grand Rapids, MI supporting the upcoming single "Love You For A Long Time," co-written by lead singer Brad Rempel. (L-R): Bryan Rempel (High Valley), Doug Montgomery (Clear Channel/Premium Choice), Teddi Bonadies (Rodeowave Entertainment), Brad Rempel (High Valley), Dave Taft (APD, WBCT/Grand Rapids), Curtis Rempel (High Valley) and Stan Marczewski (Rodeowave Entertainment)