Tag Archives | Nashville

Mayor Karl Dean and Country Music Stars Casey James, Sarah Darling, Striking Matches Honor Music Teachers at NAfME’s National In-Service

Left to right: Sarah Zimmermann, Justin Davis, Casey James, and Sarah Darling Credit: Randi Radcliff

Left to right: Sarah Zimmermann, Justin Davis, Casey James, and Sarah Darling
Credit: Randi Radcliff

On Sunday, Oct. 27, country music stars Casey James, Sarah Darling, Striking Matches and the city of Nashville honored music teachers nationwide for all they do to support quality music education in schools during a special concert at the Grand Ole Opry House. The concert kicked off the National Association for Music Education’s (NAfME) 2013 National In-Service Conference, which is being held now through Oct. 30 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean welcomed the packed house of over 3,500 concert attendees saying, “I think it’s pretty clear that a quality arts education and in particular, a quality music education, is a key component to a well-rounded, successful education program. Arts education is not a frill, it is not optional — not if we are going to give our students the tools they need to live rich and rewarding lives.” Continue Reading →

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The Noise Beneath The Apple Event At McKay Books On November 17th

The Noise Beneath The AppleMusic Journalist Heather Jacks has released her limited edition art book, The Noise Beneath The Apple®, an in-depth look at New York City’s street performance culture, and now she is set to hold an event celebrating the release in Nashville. The Noise Beneath The Apple® event will be held at McKay Books on November 17th at 3pm. Performing live during the McKay event will be The Noise Beneath The Apple® featured artist, and current Nashville group, The Jason Adamo Band. Continue Reading →

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Perspective 2013: Changing The Perception Of Entitlement To Free Music

Save The Music America

Nashville Music Community Joins Charitable Foundation To Host Benefit Dinner, Auction and Concert Event To “Save The Music” And Educate The Public

Save The Music America (STMA), a Nashville-based 501(c)(3) charity organization founded as a national initiative to protect copyrighted music work product and to educate the masses about responsible and legal music downloading, is pleased to announce its inaugural Perspective 2013 benefit dinner, auction and concert event. Scheduled to be held amidst one of the mega songwriting communities in the country, the Save The Music America Perspective 2013 will take place Thursday evening, December 5, 2013 at 6:00PM in Nashville, TN at the Titans Stadium West Club, LP Field (located on One Titans Way). The charity’s mission is to change the perception and commonplace of downloading and sharing music illegally and to reveal and realize both the short and long-term effects and damages of FREE music to the financial foundation, livelihood and future of the music entertainment industry and our songcrafters.

Highlights of the evening will include performances by top-notch entertainers, a fine-dining experience, a premier auction and an educational symposium. With the objective to foster an environment for innovative ideas and well-intended plans to change the unlawful downloading climate, the symposium will be supported by industry professionals, artists, songwriters, music manufacturers and session players as representatives of those personally and directly impacted by the digital environment and illegal music downloading.

“There won’t be a music business unless we change the way our society is behaving,” states Dave Pomeroy, President of The Nashville Musicians Association“Save The Music America is a vital organization that is standing up to demand the public to take notice of the problem while teaching music fans to do the right thing when downloading songs or full albums.”

Research has demonstrated that music piracy is directly accountable for over 12 billion dollars in lost revenue and the loss of 70,000 industry-related jobs (many on Music Row). NSAI reports over 90% of American songwriters are unable to rely on their craft as a sole source of income. STMA’s primary objective is to enlighten “Generation X, Y & Z” to preserve the art of music and create awareness via its compelling PSA awareness campaigns and eventually traveling from school to school with a definitive Music 101 education curriculum.

“With the emergence of Napster, the record industry has been struggling to ‘compete with free’ since the late nineties and until we attack the core of the problem (the social perception that people feel they are entitled to free music), we will never get a foothold on piracy,” introduced Mark Dreyer, Executive Director for STMA“We have identified the problem and now we need the backing to implement the essential educational programs. Results take time, money and industry support; there is power in numbers and with voices standing together, we can change the way ‘acquiring’ music is perceived. To all artists and industry professionals: please, lend your voice and talent in support of this initiative. By joining our team, you will empower a movement crucial to forever change the future of music.”

