DISClaimer: A Potpourri of Americana

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Jerry Lawson

Jerry Lawson

Today’s journey through Americana music is a potpourri of sounds.

Marquee country names such as Shelby Lynne and Lee Ann Womack are here. But so are soul singer Jerry Lawson, rhythmic folkies The Kennedys and veteran troubadours Greg Trooper and John Moreland. I’m not sure just how to describe Nataly Dawn, but the adventurous listeners among you need to hear her.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Pokey LaFarge. His jazzy, razamatazzy style makes you feel good all over.

The same might be said for the burnished glow of the voice of Jerry Lawson. He might be a veteran of The Persuasions, but this is his solo debut. And for that, he wins the DisCovery Award.

BLACKBERRY SMOKE/Too High
Writers: none listed; Producer: Brendan O’Brien; Publishers: none listed; Rounder (track)
-Country-rock with a slightly “outlaw” rumble. The hard-luck lyric has the protagonist giving up in the face of economic and social forces. Very country and very effective. I dig this band.

SHELBY LYNNE/I Can’t Imagine
Writers: Shelby Lynne/Pete Donnelly; Producer: Shelby Lynne; Publishers: Swampyblu/Pete Donnelly, BMI; Rounder (track)
-The tempestuous diva returns, still smoldering with emotion. The title tune to her new CD finds her moaning the blues in her upper vocal register, backing by weeping steel guitar. I remain a fan.

SHANNON McNALLY/I Must Be in a Good Place Now
Writers: none listed; Producer: Shannon McNally & Mac Rebennack; Sacred Sumac
-I am extremely late in getting to this, but I can’t let a tribute record to the late Bobby Charles slip by without a mention. The swamp-pop great is evocatively recalled in this drawling, languid ballad that closes the set. Flute and violin notes flutter around her laid-back vocal delivery. Elsewhere on the Small Town Talk CD, you’ll find Vince Gill, Dr. John, Derek Trucks and Luther Dickinson dropping by for instrumental support.

JERRY LAWSON/I’ll Come Running Back to You
Writers: William Stovall Clark; Producer: Eric Brace; Publishers: Sony-ATV/Big Billy, BMI; Red Beet (track)
-This outstanding soul singer was previously the lead vocalist in the a cappella group The Persuasions. He came to Nashville to craft his first solo album, which salutes such predecessors as Sam Cooke, David Ruffin and Bobby “Blue” Bland. With gently strummed acoustic guitar and soft harmony voices, Lawson is effortlessly captivating on this rolling, swaying track. Throughout the I’m Just a Mortal Man CD, his sandpapery, gospel-inflected delivery is gripping. The McCrary Sisters, Jim Lauderdale, Peter Cooper and Thom Jutz are among the cast members. If you love classic soul music, this is essential.

GREG TROOPER/All the Way to Amsterdam
Writers: Greg Trooper; Producer: Keith Gary; Publishers: 52 Shakes, BMI; 52 Shakes (track)
-Trooper’s latest is Live from the Rock Room. It contains in-concert versions of many of the veteran’s most memorable songs. This word portrait of a hopeful pair of losers jangles in all the right places, and the singer-songwriter’s crystal-clear vocal performance drives home every poetic line.

LEE ANN WOMACK/Trouble In Mind
Writers: Richard M. Jones; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Universal, no performance rights listed; Sugar Hill (track)
-Womack wanted to create something special for her Record Store Day release. So she went into the studio with just ace guitarist Richard Bennett to make a three-song vinyl release. Its title tune is this 1937 blues classic. Her magical voice weaves a sorcerous spell.

THE KENNEDYS/West
Writers: Pete Kennedy; Producer: Pete and Maura Kennedy; Publishers: Parade of Echoes, BMI; Kennedys (track)
-Pete and Maura Kennedy have been at it for 20 years now. The title tune of their latest collection features loads of deep-twang guitar, steady rhythm, melodic hooks and their trademark twin vocal harmony work. Country music laced with a folk sensibility.

