Tag: Nashville

CMA Fest spotlights new talent alongside megastars

‘Ten to watch’ at CMA Fest 2018

CMA Fest 2018 once again brings together the cream of the crop in Country music. From Thursday, June 07 through Sunday, June 10, fans from across the country and around the world will descend on Nashville.  Described by the Country Music Association (CMA) as ‘the ultimate country music fan experience,’ hundreds of artists will be performing on eleven stages.

One of the unique aspects of CMA Fest is the opportunity to see new and emerging artists in addition to current superstars and legendary performers – all in one music festival.

If you’re heading to CMA Fest to see Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, FGL and Keith Urban, keep in mind there is SO much more talent to be seen and heard – even if some of the names are not familiar to you… yet!

Here are some quick pen-portraits of just a few of the acts appearing at Music Fest that you might want to check out…

Clare Dunn

  • Friday, June 08, 7:00 pm – 7:25 pm
  • Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage, Ascend Amphitheater
  • Saturday, June 09, 4:30 pm – 4:55 pm
  • Chevy Breakout Stage
Clare Dunn

Growing up in tiny Two Buttes, Colorado (population: 43), Clare Dunn spent days at a time in a tractor cab helping plow and plant the family farm, sharpening her ears with uninterrupted music-listening in the driver’s seat, even as she strengthened her work ethic. “That’s where a lot of my creativity came from and where a lot of my vision was forged, was just having nothing else to do other than listen to music and dream all day long in the vast wide open of those plains,” she reflects.

Recording for MCA Nashville, she is the only female country artist in recent memory to have a hand in all of the writing, arranging and producing for her debut release, the Clare Dunn EP. The project was recorded in the Cave at Nashville’s House of Blues studios.

An accomplished musician, every lick of guitar on the EP is hers, from agile melodic figures to aggressive shredding. “I think there’s, like, one song where I didn’t play a mandolin part or something like that,” she says. “But other than that, every lead part is my playing—acoustic, electric, everything.”

Catch Clare singing (and shredding) on two stages during CMA Fest.  More about Clare here.

EmiSunshine

  • Sunday, June 10, 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm
  • CMA Music Fest Spotlight Stage
EmiSunshine

EmiSunshine is a dynamic young singer/songwriter who initially captured the nation’s attention via her presence on social media, racking up 1,000,000+ views on YouTube. Releasing her first full-length CD at the age of 9 in 2014, she released her fourth studio recording, RAGGED DREAMS, in August 2017.  She plays about 150 shows a year, and has included appearances at the Grand Ole Opry and on Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam at the Ryman Auditorium.

EmiSunshine is a multi-instrumentalist with a unique vocal style that draws on her influences from early Country and Appalachian music. She cites artists as varied as Loretta Lynn, The Louvin Brothers, Bessie Smith, June Carter and Hank Williams as being music creators that have affected her own musical journey. Continue reading “CMA Fest spotlights new talent alongside megastars”

7 Facebook security tweaks to keep artists, songwriters safe

How to make Facebook work for you, not against you.

Exposure. That’s something every ambitious artist and songwriter strives to achieve.

Exposure is essential. It’s all about getting noticed and spreading the word about your creative output. However, there’s a fine line between exposure and being exposed. Whereas exposure is good, being exposed is bad, and can turn out to be very bad indeed. In case you hadn’t noticed, there are some pretty seedy people lurking out there in cyberspace.

Ensuring your personal security and guarding your privacy while promoting yourself is important for every singer and songwriter, but it should be of particular concern to parents who are guiding the careers of their minor children.

Ask yourself this question: When did I last review my security and privacy settings on my Facebook page?  If the answer is “Not for some time” (or worse still, “Never”) here are a few quick and easy ways to be sure that your security is all that it should be.

1. Find your security settings

To get started, go to your Facebook page and look for the little ‘downward-pointing’ arrow icon at the top right of your page. Click on that, and then click on “Settings” at the bottom of the drop down menu. This brings up a page headed General Account Settings. Look at the menu on the left of page.  (Note: you’ll be returning to this menu for all the steps you need to follow.)

Click on ‘Security and Login.’  Here you can see where you are logged in to Facebook. Be sure that only your own devices are logged in.  There are several ways to check and increase your Facebook security on this page.

2. Change your password

Under ‘Security and Login’ click on ‘Change Password’ and click ‘Edit.’ Click ‘Save changes’ when you have completed the change.  It is a good idea to change your password frequently, at least every three months, and pick a password that is not the same as one you are using elsewhere.

