Mark Cooke Releases Debut EP

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Monday (9/26), country artist Mark Cooke released his limited edition, debut EP Living For The Weekend.  Produced by J.Gary Smith and John Smith, the six track collection includes the upcoming single, “Anyway The Wind Blows.”

Mark recently began his national radio tour to promote Living For The Weekend and “Anyway The Wind Blows.”  The EP is available on iTunes, Amazon and other online outlets. It can also be ordered at www.MarkCooke.com.

Track Listing:
1. Anyway The Wind Blows (Marty Dodson, Jennifer Hanson, Mark Nesler)
2. Living For The Weekend (Mike McQuerry, Mark Nesler, David Reed)
3. Can’t Cheat In A Small Town (Don Goodman, Brad Wolf, Abby Boykin)
4. Stay With Me Tonight (Pete Sallis, Kris Bergsnes, Mark Carson)
5. I Love It (Philip Douglas, Ron Harbin, Jimmy Yeary)
6. I’ll Take This Town (Jim Collins, Ashley Gorley)

Men On The Move: Bryan, Bentley, Adkins, and Keith

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Luke Bryan’s sold-out concert on a farm in Athens, Georgia will be broadcast live tonight (9/30) at 9/8 pm ET on Sirius XM’s The Highway. The show is part of Bryan’s “Farm Tour,” a series of six shows from which proceeds will be donated to fund a scholarship in each city for a local student. “We just wanted to have a little fun in the fall,” says Bryan. “I think what’s cool about the ‘Farm Tour’ is these things are a big event for these towns. It’s a fun experience all around. I want to do what I can to keep it rocking.”

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(L-R): Jim Beavers, Dierks Bentley and Jon Randall. Photo: Eric England

Dierks Bentley recently celebrated the success of his eighth career No. 1 song, “Am I The Only One.” Industry friends joined Bentley, along with co-writers Jon Randall and Jim Beavers, at Losers in Nashville for the event. In the spirit of the song, Bentley presented personalized bottles of Patron.

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Trace Adkins is donning his actor’s cap as he joins the cast of supernatural thriller The Healer, which also includes Isabelle Fuhrman, Joel Courtney, James Le Gros, Peter Bogdanovich and Natalia Dyer. Currently filming in North Carolina with writer/director Giorgio Serafini, The Healer is the story of teenage twins who go on a camping trip with their father and become lost in the forest while trying to repair old emotional wounds. Adkins plays The Truck Driver, a transporter of souls destined to hell, and his truck is a prison for eternity.

Photo: Brian Ormiston

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Toby Keith celebrated his premium mezcal Wild Shot last week by signing bottles for fans at Binny’s Beverage Depot in Chicago. Toby was in Chicago for a standing room only stop on his Locked & Loaded Tour Presented by Ford F-Series. Keith’s “Made In America” also recently hit No. 1 on the CountryBreakout Chart.

McCreery Reveals Release Week Plans For Debut

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Scotty McCreery is slated to release his debut album, Clear As Day, on Oct. 4. His release week will include several national television appearances and a hometown event, celebrating his album release along with his 18th birthday.

McCreery will perform on Today Monday, Oct. 3. That night, GAC will premiere Introducing: Scotty McCreery at 9 p.m. GAC cameras have been documenting McCreery’s life since June and have captured much of what’s happened since his Season 10 American Idol win in May. The show will also feature interviews with family, friends and industry leaders who have played an important role in his personal and professional life.

Sunday, Oct. 9. is McCreery’s eighteenth birthday. To celebrate, he is inviting friends and fans to attend his Album Release and Birthday Bash Homecoming. The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 8 at 11 a.m at the the Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek in Raleigh, NC.

The following week, on Oct. 11, McCreery will take the stage at The Grand Ole Opry. The performance will be televised on Opry Live on GAC at 8 p.m.

McCreery has also been chosen as the first artist to release a CD in a ‘ZinePak configuration. The ‘ZinePak features his debut album and an exclusive 72-page magazine. The mini magazine includes a Q-and-A with McCreery, lyrics, song notes, behind the scene photos and more. Less than 80,000 copies of McCreery’s ‘ZinePak edition will go on sale exclusively at Walmart, when his album releases on Oct. 4.

Darren Elrod Promoted At Provident

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Darren Elrod

Provident Music Group Pres./CEO Terry Hemmings has announced the promotion of Darren Elrod to Sr. VP of Finance and Operations for Provident.

Elrod was most recently the label’s VP Finance & Operations. In his new role, he will report to Hemmings and continue to oversee all aspects of finance and operations with added duties in business affairs, IT and artist services, and Provident Distribution’s sales and warehouse operation.

“I am pleased to announce the promotion of Darren Elrod to Senior Vice President, Finance and Operations,” says Hemmings. “Darren’s experience and countenance are well suited for this role and he has become a trusted ally to me as we navigate the path ahead for our organization.”