JOHN MORELAND/Cherokee
Writers: John Moreland; Producer: John Moreland; Publishers: FTWSNGS, BMI; Old Omens (track)
-This troubadour’s latest is titled High on Tulsa Heat. It includes this longtime concert favorite, an addict’s fevered dream of redemption and healing. Between the ballad’s gripping lyric and his rasp-groan vocal, I guarantee it will haunt you.

NATALY DAWN/Araceli
Writers: Nataly Dawn; Producer: Jack Conte; Publishers: Nataly Dawn, ASCAP; Nonesuch (track)
-Now here’s something from out of left field. The eccentric-sounding track has a galumphing, herky-jerky rhythm. The lyric name-drops figures from Greek mythology. Her vocal is all over the melodic scale. Fascinating, to say the least.

Pokey LaFarge

Pokey LaFarge

POKEY LaFARGE/Something In The Water
Writers: Pokey LaFarge/Jimmy Sutton/Scott Ligon/Casey McDonough; Producers: Jimmy Sutton & Pokey LaFarge; Publishers: Pokey LaFarge/Chesterboy/Legmusic/Bardough, BMI/ASCAP; Rounder (track)
-Former Jack White / Third Man Records protege Pokey LaFarge makes his Rounder debut with a delightful collection. Its lead-off track and title tune samples elements from swing, ragtime, blues and country for an utterly charming sonic gumbo. Happily, it is symptomatic of the whole jazzbo album. If he sounds familiar, perhaps you caught him warbling on the soundtrack of TV’s Boardwalk Empire. Whatever the case, you need this music in your life.

Weekly Register: Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen Say ‘Hold My Beer’

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randy rogers wade bowen hold my beer 2015
Reba’s Love Somebody hangs on to the No. 1 country album spot for a second week, roping in 23K TW/81K RTD.

The biggest country debut belongs to Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen who teamed for Hold My Beer, Vol. 1, which comes in at No. 4 with 12.5K.

Performances on the ACM Awards helped boost Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Sam Hunt and Christina Aguilera. Little Big Town’s Pain Killer album got a 22 percent bump, moving 14K this week and coming in at No. 3. Current single “Girl Crush” continues to grow in popularity, getting a 13 percent increase, and selling 110K TW to sit at No. 1 country and No. 3 overall.

Lambert’s album Platinum came it at No. 5 with sales of 11K, a 33 percent increase week over week.

Hunt’s Montevallo hangs at No. 2 with 18K. His single “Take Your Time” is at No. 2 country, selling 58K TW and taking over the 1 million mark.

Shelton, who hosted and performed on the ACMs, jumps 57 percent with single “Sangria” which sold 39K TW.

The top country single debut this week is Christina Aguilera’s “Shotgun,” which is No. 7 with sales of 30K. Xtina is in the middle of an arc on the TV show Nashville.

On the overall album chart, Alabama Shakes debuted at No. 1 with Sound + Color, 96K (total consumption). Wiz Khalifa is the No. 1 track wizard, with “See You Again” selling 316K.

alabama shakes

Florida Georgia Line Members Launch Publishing Company

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Pictured (L - R): Brian Kelley, Jordan Schmidt, and Tyler Hubbard Photo: Courtesy of Tree Vibez Music

Pictured (L-R): Brian Kelley, Jordan Schmidt, and Tyler Hubbard
Photo: Courtesy of Tree Vibez Music

Having already staked a solid reputation as artists and songwriters, Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard are launching their own publishing company.

The new company, Tree Vibez Music, has signed new talent Jordan Schmidt. The Duluth, Minn., native is a music producer, engineer, mix engineer and songwriter who has worked with Motion City Soundtrack, One Ok Rock, All Time Low, Quietdrive and others.

“The opportunity to start Tree Vibez Music with Tyler is a dream come true,” says Kelley. “Our goal is for people to feel our music, not just hear it. We want to have a Treehouse studio full of wizards bringing fresh sounds to your speakers.

