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The Music Row Show Finds New Home On Radio & TV

By on May 16, 2012 in In The Press

Music Industry-geared Show Partners with 650 AM WSM and BlueHighways TV

Music Row ShowToday, The Music Row Show announced that on Sunday, June 3, the radio program will make the leap to the legendary 650 AM WSM airwaves, calling the southern powerhouse station its new home.  In addition, BlueHighways TV will begin filming the show in June, with plans to air the program on television starting in July.

“We can’t even express how excited we are to bring The Music Row Show to WSM and BlueHighways TV!  It’s an honor to be even a small part of WSM’s 86 year history and its musical legacy,” says co-host Scott Southworth.

Co-host Heino Moeller adds, “Plus to become a member of the BlueHighways TV family and its commitment to celebrating American music, art and culture is more than Scott and I ever imagined when we started the show.”

Broadcast live from Nashville, Tennessee, The Music Row Show, a weekly two-hour radio program, features hosts Scott Southworth and Heino Moeller, as they offer a welcoming and comfortable forum for their guests to talk about their craft and reveal adventures in the music business.  In 2007, Southworth and Moeller launched The Music Row Show on Nashville’s WLAC airwaves.

“We are so incredibly thankful for the almost five years we spent broadcasting from Nashville’s WLAC,” says Moeller.  “Without WLAC, we wouldn’t be where we are today.  We are forever grateful for all the opportunities they gave us.”

The Music Row Show‘s popularity has soared since its debut, building a solid listenership and attracting an array of guests that includes some of the music industry’s most notable decisionmakers and recording artists.

“Scott and Heino have done an amazing job building such a loyal international fan base for The Music Row Show,” notes Tom English, General Manager 650 AM WSM. “We are very proud to now bring the duo to our legendary airwaves and introduce this video version of the show exclusively on BlueHighways TV.

“Our viewers will love this video version of Scott and Heino’s The Music Row Show,” said Stan Hitchcock, Chairman and CEO of BlueHighways TV.  “Their entertaining delivery and keen knowledge of the music industry will connect with the BlueHighways TV audience. We are also pleased to partner with WSM, as it brings strong credentials to our television version of this popular radio program.”

Catch The Music Row Show on Sunday evenings on 650 AM WSM from 7-9 PM CT starting June 3.

Debut of BlueHighways TV edition of The Music Show Show TBA.  Bluehighways TV can be viewed in over 250 markets thoughout the nation.

About BlueHighways TV
BlueHighways TV is an independent multi-platform network, delivered in both standard and high definition, which grew out of the great interest that audiences have in exploring the folklore, music, traditions, destinations and artistry of America.   Conceived and created by Network Creative Group, LLC, BlueHighways TV captures that welcoming, down-home spirit that Americans are known for, delivered with a fresh and sincere voice.

For more information on BlueHighways TV visit www.BlueHighwaysTV.com.

About WSM Radio
650 AM WSM’s first official broadcast day was October 5, 1925.  The station is the radio home of the Grand Ole Opry, which has been broadcast live over the airwaves since its inception.  650 AM WSM can be heard in 38 states and worldwide at wsmonline.com.  WSM-AM is owned by Gaylord Entertainment, a Nashville-based hospitality and entertainment company that owns and operates Gaylord Hotels, the Grand Ole Opry, and the historic Ryman Auditorium.  A weekly listing of all 650 AM WSM programming is available at www.wsmonline.com.

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Artist Red Carpet Arrivals, Fashion Show, Music, And Much More Added To Fan Fair Hall During CMA Music Festival

By on May 11, 2012 in In The Press

Individual Tickets to the Fan Fair Hall at the Nashville Convention Center Available for $25; $20 if Purchased With a CMA Music Festival Nightly Concert Ticket for LP Field

NASHVILLE – Live performances, exciting new events, lifestyle exhibits, and autograph signings are the centerpiece of the Fan Fair® Hall during the 2012 CMA Music Festival, which will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10 in Nashville, Tenn.

“The unique bond between our artists and their fans has been the foundation of this event since it began as Fan Fair in 1972,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “And the epicenter of that relationship exists today in the Fan Fair Hall.”

“We are constantly looking for ways to enhance the experience for our fans and the artists and we have made several exciting changes and additions to the Fan Fair Hall this year that are sure to be popular with our attendees,”said Sheri Warnke, CMA Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing.

Hours for the Fan Fair Hall are Thursday through Saturday June 7-9 from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM/CT; Sunday, June 10 from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM.