Avoid using anything too obvious (such as part of your email address or the name of a pet that others might know). And always change your password immediately if you think your password has been stolen or accessed by someone else. Continue reading “7 Facebook security tweaks to keep artists, songwriters safe”

Dolly Parton, Linda Perry’s new ‘Dumplin’ album

‘Music’s Leading Ladies Speak Out’ at Music Biz 2018

Dolly Parton and Linda Perry headlined the Artist Keynote segment of the ‘Music’s Leading Ladies Speak Out’ Program. The program was a highlight of the second day of MusicBiz 2018 presented by the Music Business Association in Nashville, May 14 – 17.

(L to R): Melinda Newman, Dolly Parton, Linda Perry. Photo credit: Preshias Harris

Parton and Perry collaborated on the upcoming soundtrack album for the movie ‘Dumplin’ (Dolly Records/RCA Nashville), co-writing six new songs and creating new versions of six previously-released songs. ‘Dumplin,’ described as a ‘female-centric project,’ is directed by Anne Fletcher and stars Jennifer Anniston and Danielle MacDonald. Continue reading “Dolly Parton, Linda Perry’s new ‘Dumplin’ album”

From Self Release to Major Label

What are you giving up to become a recording artist?

So you’re an artist or a singer/songwriter and you’re looking at an opportunity to sign with a major label. Or maybe you’re not sure that’s even the way to go.  What should you know before you pick up that pen?

Austen Adams

“What are you giving up to become a recording artist? What are you giving back for artist development?”

Noah McPike

Those are the questions posed by session moderators, Austen Adams and Noah McPike.  Adams and McPike both serve as OF Counsel for Dickinson Wright, the Nashville Legal firm that co-sponsored the session on opening day of Music Biz 2018 in Nashville.

The room at the Omni Hotel was ‘standing room only,’ packed with both creators and music business execs. The session title was ‘The Modern Approach to Artist Development: From Self Release to Major Label and Everywhere In-Between.’

Be prepared to ‘give back’

The panel made it clear that you must be prepared to give up certain things when you transition from being an Indie artist to an artist signed to a major label.  You must also be prepared to ‘give back’ to the label in terms of time and effort to promote yourself and your music on the label’s schedule.

The panelists all agreed that, in today’s business climate, almost all labels will want a percentage of an artist’s touring income if they are going to make an investment in you as an artist.

(My note:  These types of arrangements can often include what’s called a ‘360 Deal’ or ‘Multiple Rights Deal’ in which the artist agrees that the label will earn part of the artist’s ancillary rights such as income from, say, merchandise sales, endorsement deals and concert revenue.  In exchange, the label agrees to actively promote the artist’s career, and often takes on certain aspects of the client’s management.)

Find a music attorney

Noah McPike then gave attendees perhaps the best advice that will have heard all day. “If you enter into any type of deal like this, ask for a separate advance so that you can employ a lawyer.  You need someone who works just for you!” Continue reading “From Self Release to Major Label”

117 Entertainment Group marks first anniversary

A Nashville success story

Congratulations to Zach Farnum, the founder and president of 117 Entertainment Group.  Launched in May 2017, in only one year Zach has built the company into a multi-faceted entertainment firm specializing in publicity and marketing campaigns for musicians, brands and events.

I received the following photo and email from Zach and I thought you would like to read it too.

[L to R]: 117’s Max Dacosta and Heather Scarlett Trotter, Bobby Bare, Lee Roy Parnell, Cherish Lee, John Berry, Exile Band Official’s Marlon Hargis, Jeannie Seely, Tim Rushlow, Kendall Gary, Shane Owens Country, Exile’s Sonny Lemaire, 117’s Bev J Moser, Scott Brown of the Scooter Brown Band, Exile’s Steve Goetzman and J.P. Pennington. Kneeling front center: Zach Farnum. (Not featured but present: Jerry Lee Lewis III, Exile’s Les Taylor Music, Lewis Brice)
“A year ago yesterday I announced a new endeavor… all on my own with one client, Chuck Negron Formerly Of Three Dog Night. From there, thanks to many friends, one by one, 117 Entertainment Group picked up more and more amazing artists. Paige Hamilton, Karl Braun and Pepper Meiler were there from the beginning supporting me professionally — but we were blessed with Bev J Moser in late June which started a rapid up-hill climb.

