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Home , Adam Gregory, Backwoods Barbie, Can You Duet, Everything Is Fine, Jason Michael Carroll, Jeff Bates

Rise & Fall Labels Step Forward With Year-End Music

he annual fourth-quarter sales swell has Nashville’s Sarah Darling everyone hearing the incredible new music,” Frasher says. Check it out for yourself on his record companies loading in their most crucial current single “,” or Oct. 21 projects. Meanwhile, radio programmers steer for on That’s Why. T Finally, Frasher stumps for Pat Green, a successful Fall book, sorting through an ever-growing who he says “has most likely made his best pile of contenders in hopes of finding just the right musical ever! His current single ‘Let Me’ mix. And bringing it all together is Country Aircheck’s Fall illustrates how Pat has really opened up and Music Preview, an annual roundup of the single and album given a part of himself that nobody has ever releases vying for attention at radio and, ultimately, with the seen or heard before.” listeners who keep this whole business afloat. Broken Bow BBR will release Randy Owen’s first 1720 Bigger Picture chief shutterbug Michael solo album One on One Nov. 4, of which Powers. “Most likely October.” The BP Owen co-wrote seven of the 11 cuts. The Entertainment promotion team continues to focus on the Atlanta- “First of all, we want to thank Country CD was produced by and the area band’s debut single “Chicken Fried.” radio for their continued support of Rissi first single “Like I Never Broke Her Heart” Palmer,” says VP/Promotion Bill Macky, Big Machine is currently climbing the charts. The album release will coincide with Randy’s Born who promises more great music from Palmer It’s Jack P. at Big Machine, and the word of Country book release. very soon. The 1720 crew is also looking the moment is Fearless, which also happens VP/Promotion Lee Adams and staff are forward to music from Jamie O’Neal’s to be the title of ’s next album, weeks at No. 1 on the CMT Pure Twelve “very excited” to introduce Dean Brody, latest project, due this fall. “An ACM Award the follow-up to her self-titled triple-platinum Pack, BRMG was able to afford that $200 brought to you straight from the shadows winner and multi-Grammy nominee, Jamie debut. “The lead single ‘Love Story’ is already handcart. Jeff’s current single ‘Riverbank’ is of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Midway has reached a new level of excellence with making a big impact at Country radio, and this body of work,” Macky says. “She is a favorite amongst radio listeners, especially through his first radio tour Brody was injured maximum airplay on that track is expected to the Johnson. Patriarch Gabby Johnson was writing and singing better than ever, which is run through the Nov. 11 street date,” Purcell a pretty bold statement considering she has quoted as saying, ‘Rurrr rurr rurr,’ which says. “Extensive radio album premiere plans is not only authentic frontier gibberish, but Dean Brody consistently delivered important, hit music to are in play for Taylor’s album launch – look Country radio and her fans.” explains BRMG’s fall marketing initiatives. for details coming very soon.” “In order to protect their phony baloney The Machinists’ union continues to press jobs, the fine folks at BRMG will debut Arista Adam Gregory, whose NSA/Midas/Big Kristy Lee Cook’s debut single “15 Sarah Darling later this year, or if they don’t Machine single “Crazy Days” persists with its get around to it, 2009. VP Promotion Rick Minutes of Shame” from her Sept. 16 debut chart climb. Gregory’s radio tour rolls on as he album Why Wait is getting the full Arista push. Baumgartner said, ‘Not since Lili Von Shtupp finalizes his stateside debut album. A sampler have I heard a voice as magical as Sarah. Wait “We were all knocked out when we heard what is on its way to radio this month. Kristy Lee had crafted in the studio,” says VP till radio hears her, she’ll make mincemeat out A new single from ACM Top New Male of them.’ Promotion executives Jim Dorman Skip Bishop. Vocalist of the Year Jack Ingram is also ’s Play lands Nov. 4, and the and Joe Carroll would love to thank Governor on deck. Ingram is winding down his year- William J. Lepetomane for our inspiration.” first single “Start A Band” featuresKeith long run with Martina McBride and will Urban. “Talk about a history-making event be putting finishing touches on his next – these guys are having so much fun and BNA Big Machine studio album, set for Q1 Lost Trailers’ Holler Back is in stores are telling a story that just captures it all,” release. ’s “They Call and new BNA veep Bryan Frasher says, Bishop says. It Falling For A Reason” from her album “We couldn’t be more excited about it. This The third single from ’s Good Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love band has worked hard for years, so to have Time is “Country Boy.” “Third chapter to a remains a priority. Also coming soon is a this kind of excitement around them is huge.” three-part No. 1 trilogy,” Bishop says. “It’s debut single from newly signed duo Kate & Look for a second single in late September the perfect next single.” He calls Brooks and Kacey Coppola. or early October. Kellie Pickler’s self-titled Dunn’s “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” from Cowboy in a freak water skiing accident, but he’s back second album bows Sept. 30, with current Town “an inspirational classic of country on the road and preparing for his first single Black River single “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful” sentiment, told by the most distinctive pair in and upcoming album. (Ed. Note: Unedited because, really, still at the forefront of BNA’s efforts. this format.” Also on deck: A first single from Slated for a Sept. 30 release is Craig where would we start?) “Black River Music ’s Lucky Old Sun lands Jason Michael Carroll’s sophomore album. Morgan’s Greatest Hits, which includes four Group President Jimmy Nichols would like Oct. 14, and Frasher says lead single years’ worth of radio hits including “That’s What to extend ‘a Laurel ... and Hardy handshake “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven” is I Love About Sunday,” “,” Bigger Picture to all of our music industry friends.’ Work, “already top 10 and screaming toward No. 1! “The will be releasing “Almost Home” and “International Harvester.” work, work is all they do at BRMG. Thanks “We are also very excited to have Craig the new album The Foundation this fall,” says to flagship artistJeff Bates and his seven Morgan on BNA and look forward to Capitol The Jimmy Harnen-led Capitol crew Zac Brown Band boasts a full fall of fun, both at radio and the cash register. New studio releases are due from , Little Big Town and , joined by a new live DVD from . The first single fromDierks Bentley’s new album lands this month, with the full release due at retail Q1. Rucker’s country debut Learn To Live lands Sept. 16, already well advanced at radio by the single “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.” Little Big Town will release an expanded version of A Place To Land Oct. 14. Harnen says the collection features four new tracks, “plus ‘,’ just in time to launch their fall tour with .” Urban’s hit “You Look Good In My Shirt” is offered for purchase both on his Greatest Hits: 19 Kids and the aforementioned DVD Love, Pain & the whole crazy World Tour, which lands Nov. 18. A new single from a new studio album is expected before the end of the year, with the album out in ‘09. Finally, Adkins’ as-yet-untitled new studio album will be out Nov. 25, and the single “Muddy Water” is already a Capitol priority. “Check out Trace with .38 Special on CMT Crossroads Sept. 24,” Harnen closes.

09 0827 Rise & Fall One Flew South & Lead” to the upper reaches of the chart. CO5 Likewise, ’s “Somebody VP/Promotion David Newmark and his Needs A Hug” has a chart-topping predecessor band of merry men and women have two in the top 5 “I Still Miss You.” The new single projects going for adds this quarter: Ride/ impacts Sept. 22. Dang’s Steve Azar will release “You’re My Jessica Simpson’s “Remember That” is Life” Sept. 15 from his Indianola album. In targeted for late October, and Friedman calls it collaboration with Still7, Matt Stillwell’s “a song that will move you and make you say, “Shine” will be ready for airplay Sept. 29. ‘This girl has pipes!’” The single is from her album Do You Know, already at retail. Cold River Rounding out the Columbia slate is Ten months after the release of Katie ’s “Don’t Do Me No Good” Armiger’s first album, she has released her and ’s “Roll With Me.” second, Believe. Armiger’s webisodes are Wilson’s single is the lead track from her currently running on GAC and follow her as success of Heidi Newfield’s “Johnny And and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” “Can you upcoming CD I Got Your Country Right Here. she promotes her current single “Unseen.” June,” a new cut from her album may splash say ‘the perfect gift for the holidays?!’” Herring down before the holidays. asks. “A few other surprises loom from the Country