“We are so proud that Jordan is the first songwriter/producer we are signing. He is a game changer in music and has the unique ability to write at least five songs a week across five different genres,” he continues. “He fits right in. His radio-friendly tracks are slammin’ and we can’t wait for fans to hear his music!”

Hubbard adds, “We are excited to sign more writers/artists/producers that want to come create and dream with us. I can’t think of a better way to kick start Tree Vibez Music than signing Jordan.”

Industry Ink: Combustion Music, Copyright Society of the South, SOLID

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Combustion Music, Atlas Music Publishing Sign Songwriter/Producer Pruis

Pictured (L-R): Combustion Music's Kenley Flynn, AJ Pruis, Julia Scheider-Williams, Chris Van Belkom, Matthew West, Atlas Music Publishing's Richard Stumpf, Ryan Brodhead, and Combustion's Chris Farren and Ashley Gorley.

Pictured (L-R): Combustion Music’s Kenley Flynn, AJ Pruis, Julia Scheider-Williams, Chris Van Belkom, Matthew West, Atlas Music Publishing’s Richard Stumpf, Ryan Brodhead, and Combustion’s Chris Farren and Ashley Gorley.

Combustion Music and JV partner Atlas Music Publishing have signed songwriter and producer AJ Pruis to an exclusive, world-wide publishing venture with Christian artist and current Combustion writer Matthew West.

Pruis began working with West in 2014 as a member of his band. Shortly after, a writing relationship developed and two of those songs landed on West’s latest album including the title track, Live Forever. The album released yesterday (April 28).

“I am so excited to be working AJ and believe that Combustion/Atlas is going to be the perfect home for him to get his music to the world. AJ’s talent is off the charts, combining a fresh approach to melody and a unique production style. This is just the beginning of a bright songwriting career for him!” commented West.

“Matthew West introduced us to AJ, and I was immediately taken by his focus and talents in all facets of the music business as a writer, singer and producer. The sky is the limit for AJ, and we plan on helping him get there.” said Chris Farren, President of Combustion Music.

 

Copyright Society of the South Sees ‘Blurred Lines’ For Songwriters

Pictured (L-R): John Barker, Jill Napier, Ted Goldtrhope, Dr. E. Michael Harrington, Tal Dickstein, Jodi Carmichael, Denise Stevens, John Rolfe and Karl Braun.

Pictured (L-R): John Barker, Jill Napier, Ted Goldtrhope, Dr. E. Michael Harrington, Tal Dickstein, Jodi Carmichael, Denise Stevens, John Rolfe and Karl Braun.

On Thursday, April 23, the Copyright Society of the South hosted a panel titled, “Blurred Lines: A Blurred Outlook For Songwriters” on the recent decision from the courts.  The standing room only audience at BMI heard from Tal Dickstein of Loeb & Loeb and Dr. E. Michael Harrington.

 

SOLID To Host 18th Annual Music Row Crawfish Boil

SOLID Craw Fish BoilThe Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) will host its 18th annual Music Row Crawfish Boil on Wednesday, May 13. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Sony/ATV Music Publishing parking lot, located at 8 Music Sq. W. The event is free and open to the general public. Attendees must be 21 and older, with valid I.D.

Jaime Sarrantonio of The Agency Coalition and Ryan Slone of New Frontier Touring are organizing this year’s event. “The Crawfish Boil is one of SOLID’s longest running events,” Sarrantonio said. “It’s been great to see how much it has grown over the years and the way it continues to connect different generations of music industry professionals.”

Soon following will be the 2015 Music Row Yard Sale & Auction. Proceeds allow the organization to host educational panels, volunteer opportunities, and networking events. A portion of the proceeds this year will also benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Double Shot: Kenny Chesney Celebrates Back-to-Back No. 1 Hits

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Pictured (L-R): Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Kenny Chesney and Rodney Clawson.