“It’s been a rollercoaster with ups and downs but now we’ve got over 20 incredible acts on our roster, a management and a live division and two more great team members – Heather Scarlett Trotter and Max Dacosta. Seeing this seed grow has been the biggest joy of my life and I truly can’t believe this picture.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you — to all who believed in me from the beginning, to all who support us now and to all who came last night — especially our clients who gave their time for our celebration! My heart is full.” –  Zach Farnum

Again, kudos to Zach and all at 117 Entertainment.  More information at their website, here.

Finding ‘lost’ online music income

Music news digest for May 7 -11

  • CMG finds ‘lost’ online revenue for musicians
  • Amazon Prime bumps up annual rates to $119.00
  • MusicBiz 2018 hits Nashville, May 14 – 17
  • NAMM’s ‘Make Music Experience,’ June 30
  • Vinyl album sales on the rise – again

Scroll down to read these news items

CMG finds ‘lost’ online revenue for musicians

If you are a recording artist or songwriter and you believe that your precious copyrighted intellectual property – e.g. your songs – are being utilized illegally online, you might want to know about a company called Create Music Group (CMG). The company started out tracking down and collecting revenues from music posted at YouTube and continues to do that successfully.

They have also expanded to locate other overlooked opportunities in the music business such as mixtape monetization and are moving into creating original video content.  According to an interview in Billboard (04/21/2018) CMG uses software to identify clips that have used music without permission. They can then claim the client’s ownership and monetize views with advertising. Their patented software can detect parts of unlicensed songs that have been minimally sped up or slowed down to escape YouTube’s own internal rights-tracking system. Find info on CMG here.

Amazon Prime bumps up annual rates to $119.00

If you are an Amazon Prime member, stand by for a rate hike. Membership increases to $119.00 annually for new subscribers; existing subscribers will be notified of the increase when their membership is due for renewal after June 16. Amazon does not anticipate a drop in membership as a result of the increase.  Purchases by non-Prime members actually decreased year-over-year while Prime purchases increased. Amazon is investing more in digital video and music available only to Prime members with 2018 spending estimated at $5 billion.  See more at Variety here.

MusicBiz 2018 hits Nashville, May 14 – 17

MusicBiz 2018 is only days away and 2,000+ attendees are expected to be here in Nashville for what organizers call ‘the four most important days on the music industry calendar.’ Scheduled for May 14 – 17, 2018, the seminar will cover topics such as Career Development Workshops, Entertainment Technology & Law, Indie Artist and Songwriter Forum, Music Business Educators Meetup, Music and Money, and more. Presenters will include some of the most respected and successful people in the music industry. If you’re interested in attending (I’ll be there!) you’d better hurry!  Find out more or register to attend here.

NAMM’s ‘Make Music Experience,’ June 30

…and hot on the heels of MusicBiz 2018, It will be time for the National Association of Music Merchants’ Summer NAMM in Nashville. On Saturday June 30 at Music City Center, Summer NAMM will host the inaugural Make Music Experience, an all-day, all-access pass for consumer and prosumer audiences who want to demo the latest music and pro audio gear, meet with top music manufacturers, and explore career-enhancing education and networking opportunities with the music industry’s top insiders.

The Make Music Experience day is an invitation to musicians, songwriters, music educators and students, as well as sound and studio professionals to experience the members-only Summer NAMM show, the annual mid-year gathering of the music products and pro audio industry, June 28-30 in Nashville. NAMM will open the doors to the trade-only event for MME’s full itinerary of professional workshops, opportunities to see and demo the latest in new gear from leading music brands, and a day full of live performances and events connecting music-makers of all skill levels.

Tickets to the Make Music Experience are now available for $10 online at www.namm.org/mme and will be available at the door for $20 on Saturday, June 30. Hours are 10AM to 5PM. Info and updates here.

Vinyl album sales on the rise – again

The vinyl sector of the music business continues to spin upwards. In 2017, vinyl album sales rose 9 percent to 14.3 million units in the USA. This was the twelfth straight year that album sales increased and the 2017 increase was the greatest since Nielsen Music began tracking album sales data. Understandably, growing interest in vinyl has resulted in increased sales of turntables. But demand has also meant more business for record pressing plants, including Jack White’s Third Man Records vinyl pressing facility in Detroit. Many more current artists are now releasing vinyl versions of new albums.  More details plus a list of the top selling vinyl albums in 2017, courtesy of Billboard, here.

Preshias Harrisis a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com

NSAI honors 75 songwriters

…for 23 Number One songs

The Nashville Songwriter’s Association International (NSAI) held their Spring #1 Party on Monday April 23, 2018, recognizing 75 songwriters (23 songs) for their #1 achievements during the period of August 2017-December 2017.

