'American Idol' Auditions Return to Nashville

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120512_American_Idol_lo11The nationwide search for the next American Idol will include a stop in Music City. The reality music competition will again hold auditions in Nashville for its 14th season. This year, auditions will take place at Nashville Municipal Auditorium on July 30.
Auditions are open to men and women ages 15-28 and eligible to work in the U.S. More details are available at americanidol.com/auditions. A full FAQ for live auditions is also available.
The show’s annual tour has downsized this year, opting for theaters instead of arenas in several markets. No Nashville stop is on the tour schedule. Last week, American Idol‘s ratings hit an all-time low of 7 million viewers.

CMA Music Festival's GlobaLive! To Welcome International Artists

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globalive1111Each year, Nashville’s CMA Music Festival teams with not only Country fans from around the world, but the festival also welcomes international Country artists from all over the globe. Artists travel to Music City to perform at CMA World GlobaLive!, a free showcase featuring international Country Music artists. This year’s event will take place Monday, June 2 (6:00-11:15 PM/CT) in downtown Nashville.
The CMA World GlobaLive! concert will be held on an outdoor stage on Broadway and First Avenue. The concert is open to the public and will feature performances by Country artists from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, and the U.K.
“Each of these acts has already achieved a high degree of momentum and success abroad,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “They are performers that we think are capable of attracting industry attention.”
More than 150 artists were submitted for consideration to perform on the CMA World GlobaLive! stage, according to Jeff Walker, CMA Board member and Executive Producer of CMA World GlobaLive!.
Artists performing during CMA World GlobaLive! include Jaida Dreyer,who was nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year in Canada and is signed to U.S. label Streamsound Records; Canadian group Emerson Drive; Kira Isabella, the reigning Canadian Female Vocalist of the Year and HitShop Records artist; Kaylens Rain, who was recently named CRA winner by radio station professionals throughout Australia; Wes Mack, the Canadian Country Music Association’s Discovery Winner; One More Girl, the rising Canadian duo comprised of sisters Britt and Carly McKillip; Australian duo, O’Shea, who are routinely found in the Australian Top 5 and also host an Australian television show on the CRC; David Park, rising star in his native Sweden; Jared Porter, the reigning winner of the Star Maker talent search in Australia; Cameron Scott, the New Zealand Horizon Award winner; Dallas Smith, previous frontman of rock group Default, who was already a huge star in Canada before he made the transition from rock to Country; and Tamara Stewart, the recent winner of a CMAA Golden Guitar for her composition entitled “Women in Song.”
Additional international artists making appearances during CMA Music Festival’s Kick-Off Concert on the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage on Wednesday, June 4 include vocalist/guitarist and Stoney Creek Records artist Lindsay Ell of Canada; Morgan Evans, a rising Country star in Australia; Canadian artist Tim Hicks; and Canadian brother and sister duo Small Town Pistols, made up of Amanda and Tyler Wilkinson who were previously part of the Grammy-nominated trio The Wilkinsons.
U.K. artist David Bradley will host both the CMA World GlobaLive! and CMA Music Festival Kick-Off concerts. Bradley will also perform on the Samsung Galaxy Stage in Walk of Fame Park on Friday, June 6 (2:45 PM/CT). Sam Hollyman, will perform on the same stage Sunday, June 8 (10:45 AM/CT).

A&E Networks To Premiere 'Big Smo' on June 11

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big smoA&E Networks will premiere Big Smo, an original, real life series following country rapper Big Smo, on Wednesday, June 11 at 10:30 p.m. ET. The series will follow the Unionville, Tenn., native musician and entertainer, best known for his blend of Country, Southern rock and hip-hop music, as he prepares to debut his first major label project Kuntry Livin’ on Warner Bros. Records.
Fans will watch Big Smo celebrate numerous milestones in his personal and professional life, including getting a new tour bus, working with Darius Rucker, and bringing his music to radio stations across the country. Viewers will also get an intimate look at Smo’s life outside the recording studio and off the tour bus–including his challenge to balance his demanding touring life and with his desire to be there for his family. He is surrounded by strong supporters including his mother, childhood friends, long-time girlfriend Whitney, and two young daughters.
“Big Smo” is produced by Brownstone Entertainment for A&E Network. Executive producers for Brownstone Entertainment are Drew Brown and Bob Gillan. Dan Nelson and Pete DeLasho also serve as executive producers and Nicco Ardin is co-executive producer. Executive producers for A&E Network are Drew Tappon, Shelly Tatro, Dave Mace and Evan Lerner.