Pictured (L-R): Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Kenny Chesney and Rodney Clawson.

ASCAP’s Michael Martin and BMI’s Clay Bradley hosted a mega-celebration at BMI Nashville’s lobby on April 28 to celebrate not one, but two No. 1 songs.

Kenny Chesney and songwriters Rodney Clawson, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, David Lee Murphy, and Jimmy Yeary were honored yesterday for the chart-topping songs “American Kids” and “‘Til It’s Gone.” The songs mark Chesney’s 25th and 26th chart-toppers.

“As a [song] plugger, it’s a special day when a song like this comes in,” said Big Red Toe’s Matt Turner of the song “American Kids,” penned by Clawson, Laird and McAnally. “It’s not a matter of if it will get cut, but when and who.”

Even as equally top-notch songwriters, it was clear that each writer was a friend and fan of the others. “To all the young songwriters, get in a writing room with Luke Laird. That’s the key to a good song,” said McAnally. “And luckily he introduced me to Rodney Clawson. I’m so blessed to get to do this for a living every day.” He got another blessing that day from his hometown of Mineral Wells, Texas. April 28, 2015 was proclaimed as Shane McAnally day in the city.

For Laird, earning a No. 1 song recorded by Kenny Chesney was a full-circle moment. “I often tell people my first cut was a Lee Ann Womack cut,” said Laird, before revealing that his very first cut by an artist came years ago when Kenny Chesney recorded a song Laird penned, titled “Miss Mexico.” “It didn’t make the record,” Laird said. “I appreciate you cutting this song.” He also praised co-writers Clawson and McAnally. “You go through so many writing relationships. These guys Rodney and Shane aren’t here by luck. They show up every time [to write]. They raise the bar, and make me want to be a better writer.”

Creative Nation’s Beth Laird was on hand to honor the song’s writers with custom-crafted side tables made with vinyl album covers–one side emblazoned with a vinyl cover of “American Kids,” and the other with a John Mellencamp vinyl cover.

Others offering praise to the songwriters and to Kenny were Universal Music Publishing Group’s Kent Earls and Round Hill Music’s Mark Brown.

Pictured (L-R): David Lee Murphy, Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Yeary, and Rodney Clawson

Pictured (L-R): David Lee Murphy, Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Yeary, and Rodney Clawson

The day’s other celebrated tune, “‘Til It’s Gone,” was penned by Clawson, Yeary, and Murphy.

THiS Music’s Rusty Gaston encouraged a round of wild applause for all the writers, before sharing the decidedly vintage route “‘Til It’s Gone” took to being recorded. “They made a true old-school work tape. Just guitars played into cell phones, that’s what Kenny heard. The fact that at this point [Kenny] would listen to work tapes and hear through that and want to record it—hearing that Kenny is recording your song is a highlight of any writer’s year.” Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson also tributed the writers, as well as Chesney’s producer Buddy Cannon and Columbia Nashville’s Norbert Nix.

Among those celebrating the writers and artist were CMA’s Brenden Oliver, CRB’s Holly Lane, and Avenue Bank’s Cooper Samuels.

“I think it was David Lee who said to me, ‘Well, when you get back out there, what do you want to say to your audience?’” said Chesney. “And this song [“Til It’s Gone”]  is about living in the moment WITH someone, but if you back away… and look at it as all those people (in the audience), that’s exactly what I wanted to say. I knew when I heard the demo, the groove, the mood, the lyric that was it! I’m blessed they send me their demos.”

“These songwriters pour their hearts out every day and their talent takes Nashville to another level,” Bradley summed. Referencing Chesney’s recent concerts at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and his well-known work ethic, Bradley said, “Your passion to be the best inspires us all.”

Chesney also used the moment in the spotlight to announce that David Lee Murphy will soon release a new project of his own. Chesney is in the studio mixing a new album for the “Party Crowd” singer-songwriter.