At the brunch event, sponsored by SunTrust Bank and held at The Listening Room Cafe, the songwriters were presented plaques for topping the Billboard Country or Christian, Airplay, Digital, and Hot Charts and/or Mediabase Country Airplay Chart.

Back row (L-R): Earle Simmons (SunTrust), Dusty Miller (SunTrust), Ashleigh Overly (SunTrust), Jaron Boyer, Ray Fulcher, Adam Hambrick, Brock Berryhill, Tom Douglas, Steve Bogard (NSAI President), David Hodges, Ben Hayslip, Josh Miller, Matt Dragstrem, Tim Timmons, AJ Pruis, Bart Millard
Front row (L-R): Lindsay Gum (NSAI Director of Events and Pro Membership), Kelly Archer, Emily Shackelton, Jordan Schmidt, Tebey Ottoh, Bart Herbison (NSAI Executive Director), Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley, Ben Glover, Matt McGinn, Matthew West

These are the Number One songs and songwriters honored at the event:

“All The Pretty Girls” – Josh Osborne, Nicolle Galyon, Tommy Lee James (recorded by Kenny Chesney) Continue reading “NSAI honors 75 songwriters”

Nashville’s music people give back to community

Gifts and benefits help those in need

  • NATD donates washer & dryer to DuPont Tyler Middle School
  • Darius Rucker & Friends set for Ryman Auditorium, June 4
  • Bobby Marquez fires up St Jude Rock n’ Roll Marathon

‘cleaner clothes’ gift to help boost class attendance

(L to R): CISTN CEO Hank Clay, NATD’s Zach Farnum, Blake McDaniel of CAA, DuPont Tyler Principal Dr. Bianca Jefferson, CISTN’s Brittany Grega, NATD President Steve Tolman and NATD’s Randi Perkins.

The Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) partnered with Communities In Schools of Tennessee (CISTN) to equip DuPont Tyler Middle School with the ability to provide clean clothes for its students by donating a new washer and dryer. Children in metro Nashville schools often miss school due to lack of clean clothes, therefore NATD hopes to help increase classroom attendance with this donation.

“Thanks to the generous donation of NATD, the students whom Communities In Schools of Tennessee serves at DuPont Tyler Middle Prep will be proud to have clean clothes every day,” said CISTN CEO Hank Clay. “We know that students are much more likely to miss school when they do not have enough clean clothes, and many families do not have the resources to own a washer and dryer.”

NATD was founded in 1958 and professionally represents, directs, and promotes the entertainment industry through its members. Today those members generate over $300 million dollars annually for Nashville-based artists.  To find out more about Communities In Schools of Tennessee visit their website here, and read about NATD at www.n-a-t-d.com

‘Darius & Friends’ set for June 4

For nearly a decade, Darius Rucker has spearheaded an event focused on amazing music, memorable collaborations and heartfelt stories resulting in over $1 million-and-counting raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Rucker continues that tradition this summer with his 9th Annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert.

The event, which unofficially kicks-off CMA Music Fest week, is set for Monday, June 4 returning to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for a second year. Tickets are now available at ticketmaster.com. “When you see first-hand what this organization can do for families, it’s remarkable,” Rucker reflects. “Over the years we’ve met so many survivors, families of patients and volunteers whose lives have been changed by St. Jude. It’s one of my favorite shows of the year.”

Tickets start at $50 for General Admission and go up to $150 for VIP options. Tickets are also available through the Ryman box office and DariusRucker.com.

And speaking of St. Jude…

Bobby Marquez sets pace for runners

Bobby Marquez

Bobby Marquez is an award-winning singer/songwriter known for moving boots across a dance floor, but on April 28, his upbeat honky tonk tunes set the pace for thousands of sneakers hitting the pavement for the annual St. Jude Rock N Roll Marathon. Marquez and legendary fiddle player, Ernie Reed of Mel Tillis’s Statesiders fame, motivated runners in the final stretch at mile 19 in East Nashville.

The Marathon is one of three annual events Marquez participates in to raise funds for a charity very close to his heart, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Bobby Marquez and Workout Anytime 24/7 present their annual Country With Heart Benefit on June 9th this year at The Nashville Nightlife Theatre with an all-star lineup. And Marquez will entertain alongside Mark Chesnutt in September at the annual Buck Creek Trailride benefiting St. Jude. Tour info, music and more at bobbymarquez.com.

