New Kids in Town by David M. Ross

Home , Ben Hayslip, Carson Chamberlain, Hank Cochran, Hip to My Heart, MusicRow, Robert Ellis Orrall

page 1 Wednesday,Wednesday, MarchMarch 24,24, 20102010

Table of Contents 1 New Kids In Town New Kids In Town by David M. Ross 3 Republic Nashville Plans EP From The Band Perry There's a new sheriff on the country Ford, (who makes an appearance on Gilbert's 5 Chesney App A Hit 5 Puckett's To Open music album charts—Lady Antebellum. album) is nestled nicely at No. 36 on the sales Downtown Nashville (According to Nielsen SoundScan.) The Capitol chart, where after 59 weeks he has RTD Location Nashville trio debuted in the top spot for the (release to date) sales of almost 148,000 units. 7 Easton Corbin Goes No. 1 week ending 1/31/2010—and ever since (8 Country sales this week trended down 7 Joey+Rory Win ACM, Plan weeks and counting) has remained firmly somewhat from last week, but YTD country New Album rooted at No. 1. Antebellum's Need You Now album sales remain elevated a stalwart 17% 8 AirPlay Direct Ups Welch sales have dwarfed all other country albums due to Antebellum, 8 Artist David Bradley Builds during that time selling almost 1.5 mmillionillion Swift, ZacZac BrownBrow Team units equaling about 17% of all countrytry BandBand, CarrieCarrie 9 DISClaimer: Terri Clark albums sold YTD in 2010. UnderwUnderwoodood pplus DISC of the Day Most directly impacted by this saless sursurgege oothers.thers. Respect Intellectual Property: was Taylor Swift's Fearless which previouslyeviously MusicRow transmissions in email and file form plus online passwords, are had owned the No. 1 album position. Beginningeginning intended for the sole use of active 1/31/10 Fearless slipped back in the list to subscribers only and protected under the copyright laws of the United States. make room for the trio. Swift's CD hass bbeeneen Resending or sharing of such intellectual on the charts for 71 weeks, scanning ccloselose property to unauthorized individuals and/or groups is expressly forbidden. to 5.7 million units, so there remainss MusicRow Publications, Inc. reserves the right to cancel, without refund, the nothing but joy in her camp. A formalal account of any subscriber found to be announcement is yet to be made, butt in violation of this policy. Swift reportedly will release a new Music Row Communications, LLC project next fall. Top debut this week 1231 17th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37212 was Average Joe Entertainment 615-321-3617 www.musicrow.com artist Brantley Gilbert who's CD Halfway To Heaven rides the country News/Press Releases chart at No. 19 with sales of almost [email protected] 5,000. Gilbert label mate Colt

Country digital album sales have increased this year a staggering 57% YTD, which clearly shows that country consumers are adopting and embracing "mice for music" at an accelerated rate. Country's newly created digital tracks chart shows a picture similar in many ways to the albums list. Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now" is at No. 1, having sold almost 120,000 download units for the week (RTD sales are 2.76 million), followed by Taylor Swift's "Today Was A Fairytale" which sold just over 41,000 and RTD has logged about 830,000. Total top 100 country digital track sales for the week were just shy of 850,000. Figuring an average of about one million units per week or 52 million annually, it adds the equivalent of over 5 million albums (10 Business and music industry leaders and celebrities gathered at Nashville’s Hutton Hotel tracks = 1 CD) to annual country sales. Based on Monday (3/22) for the T.J. Martell Foundation Honors Gala. The Foundation annually upon last year's totals, 5 million units would supports cancer research through the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Along with supporting this worthwhile cause, the Gala result in an 11% increase. recognized Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen, the Honorable William H. Frist, M.D., Watch for upcoming 3/30 debuts from Brooks and Dunn, Michael Bolton and Susan Simons for their humanitarian efforts. Alan Jackson, Gretchen Wilson and The (L-R): Ronnie Dunn, Frist, Simons, Bredesen, Kix Brooks and Bolton. Photo: Alan Mayor Grascals.

The EP will be available exclusively through iTunes for the first four weeks, and as part of iTune’s “Complete My Album” service, fans will be able to purchase the only Industry News remaining tracks when the full-length by Sarah Skates album comes out this summer. To write their new album the Mobile, Republic Nashville Plans Alabama natives teamed with Brett EP From The Band Perry Beavers, Kara DioGuardi, Jeff Cohen, On April 6 Republic Nashville will Brian Henningsen and Clara release a five-song EP from The Band Henningsen. Nathan Chapman Perry. The eponymous collection from produced most of the EP, with Paul siblings Kimberly, Neil and Reid Worley helming one cut. Perry contains the band’s first single, Republic Nashville Pres. Jimmy “Hip To My Heart,” currently No. 19 on Harnen says The Band Perry has had MusicRow’s Country Breakout chart. tons of requests about purchasing its The Band Perry

music, so releasing an EP should tide fans over until the full project is complete. This trend is growing in popularity; Warner Music Nashville recently released a Six-Pak album by Blake Shelton for the same reason.

