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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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Stryper Frontman Michael Sweet Invites Fans to Join Him for a 10-Day Tour of Israel

By on March 23, 2012 in In The Press, The Latest

Michael Sweet of Stryper(Nashville, TN) — Israel Theme Tours is proud to announce that Stryper frontman and accomplished solo artist Michael Sweet will be taking fans to Israel, January 13-22, 2013. The 10-day, VIP-style tour of the Holy Land will offer fans a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience.

Travelers will follow in the footsteps of Jesus, explore the ruins of the ancient port city built by King Herod, experience the Western Wall and the ancient city of Jerusalem, float in the Dead Sea, visit Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum), roam the beaches of Tel Aviv, experience baptism in the Jordan River and much more.

Michael will join the tour group each day for a variety of activities, including exclusive fan access and a private concert performance while cruising the Sea of Galilee.

“I’ve always wanted to go to The Holy Land but I’ve never been,” said Sweet. “I’m excited that my first time will be with some of my closest friends and fans. From Jerusalem to the Jordan River, this is going to be incredible.”

The tour is limited to 50 travelers, and registrations are being accepted now. Fans can reserve their spot by visitwww.israelthemetours.com/michaelsweet.

Multi-platinum rock band Stryper recently completed a yearlong world tour, and they are putting the final touches on the follow up to 2010’s The Covering. Sweet is also working on a solo record and an autobiography, both due later this year. For more information, visit www.stryper.com and www.michaelsweet.com.

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David Frizzell Supports MADD with Chart-Topping Tune

By on March 23, 2012 in In The Press, The Latest

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

David FrizzellNashville, TN — Country’s living legend, David Frizzell, has released “Say Hello To Heaven” to raise awareness and urge support for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

In the first week of release, “Say Hello To Heaven” was among the most active releases in the Country format. The song shot to the #1 spot for streaming and was in the Top 5 downloads on the PlayMPE chart.

Written by Nashville’s Buddy Hyatt, and available just in time for the annual observance of Alcohol Awareness Month, “Say Hello To Heaven” shares the story of a wife and mother killed in a car accident at the hands of a drunk driver. Sadly, it is a story that rings true for the Frizzell family, who lost David’s niece in 1998 when a drunk driver was responsible for her death on her 32nd birthday.

With an upcoming special on RFD-TV, Frizzell launches a year-long promotion using the song to shine a light on the dangers of driving while impaired, and on the good work done by MADD.

“MADD was there even before I or others in the family could get there,” Frizzell says. “They provided so much care and support; services that I had no idea they offered.”

The “Frizzell & Friends” show was be taped at The Texas Troubadour Theater, home of the famed Midnight Jamboree radio show, and features appearances by Hyatt, Jett Williams, Jimmy Fortune and Moe Bandy. The show airs on March 29 and will be rebroadcast on March 30. The promotion is sponsored in part by the generous support of Liberty Tax Service.

Founded by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) in 1987, Alcohol Awareness Month is held every April.

For more on the song and promotion, visit www.facebook.com/davidfrizzellmusic

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Todd Fritsch Back In The Saddle And On Country Radio After 2009 Roping Accident

By on March 19, 2012 in In The Press, The Latest

New Single, “Calls I Haven’t Made,”  Impacting Country Radio Today

Todd Fritsch

Photo Credit: Melissa Webb

Nashville, TN (March 19, 2012) — Todd Fritsch is back in the saddle – and Country radio – after a roping accident on the family cattle ranch left him with a crippling leg injury three years ago.  “It was a long road to recovery,” says the engaging Texan. “But I had my second surgery this past December and I’m rehabbed and ready to go.” “Calls I Haven’t Made” is an outstanding song choice; Todd’s rich voice resonates throughout this intriguing tale of redemption, and he’s supported by top-drawer production and talented players. Fans can purchase the new single from iTunes.

“It’s a little bit more of a ‘Nashville sound’ than anything I’ve done before,” admits Fritsch, who enjoyed a string of hits with his previous Country singles (What’s Wrong With Me, Small Town Radio, I Don’t Live Here Anymore, I Got Mexico, and a duet with Texas legend, Gary P. Nunn, Every Honky Tonkin’ Hero (Has His Day).