Each day new names are being added to the list of celebrities signing in the Fan Fair Hall including Lauren Alaina, Bill Anderson, Lynn Anderson, Laura Bell Bundy, Bucky Covington, Cowboy Troy, Billy Dean, Donna Fargo, Colt Ford, William Lee Golden, Jack Greene, Casey James, Joey + Rory, The Lacs, LoCash Cowboys, Manuel, The McClymonts, Scotty McCreery, Robin Meade, Montgomery Gentry, Craig Morgan, Joe Nichols, LuLu Roman, Matt Stillwell, Doug Stone, Two Foot Fred, Bryan White, Winfield’s Locket, Chris Young, and many more to be announced soon.

CMA Music Festival

Fans gather around the CMA booth in the Fan Fair hall during the 2011 CMA Music Festival. Photo Credit: Jim Hagans

Durango Acoustic Corner Broadcast by 650 AM WSM

CMA Music Festival is about music and the fans and you will find both in the Durango Acoustic Corner Broadcast by 650 AM WSM. For the first time in 2012, the Durango Acoustic Corner is moving to the floor of the convention center with seating for fans and continuous music.

Performances take place Thursday through Saturday, June 7-9 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM; on Sunday, June 10 from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM. Schedule in order of appearance (subject to change):

Thursday, June 7 – Gene Watson, Georgette Jones, Lulu Roman, Riders in the Sky, Bryan White. Jesse Keith Whitley, James Wesley, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Black Lillies, Billy Dean

Friday, June 8 – The Roys, Bucky Covington, Janie Fricke, Gwen Sebastian, Buddy Jewell, T. Graham Brown, Carter’s Chord, Jimmy Fortune, Marty Raybon, Con Hunley

Saturday, June 9 – Dana Romanello, Jason Michael Carroll, Lonesome River Band, Heidi Newfield, Doug Stone, Mark Wills, Lynn Anderson, Teea Goans, Chase Rice, Joanna Smith

Sunday, June 10 – Donna Ulisse & The Poor Mountain Boys, Chuck Wagon Gang, Sarah Darling, The Grascals, Due West, The McClymonts, Lesley McDaniel, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out

Fan Fair Hall Red Carpet

Fans get to be the paparazzi! An exciting new feature of the Fan Fair Hall in 2012 is the Red Carpet where fans can take photos of their favorite stars as they arrive to sign autographs throughout the day.

“Crowding around booths sometimes made it difficult to get a good photo of an artist, but with this new area with a raised Red Carpet, fans will have a much better opportunity to get that coveted photo of a favorite artist as they enter or leave the Hall,” Warnke said.

Wrangler Fashion Show

The Wrangler Fashion Show is the place for Country Music fashionistas to see artists modeling the hottest styles. Hosted by GAC personality Suzanne Alexander, the Wrangler Fashion Show will be held Saturday, June 9 (1:00-2:00 PM) at the Fan Fair Hall Red Carpet.

The Wrangler Fashion Show will be a showcase of Wrangler fashion with additional designs from Manuel, designer to the stars who is known world-wide for his embellished and embroidered motifs. Manuel will also be embellishing a two Wrangler items that will be auctioned after CMA Music Festival to raise funds for CMA’s music education campaign, Keep the Music Playing. Durango Boots will be providing footwear for all models.

Budweiser Supports Folds of Honor Foundation

As part of their Fan Fair Hall exhibit, Budweiser is continuing their 100+ year commitment to the brave men and women of the U.S. armed forces by partnering with the Folds of Honor Foundation to honor the sacrifices of the fallen and support their families through scholarships and other opportunities.

Budweiser is dedicating the 2012 baseball season to recognizing their sacrifices through the Walk-Off A Hero program; for every walk-off win, Budweiser will donate $5,000 to Folds of Honor. Budweiser is also pleased to feature special patriotic cans and bottles available in stores this summer.

Additionally, Budweiser will be donating a portion of sales (April 20-July 7) to Folds of Honor Foundation. These programs are all part of an effort to raise as much as $2.5 million. The partnership between the Folds of Honor Foundation and Budweiser will significantly expand the mission to help these deserving military families.

The Fan Fair Hall Marketplace

Special mementos and unique fashions can be found in the Fan Fair Hall Marketplace featuring a variety of vendors including Apparel, The Charleston Soap Company, Dillards for the Reba Brand, Hillbilly Brand, Manuel, Mignon’s, Twisted Sisters, and more.

New Autograph Drawing

CMA recently announced new procedures for autograph seekers to enhance the overall Festival experience, improve safety, and make the process for securing a treasured autograph equitable for all Festival goers. The new system will be a drawing with online sign ups and advance notification, which will enable Festival goers to better schedule their time so they can attend concerts and take part in free events and activities rather than waiting in line in hopes of securing a signature. The advance sign-up system creates a level playing field for all fans to enter for their chance to win an autograph signing ticket.