Miranda Lambert's Platinum Tour To Launch July 10

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ML_ADMAT_photo_R1111

Miranda Lambert


Miranda Lambert will launch her upcoming Platinum tour on July 10 in Fort Loramie, Ohio. The 30-city Crystal Light Presents Platinum Tour will include two Canadian concerts, and will wrap Sept. 20 in Honolulu.
“It’s the color of my hair, my wedding ring, my airstream trailer, so it’s just a natural fit for the name of my new album and it’s why we decided to name the tour Platinum too,” Lambert says. Her upcoming fifth studio album Platinum, will be released June 3.
Lambert has welcomed two new members to her touring band, including singer-songwriter Carolyn Dawn Johnson. Justin Moore and Thomas Rhett will join as opening acts on the trek beginning Aug. 8.
The new show will feature a new signature stage design, as well as songs from her upcoming album, including the hit “Automatic,” the title track, and others. Lucky Lambert fans in select cities will get the chance to hear a preview of the album, thanks to the previously announced “Platinum Across America” tour.
7/10/14 Fort Loramie, Ohio
7/11/14 Tuscaloosa, Ala.
7/12/14 Rogers, Ark.
7/17/14 Monticello, Ia.
7/18/14 Cleveland
7/19/14 Cincinnati
7/20/14 Brooklyn, Mich.
7/25/14 Twin Lakes, Wis.
7/26/14 Pittsburgh
8/1/14 Sweet Home, Ore.
8/3/14 Camrose, Alberta
8/8/14 Sacramento, Calif.**
8/9/14 Mountain View, Calif.**
8/10/14 Irvine, Calif.**
8/15/14 Chicago**
8/16/14 Indianapolis**
8/17/14 Bonner Springs, Kan.**
8/21/14 Raleigh, N.C.**
8/22/14 Virginia Beach, Va.**
8/23/14 Washington, D.C.**
8/29/14 Darien Lake, N.Y.**
8/30/14 Hartford, Conn.**
8/31/14 Bethel, N.Y.**
9/4/14 Toronto, ONT**
9/5/14 Philadelphia**
9/6/14 Boston**
9/11/14 Pensacola, Fla.**
9/12/14 Lafayette, La.**
9/13/14 Corpus Christi, Texas**
9/20/14 Honolulu
**Justin Moore and Thomas Rhett to perform as support on these dates.
 
 
 
 

Leah Turner Preps for First Nationwide Tour

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Leah Turner - Edwards Photography Studios image 5

Leah Turner. Photo: Edwards Photography

Leah Turner took to the soundstage at SIR in Nashville on Monday (May 12) to rehearse for media professionals before heading out for Brad Paisley’s summer tour.

With her Sony Nashville backing (home to a few of Country’s female arena headliners including Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert) the Columbia Nashville recording artist has promising support to become part of the future of women on Country radio. The California native holds her own, with plenty of magnetic charisma and unique vocal chops to break into Nashville’s mainstream.

