“I’ve always wanted to be a songwriter and a storyteller and somebody who conveys a feeling to the listener or the viewer.”
Wes Borland, rock musician, guitarist with Limp Bizkit
Category: Singer-Songwriter News and Ideas
Rising stars play for 95.1 The Goober in KY
A great day in Bowling Green, KY – despite the wet weather! I was there Thursday May 26 with five of ‘my’ artists to help WGGC-FM The Goober with their New Faces of Country showcase at the Bowling Green Hot Rods baseball game. Blane Howard, Cameron Lanz, Elvie Shane, Jessie Goergen (Jessie G) and Justin T. Dukes all performed. There was a rain delay during the game and the show moved inside, but everyone had a great time. Thank you everyone at 95.1 The Goober. Follow The Goober on Facebook here.
3 songwriters honored for FGL hits
Three songwriters jointly celebrated their first Number Ones during an afternoon party at ASCAP’s Nashville HQ on May 25, thanks to TWO chart toppers scored by Florida Georgia Line.
Matt Dragstrem and Cole Taylor were recognized for their co-write credits on the cut, “Sippin’ On Fire,” that topped the charts for FGL. Felix McTeigue also scored his first Number One with another FGL hit, “Anything Goes,” co-written with veteran writers Craig Wiseman and Christ Tompkins. The three writers received plaques from ASCAP and awards from the CMA and Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB). Dragstrem, Taylor and McTeigue also received ASCAP-signature guitars, presented by Boulder Creek Guitars, in recognition of their first Number One hits.
Congrats to all three. I know we’ll see you back in the ‘winners’ circle’ before too long!
20 years at Opry for Steve Wariner
Congrats to Steve Wariner, a four-time GRAMMY and CMA Award winner, who celebrated his 20th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on May 14. Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry Vice President and General Manager, presented Wariner with a special plaque during the singer/songwriter’s performance. Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson, who inducted Wariner into the Grand Ole Opry 20 years ago, also was on hand to pay tribute to his longtime friend. Wariner is currently in the studio working on a new album to be released later this year. His next concert performance will be at City Winery in Nashville on June 11 at 8:00 PM during CMA Music Festival. The show will be filmed for a future project. More at SteveWariner.com
Summer NAMM 2016 in Nashville
I’m looking forward to attending the 2016 Summer NAMM show, set for June 23 – 25 at the Nashville Music City Center. The National Association of Music Merchants Inc (NAMM) will once again be showcasing a complete product landscape while celebrating the local community music store and honoring the industry’s Top 100 Dealers. Attendance at NAMM trade shows is restricted to owners, suppliers, employees, endorsed artists and guests of NAMM member companies. However, on the final day, June 25, NAMM invites musicians, songwriters, sound and recording professionals, music educators and students to experience Music Industry Day. There’ll be a chance to attend workshops, check out the new gear and enjoy artist performances. Music Industry Day tickets are $20.00 at the door or $10.00 purchased in advance at http://www.NAMM.org/musicindustryday
Charlie Daniels’ birthday ‘Jam’
2016 is shaping up to be a memorable year for one of Country music’s best-loved icons. This fall, Charlie Daniels will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Friday, October 28 will be Charlie’s 80th birthday. A month later, on November 30, he will host his annual Volunteer Jam that has been a multi-genre musical extravaganza since 1974. This year’s event, designated ‘Charlie Daniels 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam,’ will take place in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and will include numerous special guests including Kid Rock and Larry the Cable Guy. A portion of the night’s profits will go to The Journey Home Project, a 501c(3) non profit to help Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. You can check out a cool interactive Timeline of all the Volunteer Jams, starting with the first one in 1974 here.
HGTV’s Property Brothers coming to Nashville
Johnathan Scott, who with his twin brother Drew are HGTV’s “Property Brothers,” sent a brief video to let me know he’s looking forward to meeting me when he comes to Nashville during CMA Music Festival. The boys will be here to promote their new single, “Hold On.” I can’t wait to meet them and will be sure to post an item here after we get together. Meanwhile, you can see the video at Vevo here
Singer-songwriters at The Listening Room
I am still excited about the wonderful success of my most recent ‘Preshias Day in Music,’ that took place at the Listening Room Café in Nashville on April 23! A big crowd came out to see 20+ of the incredibly talented singer-songwriters that I am working with, as well as a few special guests. The audience heard some great original songs and gave each artist an enthusiastic and well-deserved response. I am already preparing for the next ‘Preshias Day in Music.”