Here is how it works: Individual booths will no longer distribute tickets for autograph signings each morning inside the Hall. Instead, fans will enter a random drawing for the opportunity to meet various artists appearing in the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall. Patrons will enter this drawing in advance of CMA Music Festival via an online entry form at CMAfest.com. Entering the drawing is easy:

Go to www.CMAfest.com anytime until May 28 (ending at 5:00 PM/CT).
Patrons enter their contact information and then select from the list of participating artists signing autographs in the Hall.
Patrons may select as few or as many of the artists listed to be entered to win a ticket for each respective signing.
Once the entry has been submitted, it can’t be changed. Duplicate entries will not be considered.
All winners will be notified on Friday, June 1 via email.

The confirmation emails will contain detailed information on which artist(s) the fan gets to meet as well as the date, time, and location of the signings inside the Fan Fair Hall, plus instructions on where, when, and how to retrieve autograph wrist bands inside the Nashville Convention Center.

Tickets for the Fan Fair Hall

CMA Music Festival four-day ticket holders aren’t the only lucky ones with access to the Fan Fair Hall. Tickets to visit the Fan Fair Hall cost $25 per ticket, per day; $20 if purchased with a ticket to one of the Nightly Concerts at LP Field. Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster.com (http://www.ticketmaster.com/Country-Music-Festival-tickets/artist/1711387). Tickets will also be available at the Nashville Convention Center at the Commerce Street entrance beginning Wednesday, June 6 from 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

CMA Music Festival is the Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience – a celebration of America’s music that takes over downtown Nashville with non-stop concerts on multiple stages with a vast and varied roster of artists. CMA Music Festival is a four-time winner of the International Entertainment Buyers Association’s LIVE! Award for Festival of the Year (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010).

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of CMA. Chevrolet™ is the Official Ride of Country Music. BIC is an Official Partner of the 2012 CMA Music Festival. Connect with CMA online at CMAfest.com, Facebook.com/CMA and Twitter.com/CountryMusic.

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Carter’s Chord’s New Inspirational Video “Love A Little Bigger” Debuts on VEVO

By on April 29, 2012 in In The Press

Sisters Traveled to Dominican Republic to Support World Vision and Shoot Authentic Footage

Carter's ChordLast Monday country rising stars Carter’s Chord (Becky Robertson, Emily Fortney, Joanna Ott) premiered their video for “Love A Little Bigger.” This week I caught up with the girls to talk about the song and the video. (Well, two out of three of them. Becky was on her honeymoon in Maui… whatever, we’re jealous. But congrats to her and her husband Jeremiah Scott!)

As we reported a little while ago, the girls traveled to the Dominican Republic with World Vision to shoot the video, which premiered exclusively on VEVO on April 16th.

“We really felt a great connection [with World Vision],” said Joanna.  “We have a huge heart for that sort of thing, and it’s been an honor to partner with such a great organization.”

Director Chris Hickey (Better Life, by Keith Urban; Our Kind of Love, by Lady Antebellum) was along for the ride, shooting authentic footage for the video. The girls even said that he was going to dedicate more of his time to World Vision after this experience.

“This is all live footage from the Dominican,” said Emily. “There were no extras or makeup artists. All the shots were real moments captured with real people.”

Not only that, but all of the children featured in the video are in the World Vision program, which means they are either sponsored or waiting to be sponsored.

And don’t think for a second that Carter’s Chord doesn’t put their money where their mouth is. They sponsor a four-year-old girl, Franyely, who they got to meet for the first time.

“Everyone can do their part,” said Joanna. “We just want to inspire people to ‘love a little bigger.’”

The video is currently on VEVO, and making its rounds all over TV. Click here to buy it on iTunes, and check out the video below!


About Carter’s Chord:

Sisters Joanna, Emily and Becky spent their childhood immersed in the sounds of country music, specifically the Outlaw Movement, thanks to parents Carter and Barny Robertson, who toured and performed with Waylon Jennings during the height of that legendary period of country music. Their six-song EP is saturated with a similar attitude and style, music that stands just outside the boundaries, while remaining true to the roots and vibe that is country music. “Love A Little Bigger” is available on the EP titled, Wild Together.

About World Vision:

World VisionWorld Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.  For more information on their efforts, visit www.worldvision.org

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MusicRow Publication Founder David M. Ross Pens Digital Marketing Book, “Secrets Of The List”

By on April 20, 2012 in In The Press

Digital and print editions now available at Amazon.com

David M. Ross

"Secrets Of The List" author David M. Ross

MusicRow magazine founder and Nashville industry veteran David M. Ross has released the ultimate digital marketing insider’s handbook, titled “Secrets Of The List.”