Leah Turner - Edwards Photography Studios image2

Leah Turner. Photo: Edwards Photography Studios


Last week, a digital EP was released in advance of  the summer tour. Turner not only provides the female flair to her Sony labelmate Paisley’s party as the only girl in her four-person band, but in the whole tour lineup, which also includes Charlie Worsham, Randy Houser, and Dee Jay Silver.
After a short video intro (to be displayed courtesy of Paisley’s production), Turner blazes to the stage dressed in cowboy boots, tattered jeans, and a bedazzled tank. During her media preview, the blonde chanteuse performed an unreleased title “Make Your Move,” and captivated her audience through three additional titles on her EP, including her first single “Take The Keys,” followed by “My Finger” and her rising single “Pull Me Back.”
The four month tour begins Friday, May 16 in Camden, N.J., and heads west after July. Check out concert dates here.
I’m already anticipating a full-length album and her CMA Fest appearance at the Bridgestone’s Bud Light Stage!

Industry Pics (5/13/14)

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The 19th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival featured more than 50 concerts from more than 180 BMI songwriters. The festival, held from May 7-11, featured performances from Sara Evans, Love and Theft, Kacey Musgraves, Robert Earl Keen, Anders Osborne, Tony Joe White and Dean Dillon. More than 15,000 fans enjoyed several days of music at venues throughout the island.

Proceeds from the event benefit the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center, a comprehensive rehabilitation program that focuses on treating traumatic brain injuries and PTSD from Afghanistan and Iraqi conflicts.

Pictured (l-r): BMI Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations Jody Williams, Blues legend Tony Joe White, GRAMMY-award winning Country artist Kacey Musgraves, Americana pioneer Robert Earl Keen, BMI Executive Director of Writer/Publisher Relations Mark Mason.

Pictured (L-R): BMI Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations Jody Williams, Tony Joe White, Kacey Musgraves, Robert Earl Keen, BMI Executive Director of Writer/Publisher Relations Mark Mason.


Pictured (L-R): Fans pack Duval Street during Sara Evans' performance. Photographer: Erika Goldring

Pictured (L-R): Fans pack Duval Street during Sara Evans’ performance. Photographer: Erika Goldring

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Wednesday evening (May 7), Big Loud Shirt Industries’ founder and award-winning songwriter Craig Wiseman brought the party to Music Row with his 8th annual Parking Lot Party. The bash was held outside the Big Loud Shirt offices in Nashville and included fireball shots, cocktails, hot dogs, and a moon bounce. Staff, friends and music industry insiders gathered to celebrate with Wiseman and his team of writers and artists, including Sarah Buxton, Rodney Clawson, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, Joey Moi and Chris Tompkins.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Big Loud Shirt

Photo Credit: Big Loud Shirt

 • • •

TV met reality on Friday night (May 9) at the Grand Ole Opry where Big Machine Music singer/songwriter Greg Bates was joined by actor Chris Carmack, who plays “Will Lexington” on ABC’s Nashville, for a performance of “Hurtin’ On Me.” Bates penned the song, which Carmack has performed on the hit TV show.

Pictured (L-R): Pete Fisher, Chris Carmack, and Greg Bates. Photo Courtesy of Gwen Bates

Pictured (L-R): Grand Ole Opry VP/GM Pete Fisher, Chris Carmack, and Greg Bates. Photo Courtesy of Gwen Bates

Georgia On My Mind Concert At 3rd & Lindsley

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(L-R): Ben Hayslip, Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins

The Peach Pickers (L-R): Ben Hayslip, Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins


The Peach Pickers and Friends will host “Georgia On My Mind: A Night of Georgia Music” at Nashville’s 3rd and Lindsley on May 20, presented by Jameson® Irish Whiskey. Hit songwriters and Georgia natives Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip, who write collectively as the Peach Pickers, are recruiting Nashville pals originally from Georgia to join them to perform songs written or made famous by those from their home state. Admission is $25 and proceeds benefit the Georgia Music Foundation, a non-profit organization chaired by Davidson.
Among the numerous artists and songwriters from Georgia are Brenda Lee, Bill Anderson, Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood, Tony Arata, Pat Alger, Hillary Lindsey, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, FGL’s Tyler Hubbard, Lady A’s Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley, Billy Currington, Brantley Gilbert, Kip Moore, Cole Swindell, Sugarland and Zac Brown Band.
“It’s crazy how many musicians and songwriters on the charts are from Georgia and how many homegrown influences we have in common from Otis Redding and the Allman Brothers Band to Ray Charles and Gram Parsons,” Davidson said. “It’s really grounding to have a shared sense of identity around our state, the Flint River, Tybee Island, the pecan trees, the Varsity restaurant, the Braves…I think it’s those authentic Georgia traditions and roots that have resonated with audiences over the decades and that will make this night like a family reunion.”