$30K Helps Launch Project Music Startups

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Pictured: (L-R) Zack Terry (Operations Lead, Project Music), Channing Moreland (CEO, EVAmore), Stephen Davis (CEO, Ear.IQ) Marcus Cobb (CEO, Jammber), Robbie Goldsmith (Director, Project Music), Jack McCann (CEO, On the List), Chad Marcum (CEO, VideoBomb), Michael Amburgey (CEO, KaraoQ), Stuart McWhorter (CEO, Nashville Entrepreneur Center), Joe Galante (Chairman of GEO), Sam Brooker (CEO, Remix Hits), Michael Burcham (Founding CEO, Nashville Entrepreneur Center), Heather McBee (Music Industry Lead, Project Music), and Chris McMurtry (CEO, Dart).

Pictured: (L-R) Zack Terry (Operations Lead, Project Music), Channing Moreland (CEO, EVAmore), Stephen Davis (CEO, Ear.IQ) Marcus Cobb (CEO, Jammber), Robbie Goldsmith (Director, Project Music), Jack McCann (CEO, On the List), Chad Marcum (CEO, VideoBomb), Michael Amburgey (CEO, KaraoQ), Stuart McWhorter (CEO, Nashville Entrepreneur Center), Joe Galante (Chairman of GEO), Sam Brooker (CEO, Remix Hits), Michael Burcham (Founding CEO, Nashville Entrepreneur Center), Heather McBee (Music Industry Lead, Project Music), and Chris McMurtry (CEO, Dart).

The inaugural Project Music Accelerator Program graduated its first class of eight teams last week (April 23) with a pitch presentation at the CMA Theater.

Put on by the Nashville Entrepreneur Center and the CMA, the boot camp offered $30,000 in seed money and mentorship for 14 weeks from the likes of CAA, Vector Management, Ryman Hospitality Properties, Universal Music Group, Spalding Entertainment, Dev Digital, Red Light Management, Maurice Miner, Jody Williams and Galante Entertainment.

The youngest of the seven additional entrepreneurial teams Mackenzie Stokel and Channing Moreland hosted a red carpet after party for their company EVAmore last night (April 28) at the palatial East Nashville’s East Ivy Mansion, a converted event space on Fatherland Street. Investors were in attendance at both events.

EVAmore is a startup providing event planners access to book reputable indie bands signed with the company. The event company is forming a strategic partnership with CAA and having preliminary discussions with Sony/ATV.

“We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Project Music,” said Moreland during the evening’s gathering. “We are really excited for these pretty big investments and strategic partnerships we are forming.”

“EVAmore is the seamless way for you to book your entertainment,” said Stokel. “We’re trying to help [indie artists] get booked and paid.”

Next week the entrepreneurs will pay their way to meetings set up post-program in New York City with Sony Music and several other angel investors.

Click for more information on Project Music.

Photo: Johnathan Jones

Photo: Johnathan Jones

Photo: Johnathan Jones

Photo: Johnathan Jones

Cumulus Media Extends Agreement with Co-Founder Lew Dickey

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Lew Dickey

Lew Dickey

Cumulus Media has inked a multi-year contract extension with co-founder Lew Dickey. Under the contract, he will continue to serve as president and chief executive officer, as well as a member of the Board of Directors, through 2018.

“Our Board is grateful that Lew Dickey, who has built Cumulus into a leading national media business, has renewed his commitment to lead the company into the future. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with Lew to build value for our shareholders,” said Board member Jeff Marcus.

It was also announced that long-time director Robert H. Sheridan, III, of Ridgemont Equity Partners, will retire when his term ends at the 2015 annual meeting of stockholders. The Board has nominated Mary. G. Berner to stand for election, to fill the board’s vacant position. Berner is the president and chief executive officer of The Association of Magazine Media. Prior to running MPA, Berner led several media brands, including Glamour, TV Guide, W, Women’s Wear Daily, Brides and other publications.

