Inside Track on Music Row with Preshias Harris – July 2015

Preshias Harris provides this exclusive monthly column with Nashville Music Guide to keep artists, musicians, writers and more up to date on the news that is coming from music row and beyond. It includes music industry news from labels, publishers, writers, singers and more.

 

VERSE OF THE MONTH:  I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me – Psalm 6 – 13.

dierksRISERALBUM NEWS: ‘Riser,’ the title track from Dierks Bentley’s CMA, ACM and Grammy-nominated seventh studio album was released to radio in mid-June. The song has been described as conveying “a sense of hope and perseverance, spiked with just the right amount of levity.”  Bentley first performed the song nationally on CBS’ The Late Show With David Letterman, and his performance during the 50th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards was picked by Billboard as the night’s best. The track “Say You Do” also becomes the third consecutive single from his CMA, ACM and GRAMMY nominated album RISER (Capitol Records Nashville) marking his 13th career hit to reach the number one position. Bentley is currently headlining the 2015 Sounds of Summer Tour with special guests Kip Moore, Maddie & Tae and Canaan Smith. Tour dates and more atdierks.com.

 

apa-nashville logoAPA NEWS: APA Nashville’s roster of talent was strongly in evidence during the 2015 CMA Music Festival. Lee Greenwood performed at LP Field, while Tanya Tucker, Phil Vassar, Big Smo, Maggie Rose, and Corey Smith hit the Riverfront Stage. Appearing on the Bud Light Bridgestone Stage were David Lee Murphy and Keith Anderson, while Lee Roy Parnell, Michaelis, Mike Ryan, Hailey Whitters, Jacob Powell, and Jessie James Decker were highlighted on other prominent stages around town. More on APA Nashville’s roster at apa-agency.com.

 

randyhouserARTIST NEWS: Following his performance at Nashville’s LP Field during the CMA Music Festival, Randy Houser continues to land rave reviews on his cross-country trek with Luke Bryan’s Kick The Dust Up Tour. Playing his third stadium date in as many weeks at TFC Bank Stadium in Minneapolis recently, Houser was hailed by the Star Tribune as “the kind of male belter that country could use.”  Houser continues on the Tour as his new single, “We Went,” continues to garner country radio airplay. More info and tour dates at RandyHouser.com or Facebook.com/RandyHouser…Young songstress Allie Louise’s new single, “Perfect Storm,” has a good girl looking at ‘bad boy’ warning signs as she forecasts the fate of a young love whirling with intoxicating temptations. The song, co-written with Doug Kahan and Kaci Bolls is the second release from her self-titled EP.

 

dariusrucker&friendsBENEFIT NEWS: Darius Rucker has a lot of friends. Put them all together and they can do amazing things. Like raise more than $220,000 for childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Rucker and a handful of today’s top country music stars headlined the sold-out sixth annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, then hit the course for the Celebrity Tee-Off sponsored by State Water Heaters. The two-day total is almost two times as much as the record $120,000 Rucker brought in last year and brings the annual benefit’s total contribution to St. Jude to $660,000. Rucker was an active master of ceremonies at the Wildhorse, performing his own hits and joining other stars on stage. More info and tickets for the Southern Style Tour at DariusRucker.com. I am not surprised! Darius has a big heart when it comes to kids. Just ask his wife Beth.

 

WildChildBILLBOARD NEWS: Kenny Chesney knew he wanted to say some things that weren’t being said when he went in to make ‘The Big Revival.’ One thing that was important to him was celebrating the potency of women’s spirits, hearts, and souls – beyond whatever physical attributes they might also have – and he wrote “Wild Child,” a dreamy ballad that once again features Grace Potter, to do just that. The song that celebrates the Bonnaroo music festival as well as Burning Man, hit No. 1 on the Billboard and Mediabase Country Singles charts – marking the first time since ‘Hemingway’s Whiskey’ that Chesney has seen his first three singles from an album top the charts.

