Inside Track with Preshias Harris August 2017

inside track on music row by preshias Harris

August Music Column 2017

VERSE OF THE MONTH:

“Let the word of God dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” – Colossians (3:16)

ALBUM NEWS:
Big & Rich, Photo Courtesy of Webster PR

Big & Rich are set to release their upcoming album, DID IT FOR THE PARTY, September 15.

The project features 13 brand-new songs, all produced by Big Kenny and John Rich. Big & Rich fans, who are dubbed the “Freak Parade,” pre-order the album now on Apple Music / iTunes, Amazon and Google Play, to receive an instant download of the new single “California,” along with the title track, “Did It For The Party.”

The album will also be promoted at Walmart® stores nationwide through a newly announced partnership with TWIX®. “California” is off to a rocking start, currently inside country radio’s Top 40.

Tour updates and more at bigandrich.com

 

ANNIVERSARY NEWS:
Slyvia, Photo Courtesy of Webster PR

Can it really be 35 years since Sylvia’s No. 1 smash crossover hit “Nobody,” dominated the country music charts, leading the acclaimed singer to win the ACM award for “Female Vocalist of the Year.”

She shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon, continuing to tour, including an upcoming appearance at the Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival, August 19 in Gatlinburg, TN.

Sylvia is detailing her full career journey on her web series “Sylvia: The View From Here,” produced by The Nashville Soundbite. In the latest episode, she opens up about her early career when she auditioned for the part of Daisy Duke in the hit series “The Dukes of Hazzard.”

Fans can watch the latest episodes and past videos and get tickets for upcoming shows at sylviamusic.com where you can also check out her latest album, It’s All In The Family.

AMERICANA MUSIC NEWS:

The AMA has its 18th annual Americana Music Festival & Conference, will take place September 12-17, 2017 gathering thousands of artists, fans, and industry professionals from all over the world in Nashville, TN.

With planning already underway, 2017 promises to once again be the must-attend event for anyone who loves the melting pot of Americana’s influences including roots, folk, country, blues and soul-based music.

Each year, AMERICANAFEST℠ brings together legendary artists, the next generation of rising stars, fans, and industry professionals for six days of music and education. AMA receives enormous support from the Tennessee Department of Tourism, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, Epiphone, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Music City Networks, ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. AMERICANAFEST℠ will feature 230+ live performances at almost 40 of Nashville’s most prominent venues and much, much, more.

This year’s Conference will offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to hear from artists who have shaped musical history and from those currently making history. AMA Music highlights Include Buddy Miller, Lee Roy Parnell, Brandy Clark, Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm, John Paul White, Wade Bowen, Lori McKenna, John Hiatt & The Goners, Rodney Crowell, The Secret Sisters, Jim Lauderdale and the list goes on!

The Americana Honors & Awards Show will take place September 13th at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. It will once again be hosted by the iconic Jim Lauderdale, with the All Star Band led by the phenomenal Buddy Miller.

Festival Wristbands Only $75 and Conference Registrations 2017 Conf. Registration Rates from July 22 – September 4: $349 for Members/$449 for Non-Members – From September 5 – September 17 (Walk-Up Rate): $499. For more info on the Americana Music Association℠ and to become a member, visit the official website: americanamusic.org or Facebook: facebook.com/americanamusicassociation, Twitter: twitter.com/americanafest,   Instagram: instagram.com/americanafest

ARTIST NEWS:

It’s been just over a year since critically-acclaimed touring artist Brandy Clark released her sophomore album Big Day in a Small Town, which garnered two 2017 GRAMMY nominations for Best Country Album and Best Country Solo Performance (“Love Can Go To Hell”).

Clark returns with new music in a digital release of the sharply witty “You’re Drunk,” available now. She co-wrote the song with her longtime collaborators Josh Osborne and Shane McAnally while in a West Hollywood hotel room.