“Secrets Of The List” introduces readers to a world where anything is possible – a world where companies big and small communicate one-on-one with customers and market themselves effectively and economically. Ross’ book pulls back the curtain on some of the most powerful marketing ideas today and details a step-by-step strategy for readers to begin profiting through the power of these ideas.

“This is not just about being on Facebook or sending out an occasional Tweet on Twitter,” says “Secrets Of The List” author David M. Ross. “It’s dedicated to helping entrepreneurs leverage digital marketing opportunities using email and social media. The community you build also becomes a ‘consumer army’ of dedicated brand supporters, invaluable for feedback as your company grows and considers new offerings. Networks like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have become the online meeting places where friends gather, exchange news and talk about what’s on their mind. Looked at differently, these networks have become the most efficient word of mouth machine in the history of the world.”

“Content quality trumps quantity,” advises Ross, who has spent more than 30 years as a professional journalist. “Don’t let your quest for efficiency obscure the value of the work itself. Your goal is not just efficiency, but to shine, sparkle and engage.”

Author David M. Ross is the founder of Nashville music industry publication, MusicRow.  During his 30-year tenure, Ross profitably transformed MusicRow from a print magazine to a digital medium by pioneering many of the email and social media marketing techniques revealed in “Secrets Of The List,” Ross’ first full-length book project.

One of Country music’s most frequently read industry analysts, Ross continues to cover the intersection between Nashville entertainment business and technology, speaking often at seminars, conferences and panels.

David M. Ross received the Country Music Association’s President’s Award for Outstanding Service in 1998 and the Canadian Country Music Association’s Leonard T. Rambeau Award for International Achievement in 2003. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School with a BS in Economics and later attended the Berklee College of Music, majoring in Arranging.

“Secrets Of The List” is published by BossRoss Media. For more information, visit www.SecretsOfTheList.com. Click here for a PDF preview of selected chapters from the book.

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$32,000 Raised For Middle Tennessee Children During Inaugural Christmas 4 Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament

By on April 15, 2012 in In The Press, Special Events, The Latest

Untitled
Mount Juliet, TN (April 12, 2012) – On April 10, golfers hit the course with their favorite sports and music celebrities raising over $32,000 during the inaugural 2012 Christmas 4 Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament Presented By: PREVOST at Pine Creek Golf Course in Mount Juliet, TN. This year’s co-hosts Tennessee Titans Placekicker, Rob Bironas and 2011 ICM “Bluegrass Artist of the Year,” The Roys and their fellow teammates, artists, and musicians including Brett Kern, Troy Gentry, Colin McCarthy, Buddy Jewell, Joe Diffie, Craig Stevens, Tracy Lawrence, Tim Shaw, Keith Burns and Doyle Lawson enjoyed a day of fun that will give Middle Tennessee children the chance to experience the gift of giving during the Christmas season. For more information on Christmas 4 Kids visit www.christmas4kids.org.

“The 2012 Christmas 4 Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament Presented By: PREVOST was a hit for everyone involved,” said Debbie Lamberson. “We raised over $32,000 that will help local children experience the gift of giving this Christmas. I am truly excited to see the look on every one of the children’s faces this December as they shop for their friends and family.”

“Elaine and I have been supporters of Christmas 4 Kids for several years now, but this is our first time co-hosting an event for the organization,” said Lee Roy of The Roys. “We are grateful to all the golfers who participated knowing the money raised will give children the opportunity to buy Christmas presents for their friends and family.”

This year the course featured themed holes and challenges including a Hole-In-One prize, a Ball in Chip Challenge, a Las Vegas Trip Hole, and Closest to the Pin Challenge where participants competed for the chance to win a $25,000 cash prize, a jar of Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey, a $1,000 cash prize, and a FREE Zoom teeth whitening experience. After the tournament the participants enjoyed a live performance by several of the celebrities taking part in the event including The Roys, Tracy Lawrence, Troy Gentry, Nathan Douglas, and Eric Lee Beddingfield. During a live auction, hands were flying for the chance to win the lyrics to “Devil Went Down to Georgia” handwritten by Charlie Daniels himself, a guitar signed by the Tennessee Titans and the opportunity to see Montgomery Gentry in concert.

In addition to the golf tournament Christmas 4 Kids features other events throughout the year including the annual Charlie Daniels & Friends Concert in November and the Tour Bus show in December. For more information on these events and how to get involved with Christmas 4 Kids visit www.christmas4kids.org.

About Christmas 4 Kids:
For over twenty years, Christmas 4 Kids has been providing children in the Middle Tennessee area with this unique opportunity to experience Christmas in a new way. Last year, Christmas 4 Kids was able to give 450 children in the Middle Tennessee area a ride on a celebrity tour bus, a party with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the chance to buy presents for their friends and family at a local Wal-Mart. Proceeds from the 2012 Celebrity Golf Tournament and other events throughout the year will go to make this reality again in December 2012.