Music Row One Sheet Mid April 2018

Nashville Music News Roundup

Scroll down to read these Music Row One Sheet news items

  • Bill Anderson’s new song is a ‘message of hope’
  • Eric Church releases ‘covers’ LP for Record Store Day
  • ‘Darius & Friends,’ June 4, to benefit St Jude
  • ‘Amos’ inspired by Michael Ray’s grandfather
  • Thomas Rhett: ‘My 3-minute autobiography’

Scroll down to read these Music Row One Sheet news items

Whisperin’ Bill Anderson has released a sentimental new single, “Until The Light Comes On Again,” with all proceeds being donated to Sarah Cannon Fund at the Community Foundation. The video for the single exclusively premiered on Parade.com. Click HERE to purchase “Until The Light Comes On Again.”

Anderson was inspired to pen the single after watching his longtime girlfriend, Vickie, bravely face a cancer diagnosis. The poignant, beautiful tune brings a message of hope and is a testament to anyone who’s facing a challenge in their life. Anderson and Vickie are featured in the video which comes fresh off the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame announcing Anderson’s induction this June.  More details at billanderson.com.

Eric Church is releasing a limited edition LP, 61 DAYS IN CHURCH, to mark Record Store day, Saturday, April 21, 2018.

The vinyl album, with only 2,500 copies pressed, is available only at participating record stores and includes Church’s covers of eight songs by Soundgarden, Billy Joel, Little Feat, Bob Seger and more.

All the songs were recorded at live events during Church’s 61-date ‘Holdin’ My Own’ tour. The tour was presented in two sets with an intermission. It reached nearly a million fans culminating with two sold-out shows at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville with Church performing nearly 40 songs a night. More info at ericchurch.com.

For nearly a decade, Darius Rucker has spearheaded an event focused on amazing music, memorable collaborations and heartfelt stories resulting in over $1 million-and-counting raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Rucker continues that tradition this summer with his 9th Annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert.

The event, which unofficially kicks-off CMA Music Fest week, is set for Monday, June 4, returning to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for a second year. Tickets are now available at ticketmaster.com.  “When you see first-hand what this organization can do for families, it’s remarkable,” Rucker reflects. “Over the years we’ve met so many survivors, families of patients and volunteers whose lives have been changed by St. Jude. It’s one of my favorite shows of the year.”

Tickets start at $50 for General Admission and go up to $150 for VIP options. Tickets are also available through the Ryman box office and DariusRucker.com.

Michael Ray is set for a June 1 release of his true introductory album, AMOS (Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville), and digital pre-orders are available here from today, April 20.

Promising his most personal to date, the album is named after Ray’s grandfather, Amos, who was a huge influence on him, fueling his love for country music. In fact, Ray first began singing and performing in his grandfather’s band when he was only nine years old. To this day he still plays Amos’ hand-me-down guitar, a 1978 Les Paul, as a reminder of the time they spent together sharing stories, learning songs and making memories.

AMOS features 11 tracks including Ray’s current top 20 and climbing single, “Get To You.”  More at MichaelRayMusic.com.

Thomas Rhett’s autobiographical anthem “Life Changes,” the title-track from his Billboard 200 chart-topping album (The Valory Music Co.), is his new single. The song co-written by Rhett is now at Country radio. It follows all three of LIFE CHANGES’ singles – PLATINUM-certified “Craving You” and “Marry Me” as well as GOLD-certified “Unforgettable” – that earned chart-topping success.

“This song is basically my autobiography in three minutes,” Thomas Rhett said. “It covers my college years, marrying Lauren, becoming a dad and the evolution of my music career. It’s definitely the most personal song I’ve ever written, but we all go through a lot in life whatever the story is, so I think the sentiment is something a lot of people can relate to.”

Rhett has also released LEAVE RIGHT NOW: THE REMIXES, delivering fresh takes on the EDM-flavored track from his LIFE CHANGES album. The collection features a reimagined version of the song from PLATINUM-selling DJ Martin Jensen, who brings a new dimension to “Leave Right Now” by combining Thomas Rhett’s soulful vocals with his own trademark sound.  Find tour dates at ThomasRhett.com.

Music Row One Sheet copyright (c) 2018 Preshias Harris and Nashville Music Line LLC

Songwriters pour it on at Whiskey Rhythm Saloon

Saturday late show wraps a great week at Tin Pan South 2018 

Dillon Dixon, Doug Johnson and Danny Wells were joined by The Darlins and Nick Sturms on the final day of this year’s Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival.

