Archive | May 17, 2017

Benji Harris Premieres Debut, Solo, Self-Titled Project

By on May 17, 2017 in In The Press

Benji Harris, a vocalist and guitarist that has toured with headliners and scored a top hit on CMT and Music Row with his previous trio, moves center stage for his self-titled, solo debut premiering at online retailers on Friday, June 30th. Fans can pre-order the project today by clicking here and instantly receive two tracks, including the lead single That’s How You Get a Girl.

Ty, Kelly & Chuck’s Ty Bentli, Benji Harris and Chuck Wicks

“I feel like this record is a whole new chapter for me.” says Benji. “After so many years of touring with other great artists, I’ve gained invaluable experience watching the masters at work. I knew I had the goods to make a great record, and I’ve learned what goes into putting on an amazing live show. I’m so excited the time has finally come for me to step out to center stage.”

Benji announced the project live on Cumulus’ NASH FM morning show Ty, Kelly and Chuck where he was challenged by listeners to compose a #10MinuteTune on the gender neutral MTV Movie and TV Awards. You can view the segment by clicking here.

 

Benji will be making his debut this summer at the 2017 CMA Music Festival meeting and greeting with fans and performing at the PLAtinum Acoustic Fan Jam II at the Wildhorse Saloon on Saturday, June 10. Fans can stay updated on Benji at the following:

Website: www.benjiharris.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebenjiharris/

Twitter: @thebenjiharris

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebenjiharris/

About Benji Harris

Since moving to Nashville in 2009, this Dallas native has found a welcomed home on Music Row. His country/rock trio Scarletta (2009-2014) had a Top 30 radio hit in 2012, and a popular music video in high rotation on CMT.  They gained critical acclaim from Billboard and the Country Music Association as a top act to watch. He even found viral success and salutes from country headliner Jake Owen with a trio of parodies celebrating his daughter’s birth.  Since leaving the band in 2014, Benji has lent his instrumental and vocal talents to projects and tours for stars like Sam Hunt, Jana Kramer, Cassadee Pope and Carly Pearce.  Pope’s fans see Benji in the spotlight every night on tour when he sings the Chris Young part in the Billboard #1 duet Think of You. With a single premiering just before CMA Fest, this father of two beautiful daughters is excited for the opportunity to finally share a project of his own. Benji co-wrote five of the six songs on the EP that is available for pre-sale now via iTunes and will premiere on all online retailers on June 30.

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Chris Stapleton Scores #1 Album

By on May 17, 2017 in In The Press

Chris Stapleton’s From A Room, Volume 1 debuted at the top of the Billboard Country Albums Chart. The collection sold 219,000 units (and 202,000 in traditional album sales) to land at No. 1 on the Country chart and at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. This is the highest-selling country debut since Luke Bryan’s Kill the Lights sold 320,000 in its first week in 2015. Stapleton also debuts at No. 1 on the Top Album Sales chart this week (Logic’s Everybody sold 196,000 in album sales, but with over 70 million streams).

Chris not only holds the top spot on the Country album chart, but he is also sitting at No. 2 with his previous album, Traveller, which sold nearly 24,000 copies this week. This marks only the second time a male artist has held the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in the same week since 1993 (when Garth Brooks accomplished that feat December 2016). It’s also the fourth time for any country artist since then (LeAnn Rimes in 2003 and Taylor Swift in 2009). Rounding out the Top 3 this week isKeith Urban’s Ripcord.

Stapleton says he didn’t feel any pressure for his new album even with the double-platinum success of his previous record, Traveller. “I didn’t have any expectations for the last record. I was hoping if we even sold 50,000 records, it’d be a giant victory for me as far as getting to go out and play shows and play live and keep the wheels rolling, but we did a little bit more than that,” says Chris. “So, I kind of feel the same way about this record. It’s a new record and my expectations for this record don’t have much to do with the last record. I want them to be whatever it’s gonna be for this record.

The Kentucky native, who just released his new single “Either Way,” is in the midst of headlining his All-American Road Show. He’s set to play San Diego on Thursday (May 18th), Phoenix on Friday (May 19th) and L.A. on Saturday (May 20th).

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“Fourth Annual Jameson Irish Whiskey Presents Georgia On My Mind” Hosted By The Peach Pickers Draws Raves

By on May 17, 2017 in In The Press

 

NASHVILLE, TN – MAY 16: Ben Hayslip, Governor of Georgia Nathan Deal, Sandra Deal, Dallas Davidson, and Rhett Akins attend the 4th Annual Georgia On My Mind presented by Jameson Irish Whiskey at Ryman Auditorium on May 16, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Georgia Music Foundation)

If the lights were out in Georgia, it’s because everyone was in Tennessee for the “Fourth Annual Jameson Irish Whiskey Presents Georgia On My Mind” benefit concert hosted by the Peach Pickers – Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, and Ben Hayslip – Tuesday at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

During the 4th Annual Georgia On My Mind presented by Jameson Irish Whiskey at Ryman Auditorium on May 16, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Georgia Music Foundation)