Chesney App A Hit Nashville-based mobile design and innovation firm Aloompa is celebrating the success of Kenny Chesney’s new iPhone application. Released one month ago, the free app has been downloaded over 40,000 times and delivered over 10,000 streaming hours of the SESAC presented the Band of Heathens with a plaque in honor of their No. 1 Chesney-programmed No Shoes Radio. Americana album, One Foot in the Ether. The band, which was rehearsing at “Monitoring the reaction Kenny fans are having the Loveless Barn in anticipation of their appearance at Music City Roots: Live to the application, especially to the hidden features, From The Loveless Café, is currently on a nationwide tour. (L-R): SESAC’s Tim has been a real thrill,” says Aloompa co-founder Drew Fink, Ed Jurdi, Colin Brooks, John Chipman, Gordy Quist, Seth Whitney and SESAC’s Amy Beth Hale. Photo: Ed Rode Burchfield. “In the end, it’s not just about Kenny having an iPhone app; it’s about the fans interacting with him in interesting ways. It is also proving itself to be an effective way to sell music and merch, so we’re extremely pleased with the results so far.” In addition to the streaming media player, the application features concert ticketing, GPS-enabled mapping and directions to each venue, event countdowns, news, video, photos and a custom e- commerce integration with Richards and Southern, Kenny’s official merchandising partner. It is the first artist-specific app created by Aloompa, which has worked with music festivals including Bonnaroo in the past.

Puckett's To Open Downtown Nashville Location Blake Shelton performed for a sold-out crowd at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium last Thursday night (3/18). Shelton performed fan favorites and new songs from Puckett's Grocery & his recently released album, Hillbilly Bone, including the No. 1 title track Restaurant has plans to featuring Trace Adkins, who surprised fans by joining Shelton on stage. (L-R): add a downtown Nashville Chris Stacey, Sr. VP Promotion Warner Music Nashville; Brandon Blackstock, location. The eatery/store Starstruck Mgmt. Group; Rob Beckham, William Morris Endeavor; John Esposito, known for hosting song- Pres./CEO Warner Music Nashville; Adkins; Sally Williams, GM Ryman Auditorium; writer nights already has Shelton; and Narvel Blackstock, Starstruck Mgmt. Group. Photo: Heather Brand locations in Leiper's Fork

©2010, MusicRow Communications, LLC—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED [email protected] page 7 Wednesday, March 24, 2010 and downtown Franklin. The Nashville outfit at 500 Church St. is expected to open this fall. Owner Andy Marshall added the singer-songwriter component after purchasing the original Lieper’s Fork establishment. He then added the second location which has become a fixture of downtown Franklin. Marshall will maintain the Franklin property and the new one in Nashville. The Leiper's Fork location is now in the hands of entrepreneur, Rob Robinson.

Easton Corbin Goes No. 1 New Mercury Nashville artist Easton Corbin has claimed his first No. 1 single, "A Little More Country Than That." His label says that makes him the first country male solo artist to achieve this feat with a debut single since 2003. "A Little More Country Than That" was written by Rory Feek, Don Easton Corbin made Poythress and Wynn Varble, and his Grand Ole Opry produced by Carson Chamberlain. Ken Johnson has signed an exclusive songwriting agreement with debut March 20. Tune Corbin will make his national Combustion Music. Johnson’s most recent work can be heard on in to NBC’s Late television debut with an April 1 slot on Josh Thompson’s debut hit single “Beer On The Table.” (L-R): Chris Night with Jimmy Farren, Ashley Hertzog, Johnson (seated), Chris Van Belkom and NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Fallon April 1 to see Stephanie Greene. Corbin's national He’ll spend the summer on Brad television debut. Paisley's H20 World Tour, kicking off Photo: Chris Hollo May 21.