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Song Review, Debut Single “Cruise” By Florida Georgia Line Released To ITunes

By on April 14, 2012 in In The Press

Florida Georgia Line

“Cruise” is the debut single just released to iTunes by up and coming duo Florida Georgia Line.

This was my first time to hear this new country duo and hopefully not my last! I was instantly taken in by this upbeat tune that is filled with great harmonies and a rocking country sound.  It is beautifully-produced and well-crafted musicianship.  You’ll be hooked after the first few bars.  I was!

Perfect for driving down the road with the windows down on a cool spring day and music cranked loud from the speakers.  It’s the type of infectious song that is going to appeal to a mostly young 20-something audience, but I think anyone that is a fan of good country music will like it as well!

Rated 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

###

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – (April 10, 2012) – Big Loud Mountain’s up and coming duo Florida Georgia Line is ready to get country music fans cruising this spring with the release of their debut single “Cruise” to iTunes today, Tuesday April 10. The song will be hitting country radio airwaves later this month and is from their forthcoming EP. The duo—Monroe, Georgia’s Tyler Hubbard and Ormond Beach, Florida’s Brian Kelley— combines electrifying, hard-driving rock with honest, expressive lyrics into one of the most exciting sounds in all of country music.

Produced by Joey Moi (Jake Owen, Nickelback), “Cruise” is an infectious anthem to love in its first magic moments, bringing their trademark harmonies and rocking sound to bear on a tale of youthful attraction, music and Georgia back roads sure to thrill old and new fans alike.

“We wanted a fun song that makes you feel good and literally makes you wanna cruise with the windows down. We love a good time just like our fans and hopefully this song will be a part of theirs,” said Brian. “I can’t wait for country fans to hear this new sound!” adds Tyler.

Florida Georgia Line is currently out on the road visiting radio and playing shows nationwide in support of the new single with upcoming dates opening for artists like Blake Shelton, Jake Owen, Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford. The duo will also be featured on the 2012 Country Throwdown Tour with Gary Allan, Rodney Atkins, and Justin Moore.

To listen to “Cruise,” CLICK HERE

For more information on Florida Georgia Line and tour dates, visit www.FloridaGeorgiaLine.com

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Charter’s Chord’s “Love A Little Bigger” Video Set to World Premier on VEVO April 16

By on April 10, 2012 in In The Press, The Latest

Group Partners With World Vision, Inspiring People To Love A Little Bigger

World VisionShow Dog – Universal Music sister group, Carter’s Chord (Becky Robertson, Emily Fortney, Joanna Ott) hopes to inspire people to “Love A Little Bigger” when their new music video, of the same name, premieres exclusively on VEVO April 16. The group recently took a trip to the Dominican Republic to shoot their music video in conjunction with international humanitarian organization, World Vision.

The song, written by Emily, was inspired by a trip the group took to Guatemala where they experienced first-hand the poverty people in that area were living in. “When we made the trip to Guatemala in 2009, we were struck by the amazing need for love that exists in this world,” says Emily.  “After returning home, I sat down one afternoon and wrote this song. As artists, our hope for the world is that we all learn to ‘Love A Little Bigger’.”

“We chose to partner with World Vision because we really believe in what they do as a company and wanted to do something through our music that would reach people on a global level,” adds Emily. “Our partnership with World Vision allows us to play our music while also sharing with our fans how they can help a child in need.”

The video, shot by award-winning director, Chris Hicky was filmed in areas where World Vision is working to provide education resources, training and assistance to help the local people build better lives and featured some children who are sponsored through the organization. While on the trip, the group was able to meet the child they sponsor in the Dominican Republic as well as her family. The special moment was captured and incorporated into the music video.

“It was really important for us to shoot a music video for this song because we wanted to show the beauty and vibrancy of these children and their communities. This is a song about hope, perseverance, and love.” remarks Becky. “We want people to feel a sense of joy when they watch this video,” adds Joanna. “Ultimately, we would love to get as many children sponsored as possible and if this video inspires people to get involved with World Vision, then we’ve done our job.  Hopefully people will take away a desire to look at their own lives and see what areas they could be loving a little bigger.”