Thunder Mouse House,” he adds, “so stay tuned.” Katie Armiger Next up for Country Thunder is duo Decca Bluefield’s single “Drive Away,” impacting Decca, fresh off the recent No. 1 Mamma MCA Sept. 15. “This single is different, hip and Mia soundtrack, has re-emerged in the Country ’s latest project Call young,” says SVP/Promotion Bobby Young. format with trio One Flew South and their Me Crazy, produced by Tony Brown, lands in “And even more impressive, Rick and Jen current single “My Kind Of Beautiful.” stores Oct. 21. UMGN’s Katie Dean points out have written and recorded a single with a hook Bandmates Chris Roberts, Eddie Bush and the album is the follow-up to Womack’s 2006 that won’t quit and lyrics that perfectly paint a Royal Reed have spent the past few months CMA Album of the Year There’s More Where picture of the artist’s pain.” developing a “devout and passionate fan base That Came From. Due Oct. 27 is Shawn Hammond’s with Country programmers,” according to ’s “Sounds So Good” “Everything,” with an album out next spring. promoter Pam Newman, who is heading up remains a focus as Shepherd opens for Young explains, “This is the perfect ‘country’ promotion with Brad Paul. The band will kick single to impact and service the P1 and H1 off their upcoming run of tour dates with a country consumer. Not only is Shawn one of the September appearance at Farm Aid. best country vocalists I’ve ever heard, but women are going to love this guy, as well as his song.” Dolly And keep this one in mind: Brand-spankin’ VP/Promotion Bruce Reiner and company new Permian Records is expecting two single will release the third single from Dolly releases before December, according to Young. Parton’s Backwoods Barbie, “Shinola,” The label is also shooting for at least one first- this quarter. Fans can hear the single during quarter album release. her performances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Sept. 19 and Ellen Sept. 22. The Curb theatrical rendition , which features The freshly meshed Curb squad has a full Backwoods Barbie’s title track, starts in Los complement of releases, even if the particulars Angeles this fall and on Broadway in April. remain vague at press time. New singles from LeAnn Rimes, Rio Grand (James Stroud Columbia producing), BomShell and Wynonna are Equity Laura Bryna “Leaves will be dropping, but singles will expected. Also, the first single fromRodney Laura Bryna was recently named the be rising for ‘Big Red,’” says Columbia ND Atkins’ next album, following a collection voice and spokesperson for the Air Guard’s on their fall tour, which kicks off David Friedman. ’s “More that included four No. 1s, is understandably a new major advertising campaign, and recently in September. ’s third single Like Her” is already a focus, with sights set on huge priority. And, depending on the ongoing filmed the video for a new song she co-wrote, and title track from Everything Is Fine is a following her first top 10 single “Gunpowder “Hometown Heroes,” which honors Air Guard priority, thanks to radio. “This is the single men and women who answer the call of duty programmers said they wanted, and the early to serve their communities and country. The response has been terrific,” Dean says. song will become the official theme song of ’s Classic Christmas, out Oct. the Air Guard’s year-long radio and television 7, is his first MCA holiday release since 1999’s ad campaign, meant to educate men and Merry Christmas Wherever You Are. women about this branch of the military which supports the needs of the U.S. Air Force, aids Mercury communities in times of crisis and supports the The second single from Julianne Hough’s nation’s Homeland Defense Department. self-titled debut goes to radio just in time for Carolina Rain is continuing to enjoy the her return to ABC’s Dancing With The Stars. chart ride with “American Radio” and are in UMGN’s Dean calls it “autobiographical the studio working on their second CD for since she is living her dream of becoming Equity with a projected Q1 street date. Also, a country singer.” “My Hallelujah Song” watch for a holiday single from the group. impacts in September. Texas dance hall king Kevin Fowler is ’s next album offers A getting national attention with “Best Mistake Little Bit Of Everything, out in October. First I Ever Made,” which started “after top testing single “Don’t” is already spinning. “Some at KILT/Houston and KSCS & KPLX/ programmers have coined it as ‘the morning in addition to great stories from KBEQ/Kansas after he did something right,’” Dean says. City,” says