 

tammyjonesrobinetteBLUEGRASS NEWS: In preparation for her second Bluegrass project, Tammy Jones Robinette has signed with Rural Rhythm Records. The deal comes on the heels of Tammy’s first Bluegrass release last year. Produced by Mark Fain, ‘Let it Shine’ earned three entries for consideration in the initial nomination process by the IBMA. Despite her new arrival to Bluegrass, Robinette is not new to the world of music, having already built a successful career as a top Southern Gospel artist and songwriter. Last year, she celebrated two back-to-back #1s and was named “Favorite Female Vocalist” at the 2015 Gospel Music Fan Awards. She is currently putting the finishing touches on her second Bluegrass album and has assembled a collection of superstar pickers for support. More at TammyJonesRobinetteTheDrive.com.

 

BOOK NEWS: Mr. Red, White and Blue…Lee Greenwood has written a children’s book, ‘God Bless the USA,’ based on the words of his well-known patriotic song of the same title.  The book, illustrated by Amanda Sekulow, is intended to show a new generation of kids what it means to be American, as it follows a man and his grandson across the United States. Greenwood is promoting the book, available at Amazon and all retail book outlets.

 

tanyatuckerBUSINESS BUZZ:  Country music superstar Tanya Tucker has signed with Danny Nozell’s Nashville powerhouse, CTK Management. Tucker is the recipient of numerous awards, including two CMAs, two ACMs, and three CMT awards. Tanya says, “I have never been with a management company outside of my dad, Beau Tucker, who managed my career up until he passed away So now, I am excited to see what Danny and his team have planned for me going forward.” Tucker first exploded onto the country music scene at the age of 13, with her hit single, “Delta Dawn.” In a storied 40 year career, she has produced 23 Top 40 albums and a string of 56 Top 40 singles, 10 of which reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts. “The team at CTK Management is excited to bring Tanya back to the forefront of country music, both musically and touring,” says CTK Management’s President/CEO Danny Nozell.

 

athousandhorsesCD RELEASES: Another reason to celebrate for breakout Country rockers A Thousand Horses, and it seems like it’s been a non-stop celebration for months now. Just seven days after their debut album SOUTHERNALITY was released, their first single “Smoke” has officially been RIAA-certified GOLD. The album also debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. The Dave Cobb-produced album is available now at iTunes and all other major retailers. The band made their late-night television debut when they played ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live on June 24 where they performed their next single, “(This Ain’t No) Drunk Dial.”  More at AThousandHorses.com

 

dolly partonCONCERT NEWS: Dolly Parton proved, yet again, why she continues to break records around the world as she sold out the Ryman Auditorium in record time. The sellout ranks among the fastest in Ryman Auditorium history. Dolly will take the stage for the special concert event, “Dolly Parton: Pure and Simple,” July 31. The event marks the first full show Dolly has headlined in Nashville in 12 years. The benefit concert is the Dustin Wells Foundation Gift of Music concert, which supports the W. O. Smith School of Music. Parton is also scheduled to perform four sold out shows at Dollywood on August 8th and 9th to benefit her Imagination Library, a youth literacy initiative she created.

 I decided to add a second show at the Ryman Auditorium to benefit another great cause! It’s important to me to be able…

 

 

 

NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 30:  Trisha Yearwood speaks during the Trisha Yearwood: The Song Remembers When exhibition opening at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on June 30, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee.  (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum)COUNTRY MUSIC HALL of FAME NEWS: The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will delve into the creative and personal journey of one of country music’s most influential female artists with the exhibition ‘Trisha Yearwood: The Song Remembers When.’ The exhibition opens July 3, 2015, and runs through December 2015. The exhibit chronicles Yearwood’s life, career, and critically acclaimed musical achievements. The story begins in her tiny hometown, Monticello, Georgia, followed by a move to Nashville, where Yearwood becomes a music business major at Belmont University. The future three-time Grammy award-winning artist began her career in music, as a tour guide at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

 

 

stephquayleINDIE NEWS: Since the announcement of her forthcoming single release (“That’s What I’m Talking About”/Rebel Engine Entertainment), country music’s Stephanie Quayle, indeed, has a lot to talk about. In just seven short days, the Montana Bride (to-be) has taped “Say Yes To The Dress” in Atlanta (TLC/2016 scheduled air date), visited with and performed for the staff at CDX, she shot the corresponding music video “That’s What I’m Talking About” in Franklin, TN (C9 Creative/Chris Conner, Director), and she signed for hundreds and performed before a crowd of thousands at CMA Music Festival last week.  She’s also a “Who’s New” featured artist (and the female to watch) in a recent Country Weekly. More at stephaniequayle.com.