Industry Ink (5/13/14)

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Larry Wayne Clark

Larry Wayne Clark


A writers night will be held in memory of the late journalist/songwriter/producer Larry Wayne Clark, who succumbed to cancer in 2013 in his native Canada. The Listening Room Cafe (217 2nd Ave. S.) will host the writers night May 27 from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Clark’s longtime friend Jeff Walter will host, and performers include Cassidy Lynn Alexander, Lisa Brokop, Melissa Christina (Canada), Stephanie DeWolfe, Shawn Dodd, RyLee Madison, Wendy Newcomer, Chelsee Oaks, Andrea Pearson, Shelly Rann, Quentin Reddy (Canada), and Marc Rossi.
Clark’s catalog includes Chris Young‘s “Drinking Me Lonely,” as well as songs recorded by the Statler Brothers, Lee Greenwood, Anne Murray and others. Admission is free, and a limited edition CD LWC Favorites: Songs of Larry Wayne Clark will be sold, with proceeds benefiting Bobby’s Hospice Palliative Care Facility. CDs can be purchased at larrywayneclark.com and donations can be made to hospicesj.ca.

 • • •

Mandy West

Mandy West


GrassRoots Promotion Operations Director Mandy West will exit her post at the end of May. After 11 years with the company, she has decided to explore new business opportunities.
“Mandy’s impending departure is sad for us, but we know she will have great success in her future endeavors,” said GrassRoots Managing Partner Nancy Tunick.
West can be reached at [email protected] or at 615-226-3355.
GrassRoots Promotion has welcomed Kellie Yano as its new Promotion Coordinator. She can be congratulated at [email protected].

                      • • •

Music Health AllianceMusic Health Alliance has relocated to 2021 Richard Jones Rd, Ste. 160 in Nashville. Music Health Alliance services protect, direct and connect music professionals with personalized health solutions.
The organization can be reached at 1-800-721-5098 or at musichealthalliance.com.

WME Adds Kevin Neal

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Pictured at tonight's (May 12) TJ Martell fundraiser, the Roast of Rob Beckham (L-R): WME's Beckham, Kevin Neal, and Greg Oswald.

Pictured at tonight’s (May 12) TJ Martell fundraiser, the Roast of Rob Beckham (L-R): WME’s Beckham, Kevin Neal, and Greg Oswald


William Morris Endeavor Entertainment (WME) has announced the addition of agent Kevin Neal, bringing several clients with him including Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Colt Ford and Parmalee.
Neal joins WME as a partner after recently exiting Buddy Lee Attractions, where he served as the company’s president since 2009. The veteran agent has over 30 years of experience.
Under his leadership at BLA, the agency received the 2014 Pollstar Award for Independent Booking Agency of the Year. Additionally, Neal was named IEBA Talent Agent of the Year in 2006, 2008 and 2010; and NATD Agent of the Year in 2007. He was also a 2013 NATD Honors Award Recipient.
Neal was raised in the music business as the son of legendary agent and manager Bob Neal. He joined the Neal Agency in 1981 and worked with his father, before joining Buddy Lee Attractions from 1983 to 1985 and returning in 1988.
The addition of Kevin Neal marks the continued growth of WME’s Nashville office. In 2010 WME acquired Joey Lee’s 360 Artist Agency, bringing over artists Miranda Lambert, Lee Ann Womack, and Lee Brice. Neal and Lee previously worked together at Buddy Lee Attractions when Joey Lee served as CEO of that agency.
Earlier this year, WME brought on former Paradigm agents Mike Snider, Kevin Huffman and Dan Rauter to launch a Christian Music Division in the Nashville office, bringing over artists including CeCe Winans, MercyMe, Red, and Tenth Avenue North.
WME’s Nashville office represents Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, Chris Young, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Easton Corbin, Justin Moore, The Band Perry, Danielle Bradbery, Charlie Worsham and many more.