Joey+Rory Win ACM, Plan New Album Amidst award announcements, Rory Feek has more to celebrate than his No. 1 song touring with Zac Brown Band and recorded by Easton Corbin. Last week, he and wife Joey in-store appearances with sponsor were named ACM’s Top New Vocal Duo and moved on to be Carhartt, Joey+Rory have been nominees for the Top New Artist award. Joey+Rory will perform working on a new project, simply and receive their New Duo trophy during a GAC special titled Album #2, that will be premiering Thursday, April 1. They are also nominated for released this summer. Their debut ACM Vocal Duo. album The Life of a Song sold This isn’t Rory’s first success as a songwriter. His first 200,000 copies and yielded the cut was a No. 1 for Collin Raye, “Someone You Used to single "Cheater Cheater," which Know.” Other hits include “The Chain of Love” by Clay Walker, was their first Top 30 and sold over and the multi-week No. 1 “Some Beach” by Blake Shelton. 400,000 downloads. Joey +Rory

AirPlay Direct Ups Welch Artist David Bradley Robert Weingartz, CEO of AirPlay Builds Team Direct, has announced the promotion of David Bradley is building a team Scott Welch to the position of President to help launch his debut single, “Soak of the global digital-to-radio music delivery It Up.” He is a staff writer at Wrensong platform. Welch was formerly V.P. Special Music and is releasing his upcoming Projects. In his new role, Welch will album through Gecko Music. Bradley oversee all day-to-day operations of has signed with Holley•Guidry’s Randy the company, including Artist and Label Guidry and Debbie Holley for public Scott Welch David Bradley member relations, existing and new relations and marketing initiatives, business development, strategic planning and investor relations. including strategic alliances and radio marketing services. “Scott is a dedicated and accomplished music business Leading radio promotion efforts will be Jordan Zucker, professional and has already had a tremendous impact within supported by a team including Rick Rockhill, Tony the company and on the industry as a whole,” says Weingartz. Morreale, and Joe Schuld. Bradley is managed by Judy “I look forward with great anticipation to the growth, Libow of Libow Unlimited, Inc. Producer Mark Moffatt is accomplishments and successes that we are sure to enjoy working on the dance club remix of the single. with Scott at the helm.” Bradley’s forthcoming CD, Movin’ On, was produced by artist Brady Seals, with whom he wrote “Soak It Up.” The two are currently touring together.

Save The Dates • The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) annual meeting will be June 16 at the Marriott Marquis in New York, NY. Hundreds of music publishers and songwriters gather each year to discuss the state of the music publishing industry, while honoring songwriters with Gold and Platinum Note Awards and the Songwriter Icon Award. To register, contact Jamie Marotta at [email protected].

• ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO will be April 22-24 in Los Angeles with speakers John Mayer, Ludacris, Bill Withers and Quincy Jones. There will be panels, events, and networking opportunities. Among the Nashvillians headed west for the event are Ashley The Tennessee National Guard Association held its 81st Annual Conference on Gorley, Robert Ellis Orrall, Jessi Alexander, Don February 25-28 at the Embassy Suites and Conference Center. Dave Pahanish, Schlitz, and Autumn House. Early bird discount Journey’s Jonathan Cain, Madison Cain and Chicago’s Jason Scheff performed pricing ends on March 31. and Lisa Harless, Sr. VP Regions Bank emceed the Guard Banquet. (L-R): Scheff, Pahanish, Harless, Jonathan Cain and Madison Cain.

• Neil Young has added a stop at The Ryman on June 1. Tickets start at $92 and go on sale March 27 at 10 AM.