 

LABEL NEWS: (Blue Chair/Columbia’s) Kenny Chesney celebrated his 27th number one record, “Wild Child” is the third chart topper from his album, THE BIG REVIVAL. It is Grace Potter’s first number one as a featured vocalist.

(Mercury) Redbook Magazines’ July cover girl is Kacey Musgraves. It hit newsstands on June 23, the same day her album PAGEANT MATERIAL is scheduled for release. She knows that: “I won’t be everybody’s cup of tea,” she tells the publication. “I’ve found peace in that.” – We expect nothing less Kacey!

 

MEDIA NEWS: Show Dog’s Toby Keith and songwriter Bobby Braddock (“He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “I Wanna Talk About Me”) were inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame last month at its Annual Induction And Awards Gala in New York City. Once again, Nashville Songwriter Hall of Famer Bobby Braddock makes Nashville proud in NYC!!!

 

 

alan-jackson-angels-and-alcoholeastoncorbin-abouttogetreal

ashleymonroe the bladeMUSIC NEWS:One of my favorite female artist Ashley Monroe releases her CD this month. Ashley’s label (Warner Brothers/WMN) will drop the album (THE BLADE) on July 24th… One of my favorite traditional males (I met him in 1991 – when I was an intern) Alan Jackson releases, on July 17th, ANGELS AND ALCOHOL… Another talented country traditionalist Easton Corbin, releases his third studio album, on Mercury. Corbin’s ABOUT TO GET REAL hit shelves on June 30th.

 

SUMMER-NAMMNAMM NEWS: The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) opens its doors to musicians, songwriters, and sound and recording professionals during Music Industry Day, Saturday, July 11 from 10AM-4PM at Nashville’s Music City Center. Music Industry Day offers a once-a-year opportunity to demo new music instruments and products, attend workshops, enjoy live performances, and network with industry leaders at Summer NAMM, an exclusive, trade-only event. Tickets are available now for $10 in advance, $20 at the door. In addition to musical instrument and product demos from more than 1,600 music product brands, Music Industry Day will feature workshops designed to bolster careers in music.  Learn more and buy tickets at namm.org/musicindustryday… But wait, there’s more! The 32nd Annual American Eagle Awards, presented by the National Music Council, bring major star power to NAMM’s Music Industry Day, July 11. This year’s awards honor the life-long musical contributions of Charley Pride, Kris Kristofferson, Jim Lauderdale, Jim Halsey, Sherman Halsey and Nashville’s Music Makes Us. The event takes place from 12-1 p.m. in the Music City Center’s Davidson Ballroom with live performances by Rosanne Cash, Jack Ingram, Charley Pride, Jim Halsey and The Oak Ridge Boys. Note: This is a ‘trade only’ event. More at namm.org/musicindustryday.

 

nashnextcountryNASH NEXT BIG STAR: Former Label Head and Producer James Stroud, American Country Countdown’s Kix Brooks and Cumulus EVP/Content & Programming John Dickey are the judges for the company’s Nash Next artist development competition that officially kicked off June 15th. The combinations of judges’ input, social media activity and fan voting will determine the winner and finalists, all of whom will take part in a national concert tour. The winner will be signed to the Nash Next record label. More than 200 Cumulus radio stations will promote the contest, which runs through the fall. Registration is open to individual artists and bands at www.nashnextcountry.com.