Songwriter Equity Act Introduced In Senate

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NSAI songwriter equity act

(L-R): Songwriters Tom Douglas, Roxie Dean and Rivers Rutherford perform as Senators Bob Corker, Lamar Alexander and Orrin Hatch look on.

The Songwriter Equity Act is being introduced in the U.S. Senate, following a previous introduction in the House of Representatives.

Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) gathered at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville today (May 12) to announce the legislation to amend federal law to allow songwriters to be compensated for the fair market value of their work.
NSAI’s Bart Herbison explained that following introduction of the bill, the Senators will gather sponsors for it, adding that all three Senators have a proven track record of bi-partisan support. Herbison noted that the Tennessee Senators understand the dilemma of the songwriters and the artistic community, and that Hatch’s involvement is important because he is a songwriter himself and a senior member of the Judiciary Committee that would consider the legislation. The announcement took place in Nashville because Music City has played a crucial role in the legislation and has such a strong creative community. Herbison said several organizations have been instrumental in the legislation, including the performing rights organizations ASCAP, BMI and SESAC, as well as the NMPA, NSAI, The Recording Academy and the Church Music Publishers Association.

BMI Songwriter Tom Douglas Joins Senators Alexander, Corker and Hatch in Vital Music DiscussionsPictured L-R at the meeting in Nashville to discuss Senatorial support for songwriters are: Smith-Free Group’s Tim Locke; BMI songwriter and President of the Nashville Songwriters Association Lee Thomas Miller; BMI songwriter Tom Douglas; Senator Bob Corker; Senator Orrin Hatch; Senator Lamar Alexander; BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville, Jody Williams; and BMI Senior Vice President and General Counsel Stuart Rosen.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams, BMI songwriter Tom Douglas, U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander, BMI’s Stuart Rosen and Smith-Free Group’s Tim Locke.


Songwriters Roxie Dean, Lee Thomas Miller, Tom Douglas and Rivers Rutherford performed and discussed the importance of removing government restrictions.
The legislation would allow songwriters to receive market-based compensation and remove government price controls in two ways:
• It would direct the Copyright Royalty Board to set compensation according to the fair market value when songs are sold, such as through music downloads and CD purchases.
•  It would remove a provision of law that narrows the scope of evidence the federal rate court may examine when asked to set songwriter compensation for when their song is played, such as in a restaurant or at a concert.
Songwriter compensation is dictated by the federal government. The rate of compensation that is set by the Copyright Royalty Board has increased only 7 cents over 100 years, and is currently 9.1 cents per song. The so-called “federal rate court” determines compensation rates for public performances, occasionally requiring songwriters to engage in complex litigation to be paid reasonable fees for their work.
NMPA leader David Israelite said, “The SEA takes an important step directing the CRB to use a ‘willing-buyer/willing-seller’ rate standard to more fairly approximate what a song is worth in the free market. We must inject fairness into an outdated process that is undeniably stacked against songwriters and publishers, ensuring they are rightly compensated for their work.”
The legislation the senators introduced is the Senate companion to H.R. 4079, legislation introduced on Feb. 25 by U.S. Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) with 14 cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Phil Roe (R-Tenn.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) and Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.).
SEA bluebird ASCAP

Senator Bob Corker, ASCAP Songwriter Rivers Rutherford, Senator Orrin Hatch, ASCAP Board member Wayland Holyfield, Senator Lamar Alexander, ASCAP’s Michael Martin and ASCAP Board Member Barry Coburn. Photo: ASCAP’s Alison Toczylowski.