The popular Peach Carpet kicked off the evening, which featured a who’s who of Georgia-born singer/songwriters – and a couple who wish they called the Peach State home – including multiple award winner Thomas Rhett; chart-toppers Lauren Alaina, Billy Currington, Chris Janson, Kip Moore, Jon Pardi, and Michael Ray; Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter T. Graham Brown and Grammy winner Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls; Georgia Music Hall of Famers Drivin’ N Cryin’ and Jimmy Hall of Wet Willie; back by popular demand this year, Dexter Redding and Otis Redding III, sons of the legendary soul icon Otis Redding; and a performance by Georgia-bred singer/songwriters Trea Landon, Jon Langston, and Cole Taylor. Making a special appearance were students from the Georgia Pick and Bow Traditional Music School in Dahlonega, who received a grant from the Georgia Music Foundation in 2016 from concert proceeds.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Flamekeeper Keeper Award to the honorable Governor of Georgia Nathan Deal. The Award is presented to a Georgian who tirelessly preserves and promotes Georgia’s musical roots and traditions. Jameson Irish Whiskey, the title sponsor, presented a check for $50,000 to the Georgia Music Foundation, to advance grants to cultural and music education programs in the state. The Foundation, which was established in 1994, has distributed more than $150,000 in funding to deserving music education, preservation, and outreach programs in the past three years from “Georgia On My Mind” proceeds.

During the 4th Annual Georgia On My Mind presented by Jameson Irish Whiskey at Ryman Auditorium on May 16, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Georgia Music Foundation)

 

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City Of Hope Continues To Announce More Artists For Celebrity Softball Game

By on May 17, 2017 in In The Press

City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game presented by Staples® continues to add to their roster for the 27th Annual event on Saturday, June 10 at 11:00 a.m. at First Tennessee Park. The most recent additions to their star powered lineup are Craig Morgan, The Swon Brothers, Jessie James Decker joined by her husband and NFL player, Eric Decker, Jackie Lee, Maggie Rose, Drew Scott from HGTV’s “Property Brothers” and Todd Chrisley, Savannah Chrisley, and Chase Chrisley of USA’s “Chrisley Knows Best.”

For the first time this year, City of Hope will involve legendary artists as play-by-play announcers. The first round of artists to participate will be Brenda Lee, Lee Greenwood, Jeannie Seely and Tim Rushlow.

Previously announced artists for teams iHeart Media versus SiriusXM/Grand Ole Opry are: Kellie Pickler, Bobby Bones, Sara Evans, Lauren Alaina, Aaron Watson, Danielle Bradbery, Trent Harmon, and Kaitlyn Bristowe and Shawn Booth from ABC’s “The Bachelorette”. Reba McEntire will be singing the National Anthem. More talent will continue to be announced!

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. As always, 100 percent of event net profits benefit City of Hope. For more information, visit cityofhope.org/softball or follow City of Hope on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT CITY OF HOPE:
City of Hope is an independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as one of only 47 comprehensive cancer centers, the highest recognition bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, City of Hope is also a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, with research and treatment protocols that advance care throughout the world. City of Hope is located in Duarte, California, just northeast of Los Angeles, with community clinics throughout southern California. It is ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit cityofhope.org.

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Chris Biano Announces Reality Series “Breaking Country” Airing Exclusively On YouTube Every Sunday Night

By on May 17, 2017 in In The Press

“Breaking Country,” a new television worthy web-based reality show that follows aspiring artist Chris Biano on his pursuit to become a country music star,  premiered May 7th exclusively on YouTube. Biano who moved from Dallas, TX to Music City four years ago to chase his dream, quickly realized how hard it really is to make waves in the country music industry.  

“Breaking Country,” a 20-week series produced by a Franklin, TN based marketing firm, follows his journey as he learns to navigate the world of writing appointments, gigs, vocal coach sessions and everything else that goes into a country music career while also juggling a long distance girlfriend of four years and a day job. 
“When I moved to Nashville I realized there was a never ending pool of talented people who work tirelessly on their craft,” says Biano.  “I wanted the world to see all the sacrifice, hard work, and dedication of someone trying to make it in this industry.  ‘Breaking Country’ is my way of doing that.”
The series features some familiar faces including country star Bryan White, who’s had six chart-topping songs, Title Boxing franchise owner/trainer and Season 12 contestant on The Bachelorette James Fuertes and Biano’s good friend and writing partner Brandon Chase from Season 5 of The Voice. 
“Chris is really using his creative skills to create something unique that an artist in Nashville hasn’t done,” says Bryan White. 
“Chris has a kind of focused determination that you have to have not only for success in fitness but also the music industry,” praises James Fuertes. “Honestly, that’s what it takes. You create goals and you focus on what’s ahead; one step and one day at a time.” 
“I’m so excited for everyone to see this and to be a part of such a cool thing,” says Brandon Chase. “Fans are going to love seeing the ‘real Nashville’.
View the Season 1 trailer here.
View “Breaking Country” episode 1 here.
Tune in every Sunday night at 7:00 pm central here for a new episode.
For extras and behind the scene footage, click here.
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