Given Music Publishing Signs Smith

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given music anthony smith

Pictured (L-R): Mike Sebastian, VP/GM, Given Music Publishing; John Mullins, Director, Writer/Publisher Relations, SESAC; Denise Stevens, Partner, Loeb & Loeb LLP; Anthony Smith; Cindy Owen, Partner, Given Entertainment; Matthew Beckett, Attorney.

Given Music Publishing announced the signing of hit songwriter Anthony Smith to its roster. Smith has had songs recorded by such stars as Reba, Kenny Rogers, Vince Gill, Lonestar, Clay Walker, Rodney Atkins, and Chris Young. Young’s song “Tomorrow” was co-written by Smith and earned SESAC’s Song of the Year accolade in 2011.

“I’ve known Anthony for a number of years, but this is the first opportunity I’ve had to work with him,” said Mike Sebastian, VP/GM of Given Music Publishing. “Anthony has proven time and again he is a consistent hit songwriter and hard worker. I fully believe we will make a great team, and I look forward to all our success together.”

Smith also has producer credits on projects by Atlantic’s South Sixty-Five, Curb Records’ Trini Triggs and Curb/Asylum Records’ Rio Grand.

“I am very excited to be signing with the Given Music Publishing family and to have the opportunity to work with Mike Sebastian,” said Smith. “He’s a world-class publisher, they have a great group of writers and I’m delighted to become part of the team! I look forward to a great future together with them!”

Dierks Bentley To Headline Stars For Second Harvest at Ryman

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dierks-bentley 2015Dierks Bentley will headline the 11th annual Stars For Second Harvest benefit on Tuesday, June 9, 7:30 p.m. at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. The acoustic concert is presented by O’Charley’s and hosted by acclaimed hit songwriter Craig Wiseman.

Joining Bentley will be Charles Esten (“Deacon Claybourne”) and Lennon and Maisy Stella (“Maddie and Daphne Conrad”) from ABC’s Nashville.

Proceeds from the concert benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in their efforts to feed hungry people and solve hunger issues in our community.

The “Nashville Cast VIP Experience” tickets will go on sale Friday, May 1 at 10 a.m. for $250. The VIP tickets include premium seating, a meet and greet with Charles Esten, Lennon and Maisy and other performers, as well as a special gift bag. There are only 58 available with an 8 per person limit.

Concert tickets are now on sale for general admission ($35) and preferred seating ($55), plus applicable service charges.

To purchase VIP or general admission tickets visit Ryman.com.

MusicRowPics: Josh Goodlett

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Josh Goodlett

Josh Goodlett

Indiana resident and rising artist Josh Goodlett says he learned his top-notch work ethic through years of being raised on a farm in Taylorsville, Ky. He recalls driving a tractor by age 3. Citing his stepfather, a former marine, as an influence, Goodlett says, “I’ve never been a stranger to hard work.”

These days, Goodlett is pouring as much passion and hard work into his burgeoning music career. He played over 100 shows in Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee in the past year, and is working on an upcoming studio project. He’s also father to four sons and one daughter, ages 8-14.

During a recent visit with MusicRow staffers, Goodlett performed a brief acoustic set. He launched the performance with “I Don’t Usually Do This,” which will be on his upcoming album. He also offered an acoustic cover of Conway Twitty’s “Goodbye Time.”

Goodlett closed his brief set with his current single “Why Ya Gotta Be That Way.”

The radio add date for the single is May 4, the same day that Goodlett will embark on a radio tour, bringing his music to programmers across the country.

Goodlett recently released the song’s accompanying music video, which was produced and directed by Bobby E. Boyd. The two-day video shoot took place at Chase’s Dance Hall in Hendersonville, Boyd Where Prohibited Studios in Nashville, as well as the Music City Star train station and Two Rivers Park, both in Donelson.

“That was my first time doing a music video,” recalls Goodlett. “It was a 16-hour day, but I think I got the hang of it by the end,” he quipped.

MusicRow Staff with Josh Goodlett

MusicRow Staff with Josh Goodlett