VERSE OF THE MONTH:
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be – Saint Theresa.
ACM NEWS:
It is Jake Owen’s second time hosting the the 9th Annual ACM HONORS™, an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 50th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. Performers include Jason Aldean, Roy Clark, Randy Houser, Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen and Restless Heart. Presenters include Kelsea Ballerini and The Swon Brothers. Honorees include Special Awards recipients Barry Adelman, Luke Bryan, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant (awarded posthumously), Eric Church, Tim DuBois, Loretta Lynn, Bob McDill and Alabama. The event will take place on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 7:00pm at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Tickets priced at $42.00 will go on sale to the general public at Ticketmaster.com and the Ryman box office at 10:00 AM CST on Friday, July 31, 2015.
ALBUM NEWS:
Kip Moore’s sophomore album on MCA Nashville, WILD ONES, will be released on Fri., Aug. 21. Inspired by the grit, grind and glamour of the live shows that have helped make him a country favorite, each track on WILD ONES was written by Moore. Fans can pre-order the album with an exclusive merch package at myplaydirect.com/kip-moore. Each song on the 13-track disc was born on the road during soundchecks, inside backstage dressing rooms, and in Moore’s bunk at night and recorded during “time off” from playing more than 200 shows a year. The album captures the feeling of a Kip Moore concert, ranging from poignant to anthemic. More at kipmoore.net.
ARTIST NEWS:
Funds from Miranda Lambert’s concert at 3rd and Lindsley in Nashville will be used to establish a scholarship for women pursuing degrees at Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. According to the university, the Miranda Lambert Women Creators Fund will provide more than $40,000 in scholarship funds to a female student majoring in music business, songwriting or entertainment industry studies during the 2016-17 academic year. “I am so excited to establish this scholarship fund at Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business,” Lambert said in a statement from the university. “To encourage and empower women to achieve their goals is why I am supporting outstanding women who want to pursue their dreams in the music industry.”
BENEFIT CONCERT NEWS:
The Charlie Daniels Band’s legendary Volunteer Jam, a star-studded, multi-genre musical extravaganza returns to Nashville. In addition to The Charlie Daniels Band, the highly-anticipated 40th anniversary event will bring a slew of special guests to Bridgestone Arena, including Billy Ray Cyrus, Kentucky Headhunters, Montgomery Gentry, the Outlaws, Lee Roy Parnell and Travis Tritt, with more artists to be announced. Tickets for the event are available at the Bridgestone Arena Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations. Ticket prices will be $500.00 VIP / $40.00 / $17.68 Profits from the night will go to the The Journey Home Project, a non-profit Daniels co-founded to help Veterans of the United States Armed Forces, and The Predators Foundation. More at thejourneyhomeproject.org.
BLUEGRASS NEWS:
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has announced the 2015 IBMA Award Nominees, along with this year’s Hall Of Fame Inductees and Distinguished Achievement Award recipients. The winners will be announced during a gala awards presentation on October 1 at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, NC.
BOOK NEWS:
On the cusp of the 50th Anniversary of the Beatles’ being named Members of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II, one person close to them is looking back at Beatlemania. For Louise Harrison, sister of George Harrison, the Beatles’ success meant something different entirely. Now, for the first time, Louise has lifted the veil on life with the Beatles in a heart-felt, powerful memoir ‘My Kid Brother’s Band: a.k.a. The Beatles!’ (Acclaim Press) Recounting the rise from Liverpool, sweeping British and European popularity, and that fateful first broadcast on The Ed Sullivan Show, Louise takes readers on a journey through the years.
BUSINESS BUZZ:
Donna Lee, CEO/President of Buddy Lee Attractions, Inc. (BLA), announced the promotion of Mike Meade, to Vice President of the signature talent agency. The booking agent, and head of the BLA Professional Speaker & Guest Appearances Division, will take his seat alongside David Kiswiney in his capacity with the company. Meade joined BLA as an intern with BLA and then secured a full-time position with the agency. Over the course of his initial ten year tenure, Meade lent his hand to launch the careers of some of country music’s most notable entertainers including Lorrie Morgan, Tracy Lawrence, Clay Walker, The Dixie Chicks, Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert. In 2012, Meade returned to BLA, signing on as a talent agent and the spearhead of the agency’s newly formed special appearances division. More at buddyleeattractions.com.