Net proceeds from Save The Music America: Perspective 2013 will directly fund the STMA education programs. Perspective 2013 benefit tickets are on sale now; quantities are limited (available at www.nowplayingnashville.com and www.savethemusicamerica.org). Tickets pricing includes drinks, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, symposium and concert. This event is sponsored in part by: Anderson Musical Instrument Insurance SolutionsBatson Guitar CompanyMuZook., NSAI and Top Promoter-a division of Hit LabAdditional partners are welcome.

As part of a preliminary public and industry awareness campaign to support the overall endeavor, SMTA has plans to host a series of Music City music events (featuring renowned songwriters). Details to follow.

About Save The Music America
Established in 2011, SMTA is a non-for-profit organization with a mission to educate the public and create awareness of intellectual property protection and copyright laws. STMA provides effective ways to counteract illegal downloading of music and media through PSA awareness campaigns designed to capture the hearts and minds of America’s music fans. The goal is to produce future generations with a conscience, preserving the arts and the constitutional rights of people within the creative industries, as well as the history of American music.

STMA has the support of over 80 artists and industry professionals and with a number of PSA campaigns to assist in the movement to restore social Internet responsibility, the organization continues to create empowering messages designed to reach the nation’s younger demographic to “Take The Pledge To Download and Share Music Responsibly.”

For more information on Save The Music America, visit: www.savethemusicamerica.org or contact STMA Executive Director, Mark Dreyer / 615.255.1068 / events@savethemusicamerica.org.

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Awesome October for Average Joes Entertainment Company Celebrates Fifth-Year Anniversary With New Releases, Milestone Achievements

October 2013 marks the 5th Anniversary of Average Joes Entertainment. In the five years since the solely independent entertainment company opened its doors, Average Joes has achieved numerous milestones including a #1 Billboard Top Country Album, 1 million Colt Ford Facebook fans and hundreds of millions of roster YouTube views.

This month the company is primed to release the long-awaited new album from Bubba Sparxxx, “ Pain Management,” new videos from Rehab’s Demun Jones (“The Muddy Muddy,”) Charlie Farley featuring Daniel Lee (“Backwoods Boys,”) and Lenny Cooper f/Charlie  Farley ( “Country Folks Anthem.”) In addition, Colt Ford is currently touring nationwide with Florida-Georgia Line in support of his new album, “ Ride Through the Country (Revisited) ,” and LoCash Cowboys just released their newest single, ” Best Seat in the House.

“I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish, and how we’ve grown,” stated AJE CEO, Shannon Houchins. “We’ve got some exciting new projects on the horizon next year, and a solid team in place.”

Average Joes and affiliated labels’ growing roster of artists and projects includes Colt Ford, Montgomery Gentry, The LACS, LoCash Cowboys, Bubba Sparxxx, JB and The Moonshine Band, JJ Lawhorn, Charlie Farley, Lenny Cooper, the Mud Digger Series, Moonshine Bandits, Demun Jones, Daniel Lee, Sarah Ross and Redneck Social Club.

About Average Joes Entertainment
Average Joes Entertainment launched in 2008 with flagship artist Colt Ford.  Since its inception, the entertainment company has expanded to housing three labels, a management company, a publishing entity and a film and television production company.  Founded by CEO Shannon Houchins, the Nashville-based entertainment company focuses on a grassroots approach, availability of product and cross-promotional opportunities to expand artist visibility.  For more information, visit  www.averagejoesent.com.

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Wizard World, Sinclair Group Announce Media Partnership For Nashville Comic Con, October 18-20

Fox 17Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. today announced a partnership by which Sinclair becomes the Official Media Partner of the inaugural 2013 Wizard World Nashville Comic Con, Oct. 18-20 at the Music City Center.  Sinclair operates three stations in the market, including Fox17 (WZTV), CW58 (WNAB) and My30 (WUXP). Continue Reading →

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Special Guests and Covers Reign Supreme at Southern Ground Night 1

Southern Ground Festival

Photo Credit: Southern Reel Nashville

Stella Sisters Remain Adorable, Kenny Chesney Still Can’t Play Guitar, and ZBB Channels DMB at the Second Annual Southern Ground Music and Food Festival

Zac Brown kicked off his second annual Southern Ground Music and Food Festival Friday night at the Lawn at Riverfront Park in extreme fashion, playing a set packed full of hits, covers and special guests. He also had a killer lineup before ZBB even took the stage.