Click on the following link for a behind the scenes piece from the trip and please find photo from the video shoot attached that includes the entire team that traveled to the Dominican Republic. http://www.carterschord.com/index.php/world-vision/

 

Charter's Chord World Vision

Front row: World Vision US's Lee Broadwell, Producer April Dace, SDUs Natalie Moore, CCs Becky Robertson, Carolay Montes de Oca Peralta, Director Chris Hicky, CCs Emily Fortney, CCs Joanna Ott, World Vision Dominican Republic's Claudia Martinez, Back Row: TKO Artist Management's Alan Good, WV USs Michael Bianchi, Agripina Peralta Brito, Director of Photography Dave Ogle, WV USs Mike Severson, WV USs Charles Dorris

About Carter’s Chord:

Sisters Joanna, Emily and Becky spent their childhood immersed in the sounds of country music, specifically the Outlaw Movement, thanks to parents Carter and Barny Robertson, who toured and performed with Waylon Jennings during the height of that legendary period of country music. Their six-song EP is saturated with a similar attitude and style, music that stands just outside the boundaries, while remaining true to the roots and vibe that is country music. “Love A Little Bigger” is available on the EP titled, Wild Together.

About World Vision:

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.  For more information on their efforts, visit www.worldvision.org

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Musicians Corner Returns For It’s Third Season!

By on April 3, 2012 in In The Press, Special Events

Free Weekly Events in Centennial Park Begin Saturday, May 5

Musicians Corner

Musicians Corner, Nashville’s free weekly lawn party in Centennial Park, will kick off its third season on Saturday, May 5.

Musicians Corner’s spring season takes place on Saturdays from May 5 to June 30. The May 5 kick off event at Musicians Corner will begin with a Mobile Food Court lunch from 11 AM – 3 PM, featuring several of Nashville’s mobile food trucks. Musicians Corner will provide unplugged acoustic entertainment on site from 1 – 3 PM for people who turn out early to enjoy lunch in Centennial Park.

Musicians Corner’s third season officially begins at 3 PM and runs until 6 PM. The kick off event will feature musical performances, Kidsville activities, a Dog of the Day award, mobile food trucks, prize giveaways and showcase nonprofit partner World Vision. May 5 performers include The Fisk Jubilee Singers, Sugar & The Hi Lows, Escondido and more to be announced. The Mix 92.9 Kidsville area, which is being funded in part by a generous grant from the Jackson National Community Fund, will feature crafts and other fun activities for the little ones. Musicians Corner attendees are encouraged to stop by the 41st Annual TACA Spring Craft Fair taking place in Centennial Park from 10 AM to 6 PM on May 5.

“We’re planning another wonderful season of free family-friendly entertainment for the Nashville community” said John Tumminello, Musicians Corner Executive Director. “We hope people will spend a relaxing Saturday afternoon with us to enjoy some of the best music Nashville has to offer!”

Last year, Musicians Corner presented a diverse line-up of music by: Emmylou Harris, Gabe Dixon, The Wooten Brothers, Nanci Griffith, Ben Sollee, Trent Dabbs, Melinda Doolittle, Sarah Buxton, The Vespers, Damien Horne, James Otto, The Delta Saints, Pat McLaughlin, Nathan Angelo and over 100 additional performers.

“Musicians Corner is one of the many long-term initiatives that helps to highlight Nashville globally as Music City,” said Mayor Karl Dean. “While Musicians Corner offers our citizens free weekly entertainment at one of our most beautiful urban parks, it also provides a great venue for local musicians and opportunities for visiting artists to share their creative talent with our community.”

Musicians CornerThe 2012 season will feature more multi-genre musical performances by over 60 artists including: David Mead, Emily West, The McCrary Sisters, k.s. Rhoads, Jim Lauderdale, The Fisk Jubilee Singers, Heypenny, Bo Bice, Sugar & The Hi Lows, Chuck Mead, The Kicks, Jill Andrews, Andy Davis, Jason Eskridge, Sarah Siskind, Star and Micey, Blue Mother Tupelo, Umbrella Tree, Marc Scibilia, Christabel and the Jons, The Cumberland Collective and Megan McCormick. You can view the entire confirmed spring season schedule at MusiciansCornerNashville.com. More artists will be announced throughout April.

The spring season of Musicians Corner will take place from 3-6 PM on Saturdays in May and June on Centennial Park’s front lawn (near McDonalds). After a break during Nashville’s “hot” months, Musicians Corner will present its fall season on Saturdays from September 1 to October 27. 

Musicians Corner is a program of The Conservancy for The Parthenon and Centennial Park, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is funded and made possible by the generous support of over 25 organizations in the music, media and business community.

Sponsors include: World Vision, The Conservancy, Vanderbilt University, City National Bank, Jackson National Life Insurance Company, Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, Metro Parks, Taziki’s, Baker Donelson and Friendly Arctic.

Music Industry Partners include: BMI, Brantley Sound Associates, The ASCAP Foundation, SESAC, SAE Institute, Paul Worley Productions, EMI, Sony Music, Sony/ATV Publishing, We Make Tapes & Discs, Nashville Symphony, Music City Roots, American Songspace and Nashville Songwriters Association.

