2014

British singer-songwriter Sam Hollyman debuted his eclectic style and showcased his song-writing talent at Nashville’s annual CMA Music Festival. The 18 year old performed a full-band set on the Samsung Galaxy Stage which attracted enthusiastic supporters and gained a buzzing interest from new fans. Sam delivered a milestone performance of his young career with a mix of country and Americana styles. The only visiting British artist to be featured at CMA Festival this year, Sam also performed two sets at the Bridgestone Arena Glass Tower Stage as part of the CMR Nashville International Showcases. Hollyman is excited to be a part of country music’s increasing international success and he has recently completed a radio tour in Ireland which included an appearance on the country’s largest radio broadcaster RTE1. His new single ‘One Minute More’ has just been released to UK radio where it has received a great reception from program directors. The song has already smashed its way to number 5 on the UK and Irish Country Charts. Sam’s new album ‘The Red Reel Sessions’ was recorded across the UK and US and is already generating a buzz among fans and industry in both markets. Sam’s inspirations include Hunter Hayes, Alison Krauss and Taylor Swift. This multi-talented teenager has mastered an impressive list of instrument skills including drums, violin, guitar, keyboard and ukulele. A highlight of his young career includes an onstage performance with Canadian crooner Michael Buble which has gained almost 8 million YouTube views. Hollyman also appeared as a contestant on the second season of The Voice UK which further increased his star profile. Hollyman resumes his UK Radio tour now back from Nashville, until mid-July being interviewed and live sessions at various FM and AM stations around the country.

Seven-time Grammy-winning trio Lady Antebellum has released the music video for their red-hot new single ‘Bartender’. The group tapped Kate Upton (‘The Other Woman’, ‘Sports Illustrated’ Swimsuit Cover Model) and Tony Hale (‘Arrested Development’, ‘VEEP’) for the video. Directed by Shane Drake and shot in Los Angeles last month, the plot takes Kate Upton and her girlfriends on a wild night out where a drinking battle royale ensues with a shot-slinging bartender (Hale) and only one is left standing. “I think we definitely captured the spirit of the song, but we also threw in some unexpected twists that the fans will love,” said Kelley. “Kate and Tony took what could have been just another music video to a really cool place. I mean, pretty much every guy in America is in love with Kate Upton. And if I’m being totally honest, Dave and I now both have a little man-crush on Tony too…he’s hilarious! Hands-down my favourite video we’ve ever done.” Lady Antebellum is currently out on the road headlining their 2014 Take Me Downtown Tour, which will hit 80 cities in the US and Canada this year.

Jersey’s Frankie Davies has released her first official single ‘Superman’. ‘Superman’ is a tribute, a song full of hope, written by a Daughter for her Father as he battled through cancer treatment, and was released on Father’s Day June 15, 2014. Both heart-wrenching & inspiring at the same time, through the lyrics of this song Frankie turns the tables on her Dad reminding him of how he inspired & encouraged her growing up, asking him now to believe in himself & his own ability to heal, which, miraculously is exactly what he did. Frankie performed the track live with her full band in London at St Pancras Old Church on Thursday June 12 ahead of performances at the Isle of Wight Festival, Barn On The Farm Festival & Fort San Antone, Country Music Festival. ‘Superman’ will be distributed on all digital platforms. A promo video filmed at The Jersey Opera House has been launched on Vevo UK. Fast becoming a favourite amongst UK based country & folk singers, Frankie was born in Jersey but has travelled the length and breadth of the UK and more recently, to LA, San Fransisco and Nashville, to let the world know about her particular brand of original Folk & Country music. With thoughtful lyrics, diverse melodies and a humble, perhaps slightly ditsy stage presence, Frankie woos her audience with beautiful ballads and upbeat dance tunes, all with their origins clearly rooted in the great tradition of Nashville and the South.

Black River Entertainment has announced the release of a limited edition vinyl version of country music singer/songwriter Kellie Pickler’s critically-acclaimed current album THE WOMAN I AM. This is the first vinyl album for Kellie Pickler, and it features exclusive cover art, different from the CD version. “I grew up listening to the vinyl albums of my music heroes…Dolly, Tammy, Loretta, Patsy, and I still do to this day,” said Pickler. “When I think ‘album’ I picture a vinyl LP. I am so excited to have one of my own and to be able to offer it to my fans.” Featuring photography by Robert Ascroft, every image used in the vinyl packaging was captured inside the “Motown Suite” a part of United Record Pressing – where the vinyl was physically pressed. Fans can order an autographed limited edition vinyl copy of THE WOMAN I AM now at KelliePickler.com to be shipped out on June 27. Fans got a first look at the vinyl album when Pickler met them for an exclusive SOLD OUT signing party at Ernest Tubb Record Shop during CMA Music Festival in Nashville earlier this month.