VP/Promotion David Haley. “ has vowed not to trim his Last, Blake Wise is a name that will be on beard until his debut ‘In Color’ hits top 15, and your radar soon; check out www.myspace/ blakewisemusic for a sneak peak. Lofton Creek Mike Borchetta and friends will be working the new single release from Mark Chesnutt, “Come On In (The Whiskey’s Fine)” on Lofton Creek/Big 7. This is the third cut from Chesnutt’s current album. Also on deck are new singles from Donnie Vondra and Pat Roper, due in October and November, respectively. Lyric Street “No double parking on Lyric Street,” says promoveep Kevin Herring. “We will be focusing on growing the hits already on the charts.” These include ’s “I’ll Walk,” Josh Gracin’s “Unbelievable” and ’ “Somebody Said A Prayer.” Covington and Gracin have current already at retail, while Cyrus’ Back To Tennessee streets Nov. 18. release Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 Oct. 28, featuring their many hits as well as three new Christmas Rio Grand tracks: “White Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock” Mark Chesnutt

09 28 08 “This year, had an 11-week Show Dog top 10 with ‘Love Is A Beautiful Thing,’” As Show Dog trots in new lead promotion Bonadies says. “He follows it up with the Rise & Fall pup Rick Moxley, the label’s George Nunes new, self-penned single ‘I Would.’” Vassar as a show of solidarity VP Damon Moberly Home with the O. A -produced details the upcoming release schedule. This recently performed the song on Letterman’s has promised not to use hair product until the album is due in October. starts, of course, with Toby Keith’s “She show. And rounding out the label’s fall is an single tops the charts.” The Major 7th & Spinville single from Never Cried In Front of Me,” the first release expected new single from Joe Nichols off a Finally, the Randy Rogers Band’s new, self- Darren Kozelsky, “She Got Me There,” is from his next studio album That Don’t Make spring ‘09 album. titled album lands Sept. 23 on Mercury. First also on the docket. According to Pareigis, Me A Bad Guy, out Oct. 28. A follow-up single single “In My Arms Instead” is at radio now. “Previously accustomed to success in the could land before year-end. Valory Music Co. Southwest, Darren has broadened his reach all Also on the short list are Carter’s Chord’s The label billed as “the evolution of the Jamey Johnson over the nation with this new tempo release.” second single “Different Breed” and more revolution” opens the season with Jimmy Last but not least, Pedestal brother-sister music from Trailer Choir. Mica Roberts has Wayne’s Do You Believe Me Now. Veep Jon duo The Roys are enjoying the ride of “I Only recently been in the studio, finishing a new Loba calls the title track “Jimmy’s biggest Have Good Days,” their fastest-moving Music single which is expected soon. single to date.” The follow-up track is “I Will.” Row chart single to date. And at retail, Keith’s studio album will be Jewel’s second top 40 country single “I joined by the release of his Classic Christmas Do” continues to be a Valory priority. And Quarterback project as two separate albums, rather than the Loba points out the song’s timely relevance Chris Allums and the Quarterback staff are double-disc set that came out last year. Look following Jewel’s recent marriage to longtime anticipating the release of James LeBlanc’s for a pre-holiday DVD release of Keith’s Beer boyfriend Ty Murray. Following her run on the next single “Your Love Comes Shining for My Horses feature film as well. Paisley Party tour, Jewel has a late ‘08 solo Through.” “We’re really excited about building run that will extend to 2009. his career as an artist, after the success he’s SoftDrive Justin Moore’s campaign started in dance seeing as a writer (Gary Allan’s ‘Learning How Scott Weiland’s SoftDrive Records has clubs and online with the tune “I Could Kick To Bend,’ ’s ‘Relentless’),” says introduced its first country artist,Tommy Joe Allums. LeBlanc’s album is expected before Wilson, whose first single “Tryin’ To Find The year-end. Trent Willmon’s current single Sun” is on its way to radio under the direction “Cold Beer And A Fishin’ Pole” is continuing of promoter Billy Holland. Wilson co-wrote to build, as is Stephen Cochran’s “Thinkin’ seven of the 13 songs on his debut album, I’m Drinkin’” and Todd O’Neill’s “Can I expected in early ‘09. Come Over Tonight.” Stringtown RCA will release New Revolution RCA’s Doug Baker has the skinny on his latest album in four years, Time Flies, Rob Dalton and Jeff Solima are working Nipper’s plans, and