Media Partners include: Lightning 100, Nashville Scene, Mix 92.9, Now Playing Nashville and Mogreet.

Additional partners and sponsors will be announced throughout the month of April.

For more information about Musicians Corner, please visit www.musicianscornernashville.com.

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General Mills, Big Machine Label Group and Feeding America Join Forces to Outnumber Hunger

By on March 30, 2012 in In The Press, The Latest

Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride and The Band Perry Among the Artists Supporting the Initiative

See Video Here: www.Youtube.com/OutnumberHunger

Rascal Flatts visiting a food bank in New Jersey

Image above features Rascal Flatts visiting a food bank in New Jersey

Las Vegas, NV: (March 30, 2012) – General Mills and Big Machine Label Group’s star-studded roster of Country music artists are teaming up with Feeding America to Outnumber Hunger in a national initiative that helps fight hunger in local communities. Outnumber Hunger will help Feeding America secure up to 15.6 million meals for local food banks to assist the one in six Americans who struggles with hunger.

According to the USDA, an estimated 49 million Americans struggle with hunger, making the issue a growing reality in every community. By simply entering codes at OutnumberHunger.com, Americans can make a difference in their local communities at a time when it matters most.

“Hunger is a year-round issue but it can be especially critical in the spring, so Feeding America food banks need help now,” said Vicki B. Escarra, President and CEO, Feeding America.  “The combined reach that General Mills and Big Machine Label Group’s artists bring to the hunger crisis will help provide critical resources at this key time.”

This powerful group of partners is using its collective voice to rally Americans for the cause. Codes will appear on millions of specially-marked packages of General Mills products to give people the chance to help Feeding America secure five meals on behalf of their local food banks.

“As a leading food company, no cause is more important to us than the hunger issue,” said Cheryl Welch, Director, Outnumber Hunger at General Mills. “We’re thrilled to give people the chance to make a difference in their own communities through Outnumber Hunger.”

Specially-marked packages of General Mills products will feature an Outnumber Hunger code, as well as favorite Big Machine Label Group artists like Rascal Flatts. More than 10 General Mills brands, including Betty Crocker, Green Giant, Totino’s and Cheerios, will participate. Entering the code at OutnumberHunger.com helps Feeding America secure five meals on behalf of a local food bank. Participants enter their ZIP codes, and meals will stay in or near the area.

Big Machine Label Group artists also will offer select special codes on Facebook and Twitter that help Feeding America secure five meals for local food banks. Big Machine Label Group artists who are encouraging participation include Multi-Platinum-selling superstar artists Rascal Flatts, Reba, Martina McBride, and The Band Perry as well as established chart-topping acts Eli Young Band, Justin Moore, Brantley Gilbert and newcomers Sunny Sweeney, Edens Edge, Ella Mae Bowen and Thomas Rhett.

“It takes a Big Machine to Outnumber Hunger, and we have an opportunity to make a huge difference in local communities,” said Scott Borchetta, President and CEO, of Big Machine Label Group. “That’s why we’re thrilled to come together with our artists, General Mills and Feeding America to help the hunger issue in a significant way. Together we can Outnumber Hunger.”

Additionally, the Outnumber Hunger partners have created an educational video with Rascal Flatts that highlights the issue of hunger and shows how anyone can get involved to help Feeding America. It will air during a Rascal Flatts theater event in New York City and in over 600 movie theaters across the country on the night of April 5. Tickets to the movie theater concert event can be purchased online at www.fathomevents.com.

“Our fans have always been strong supporters of us and our families,” said Joe Don Rooney, Rascal Flatts. “By being involved in Outnumber Hunger, we hope to provide that same support for those who may struggle with hunger. We’re grateful to have the chance to spread awareness of this important cause.”

General Mills will donate $0.65 to Feeding America—enough to help secure 5 meals on behalf of local food banks—for every code entered. To make a difference in your local community with Outnumber Hunger, visit www.OutnumberHunger.com.

About General Mills
One of the world’s leading food companies, General Mills operates in more than 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Progresso, Yoplait, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen, and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills had fiscal 2010 global net sales of US$16 billion, including the company’s $1.2 billion proportionate share of joint venture net sales.