As the crowd started to fill in, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue treated everyone to 45 minutes of a brass instrument jam session. Following them was the radio-friendly (but not nearly as festival crowd-friendly) Eli Young Band.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals took to the stage next, bringing the energy level way up, as guys and girls alike gawked at Grace Potter’s legs. Her voice is electrifying and flawless, not to mention she plays guitar and keys, and even hopped on the drum kit once.

GPN has gained a significant fan base in country music, having toured and recorded with Kenny Chesney (more on that in just a moment). Although their sound isn’t country, the music and artistic talent of the band is undeniable and inescapable. Never playing the same setlist twice, they ran through several fan favorites, including Paris (Ooh La La)Nothing But The Water (which featured Grace by herself on slide guitar during the Part I intro), and Stars.

Then came the one glaring absence from the entire night: As mentioned, Grace is noted in the country world for her duet You and Tequila with Kenny Chesney. Chesney was in the house, scheduled to make an appearance during ZBB’s set; so naturally, at some point that number one hit has to take place, right? Wrong. Didn’t happen. Cue disappointment.

Then it was the Zac Brown Band’s turn, and as a white curtain rose over the front of the stage, so did the excitement. A silhouetted intro led into Zac walking from behind the curtain to sing the first line of “Jump Right In” before the curtain fell and the energy erupted.

Although Zac never missed a chance to thank everyone involved, he did very little talking between songs, choosing instead to focus on the music. The band continued with Keep Me In Mind and Toes before bringing out their first special guest, Kenny Rogers. Zac had a giddy smile on his face for the majority of the time as they played an early Rogers hit, Just Dropped In, followed by the song Rogers said, “I can’t go anywhere without playing…” The Gambler.

Next up, ZBB brought on the Stella sisters, Lennon & Maisy, who play Rayna James’ daughters on ABC’s Nashville. They’re also known for their adorable cover version of Ho Hey, which they performed, accompanied by the band. At this point their parents, The Stellas, joined in for a family sing along to Paul Simon’s Slip Slidin’ Away.

Zac Brown Band continued with hit after hit, even throwing in covers of Metallica’s Enter Sandman (random, but awesome) and Dave Matthew’s Band’s Ant’s Marching (just plain awesome).

Then it was special guest time again, this time bringing out the only surprise guest of the evening, Amos Lee, who joined the band for their collaborated song Day That I Die.

Jason Mraz was short to follow, launching into his smash I’m Yours, which segued into a cover of Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds. He then brought back Lennon and Maisy to harmonize with him on I Won’t Give Up.

After a couple more ZBB hits, Chesney made his appearance to show just how overrated he can be. He was the only guest not to play one of his own songs, joining the group for their tune Knee Deep, and a cover of Tom Petty’s Runnin’ Down A Dream. To reiterate, after Chesney was finished pretending to play guitar, Grace Potter did not come out to perform You and Tequila. That didn’t happen. Why didn’t that happen?

In any rate, ZBB finished strong with several more hits, finishing the set with the song that put them on the map, Chicken Fried. They even included an incredibly insincere attempt at patriotism, bringing on a stoically handsome veteran to stand on stage and salute during the line “salute the ones who died / the ones who give there life…” (With all the respect in the world to the military, that came across as insanely hokey.)

The encore was even more wild and unexpected than one could imagine. Another curtain went up, and when it fell, it revealed the band adorned in glow-in-the-dark skeleton outfits, launching into Uncaged engulfed in black light. They finished up the night with yet another cover; however, it’s the one that this band does arguably better than the original: Devil Went Down To Georgia, which they do in DOUBLE TIME.

The night capped off with fireworks gracing the skyline as the house music blared Back Down South by Kings of Leon, and thousands of satisfied fans were corralled into the streets of Nashville, ready for even more madness Saturday.

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Brian Milson To Release “Nothing Grows In Shadows” In Cooperation With National Bullying Month [VIDEO]

He is one of country’s brightest young stars – and he is a man on a mission.

Brian Milson, who has ridden an electric stage presence and an enviable road apprenticeship into the national spotlight, is well aware of country music’s affiliation with good causes. Few artists, though, ever embrace one so early and so effectively.

Brian’s breakthrough single, “Nothing Grows In Shadows,” not only establishes him as a singer to be reckoned with, it makes a powerful and compelling statement about a genuine societal plague – bullying.