“It’s funny, I never took this song seriously if that makes sense,” said Clark. “However, when we went in to cut it, it immediately became a favorite – it just came to life. I remember thinking even then we’d have to find a way to get it out.” Tour news and more at brandyclarkmusic.com

BABY NEWS:
#BabyBoyd, Photo Courtesy of Webster PR

Craig Wayne Boyd announced he’s adding another ‘voice’ to his family with the addition of a baby boy on the way and a new album TOP SHELF (available Oct. 27).

Boyd told People.com, “Taylor and I are thrilled about the arrival of our new #BabyBoyd! We’re so blessed. I think my son is more excited that it’s not another sister! It’ll be a busy fall/winter as we’re also preparing to release new music!”

Boyd’s new son, due in January, will join big sister Dakota Lynne, 18 months, and Jaxon, who is 5-years-old. Album and tour updates at CraigWayneBoyd.com and on social media.

BLUEGRASS NEWS:

Rhonda Vincent and Daryle Singletary show that Traditional Country Music hasn’t gone anywhere as their new project American Grandstand landed its first week on Billboard’s Top Current Country Albums chart at No. 10. It also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart, and No.1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Album Chart for the week of July 29, 2017.

Not since George & Tammy and Conway & Loretta has there been a vocal duet performance like Rhonda Vincent & Daryle Singletary. Their chart success marks yet another indication that buyers love the authentic, unaltered voices of two great singers in this generation of country music. The album is available at AmeicanGrandstand.com and wherever music is sold.

CD NEWS:
Lindsay Ell, Photo Credit: Joseph Lanes

Lindsay Ell releases her 12-song album debut, THE PROJECT, August 11 on Stoney Creek Records. Produced by GRAMMY-winner Kristian Bush (Sugarland), it follows their acclaimed collaboration on Ell’s debut EP, Worth The Wait.

The album features current single “Waiting On You,” which Rolling Stone Country calls “a showcase not only for the Canadian’s gifts as a singer but also as a guitarist.” Eli co-wrote 9 of the 12 songs and played all lead guitar on the album.

She is currently on tour with Brad Paisley and is scheduled for an August 8, 2017 appearance on NBC’s The Today Show. Lindsay Ell is an accomplished musician, vocalist, and songwriter. The Calgary native learned to play guitar while traveling with her father to country-bluegrass camps as a young girl.

More at LindsayEll.com.

CHARITY NEWS:

My dear friend Lisa Wysocki reminded me about Colby’s Army, an organization that supports children and adults with disabilities, special needs, and life challenges through education, the teaching of life skills, and job training.

Participants also gain physical strength by learning to ride a horse and through organic gardening, and our homeless friends are supported through the gifts of nutritious food from the garden, and first aid and street supplies.

There are two new opportunities for you to support their programs:

1. Gift and organic products sold through EllisJaxonFarms.com on a “name your own price” model now benefit Colby’s Army! Anything paid over wholesale cost comes to Colby’s Army. Please take the time to check out this wonderful site and also to thank this very generous company for their support.

2. Memory/honor sponsorships in the organic garden, on their trails, and along the beautiful creek. Your sponsorship in memory of a loved one includes a bench with your loved one’s name on it. Signage to read similar to: “Donated by _______ in memory (or honor) of ______.” These sponsorships are only $400 and include the cost of a bench. You also receive a beautiful photo of your bench and signage. To participate, just click on the yellow donate button at colbysarmy.org. Colby’s Army is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and financial gifts are tax deductible according to applicable laws.

DEEPEST SYMPATHY:

To family, friends and fans of musician, songwriter and artist Michael Johnson. Johnson died at his home on July 25th in Minneapolis after a long illness. He was 72. Johnson topped the charts in the ‘70s with hits “Almost Like Being In Love,” “Bluer Than Blue,” and “This Night Won’t Last Forever,” In the 80s Johnson also topped the country charts with “Give Me Wings” and “The Moon Is Still Over Her Shoulder.”

The Michael Johnson Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, August 20th from 2:00 to 4 P.M. at the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis.
The doors will open at 1:30 with a cash bar and light snacks available.
No musical performances are planned, only remembrances from family and a few friends. Max capacity is 250, so people should call for free RSVPs of up to 4 seats. If 250 are reached, reservations will be halted. The Box Office phone number is 612-332-5299.