L to R: Dillon Dixon, Danny Wells, Jude Toy (The Darlins) Nick Sturms, Erinn Bates (The Darlins) and Doug Johnson. Photo credit: Catrina Engelby

Dillon Dixon – Dillon began his part of the writers’ round with a song he had with his band, High South, called ‘Bootwork.’ He followed that with his Josh Gracin radio hit ‘Invisible.’  Next up: ‘Follow the Smoke,’ a co-write with  German songwriter Phil Sunday and U.S. writer Brandon Chase.  Dillon has lived in Europe for the past few years to keep his music as his main income. He secured a publishing deal in Austria and has been touring all over Europe in various bands.

Dillon’s final song is one of my all-time favorite songs of his writing career. Dillon told the story of his friend Jimbeau Hinson coming in and helping him through an emotional “pre write” that had nothing to do with the session. After a Dillon got his composure, they finished the song ‘Wishing Others Well.’

 Doug Johnson – Doug Johnson kicked off his first song with a tune that he and hit writer Pat Bunch (She is 79 years old) wrote. Doug says, “We wrote a honky tonk song,” and, sure enough,  that’s the title: ‘Hony Tonk Song!’ Love the song that he co-wrote with Dave Gibson and Nick Sturms called ‘World Gone Mad.’ The next song, ‘Ain’t Nobody,’ is one that Doug wrote to his beautiful wife Lisa. It was amazing. I wish I could have sung this song to my honey!  Doug played the song he co-wrote with Nick Sturms for Nick’s 10-day-old son, Rollin Sterling Sturms. Ready or not, ’Here You Come’ is an amazing song for a first-time dad ormom, even though it was sung through the father’s point of view of his first born.

For Doug’s final round, he dedicated his songs to his co-writer, the award winning songwriter Kim Williams. Doug added, “Who is with angels.” Then he started the mega hit for Randy Travis, ‘Three Wooden Crosses.’ Rumor has it that Chesney passed on this song. Goes to show, a GREAT song will find a GREAT home, and a GREAT artist!

Danny Wells – Danny started out with a song he co-wrote with Jeffrey Steele, ‘I Found You.’ LOVE IT !!!!!!  Next pass, he sang the Rascal Flatts song he co-wrote with Gene Nelson, ‘This Everyday Love,’ a top ten hit for the group. “On this next song,” said Danny, “Tony Mullins and I wrote this song on actual paper! It made its way to Craig Morgan. It’s called ‘Little Bit of Life.’”

Danny wrapped his segment with his super mega smash for George Strait, ’Check Yes Or No,’ written with co-writer Dana Hunt Black. He told the story: “The [demo] cassette actually got stuck in the wrong box in the mail room. It was meant for another artist in that building. It ended up in George’s hands. Strait played it for his son, Bubba. Bubba said, ‘Dad, I didn’t want to like but I do!’” That’s the rest of story!

Nick Sturms – Also on stage was Nick Sturms, a talented songwriter and musician, who provided wonderful accompaniments.

 The Darlins were up next. They jumped right in with ‘Pistol,’ a single from their ‘Crush’ album. Just wonderful harmonies that seem like they are coming down from heaven. The Darlins are a female duo composed of Erinn Bates from Nashville, (lead vocals/mandolin) and Jude Toy from Portland, Oregon (guitar/vocals). The Darlins’ won Duo of the Year at the 2017 Josie Music Awards.

One of my favorite songs they sang was ‘Knock and The Door Will Be Opened.’ The final song for the Darlins was their single, ‘Blackberry Whiskey,’ that they co-wrote with super instrumentalist Robin Ruddy and released it in 2017. Robin joined them on stage as the surprise guest! Muisic critic and author Robert K. Oermann has said of The Darlins: “This female duo has a sensuous sound on this slow burning track. A resonator guitar weaves through the arrangement as they languidly drawl their desire in harmony. Feverish.” He nailed it !!!

CORRECTION: In a previous post about a Tin Pan South show featuring Anthony Smith, Clint Daniels, Lance Miller and Jamie Paulin, due to an editing error, the final paragraph incorrectly read: ‘All in all, another memorable Tin Pan South night of great music and stories from three masters of the art of songwriting.’   Of course, it should read: ‘All in all, another memorable Tin Pan South night of great music and stories from four masters of the art of songwriting.’ Apologies to all four great writers!

Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival is produced by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). The Festival’s Presenting Partner is Regions Bank.