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Monument Records’ Teddy Robb Impresses At The High Watt

You may not recognize his name (yet) but if you listen to country music radio, you know his voice. It’s the thick, sultry, and slightly raspy voice of Teddy Robb begging you not to “Lead Me On.” The newcomer recently performed at the High Watt.

Teddy Robb
Photo credit: Susan Berry

The High Watt is an intimate, industrial-style venue located in Nashville’s Historic Cannery building. Bartenders greeted concert-goers with the signature drink called the “Gin and Platonic” which is a nod to lyrics in the song, “Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You.” By the start of the show, the venue was near capacity as fans squeezed in for a better look at the Monument Records artist.

The Akron, Ohio native first picked up a guitar 10 years ago, and has since sang his way from hometown open mic nights to the Broadway bar scene. His voice was quickly noticed by Nashville talent scouts and soon he was performing for larger audiences, writing with Grammy Award-winning songwriters (Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne wrote “Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You”), and opening for Pat Green, Carly Pearce, and Russell Dickerson. Not to mention his debut song “Lead Me On” is playing on country music radio stations across the country. Robb performed the two previously mentioned hits as well as a new song titled “Tell Me How.”

Robb’s journey is one that many musicians take; dropping everything to move the Nashville for a shot at becoming a star. Few are as successful, and as talented, as Robb. If the energy at the concert is any indication of Robb’s popularity, then the future is looking good for this up and coming artist.

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Final “Rooftop On The Row” Of The 2019 Season Ends On A High Note

Mitchell Tenpenny performing. Photo credit: Courtesy of BMI.

The stormy forecast on August 20th didn’t stop BMI from throwing their lastRooftop On The Row” party of the summer.

Gone West performing. Photo credit: Courtesy of BMI.

The event, presented by George Dickel Tennessee Whisky, featured performances by Mitchell Tenpenny and Gone West. Attendees enjoyed BBQ from Texas Roadhouse and sipped on playfully named cocktails including Dickelade (Dickel and lemonade) and Redneck Pepper (Dickel Tabasco and Dr Pepper). Gone West took the stage first. The band, which consists of Grammy-winning artist Colbie Caillat, her fiancé Justin Young, Jason Reeves and his wife Nelly Joy, opened with the song “Gone West,” an homage to the reasons behind the band’s name. Caillat performed her hit song “Realize,” which she wrote with Reeves. They finished their set with a fun breakup song called “Confetti,” and their first single, ”What Could’ve Been.”

BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, Gone West and BMI’s Spencer Nohe (Photo: Nathan Zucker)

Between performances, one lucky concert-goer won a $250 voucher from Delta Airlines.

Mitchell Tenpenny opened with the song, “Truck I Drove in High School”. As the wind picked up, Tenpenny’s band kept a high energy vibe while they rocked out guitar solos under occasional lightning bolts. Tenpenny showed off his vocal abilities (and lung capacity) holding long notes with impressive intensity. The band slowed things down with a heartbreaker called “I Can’t Go To Church Anymore,” and picked the energy back up with the Platinum-certified No. 1 single, “Drunk Me.”

In the end, the storm held out long enough for both performances and BMI closed their summer rooftop concert series on a high note. 

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The Wild Feathers Made A Special Stop In Nashville’s Lucchese For An Intimate Show

Photo credit: Lauren Medwed Parker

The Wild Feathers made a stop in Nashville and transformed the Lucchese boot store into a live concert hall.  The band rocked out under the gold Lucchese sign, with a backdrop of premium leather boots.

Photo credit: Lauren Medwed Parker

The store provided a unique and intimate setting for the Warner Brothers Nashville band.  Members include Taylor Burns (guitar/vocals), Ricky Young (guitar/vocals), Joel King, (Bass/Vocals), and Ben Dumas (Drums). 

The country rock band played songs from their third studio album titled, “Greetings From The Neon Frontier”, which is also the name of their headlining tour. 