“I was bullied as a kid,” says the Odessa, TX-born singer, “and I’m afraid I did a little of it myself, so this song means a great deal to me. The statistics are just horrendous–one out of four kids is bullied.  On any given day, kids just stay home out of a fear of bullying. And 85 percent of the time, there’s no intervention. This is a song that addresses that.”

“Nothing Grows in Shadows” tackles the subject head-on, challenging those who perpetuate it and offering support to those who fall victim, before wrapping it up in a verse that makes the subject spine-tinglingly personal.

As in the best songs, though, it is effective because of Brian’s delivery. His is an honest, straightforward style perfectly suited to the dramatic storyline and the admonition that it’s up to all of us to make a difference. The song is a stirring blend of craft and emotion, displaying the kind of vocal power and integrity that mark all of Brian’s work.

“Nothing Grows in Shadows” is the public’s first taste of an album Brian cut in Nashville with one of the all-time great producers, James Stroud (Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, Tim McGraw, Chris Young).

“Brian can just flat out sing,” says Stroud, with an air of authority on the topic.  “There’s a power and a depth to his voice that’s extremely rare and just draws you in to these songs.”

It’s easy, hearing Brian on record or watching him live, to understand why he’s gotten the call to open for the likes of Joe Nichols, Easton Corbin and Neal McCoy, or for his idol Willie Nelson, a gig that found Brian “in front of three thousand of the most diverse audience members you could run across. They had all come to see a musical icon and for me to be a part of that was really something special.”

Brian is a product of Odessa, the West Texas town that gave the world “Friday Night Lights,” about Permian High School, the town’s football powerhouse and embodiment of the quasi-religious phenomenon known as Texas football. Brian played for a year, but baseball and golf were his sports. But it was actually music that captured much of his time and attention from an early age.

“The very first song I knew the words to was ‘Blue Skies,’ which was on Willie’s Stardust album,” he says. “There’s a home video of me singing it back when I was four or five years old.” Brian developed a love for his father’s favorites, Hank Sr. and Ernest Tubb, and went on to become a fan of music that embraced Motown, classic and current rock and even classical music.

“I joined the choir,” he says, “and I came to appreciate Beethoven. Not every seventh-grader enjoys that sort of thing, but it’s cool when you know how to sing something in a different language.” By the time he was a senior in high school, he had auditioned successfully for Permian High’s Black Magic show choir, a select group that performs widely in the area.

“It was the finest year of my life to that point,” he says. “I can’t describe how much fun it was. The other members became like my extended family–the way no one except my current band mates ever has. And the education was priceless – we did everything from Handel’s ‘Messiah’ to Marvin Gaye’s ‘How Sweet It Is.’”

That year, the choir was voted the state’s #1 mixed chorus by Texas Music Educators Association.  Meanwhile, Brian was drawn into popular music by two guitar-playing friends who helped spur him to learn to play. One friend was a classic rocker and the other was, he says, “as country as you can get. The first song I heard him play was ‘Amarillo By Morning.’ It really hit home to me how true country music is and what it can do to your emotions.”

His first performance outside of the show choir was at Permian’s Cinco de Mayo festival.  “I did, ‘I Can Still Make Cheyenne,'” he says, “and it was the most nervous I’ve ever been. I had to keep my knees bent just to keep from getting light-headed, but the reception I got was unreal. It was better than any buzz I’ve ever had.”

He began playing house parties during his freshman year at Texas Tech. He was majoring in music and learning theory but,” he says, “I was always trying to learn the new Strait and Garth songs.”

Before long, he got the chance to open a show for a friend in Lubbock.

“It was so much fun, I knew right then there was not another option besides making music for me,” he says. He opened more shows and then put his own band together.

The band recorded a self-produced album called Walking A Thin Line in 2008–by then, Brian was writing, thanks in part to a break-up he decided to commit to paper. In 2010, he recorded two singles in Nashville, using session players and learning more about the studio and his own singing ability.  Both hit the Top 40 on the Texas charts.

That education, in fact, has been non-stop since those early days of hearing Hank Sr. and Ernest Tubb in his dad’s truck.

“I pay attention to everything,” he says of the music of his idols, “and I try to let it help shape the way I express myself vocally and on stage.”

The resulting growth has been phenomenal.