CD RELEASES:
Daryle Singletary sounds like a man on a mission in his latest album, ‘There’s Still a Little Country Left,’ which dropped nationwide in music stores and online July 28th. The album is his first release since 2009’s ‘Rockin’ in the Country.’ With his latest album, Daryle remains true to his roots, which he describes as “hardcore country traditionalist.” Hailing from rural Georgia, Daryle grew up listening to Keith Whitley and Randy Travis, his all-time favorite, who would co-produce Singletary’s self-titled 1995 album. That album produced four Billboard Hot Country charting singles.
CHARITY NEWS:
Country music recording artist, Stephanie Quayle participated in the Operation Smile 24th Annual International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC) held at Chapman University (Orange County, CA) in July. Stephanie shared her inspiring words before 500+ students from 27 countries around the world. She followed with an intimate performance of originals including her new single, “That’s What I’m Talking About,” which is enjoying radio airplay across the country now. Operation Smile hosts its annual conference at a different university or college, in various locations around the world, each year. The international medical charity is dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and has provided more than 220,000 free surgical procedures for children and young adults born with cleft lip, cleft palate or other facial deformities. More at www.stephaniequayle.com.
DEEPEST SYMPATHY:
We want to send deepest sympathy to family and friends of singer Lynn Anderson, who died July 30. She passed following a heart attack. She was 67. Anderson’s iconic signature song was the 1970 country and pop crossover “(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden.” She charted to No. 2 with “Top Of The World,” later covered by The Carpenters. Anderson’s awards included ACM Female Vocalist in 1967 and 1970; CMA Female Vocalist in 1971; and a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1971.
DVD NEWS & RELEASES:
On August 28, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release the concert film ‘George Strait – The Cowboy Rides Away: Live From AT&T Stadium’ on DVD and Digital Formats The Cowboy Rides Away is an all-star musical production, featuring appearances by Jason Aldean, Ray Benson, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, and introducing George “Bubba” Strait, Jr. who join Strait to deliver a 40-song set rich with hits from across his career In addition to the full concert, The Cowboy Rides Away features bonus commentary from Strait on his show and interviews with his guest stars.
INDIE NEWS:
Rising Country artist, Tyler Barham, has been announced as a celebrity panelist for Montana Meth Project’s Paint the State. Barham will join Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons, artist Larry Pirnie and photographer Mark Mesenko as celebrity panelists who will select three “Celebrity Artists Award” winners of Paint the State. Paint the State encourages the public to submit art projects that portray the dangers of Meth. During the 2006 and 2010 contests, teens all over Montana created more than 1,000 works of art for Paint the State. Barham is currently promoting his latest single, “Just Two Kids,” which is the top-selling track from Barham’s Don’t Cage This Heart EP. More at https://www.facebook.com/TylerBarham.
INDUSTRY NEWS:
The National Music Council honored one of the industry’s most beloved and successful impresarios July 11, at the 32nd Annual American Eagle Awards. Country Music Hall of Fame inductees the Oak Ridge Boys presented Jim Halsey with the award, which comes in recognition for his lifetime commitment to music and music education. Halsey has worked with some of the biggest names in country music history, managing or booking acts such as the Oak Ridge Boys, Reba McEntire, Minnie Pearl, George Jones, and even Bob Hope. Additionally, Halsey is the author of ‘Starmaker: How to Make It in the Music Business,’ considered the textbook on a successful music career. Halsey has worked directly to shape the careers of 24 members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. More at www.musiccouncil.org.
LABEL NEWS:
(Republic Records) A Thousand Horses haven’t slowed down since their debut on the Country charts earlier this year with their first single “Smoke.” The hit song reached the number 1 spot on both Mediabase and Billboard Country Airplay charts, one week before their debut album, Southernality (Republic Nashville), was released on June 9.The band, whose sound is a mix of Country and Southern Rock, has had tremendous success right out of the gate, receiving critical acclaim from national outlets including Entertainment Weekly, USA Today and Rolling Stone Country. More info at AThousandHorses.com.
(Reviver Records) When LOCASH wrote the song “You Gonna Fly,” which became a No. 1 hit for Keith Urban in 2011, they had no idea how true those lyrics would become in 2015. The Reviver Records duo is indeed ‘flying’ with the No. 1 chart-topping placement of their latest single “I Love This Life,” on SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot 45 Weekend Countdown. Going from their No. 1 songwriting hit “You Gonna Fly,” straight to another smash in “Truck Yeah,” recorded by Tim McGraw in 2012, the duo proved their writing talent early in their career, and today, they’re proving their talent as performers. They are currently on the I Love This Life Tour presented by Kicker Audio. Updates at locashmusic.com.