“Calls I Haven’t Made” was produced by respected Nashville insider, Butch Baker.  The track is from Todd’s upcoming CD, UP HERE IN THE SADDLE, due later this Spring. “I think ‘Calls’ will give radio a good idea of what the new album has in store,” says the amiable entertainer.  “There are a few surprises and a little more polish on this project; fans are loving the new songs and they’re going over well at my shows.”

ABOUT TODD:

Todd’s appeared on radio and television, played honky tonks, festivals and fairs throughout the Southwest and in Europe, appeared in a movie (PALO PINTO GOLD, starring Trent Willmon and Kinky Friedman) and graced the pages of Country Weekly, Best In Texas,Open Range and Texas Music magazines. He juggles his music career with his responsibilities on the family cattle ranch in Willow Springs, Texas. www.toddfritsch.com and www.facebook.com/toddfritsch

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Troy Tomlinson Named President Of CMA Board Of DirectorsI; Ed Hardy Named President-Elect

By on February 16, 2012 in In The Press, The Latest
CMA

Photographer: Amanda Eckard / CMA

NASHVILLE – At the meeting of the Country Music Association Board of Directors this week in Phoenix, Ariz., Troy Tomlinson was named President of the Board and Ed Hardy was named President-Elect. The appointments begin immediately.

Chairman of the CMA Board Gary Overton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Nashville, made the announcement at the first quarterly gathering of the Board. Tomlinson, who is President and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing moved from President Elect to the open President’s position. Hardy, President of GAC, was named President-Elect. Jessie Schmidt, President of Schmidt Relations, remains Secretary/Treasurer for a second year.

“I am very excited about working with our new CMA Board President Troy Tomlinson and President-Elect Ed Hardy,” Overton said. “Both Troy and Ed are highly successful and honorable leaders in the Country Music industry. Further, they have already shown themselves as leaders with insight and wisdom while serving on the CMA Board and its various committees.”

“Given the ambitious vision of the CMA, I am honored to be serving alongside strong executives like Gary, Ed, and Jessie,” Tomlinson added. “The fact that we are all friends makes it even more exciting.”

“I couldn’t be more proud and deeply honored to be invited to serve as President-Elect of the CMA Board,” Hardy said. “I’ve known and worked with Gary, Troy, and Jessie either in business or on the CMA Board for the past six years and greatly respect them and look forward to serving with them in a leadership role. This is a very exciting time for the CMA and the Country Music industry and it’s great to be able have a role in taking it to the next level of success.”

More than 6,400 music industry professionals and companies around the globe are members of the Country Music Association. Formed in 1958 as the first trade association for a single genre of music, the organization’s objectives are to serve as an educational and professional resource for the industry while advancing the growth of Country Music around the world. This is accomplished through CMA‘s strategic imperatives – CMA Music Festival and the companion CMA Music Festival television special; CMA’s newest television venture “CMA Country Christmas”; and the crown jewel, CMA Awards, which are known as Country Music’s Biggest NightT. All of CMA’s TV properties air on the ABC Television Network through 2021. For information about CMA visit www.CMAworld.com.

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Nashville to Make Big Impression at 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards

By on February 12, 2012 in In The Press, Special Events

The 54th Annual GRAMMY AwardsMusic’s biggest night is upon us, and Focus on the 615 wants to keep you in the loop with your favorite GRAMMY hopefuls! Kanye West, Adele and Bruno Mars may be among the most nominated, but our hometown country stars make up a notable portion of the prestigious list as well.

First-time nominees Jason Aldean and Blake Shelton each landed three nods, as did past GRAMMY-winner Taylor Swift, each competing for Best Country Album. Newcomers Thompson Square have two nominations for their hit Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not, and The Civil Wars also have two for best Country Duo/Group Performance and Best Folk Album. Receiving a huge honor, The Band Perry continues their incredible year with a nomination for Best New Artist.