• GMA Dove Week 2010, a “newly structured Gospel Music Week,” will kick off Monday, April 19 with the ASCAP Christian Music Awards and culminate with the Dove Awards on Wednesday, April 21. GMA Dove Week will also include an Artist Summit, artist showcases and the BMI Christian Music Awards. DISClaimer by Robert K. Oermann Did you know that Nashville has a large recovery community? There are hundreds of musicians, artists and industry Travis Rush performed songs from his new CD Feel for the MusicRow staff on figures here who are recovering from substance March 12. (L-R): Christie King, Peter Cronin, Michelle Stephens, Rush, David abuse. It’s a very supportive place to be if you are in Ross and Jon Freeman. this situation. Perhaps that’s why there is also a sizable number of Nashville songs with this theme. Kenny Chesney’s “That’s Why I’m Here,” T. Graham Brown’s “Wine Into Water,” George Jones’s “Choices” and —Will you electric guitars please turn it down, so Martina McBride’s “Cheap Whiskey” are among I can hear him? Brian sings in a strong tenor, the ones that immediately spring to mind. There and his song has all the hooks it needs. If only are many more. everything around him wasn’t so “busy.” This week, Terri Clark introduces another worthy anthem for this community. But it’s not BLAKBLAKE SHELTON/All About Tonight its theme that makes “Million Ways to Run” the Writer: Rhett Atkins/Ben Hayslip/Dallas DISC of the Day. It’s the fact that it is a superbly Davidson; Producer: Scott Hendricks; written, beautifully produced and movingly sung Publisher: WB/Melissa’s Money/Get a Load record. oof This/EMI Blackwood/Rhettneck/String In his first seven months in Nashville, San SStretcher, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros. Antonio native Jeremy Parsons landed a recording —“Tomorrow— can wait ‘til tomorrow/It’s all contract and had one of his songs recorded by The aboutab tonight.” He’s on a party tear without Grascals. At age 22, he is a contemporary of Nick a thought of the consequences. As usual, Jonas or Taylor Swift. But it is neither the rapidity Blake’sBla personality shines through. The track of his rise nor his age that is jaw dropping. Rather is rrather cluttered, but he comes across loud it is the twin facts that his style harkens back to classicic andand clear. Hank Williams and that a Music City label embraces it. Give this boy a loudly applauded DISCovery Award. CHRIS & THE ROUGHNECKS/I Don’t Wanna Know Writer: Chris Fuentes; Producer: Eric Delegard; Publisher: T.J. BROSCOFF/Hold none listed, BMI; CR (www.chrisandtheroughnecks.com) Writer: T.J. Brsocoff; Producer: Bill Green; Publisher: Bill —Promising. The song, vocalist and rhythm track all have Green, BMI; BGM (888-455-5504) plenty of punch. Send more. —Somewhat thin sounding, production-wise, but he has an attractive raspiness as a vocalist and the song is a solid winner. TERRI CLARK/Million Ways To Run Writer: Terri Clark; Producer: Terri Clark; Publisher: RODNEY ATKINS/Farmer’s Daughter Hattitude/Tier Three, ASCAP; Baretrack (CDX) Writer: Marv Green/Ben Hayslip/Rhett Akins; Producer: Ted —When you’re headed down the wrong highway, there are a Hewitt & Rodney Atkins; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/The million ways to run away from yourself: “In the arms of a Good the Bad the Ugly/WB/Rhettneck/EMI Blackwood, BMI/ stranger/Keeping company with danger/Or staring down the ASCAP; Curb barrel of a gun/At the bottom of a bottle/Getting numb with —He hires on as a hired hand and gets all overheated from every swallow.” She faces her demons and survives. the hard work. But when he sees the title character, he decides Beautifully written, produced with exquisite taste and sung he loves his job. One thing, songwriters: Dogs don’t perspire. with depth. Instead of “sweating like a dog,” a better line would have been, “panting like a dog.” BRIDGETTE TATUM/That’s Love Y’All Writer: Bridgette Tatum/Kristi Manna; Producer: Denny BRIAN LUMLEY/Backroads Driving Tonight Myrick; Publisher: Root Forty-Nine/Cackslacki Twang/Kristi Writer: Brian Lumley; Producer: Jeff Smith & Brian Lumley; Mannasongs, BMI/ASCAP; Root Forty Nine (CDX) Publisher: none listed, BMI; Statement Entertainment (www.root49music.com) (314-616-7757) —Bluesy, with a throaty vocal and sympathetic guitar work.

—Life is so hectic nowadays, he’s hoping that Heaven is a lot DARRELL McCALL/Hello Out There more laid back. The track sparkles beautifully, his vocal is Writer: Wayne Walker/Kent Westbury; Producer: Justin richly resonant and the song is nicely crafted. Worth your Trevino; Publisher: Universal Cedarwood/Songs of Polygram, spins. no performance rights lited; Heart of Texas (track) —This Texas vet has a mite more vibrato than he used to, but he remains a peerless stylist. His new, appropriately titled, Keeping With Tradition CD includes chestnuts from the pens of Bill Anderson, Hank Cochran, Roger Miller, Mel Tillis, Hank Thompson, Faron Young and other classic tunesmiths. On this 1962 Carl Belew oldie, Darrell is steady and true while steel, twin fiddles and Spanish guitar lace the track. Country poetry.

JEREMY PARSONS/Doggondest Feelin’ Writer: Jeremy M. Parsons; Producer: Bernard Porter; Publisher: J.M. Parsons Country/Por Gen, ASCAP; PCG Nashville (track) (www.jeremyparsonsmusic.com) —And just to show that true country music has its young exponents as well, along comes this kid whose style harkens all the way back to Hank Williams and, yes, even Jimmie Rodgers. The title tune to his 10-song CD is so hillbilly it hurts. In a real good way. Tilt back your head and yell, “Yee-haw!”

WILL PEPPERS/I Hope Heaven Has A Dirt Road Writer: Will Peppers/Dale Harris/Clay Winskie/Jerry Cupit; Miranda Lambert opened her first headlining tour, Roadside Bars & Pink Producer: P.T. Houston & Will Peppers; Publisher: Guitars, with a sold-out show Friday night in Atlanta at Wild Bill's. (L-R): Redemption Nashville, ASCAP; Redemption Nashville (track) WUBL Morning jock Jason Pullman, Lambert and WUBL PD Scott Lindy. (www.redemptionnashville.com)