MEDIA NEWS:
Coming off a record-breaking sold-out weekend on the 2015 BURN IT DOWN TOUR with more than 110,000 fans in attendance, RIAA’s top digital country male artist of all time Jason Aldean celebrates his 16th No. one single as “Tonight Looks Good On You” topped both the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase radio charts in July. This is the 3rd consecutive chart-topper from his platinum-certified album OLD BOOTS, NEW DIRT. Aldean sold out Chicago’s Amphitheater before two nights at Target Field in Minneapolis, MN (7/18, 7/19), setting an impressive attendance record on the Saturday show with more than 44,000 fans. For a list of tour dates, visit www.jasonaldean.com.
MILITARY NEWS:
The nationally acclaimed military charity Operation Troop Aid has partnered with ROK Mobile to launch the ROK Mobile/Troop Aid–Chris Kyle Memorial Benefit Program. Operation Troop Aid (OTA), a non-profit that provides care packages to our deployed U.S. service members, will be the first official military charity partner for ROK Mobile. ROK Mobile provides both mobile and music streaming services for a low monthly cost without any hidden fees. The Benefit Program will provide users (that wish to support our military) with unlimited talk, text, data and music streaming services for $49.99 per month. ROK Mobile will donate $2 from each new subscription per month to OTA and The Chris Kyle Memorial Benefit (CKMB). For more information or to sign-up, visit www.rokmobile.com/ota
MUSIC NEWS:
National entertainer and recording artist, Brooke Hogan, is set to release her new studio project, I WANNA BE YOUR GIRLFRIEND (Molly Dog Entertainment). Highlighting contributions from multi-talented Nashville music producers (Blake Bollinger and Drew Davis), the five-song EP will be available via all digital retail outlets on September 4, 2015. Brooke Hogan is probably most well known as the daughter of pro-wrestling legend Hulk Hogan; she established her celebrity notoriety as a young actress in the world famous reality TV show series, “Hogan Knows Best” (2005-07) and her own spin-off “Brooke Knows Best” (2008-09). Brooke made introductions to her 2015 collection of music with the release of the single entitled “Girlfriend” in mid August. For more on Brooke Hogan, visit: www.brookehogan.com.
NAMM NEWS:
The National Association of Music Merchants [NAMM]’s vibrant mid-year gathering packed work, learning and play into three festive days in July. Double-digit growth in Summer NAMM exhibitors, thousands of products, rocking events and countless educational offerings converged for NAMM’s largest mid-year gathering in seven years. While business was the focus, no one failed to mention Nashville’s music scene as the perfect opportunity to connect with friends. By the time doors opened Thursday morning, 491 exhibiting companies representing more than 1,600 brands were set up and ready for business. The number of buyers attending Summer NAMM increased another 3% over 2014, which saw 8% growth over 2013. Most significant was an increase in the number of buying firms, which was up 26%. In total 13,936 people registered for Summer NAMM, a 13% increase over 2014. More at NAMM.org.
SINGLE NEWS:
The title of the new single from the late Ray Price is quite symbolic. “It Always Will Be” is more than just a testament to his talent, but also a tribute to the five-decade friendship that he enjoyed with the song’s writer – Willie Nelson. “It Always Will Be” is the latest single to be released from Price’s final album, “BEAUTY IS… The Final Sessions”, which was released in April of 2014 – just four months after the Country Music Hall of Famer’s passing in December 2013 at the age of 87. Price gave Nelson one of his first jobs in Nashville – as a member of his Cherokee Cowboys band. Nelson returned the favor by penning several songs for his boss, including the timeless standard “Night Life.” For more info on “BEAUTY IS…” visit, www.BeautyIsRayPrice.com.
TOUR NEWS:
Country rockers Little Texas will hit the road in the coming months to support their latest studio album, Young For A Long Time. Since the album hit the streets in April, it’s been creating a lot of buzz for the veteran group, and fans are excited about the tour. The album includes “Slow Ride Home,” about the return of a fallen soldier to his Kansas hometown. The song, which is included on the album—and the video that followed—were inspired when the band’s bus passed through miles of individuals lining the streets outside of Hayes, KS, where the soldier was from. For more info and to stay up to date on Little Texas and their tour, visit littletexasonline.com.
WWWEBSITES TO CHECK OUT: www.bouldercreekguitars.com | www.soundexchange.com
www.cmaworld.com | www.nashvillesongwriters.com
WHO’S LOOKING * WHO’S CUTTING:
Allison Bray, Borrowed Blue, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean,
Mike Short and Carrie Underwood
Have a great August!!!
Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com TN/USA. Google “Preshias”
Be the first to comment