About Feeding America
Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 61,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit http://www.feedingamerica.org. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter attwitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

About Big Machine Label Group
At the helm of the independent Big Machine Label Group is industry veteran Scott Borchetta, who serves as President and CEO. The conglomerate encompasses Big Machine Records (founded in 2005), The Valory Music Co. (founded in 2007) and Republic Nashville (a partnership with Universal Republic founded in 2009 with Jimmy Harnen serving as President). The Big Machine Label Group’s current artist roster includes Multi-Platinum superstars Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Reba and Martina McBride; Platinum sensations The Band Perry; Newly minted Gold-selling artist Brantley Gilbert; Chart-topping established acts Eli Young Band and Justin Moore, and  newcomers Sunny Sweeney, Edens Edge, Ella Mae Bowen, Greg Bates and Thomas Rhett. BMLG artists have received multiple GRAMMY, CMA, ACM, American Music Awards, CMT Music Awards, Teen Choice Awards, MTV Video Music Award and People’s Choice Award accolades as well as Brit Award and JUNO Award nominations.

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Darryl Worley Exclusive Interview

By on March 23, 2012 in In The Press

Discusses new single, some greatest hits, his beautiful wife and what’s yet to come.

His new single was just released to radio, and now Darryl Worley is ready for prime time again. And he promises you won’t be disappointed:

“I put nothing but hit songs on this upcoming project. Any song you pick off it you could release as a single.”

Darryl and I talked about how the new song came to be, and I also delved into the stories and meanings behind a couple of his greatest hits. We really look forward to the upcoming album; and be assured that Focus on the 615 will have a review on it as soon as it’s out!

Darryl WorleyMatt: Tell me about the new single You Still Got It.

Darryl: It’s a song I wrote with Brett Jones, a real good friend of mine. When I got [to the writing session] he already had the chorus… As soon as I heard him doing it I said, “Man, this sounds like a hit!” So we sat down and wrote two verses and a bridge that day. Then, we both started getting ideas about who might record this song.

Matt: So it wasn’t originally written FOR you?

Darryl: I didn’t write it for me, no. We talked about Billy Currington, and James Otto, and some different folks that could pull it off. Even Randy Owen. I wasn’t thinking a whole lot about cutting it myself until, on a whim, I played it at a fan club party this past year. And they just went nuts! So when we finally went in the studio I told Brett, “I think I’m going to cut a track on this. He said, ‘Go for it man!’” He loved it.

Matt: Who’s the song about; what was your inspiration behind the song?

Darryl: Well on my side of the coin, I was obviously thinking about my wife. I just think she’s a hottie, I always have. I never get tired of looking at her, and that’s one thing I’ve always known would never change. So for me to write something like this was very natural. So it was all about her, and writing something a little bit fun. It’s actually a little bit of a different thing for me. You know, for the most part the big hits have been pretty heavy. But this is just being. It is what it is, and it’s not rocket science. It’d be nice if we can have a nice little hit with this thing.

“For the most part the big hits have been pretty heavy. But this is just being. It is what it is, and it’s not rocket science.”

Matt: That’s actually a really good segue into a question one of your fans submitted to us on Facebook (Thank you Jim for the question!): How does it feel to write songs like Have You Forgotten or Sounds Like Life with such deep meaning behind them AND have them go to number one because people loved them so much?

Darryl: You know with both of those songs I felt a great deal of responsibility to get it right, because I knew if the world got to hear those songs they had the potential to change people’s lives. And on both accounts I’ve had people approach me and say, “There’s no way you could know what that song has meant to me.” I mean, you don’t necessarily think of specific things like that when you’re writing a song. I think that’s important to us as songwriters to care enough about that song to just get it right.

Matt: I would be remiss if I didn’t also talk to you about Awful Beautiful Life, because when that came out I was in college, and that was EVERY girl’s status update on AIM! (Remember AIM?) So how did you come to write that song, and what does it mean to you?

Darryl: It means a lot to me. The guy I co-wrote that song with actually passed away not too long ago. His name was Harley Allen, and I think about him now every time I do the song. He said, “I want every syllable of this song to be right out of your real life.” And he said, “Everyone will have a connection to this song if we do it right.” He was a genius songwriter, and every word in that song is true. And it’s still the song of mine that probably gets the most recurrent airplay.

Matt: So you’ve obviously had a long career with chart-topping singles, a couple million albums sold, award nominations… What are you’re goals still? What would you like to do that you haven’t yet?

Darryl: To have a string of three to four significant hits in a row. That’s what everybody in this business needs to do to reach the next level. We’ve been out here a long time, but I believe if we do that now, we could be out here for another ten years, and maybe past that. So that’s my ultimate goal and that’s why I put nothing but hit songs on this upcoming project.

Matt: We certainly look forward to it. One final thing, give us a message to your fans:

Darryl: Hey guys, I just want to say thank you for all the years of support and love and understanding. Mostly, I just appreciate the fact that you guys can connect with my music and relate to my music, and because of that I just made the best CD I’ve ever made, and I’m looking really forward to getting it out there to y’all. God bless ya.

Check out more on Darryl Worley at www.darrylworley.com.

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