Elrod began his career in public accounting at Arthur Andersen LLP, and was the Controller and VP of Finance at Provident from 1999-2006. He left the label in 2006 to become Controller and Treasurer of the National Federation of Independent Business, before returning to Provident in 2009.

Jaron Lowenstein Joins Cordovas, Releases New Album

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Jaron Lowenstein of Jaron and the Long Road to Love has recorded a genre-bending album with Joe Firstman and their new band Cordovas. Produced by Rick Parker and Firstman, the new album blends Southern Rock, Alt/Country, Gospel and Bluegrass.

The band has made the album available for sale at live shows, digitally worldwide on iTunes and for free download at their website, TheCordovas.com. Their decision to allow it to be downloaded for free stems from their belief that art should be made available to everyone with no barrier of entry.

“Superfans will immediately buy the record, some may download and then buy it for a friend or some may enjoy it and never pay for it,” Jaron said. “How they get the album isn’t our concern. That they get the album is.”

Track Listing:

1.   All I Found (3:05)
2.   Southern Rain (6:14)
3.   Maria (4:41)
4.   Step-back Red (4:20)
5.   Storms (3:41)
6.   Old Dog (3:29)
7.   Salome (3:56)
8.   Tell Me You’re Not Telling The Truth (3:36)
9.   Standin’ On The Porch (4:05)
10.  Louisiana Hurricane (4:47)
11.  Feel Good To Be Free (5:38)

Cordovas is a six-piece band fronted by lead singers Jaron Lowenstein, Joe Firstman and Jon Loyd. Lowenstein is best known for his country single “Pray For You,” as well as his early 2000s single “Crazy For This Girl,” from Evan and Jaron.

Karen Kane Joins Sony Music Nashville

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Karen Kane

Karen Kane has joined Sony Music Group as Director, Artist Development/Marketing, it was announced by Sony Music Nashville Sr. VP Marketing Paul Barnabee. Kane will report to Barnabee in this role, providing leadership in the development and execution of strategic marketing campaigns for her assigned artists.

“Spanning label, management, and third-party sponsorships, Karen has built a rich and diverse background in the music industry, and I’m excited to welcome her as an amazing new addition to our marketing team,” says Barnabee.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to work with Gary [Overton] and Paul and the team at Sony,” adds Kane. “It’s a wonderful opportunity when you get to work with smart and talented colleagues as well as an amazing roster of artists.”

Kane most recently served as Director of Music Business for Murray State University, where she managed the Music Business degree program and taught courses in Music Marketing, Artist Development, Live Performance, and Copyright. Prior to that she was president of Kane Entertainment, a management and marketing company.

She’s officially on the job now, and can be reached here.

Australian Artists Return For Americana Music Festival

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Oct. 12 – 15 Nashville welcomes back a lineup of Australian roots artists for the city’s annual Americana Music Festival and Conference. Presented by Nissan, held in downtown Nashville, the 2011 lineup includes 20 different Australian acts: 3rd Wheel, Kirsty Akers, Chris Altmann, Audrey Auld, James Blundell, Ange Boxall, Catherine Britt, Lachlan Bryan, Kristy Cox, Mia Dyson, David Garnham, Gleny Rae Virus and Her Tamworth Playboys, Caitlin Harnett, Harry Hookey, The McMenamins, O’Shea, Chris Pickering, Shandell, Henry Wagons and Duke Wilde Band.

Sounds Australia is sponsoring the trip through its partnership with the Nashville-based Americana Music Association.

“The level of interest we experienced last year is a ringing endorsement by the Australian music industry of the original mission that Sounds Australia undertook to create a platform within the Americana event for our artists and business people,” said Sounds Australia Manager Dobe Newton.

Early registration is open through Oct. 10 and includes admission to all AMA panels and nighttime showcases, plus special events during the Festival and a ticket to the Americana Honors & Awards show at the Ryman Auditorium. Wristbands are $50 and give access to more than 100 artists in five Nashville venues. For more details about tickets and wristbands, please visit www.AmericanaMusic.org. Tickets for the Honors and Awards Show are also available separately for $65 at www.Ryman.com.

For the complete showcase lineup, please click here.

 

Burns & Poe Support Postal Workers; Launch Internship Contest

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In learning about the plight of the United States Postal Service workers and their plan to rally nationwide with the hope to save their jobs, Blue Steel Records duo Burns & Poe was moved to lend its voice in support.

The postal service is currently contemplating the close of thousands of post offices, which would leave more than 100,000 workers without jobs. Tuesday (9/27) postal workers across the country rallied at various locations to send a message that cutting jobs isn’t the answer to solving the budget crisis. A group of postal workers gathered on Church Street in Nashville were surprised when Keith Burns showed up to support their efforts.