DIGITAL MUSIC NEWS:
Photo Courtesy of 117 Entertainment Group

Logan Mize is an artist who has already yielded a single demonstrating the power of his songwriting and voice. Now comes Logan’s 12-track album, produced by Dan Agee. The full-length Big Yellow Dog Music release is titled COME BACK ROAD.

The debut single from the album is “Ain’t Always Pretty.” It was pushed out earlier this year and has already exceeded 22 million streams on Spotify, and has been selected for inclusion on popular playlists on both Spotify and Apple Music.

The title track, “‘Come Back Road,’ was written by award winning songwriters Josh Kear, Ross Copperman and Rodney Clawson. More at loganmize.com.

INDIE ARTIST NEWS:

EmiSunshine, the extraordinary talent who burst into stardom four short years ago as a nine-year-old via viral video, is set to release her new album, RAGGED DREAMS (her fourth studio recording), on August 25, 2017. The little girl with a big voice, who recently celebrated her 13th birthday, has made her mark shattering preconceived notions of youthful imagery that embraces gleeful innocence and optimism. The 15 tracks on the album (written/co-written by

The little girl with a big voice, who recently celebrated her 13th birthday, has made her mark shattering preconceived notions of youthful imagery that embraces gleeful innocence and optimism. The 15 tracks on the album (written/co-written by Sunshine) touch on Autism, close-to-home tragedies (the Gatlinburg fires and TN floods) and tell tall tales that portray colorful stories illuminating murder, deceit, vengeful spirits and incarceration. Produced by Sunshine and backed by her family-band, The Rain (father, Randall Hamilton-bass; brother, John Hamilton-mandolin; uncle, Bobby Hill-drums), the album spotlights cameo performances by notables Randy Kohrs (resonator guitar), Tim Crouch (Mandolin/Fiddle/Guitar), Justin Moses (Fiddle/Guitar/Dobro/Banjo), Hitoshi Yamaguchi (cello), Ben Probus (fiddle) and others. Her social stats

Produced by Sunshine and backed by her family-band, The Rain (father, Randall Hamilton-bass; brother, John Hamilton-mandolin; uncle, Bobby Hill-drums), the album spotlights cameo performances by notables Randy Kohrs (resonator guitar), Tim Crouch (Mandolin/Fiddle/Guitar), Justin Moses (Fiddle/Guitar/Dobro/Banjo), Hitoshi Yamaguchi (cello), Ben Probus (fiddle) and others.

Her social stats are 14 million digital views, 500,000 Facebook followers, hitting close to 25,000 Instagram followers, 13 Grand Ole Opry performances, and appearances on THE TODAY SHOW, Stagecoach, and WOODSONGS. Details at theemisunshine.com.

INDUSTRY NEWS:

After securing much success in radio promotion, industry veteran Randy Barber jumps into his newest venture creating an independent label services firm, Bar Frog Music.

This full-service promotion and consulting label, based in Nashville TN, features a full slate of offerings including artist development, management, production services, booking inquiries, radio promotion and tours, publicity and social media execution.

The firm has hired Sheena Dickey, a former 10-year radio programmer to serve as Artist Representative and Michael Vorhees, a recent intern with Skyline Artist Agency, will serve as Booking Coordinator.

They have also partnered with Brickshore Media, a full-service PR/Marketing firm to represent them as well as their artists and Daredevil Productions, an innovative social media marketing company to help increase their artist fan base on social platforms. More at BarFrogMusic.com

INT’L NEWS:
Kentucky Headhunters

Known as “southern rock royalty,” The Kentucky Headhunters are gearing up to take their rowdy, high-energy live show across the pond, as they return to the U.K. for a string of performances this fall.

Supporting the American band will be U.K. rockers Bad Touch, who will join the Headhunters on all 8 shows this October.

“We first met Bad Touch when they were chosen as our support act after my son John Fred Young’s band, Black Stone Cherry, convinced us to do our first-ever U.K. tour in 2016. In a mere week of touring, the Headhunter’s and Bad Touch became like a band of brothers,” said Richard Young of The Kentucky Headhunters.