“I’ll never forget that first gig I did,” he says. “I’ll bet I didn’t move two inches in the entire set. These days I like to consider myself more of a high-energy performer, someone who’s braver and a lot more confident. When it comes down to it, it’s all about emotion. Technique is always there in the back of my mind, but it’s the feeling that carries it. That’s what delivers a song.”

He has toured throughout the Southwest with his band and done acoustic shows across the country, introducing himself and his music to fans and radio stations alike.

Now, with the release of “Nothing Grows In Shadows,” all that education and experience has come together. For the young man from Odessa, the journey is just beginning.

Brian Milson

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“The British Are Coming” Tomorrow To Belcourt Taps In Nashville | Britain’s Top Songwriters Invade Music City

Belcourt TapsA British invasion is headed for Nashville, and Music City should prepare for a unique cultural exchange between our elite songwriters and our creative overseas counter parts. Continue Reading →

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Founders of Nashville Underground Radio Announce Launch of “Nashville Underground Artist Management,” Sign Newcomer Zeke Duhon

#NUartist

Dubbed #NU Artist Management, Matt Williams and Shawn Carnes Expand The Nashville Underground Brand with Young Flagship Artist

Nashville Underground Radio officially launched on Friday, September 13th with a party at The Basement in Nashville, where founders Matt Williams and Shawn Carnes announced their new venture #NU Artist Management. The new company wasted no time in introducing Zeke Duhon, a young singer/songwriter from Tulsa, OK as their flagship artist.

“We were introduced to this young man and were just blown away,” said Carnes. “You have to be superb for that to happen in this town, and when we heard this kid we knew he was something extraordinary.”

The launch party where the announcement took place included a night full of entertainment, with performances from Austin Jenckes, Michael Lotten, Ann Marie, Guthrie Brown and Duhon.

“We’ve always said that Nashville Underground Radio has limitless potential,” said Williams. “We’ve used it as a springboard to launch a business we’re both very excited and passionate about.”

The weekly Internet radio show highlights new and independent artists on each episode. It broadcasts live on BlogTalkRadio at 5pm CST every Sunday. All episodes are archived and can be streamed at http://nashvilleundergroundradio.com.

About Zeke Duhon
Zeke has been writing songs since he was 13 years old. Upon his first attempt, he brought the song to his father who didn’t believe the song was actually his. Since that time, Zeke has composed hundreds of songs all on his own. Still in his teenage years, the Tulsa, OK phenom constantly impresses with insightful lyrics, incredible guitar licks and beautiful melodies. His move to Nashville, TN less than a month ago has already resulted in outstanding accolades and attention, and has put Zeke well on his way to being a bonified star. For him, however, it’s all about the music. Says Zeke, simply: “I’m a guy who likes to write songs. Hopefully these songs can help in some way.”

zekeduhonmusic.com
@ZekeDuhon

About Shawn Carnes
Shawn is a creative/A&R consultant who has worked with the most relevant people in the music industry. Not only is he sought after by successful recording artists, he is also co-founder, co-producer and co-host of Nashville Underground Radio.

shawncarnesmusic.com
shawn@nashvilleundergroundradio.com
@TheShawnCarnes

About Matt Williams
Matt is an on-air personality, producer and actor. He moved to Nashville in 2010, and a short time later began working with Nashville entertainment blog, FOCUS on the 615. He has also expanded to event hosting and acting, along with starting Nashville Underground Radio and #NU Artist Management.

mattwilliamsonline.com
matt@nashvilleundergroundradio.com
@mattwilliams615

Nashville Underground Artist Management

Website: nuartistmanagement.com
Facebook: facebook.com/nuartistmanagement
Twitter: @NUArtistMGMT

Nashville Underground Radio

Website: nashvilleundergroundradio.com
Facebook: facebook.com/nashvilleundergroundradio
Twitter: @UndergroundNash
Pinterest: pinterest.com/undergroundnash

For media inquiries contact: info@nashvilleundergroundradio.com or call (615) 669-2725

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Heidi Feek Belcourt Release Show Featuring Joey+Rory

Heidi_poster_webAfter working for more than a year on the reverb-drenched, throwback grooves of her debut full-length album, The Only, the time has finally come for Heidi Feek to share her modern homage to the Nashville sound with the world. And what better way to celebrate than by performing her new songs for the public in a place known for its historic artistic and cultural impact, Nashville’s own Belcourt Theatre. Continue Reading →

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