The best moment of the night came during the song, “Left My Woman”, when the band stopped playing and relied on fans to sing the chorus.  “That was okay”, joked Taylor Burns, as the band picked back up and finished out the song.

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Blake Shelton Celebrates #1 Hits “I’ll Name the Dogs” And “Every Time I Hear That Song” With BMI And ASCAP

BMI songwriter Josh Thompson, ASCAP songwriter Matt Dragstrem, Blake Shelton, ASCAP songwriter Ben Hayslip, and Scott Hendricks

Blake Shelton has been consistently putting out #1 hits since 2001 with Warner Music Nashville, and this past Tuesday, September 18, he celebrated two more chart-topping songs: “I’ll Name the Dogs,” and “Every Time I Hear That Song.”

Shelton opened the 3rd floor of his downtown bar, Ole Red, to honor the writers, producers, and everyone involved with the success of both songs.  

BMI and ASCAP both sponsored the celebration.  Writers from both organizations collaborated on the songs.

Blake Shelton and the writers of “I’ll Name The Dogs” with the Warner Music Nashville radio promo team.

ASCAP writer Aimee Mayo and her husband, BMI writer Chris Lindsey, worked with brothers Brad and Brett Warren (also with BMI) to create “Every Time I Hear That Song”.  They took the stage first, joined by Shelton and his producer, Scott Hendricks. Hendricks was celebrating his 70th and 71st number one songs.

Back Row, L to R: ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, Big Machine’s Mike Molinar, Big Loud’s Seth England, Round Hill’s Mark Brown, Big Loud’s Craig Wiseman, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, THiS Music’s Rusty Gaston, Warner Music’s John Esposito
Front Row, L to R: BMI songwriter Josh Thompson, ASCAP songwriter Matt Dragstrem, Blake Shelton, ASCAP songwriter Ben Hayslip, and Scott Hendricks

BMI’s David Preston awarded Mayo with a stunning brand-new Taylor 210e DLX acoustic guitar.  BMI-affiliated songwriters are given a guitar to honor their first No. 1 single with the company.  The group was then presented with their #1 medallions and each gave a small speech.  Shelton and Lindsay joked that the song was a “duh,” meaning they knew it would be a hit from the start.

Next to take the stage were ASCAP writers Ben Hayslip and Matt Dragstrem who teamed up with BMI writer Josh Thompson to create the song, “I’ll Name the Dogs”.  In a similar fashion, the group was presented with their medallions and given the stage for a short speech.

BMI Songwriter Brett Warren, BMI songwriter Brad Warren, Blake Shelton, BMI songwriter Aimee Mayo, ASCAP songwriter Chris Lindsey

Shelton addressed the audience and thanked the people who “worked their asses off” to get both songs to the top of the charts.  He said that he fell in love with the song, “I’ll Name the Dogs”, and that he and girlfriend, Gwen Stefani, listened to the demo several times on repeat before recording it.

At the end of his speech, Shelton admitted that he’s tried and failed at writing country songs, jokingly stating: “For God’s sake, write me another one whenever you get a chance.”

Back Row, L to R: Warner Chappell’s Alison Junker, SonyATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Scott Hendricks, Universal’s Kent Earls, Warner Music’s John Esposito, and BMI’s David Preston
Front Row: BMI Songwriter Brett Warren, BMI songwriter Brad Warren, Blake Shelton, BMI songwriter Aimee Mayo, ASCAP songwriter Chris Lindsey

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Luke Combs Celebrates His Recent Platinum Status For His Debut Album

Back Row: Larry McCoy, Joe Costa, James McNair, Jonathan Singleton, Channing Wilson, Thomas Archer, Rob Snyder
Front Row: Erin Ashley O’Keefe, Pat Cooper, Robert Williford, Luke Combs, Ray Fulcher, Drew Parker

Luke Combs has a lot to celebrate these days, and this past Monday, he did just that. At an event held at the Greenbrier Distillery, friends, family, songwriters, and fellow musicians joined the “Hurricane” singer as he was recognized for the success of his debut album, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU.