The Kentucky Headhunters have been crisscrossing North America fresh off the 2016 release of On Safari, the band’s 12th studio album. U.S. and U.K. tour updates at kentuckyheadhunters.com

LABEL NEWS:

(CAPITOL Records Nashville)

Darius Rucker will release WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME, nationwide on October 20. It will be his fifth studio country album on Capitol Records Nashville.

Rucker released the album’s second single, a song he wrote with Derek George and Travis Hill, “For The First Time” to Country radio on July 24.

“For the First Time” is the follow-up to his most recent No. 1 single, “If I Told You,” marking eight country No. 1 singles for Rucker since his country music debut in 2008.

Tour dates and album pre-order info at dariusrucker.com

(MCA RECORDS)

Kip Moore’s upcoming third studio album on MCA Nashville, SLOWHEART, will be released on Sept. 8. Having navigated the path from the success of his smash-hit debut album UP ALL NIGHT, to the resounding critical acclaim that followed with his sophomore offering, WILD ONES, he has hit his stride with the upcoming release of SLOWHEART.

Moore co-wrote 11 out of 13 tracks, and was the sole producer on seven of the tracks, as well as co-producing five more on the collection. He also played guitar throughout the recording, while singing the majority of the harmonies, giving him a new found respect for the talented background vocalists within the Nashville community and resulting in the impactful authenticity of this record.

“This is the record I’ve been waiting to make,” said Moore. “You can’t go wrong if you can lay your head on your pillow with no regrets.” Updates at kipmoore.net

MEDIA NEWS:
Charles Esten Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images

Charles Esten celebrated his #EverySingleFriday music milestone with a concert in July at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s CMA Theater.

The two-hour musical experience, called “One Single Year,” was attended by industry and fans alike. Introduced by CMT’s Cody Alan, Charles and his band Sixwire were welcomed to the stage with a rousing standing ovation after which they played “This Town Is Ours.”

The concert ended with an encore that kept fans on their feet.

To download Charles’ #EverySingleFriday tracks, please visit Apple Music. For tour dates and other special appearances, visit www.charlesesten.com, and to follow Charles on social media, please visit: Twitter @CharlesEsten, Facebook @OfficialCharlesEsten, Instagram @charles_esten.  

 

MILITARY NEWS:
Photo Courtesy of Webster PR

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member, the legendary GRAMMY-winning ‘Soul Man’, Sam Moore will release a new album titled AN AMERICAN PATRIOT later this year.

The album will pay tribute to those who have served our country. On An American Patriot, Moore delivers inspiring renditions of iconic classics including Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.”

Moore catapulted to international fame as the lead voice of the 1960s duo “Sam & Dave,” a musical collaboration with long-time partner and fellow Georgia native Dave Prater. As Sam & Dave, the duo recorded and performed together for 20 years and produced a string of hit albums and singles.

Follow Moore’s tour schedule on Facebook and Twitter or on his website: sammoore.net

MUSIC NEWS:
Photo Courtesy of BB Gun Press

Country Superstar Shania Twain’s last record was UP!, and was released in 2002. Her then husband Robert John “Mutt” Lange produced the record with Shania. In 2008, the couple split and divorced following Lange’s affair with Twain’s best friend, Marie-Anne Thiébaud. In an ironic twist, Twain fell in love with Frédéric Thiébaud, who was Marie-Anne’s former husband. He and Shania tied the knot in 2011.

Fast forward to 2015, Fans are informed NEW ALBUM IS ON THE WAY! Finally in 2017, Shania’s first single “Life’s About to Get Good,” Twain sings all about moving on from the relationship with Robert John Lange that left her “broken and shattered” years ago.

Her new video shows the message loud and clear. BEST BIT? Shania at 51 LOOKS AMAZING! Twain also uses her newest video to pay tribute to one of her most iconic clips, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman.” Whoo hoo…She rocks it!