Other notable nominations include Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter’s collaboration on You And Tequila, garnishing two nods, and the Zac Brown Band finding their way into the Visual Media category with Where The River Goes from the Footloose soundtrack. Click here to see a complete list of the GRAMMY nominations.

Nashville is well-represented in performances as well, with Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Glen Campbell, The Band Perry, Shelton, The Civil Wars and Swift all gracing the GRAMMY stage. Jason will perform his smash Don’t You Wanna Stay with Kelly Clarkson, Carrie will team up with legendary crooner Tony Bennett, and Campbell, TBP, and Blake will all be taking the stage together.  Click here to see a complete list of the GRAMMY performances.

Who are your favorites to win? What performances are you most looking forward to? Let us know!

Focus will be tweeting live throughout the performance, so be sure to follow us at @FOCUSonthe615! You can also follow contributor Matt Williams at @mattwilliams27!

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Parallel Music Publishing Continues Growth, Addition Of Brian Maher To Roster

By on February 11, 2012 in In The Press, The Latest

Parallel Music PublishingNashville, TN (February 7, 2012) — Parallel Music Publishing in Nashville is pleased to announce the addition of award-winning songwriter Brian Maher to its publishing roster.  Maher, who signed with the company in December and is probably best known for co-penning Justin Moore’s “Small Town USA” with songwriter and producer Jeremy Stover, joins recently on-boarded songsmith Blake Chaffin to Parallel’s quickly expanding roster.

“Brian is a great friend and a talented songwriter,” said Stover. “I expect amazing things to come from his new relationship with Parallel.”

The son of famed Nashville producer/songwriter Brent Maher, Brian grew up around a studio and with some of the biggest names in the business (Dionne Warwick, Sly Stone, Bobby Darrin, Kenny Rogers, etc.).  He even went to school with the Judds, an act his father discovered and made famous.

“There never was a conscious decision to strive for a creative career in the industry,” explains Maher.  “I was just constantly around it…it was already a part of my life.  So writing and producing were something that kind of just happened through osmosis…it was just something I naturally absorbed.”    

By the age of 21, Brian had already landed his first publishing deal with Moraine Music Group.  Throughout the years, Maher has bolstered the catalogs of Welk Music and Warner Brothers publishing groups,  landed cuts by such artists as Taylor Swift, Justin Moore, Lonestar, Emerson Drive, Danielle Peck and Randy Montana and has received numerous awards and recognitions by ASCAP, NSAI and Billboard (to name a few).

Maher is now beginning a new chapter in songwriting with Parallel Music Publishing and is anxious to get to work.

“I feel very fortunate to work with such a talented group of people,” expressed Maher.  “Parallel’s influence in the entertainment industry reaches far beyond that of a typical Nashville publishing company,” he adds.  “I am really excited about the additional opportunities our relationship will bring.”  

Parallel Music Publishing is part of Los Angeles-based Parallel Entertainment, a full-service talent management and production company.  It has produced everything from motion pictures to music albums, to programming for a variety of cable television networks.  Its talent roster boasts some of comedy’s most notable acts like Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall and Lisa Lampanelli, as well as music acts like Zella Day and Warner Music Nashville recording artist Dean Alexander.  It also manages actors including former CMT Insider host Lance Smith.  The Nashville publishing company is a partnership between Tim Hunze, Parallel Entertainment Founder & CEO  J.P. Williams and C.T. Wyatt, who runs the Nashville office of Parallel Entertainment.

About Parallel Entertainment
Founded in 1991 by CEO J.P. Williams, Parallel Entertainment is a Los Angeles-based talent management and production company.  Parallel develops, finances and produces a wide range of entertainment projects, including feature films; DVD premiere features; comedy and music albums; and television series and specials for network and cable.  The filmed entertainment productions include several one-hour specials for Comedy Central and HBO; and several motion pictures, including Blue Collar Comedy Tour:  The Movie; Blue Collar Comedy Tour Rides Again and Larry the Cable Guy: Heath Inspector, Delta Farce, Witless Protection for theatrical release.  For more information on Parallel Entertainment, please visit: parallelentertainment.com.

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