The party was low key and laid back just like Luke, with simple décor including whiskey barrel tables and vintage string lights. Drinks including: “Don’t Tempt Me With A Good Wine,” “This Marg’s For You Too,” and “Whiskey Got The Best Of Me,” were served in glasses donning Luke’s name. Guests were allowed to keep the glasses as well as take home a few custom Luke Combs coasters. Luke’s name could also be found seared on the Angus burger buns. Extra crispy tater tots and homemade chips with French onion dip accompanied the sliders; all of which are Luke’s favorite snacks.

After a few short speeches by supporting management, Luke took the stage to thank everyone for helping him reach the success he has attained in country music. He went on to announce that his hit single, “One Number Away”, officially went platinum.

 

“I just want you guys to know if you’re here tonight, you’re here for a reason and that’s because I love you and I appreciate you and everything that you’ve allowed me and this team to do together. I love you guys,” Combs stated.

 

After his speech, Luke took a few photos next to plaques dedicated to his #1 singles: “Hurricane”(certified 3x platinum), “When It Rains It Pours” (certified 2x platinum), “One Number Away”(platinum), and “Beautiful Crazy” (certified gold). Luke, always humble and down to earth, then mingled with guests and expressed his gratitude to each person individually.

 

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Show Review: Justin Flom’s “The Standard Of Magic”

When you think of Nashville, you think of musicians, but Justin Flom will have you thinking of magicians. Flom takes the stage every Thursday night at The Standard at the Smith House in his new production, “The Standard of Magic.”

The intimate 100-seat theatre is the perfect space for a magic show as it allows everyone to see the stage and feel close to the performance. Crystal ballroom chandeliers line the ceiling, lighting up the historical architecture and brick walls. Small tables with a chair on each side were set up around the stage.

The magic starts the second you check in, and continues until you leave. I don’t want to give away too much about the show, but I will say his style of magic is unlike any you have ever seen. Not only does Flom invite several audience members to become his impromptu assistants, but for those of us that are less likely to jump on stage, he has a special magic trick which involves the entire audience’s participation. Flom’s style of magic will keep you guessing and constantly asking yourself “how!?”

From classic displays of levitation and card tricks to mind reading and fire blowing, Justin Flow does it all and he does it well. And if his tricks aren’t enough to keep you engaged, Flom’s show also includes a fair amount of comedy. His magic is both funny and mind-boggling. It is a great night out for the entire family.

For those interested in continuing the show, a V.I.P. ticket allows you to tour the rest of the Smith house (Nashville’s oldest brownstone mansion) and stick around for a more intimate magic show with Flom.

This past week, the show’s director announced that Justin Flom’s “The Standard of Magic” will continue to run every Thursday through November, giving you plenty of time to check out the show for yourself.

The Standard of Magic is held every Thursday night at 8:00pm at The Standard at the Smith House located at 167 Rosa L Parks Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37203. Tickets range from $99 per person to $150 for the VIP experience.  Get tickets HERE before they disappear or visit www.TheStandardOfMagic.com for more information. Be sure to check the schedule for blackout dates (current blackout dates are September 13 and November 29 and additional dates may be added).

 

Follow @thestandardofmagic on Instagram and Facebook for news and updates throughout the run of the show.

 

ABOUT JUSTIN FLOM

Originally from Minnesota, Justin Flom now splits his time between Franklin, TN and Las Vegas, NV. Nashville audiences have come to know Justin from his appearances on ABC’s CMA Country Christmas and Florida Georgia Line’s arena tour with Thomas Rhett.  Flom has created magic for other stars including Lady Antebellum, Super Bowl Coach Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks, Nick Jonas, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen. Flom’s tour takes him to some of the most iconic buildings and eclectic locations in the U.S. Flom has partnered with and starred in multiple advertising campaigns, both on television and online, for companies like Coke, American Airlines, CMT, Walmart and Kellogg’s. In addition, Flom has co-authored a book on his life called “Adventures of a Kid Magician.”