On September 29th her fifth studio album NOW (UMG) will be released for the whole world! On the Black & White album cover, to me, she looks a little like Sophia Loren. Check out Twain’s fun video for the song at shaniatwain.com.

NUMBER ONE NEWS:

ACM Awards Male Vocalist of the Year Thomas Rhett’s single “Craving You” feat. Maren Morris hit No. One on both the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase charts, sky-rocketing to the top in just 15 weeks as the fastest-rising song of his career so far. The single marks Thomas Rhett’s second number # 1 this year and the eighth of his career.

“Craving You” is the lead single from his upcoming third album, Life Changes, due in September.

Rhett continues his HOME TEAM TOUR. After drawing capacity crowds overseas last year, he returns with plans to return to Europe while also making his debut headlining run in Canada in addition to US dates. For more information on new music and for a full list of upcoming tour dates, visit www.thomasrhett.com.

NATD NEWS:

The Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) will recognize four Nashville leaders at the 7th Annual NATD Honors Gala, scheduled for November 14, 2017, at the Hermitage Hotel. Honorees include David Corlew, long-time personal manager for Charlie Daniels and co-founder of Blue Hat Records, Barbara Hubbard, Executive Director of American Collegiate Showcase (ACTS), Jeannie Seely, GRAMMY®-Award-Winning country artist and Butch Spyridon, President/CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation. The Gala will begin with a reception at 6:00 PM, followed by dinner and the awards ceremony. For tickets and sponsorship information visit www.n-a-t-d.com.

SINGLE NEWS:

It’s been two years since singer/songwriter Michael Ray has released new music. His new single, “Get To You,” is a powerful ballad about a woman who keeps running away, afraid to take a risk.

“I think everyone has been in a relationship that, at some point, causes them to question their ability to love full-heartedly,” said Michael. “This song is about tearing down those walls to help someone unconditionally love again, even if it is with someone else.”

The song was penned by Abe Stoklasa and Pavel Dovgalyuk and is the first single from Michael’s forthcoming sophomore album. Music and tour info at michaelraymusic.com. NOTE: Michael Ray, Brett Eldredge, Chris Janson and Devin Dawson will be performing at Ascend Amphitheater on August 23rd as part of iHeartRadio’s Guitar-B-Que. This concert will be presented by The Big 98 and St. Jude. The Amphitheater is located at 301 1st Ave South, Nashville, right by the Cumberland River. Ticket info at michaelraymusic.com

SONGWRITER NEWS:

ASCAP and BMI have joined forces to create a single, comprehensive database of musical works from their combined repertories that will deliver an authoritative view of ownership shares in the vast majority of music licensed in the United States. Expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2018, the first-of-its-kind database will feature aggregated song ownership data from ASCAP and BMI and offer greater transparency to music users and the industry. The announcement was made by Elizabeth Matthews, CEO, ASCAP and Mike O’Neill, President and CEO, BMI. (Read full details at ascap.com and bmi.com.) The database, which will be publicly available initially via ASCAP’s and BMI’s websites, will feature aggregated information from BMI’s and ASCAP’s repertories and will indicate where other performing rights organizations may have an interest in a musical work.

TOUR NEWS:

Aaron Lewis and Blackberry Smoke will team up for the “Sinners and Sanctified Tour” this fall.

The extensive co-headlining tour will kick-off on October 12 at Shreveport’s Municipal Auditorium and includes stops at Houston’s Ziegenbock Festival, Charlotte’s Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre, Little Rock’s Verizon Arena, New York’s Terminal 5 and Philadelphia’s Tower Theatre among many others.

Tickets are on sale now. Tickets, tour itinerary and more at blackberrysmoke.com and aaronlewismusic.com

 

 

WWWEBSITES TO CHECK OUT:
www.bouldercreekguitars.com / www.renegaderadio.com / www.cmaworld.com / www.nashvillesongwriters.com
WHO’S LOOKING * WHO’S CUTTING:

Walker Montgomery, Brooke Eden, Trent Harmon, Brett Eldredge and Walker County.


By Preshias Harris

Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com TN/USA. Google “Preshias”

 

 

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