leads off with Jake on his brand-new Stringtown label Oct. 14. One Flew South’s “My Kind Of Beautiful” Owen, who is already at radio with “Don’t The first single “Forever” is a ballad written from the Marcus Hummon-produced Last Think I Can’t Love You.” The song is the by James Slater and produced by Byron Of The Good Guys, in stores now. Also on first single from an expected Q1 album, and Gallimore and Montgomery. The song goes the books is the latest single from Parallel’s Baker says programmers are still buzzing for adds in September. Jeremy McComb, “Cold.” “What makes this about Owens’ CRS performance of the tune. song important and worth your attention is the Also moving toward monster airplay is Stroudavarious Promo guru Bill Catino is guiding the imagery and everyday relatability it paints,” a new single from . “Low” is efforts of Stroudavious, with the solo debut says Dalton. “That haunting realization of not featured on the soundtrack of Billy: The from former frontman Richie getting something we desperately want, and Early Years, the Billy Graham biopic. Justin Moore McDonald at the top of the list. “This is the how that begins to consume our thoughts and Impacting in late September, the song voice that brought you ‘I’m Already There,’ our lives.” advances the early October release of the movie and soundtrack. ‘,’ ‘’ and ‘My Front Porch Your Ass,” which has sold more than 20,000 Baker says to expect follow-up singles Looking In,’” Catino says. Also coming Nine North digital tracks. His debut single “Back That Larry Pareigis and the Nine North team are from Chuck Wicks and Crystal Shawanda, this fall is the Stroudavarious debut from Thing Up” will be a priority throughout the moving fast, so don’t blink. The company’s whose current singles he counts as “great “renowned singer, and showman fall. Look for the debut album in Q1. affiliation with Rocky Comfort has them successes” for the RCA team. Anthony Smith.” working Michael Scott’s “Ray Ray’s Juke Warner Bros. Joint” and Zona Jones’ “You Should’ve Seen Rhythm House Universal South As if you couldn’t tell by the world’s most Brynn Marie, with the guidance of Daryl Teddi bares Universal South’s year-end Her This Morning.” “Note that both singles photographed radio tour, the WB crew is pretty Price, is promoting her first single “Start plans – that’s VP/Promotion Teddi Bonadies are tempo,” LP says. And a excited about Whitney Duncan and her debut Now,” the title track from her debut album, out ­– and she starts with the . single is due soon. “When I Said I Would.” Veep Nancy Tunick in September. “With likely the fastest-growing fan base Cold River’s Katie Armiger and single says, “Her charisma, beauty, distinctive voice of all emerging acts from the Southwest “Unseen” remain a focus, as does Wind-up/ and energy are captivating programmers and Robbins and Southeast, they’re turning heads,” she Nashville’s Eric Durrance, who is on the road as listeners across the country.” And yes, the tour VP/Promotion Tony Benken has just says. Debut single “When It Rains,” which part of the CMT Tour with Jason Aldean and Lady continues in September. shipped the first single from the label’s started on Carnival Records before moving to Antebellum. His first single “Angels Fly Away” Sept. 30 is the street date for ’s newest artist Chad Hudson, “Somebody Republic/Universal, is followed by “Always is currently at radio, and his Teddy Gentry/Mark Christmas album Joy To The World. The focus Find Me A Preacher.” “Early response The Love Songs.” Album Jet Black and Bright-produced album bows digitally Sept. 16. track is the only new song on the project, “A is very positive, and we’re dedicated to Jealous lands Sept. 16. Nine North is also working the Vanguard/ Baby Changes Everything.” Tunick says the getting this song heard by country listeners,” ’s debut “Anything Goes” Sugar Hill CMT Can You Duet husband-wife song “tells the powerful story of what a baby Benken says. Other projects in the pot cracked the top 30 in time for his Aug. 28 team of Joey+Rory. The single “Cheater meant to one woman and what this baby means are second singles from Rocky Lynne network television debut on Late Show with Cheater” is at radio, and the duo has to each person and the world.” and Joshua Stevens, as well as Shane David Letterman. The song is the title track for recently been chosen as the face of the new Also brewing at Warner Bros. is new solo O’Dazier’s debut song “I Hate This Town.” his album, which hits retail Nov. 18. Overstock.com advertising campaign, At music from John Rich. CAC