 

For more information about Justin Flom, follow Justin on Facebook @justinflomofficial, Instagram @justinflom or visit his website at www.justinflom.com.

 

Watch The Standard of Magic video invitation here: https://youtu.be/wx2l241i3_E

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Brett Young Celebrates His Platinum Milestones With A Pool Party

Pictured (L-R): Producer DANN HUFF, BMLG Records President/BMLG EVP JIMMY HARNEN, BRETT YOUNG, BMLG A&R Director LAUREL KITTLESON and BMLG President/CEO SCOTT BORCHETTA.  
Photo credit: Brooke Greenberg

This past Wednesday, Big Machine Label Group celebrated its newest platinum artist, Brett Young, with a California themed pool party.  Big Machine president, Jimmy Harnen, welcomed songwriters, industry executives, and a few lucky journalists to his house for a night of honoring Brett Young’s four platinum songs and his platinum album.

 

The PLATINUM milestones follow Young’s first three singles: “Sleep Without You” (PLATINUM), “In Case You Didn’t Know” (3X PLATINUM) and “Like I Loved You” (PLATINUM).  Brett performed the compelling tunes and offered a surprise preview of the first single off his upcoming sophomore album, “Here Tonight,” for his special guests.

 

After being greeted with “platinum” leis, guests were led to the backyard pool area, which was decorated with silver balloons and everything platinum.  Displays of Brett Young’s four platinum singles lined a walkway to a patio-turned-stage. The gazebo was transformed into a bar where party-themed cocktails like the “Mercy Mule” and “Los Angeles Lemonade” were available.  The food was catered by The Peg Leg Porker, and included all the BBQ necessities.  Randi Events was the official party planner.  Tiers of platinum cupcakes were the perfect dessert. The party also included a photo booth where guests captured themselves having fun and being silly.

“It was surreal being back where I first signed my record deal and seeing how much has happened since then,” Young said. “It’s crazy to think just three years ago I was in the same place just getting started with my team. I wrote this album from such a vulnerable and honest place, so it means the world that these songs have connected with people the way they have. The time has flown by, and I can’t wait to share the new music with fans soon.”

BRETT YOUNG performs an acoustic set of hits.     
Photo credit: Brooke Greenberg

As the sun started to set, Brett Young took the “stage” and performed all 4 of his platinum songs. With the help of legendary musician and producer, Dann Huff, Brett rocked out and the two shared stories about Brett’s journey as a performer.  He thanked his songwriters, and producers, and let the guests in on some of the ups and downs he experienced along the way.  Brett Young ended his session with a new, up-tempo single that is coming on his second album.  After listening to the song, it is clear that Brett Young isn’t slowing down, and his second album may be even more successful than his first!

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Brett Young’s “soothing, approachable” (New York Times) self-titled debut album became an instant success upon its release in 2017, dominating the Top 20 on the Country Albums chart for 37 weeks, quickly reaching RIAA PLATINUM Certification. Delivering four consecutive hits, Young became one of Country music’s new class of hitmakers as each single climbed to the top of the charts. Along with the success of his songs, Young’s music videos have added steam with “In Case You Didn’t Know” surpassing 194 million views and “Mercy” spending multiple weeks atop Vevo’s Top Country chart. Drawing in a devoted fan base with his unique voice that is “a gentle and seductive combination of silk and gravel” (All Access), Young has carved out his own lane in both performance delivery and songwriting. Named as the only Country act on Billboard’s Top 10 New Artists, Young continues to impress the genre and beyond with nominations from the ACM, Billboard, Teen Choice, CMT and CMA Awards. Above the industry successes, his relationship with fans found Young selling out every single stop on his debut headlining CALIVILLE TOUR and earning new followers on the road with Thomas Rhett’s LIFE CHANGES TOUR 2018. For additional information, visit brettyoungmusic.com.

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