 

NEW ARTIST NEWS: Tucker is a multi-instrumentalist and a prolific songwriter who’s played and toured with Eric Durrance (on the Jason Aldean 2008 CMT Tour), Jimmy Wayne, James Otto, Ashley Cleveland, Guy Penrod, Rick Derringer, Michael Peterson and more.  With his cleverly titled debut EP, #Country, released May 26, Tucker is ready to share his music with Country fans. “My start in Nashville was with Eric Durrance. I became friends with Josh Gentry, whose dad is Teddy Gentry [of the iconic band, Alabama] and it was Teddy who had me come audition for the gig with Eric,” Tucker says.  More at facebook.com/tuckermusic

 

rhondatownsRADIO NEWS: Rhonda Towns, has been busy with her inspirational, “feel good” radio show. “Plenty More Love” return to the digital airwaves on www.faithtalk1360.com based in Phoenix, Arizona.Towns is back with a “People Need People” platform that highlights local and national charities and nonprofit organizations, and features inspirational music performances by special guests from various formats. Musical guests that have appeared on the show previously include: The Grascals, Ty Herndon, Marty Raybon, The Roys, Philip Dain Powell, Steve Richard, John Conlee and more. Rhonda released three singles from I WANNA BE LOVED BY YOU and continues to frequent Nashville to write and record.  She recently recorded a number of tracks to appear on her next EP anticipated in late Summer 2015. For info on Rhonda and her music visit:www.rhondatowns.com.

 

SINGLE NEWS: Marty Brown has released a new single titled ‘Gonna Make It Fly.’ Marty is the hit singer/songwriter of ‘I’m From the Country’ and ‘I Like It That Way,’ the heartfelt country classic from the 1990’s. Marty Brown recently appeared on America’s Got Talent last season, and his Season Premiere audition video for AGT has surpassed 5 million views. 4 million views were in the last 5 months when the video trended on Facebook.  You can view the audition on Marty’s website, martybrownmusic.com Marty is currently producing a video for the new single, ‘Gonna Make It Fly,’ for CMT. This will be his 9th video during his career as a country music artist.

 

TEXAS MUSIC NEWSLiveWire, has been nominated as “New Duo/Band/Group of the Year” at the 2015 Texas Regional Radio Music Awards show (TRRMA). The ceremony will be held in the Magnolia Ballroom at the Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant, OK, on Saturday, July 11. LiveWire is slotted for a featured performance on the awards show, where they will showcase their 2014 Top 10 Texas/Red Dirt hit, “Drivin’ You Outta My Mind.” They are also scheduled to play the awards show after party at Gilley’s.  LiveWire is currently riding high on the success of their latest Way Out West Records single, “Quit You.” Details at livewirecountry.com.

 

joey+rory

THINKING OF YOU WISHES:  Are going out to Joey + Rory and their family. Joey Feek is battling cervical cancer and faces six weeks of chemo and radiation. Joey was first diagnosed in June 2014 and had surgery and made a full recovery. But recent tests revealed the cancer had returned. Please keep them in your prayers.

 

 

 

 

Preshias MEET ME IN BLUESLAND CDTOUR NEWS: The Kentucky Headhunters, whose name was coincidentally inspired by legendary blues musician Muddy Waters’ band, the Headhunters, had only cancelled one show in 46 years of touring due to weather. But after heavy rain at the Louisiana Mudfest on Saturday, June 13, they were forced to make it two. The Kentucky Headhunters were scheduled to perform a full concert in support of their new blues album, Meet Me In Bluesland, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard blues chart, at the 400-acre Colfax Mudfest Recreational Park in Colfax, Louisiana. However, a severe rain and wind storm impacted the area, placing pressure on a temporary, private levee that had been built a few weeks prior in order to protect it from the rising Red River. Fearing for the safety of the audience and all involved, the band pulled the plug on the show and chose not to play. For a list of my favorite band’s tour dates, visit www.KentuckyHeadhunters.net.

 

WWWEBSITES TO CHECK OUT:

www.bouldercreekguitars.com / www.ascap.com  / www.sesac.com  / www.globalsongwriters.com / www.soundexchange.com.

 

 

WHO’S LOOKING  *  WHO’S CUTTING:

Allison Bray, Luke Bryan, Alan Jackson, Rye Davis, Mike Short.

 

Have a great July!!!! ~ Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com  TN/USA.  Google “Preshias

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