Burns & Poe’s current single, “I Need A Job,” comes at a crucial time for many. Wanting to offer more than words of encouragement, the duo launched the “I Need A Job” Contest. Contestants are given the creative license to create a lyric video for “I Need A Job” using photos, graphics or video footage. Each video can be posted to any public webpage or social site, such as YouTube or Facebook. The creator of the video that tallies the most views will win a job as a temporary intern and member of the Burns & Poe Team.

Employment will be for a one-week period (Monday through Friday). The chosen intern will divide his or her time and responsibilities between the booking agency, the label, the road crew, and the publicity and management company. The intern will receive compensation in the amount of $500 for their time and service. The start-date will be mutually decided upon by the winning contestant and an official member of the Burns & Poe Team. One winner will be selected (based on posts/hits) and announced on the Burns & Poe web page on Friday, October 28, 2011.

For more details, please click here.

Hayes Prepares For Album Release; Headlines Tour

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Fresh off touring with Taylor Swift on her Speak Now Tour, Hunter Hayes returned to his hometown of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana last week (9/22) to film the GAC special, Introducing: Hunter Hayes. Hunter visited family and friends and stopped by local radio station KMDL 97.3 The Dawg.

His Atlantic Records self-titled debut album, which he co-produced with Dann Huff, is slated for release on Tuesday, Oct. 11. Hayes played every instrument and wrote/co-wrote all eleven tracks on the album, including his single, “Storm Warning.”

Hayes has also co-written songs for Rascal Flatts and Montgomery Gentry. In addition to Taylor Swift, Hayes has shared the stage with Trace Adkins, Lady Antebellum, Hank Williams, Jr., Brad Paisley and Keith Urban.

Hayes is currently on his first headlining tour, Most Wanted, which will stop at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, CA on Dec. 1. For a chance to win tickets and airfare for two to see Hayes’ show, and get the VIP treatment, please visit http://www.hunterhayes.com/mostwanted.

2011 International Bluegrass Awards Winners

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The results are in, and Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers were awarded with the IBMA’s Entertainer of the Year award at the 22nd annual International Bluegrass Awards last night (9/29). The legendary comedian has put out two albums of original bluegrass in the last two years, including his latest Rare Bird Alert.

Steve Martin with Dailey & Vincent at the 2011 International Bluegrass Awards. Photo: Alan Mayor

Winning multiple honors were New York-based The Gibson Brothers, who earned honors for Vocal Group of the Year and Album of the Year for Help My Brother (Compass Records). The Boxcars also nabbed two as a group, for Emerging Artists of the Year and Instrumental Group of the Year. Additionally, Boxcars banjo player Ron Stewart tied with the Grascals’ Kristin Scott Benson for Banjo Player of the Year. A full list of the evening’s winners is below.

2011 International Bluegrass Awards:

Hall of Fame Inductees — Del McCoury, George Shuffler

Entertainer of the Year — Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers

Vocal Group of the Year — The Gibson Brothers

Instrumental Group of the Year — The Boxcars

Male Vocalist of the Year — Russell Moore

Female Vocalist of the Year — Dale Ann Bradley

Emerging Artist of the Year — The Boxcars

Album of the Year — Help My Brother, The Gibson Brothers (Compass Records); producers: Eric & Leigh Gibson and Mike Barber

Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year —  “Goin’ Up Dry Branch,” by Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (Rounder Records); songwriters: Buddy Spicher & Jimmy Martin; producers: Jeff White & Michael Cleveland

Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year — “Prayer Bells of Heaven” by J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson, & Paul Williams (Mountain Home); producer: Ben Isaacs

Song of the Year — “Trains I Missed,” by Balsam Range; songwriters: Walt Wilkins, Gilles Godard & Nicole Witt

Recorded Event of the Year — “Prayer Bells of Heaven” by J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson & Paul Williams (Mountain Home); producer: Ben Isaacs

Banjo Player of the Year — Kristin Scott Benson and Ron Stewart (tie)

Guitar Player of the Year — Bryan Sutton

Fiddle Player of the Year — Michael Cleveland

Bass Player of the Year — Marshall Wilborn

Mandolin Player of the Year — Adam Steffey

Dobro Player of the Year — Rob Ickes

Distinguished Achievement Award Recipients — Greg Cahill, Bill Knowlton, Lilly Pavlak, Geoff Stelling, Roland White

Broadcaster of the Year — Katy Daley, WAMU Bluegrass Country

Print Media Person of the Year — Juli Thanki, Engine145.com

Bluegrass Event of the Year — Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival; Branson, Mo.

Best Graphic Design — Ricardo Alessio & Erica Harris for Abigail Washburn (Rounder Records)

Best Liner Notes — Colin Escott for A Mother’s Prayer, Ralph Stanley (Rebel Records)