The Americana Music Association is excited to announce its return to The Maverick Festival on Friday July 4, 2014 for its second annual,day-long conference at Easton Park Farm, situated in the beautiful Suffolk countryside presenting a rich and varied programme of panels, discussions and live music showcases. The day will include a keynote speech from the award winning American folk singer Mary Gauthier plus contributions from the one and only BBC Radio 2 DJ Bob Harris and legendary musician and songwriter Benny Gallagher. We are also excited to welcome top Americana writer Brian Hinton (honoured with an MBE in 2006 for service to the arts), all will be available to share their experiences and expertise on the day. In addition, there will be live performances from blues guitarist Adam Sweet, Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin (winners of the BBC Folk award for best duo) and acclaimed Norwich based singer Jess Morgan. The AMA-UK will also curate the evening programme on The Peacock Stage for the opening night of this year’s festival. The conference provides an exciting opportunity for all those involved with Americana music as musicians, writers, promoters, agents and managers come together under one roof and establish networking opportunities and mutually beneficial, creative solutions to some of the challenges involved with working with Americana music in the UK and beyond. The Americana Music Association UK was formed a year ago with a very clear mission – to encourage an appreciation of Americana music, in all its glorious forms, to improve the public and professional profile of this expansive musical genre and strengthen its ties with the Americana Music Association in the USA, the pioneering body founded in 1999 in Nashville, Tennessee. The AMA-UK membership has grown significantly throughout the year. It has held successful live music events such as its Thanksgiving party at The Old Queens Head in Islington and the three-day series of sell out showcases at Kings Place in February with plans well advanced for more in other parts of the UK.

80 of 160 artists announced, include: Amy Ray, Angaleena Presley, Carlene Carter, Ethan Johns, Gregory Alan Isakov, Hayes Carll, Jamestown Revival, Joe Henry, Joe Purdy, Josh Ritter, Lake Street Dive, Lee Ann Womack, Marty Stuart, Parker Millsap, Quebe Sisters Band, Rhett Miller, Rodney Crowell, Ruthie Foster, Sarah Jarosz, Shakey Graves, Todd Snider & Friends, Trigger Hippy and Willie Watson. The Americana Music Association expands its festival and conference in its 15th year by announcing its most ambitious and eclectic line-up to date. Anchored by its 13th annual Honours & Awards show on Wednesday, September 17 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, the Association also adds three-time Americana Group of the Year winners, The Avett Brothers, to a headlining slot at Riverfront Park on Saturday, September 20. Admission to the Riverfront show will be included in Americana Festival & Conference registrations for the September 17-21 event. Individual tickets for The Avett Brothers Riverfront show will go on sale to the general public for $52.50 on Friday, June 27. The Avett Brothers Fan Club members will have a special pre-sale opportunity starting on Tuesday, June 24. All new fan club members must sign up at www.theavettbrothers.com before Monday, June 23 in order to be eligible. Throughout the festival and conference – highlighted by Travel + Leisure as a fine-tuned music destination in its June print issue – a total of 160 artists will perform in 11 venues including 3rd & Lindsley, The Basement, City Winery, High Watt, Cannery, Mercy Lounge, The Rutledge, Station Inn, Music City Roots, Downtown Presbyterian Church and Musicians Corner. The growth of Americana as a genre – curated and cultivated by the Americana Music Association – is evidenced by recent partnerships with cultural epicentre Lincoln Center for ‘Americana NYC’ on August 6-10 and a new GRAMMY category created for the American Roots Field announced in early June: “Best American Roots Performance.” This category is the genre’s third and the only new category created by the Academy this year.

The Oak Ridge Boys have just been added to the superstar line-up of artists performing aboard the 2015 Country Music Cruise, which will also feature performances by Martina McBride, Charley Pride, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Lorrie Morgan, John Anderson, Aaron Tippin, Darryl Worley, Asleep at The Wheel, Restless Heart, Johnny Lee, Wade Hayes, Bryan White, The Roys, Brett Kissel, comedian John Reep and Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys. Beloved television personality Lorianne Crook, of the long-running talk show Crook & Chase, will return as the official host of the annual seven day voyage aboard the luxurious Holland America ms Eurodam, which travels throughout the Caribbean from January 18-25 with stops in the picturesque ports of Nassau, St. Thomas, St. Croix and the private island Half Moon Cay. The 2015 Country Music Cruise will offer live performances, bring back some of the most popular onboard activities featured on last year’s inaugural sailing and add a wide array of new artist-based events. Select artists will make special appearances at the Gospel Hour, during songwriter workshops, guitar playing seminars, panel discussions, Q&A events, cooking exhibitions, CD listening parties, autograph sessions and many others. StarVista / Time Life will continue to partner with The Grand Ole Opry to create a series of exclusive events for cruise guests. Every person aboard the Country Music Cruise receives tickets to a nightly main stage concert, a schedule of daily activities and gourmet meals, all included in the cabin price. The cruise sails aboard the luxurious Holland American ms Eurodam, with prices starting at just $1975 (£1165) per person. The Country Music Cruise is produced by StarVista Entertainment/Time Life in association with Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC (ECP). Other cruises produced by StarVista/Time Life in association with ECP include The Malt Shop Memories Cruise and The Soul Train Cruise.

CMA Music Festival sold out a record 15 weeks in advance prompting large, enthusiastic crowds at the Festival’s numerous free stages and event areas including AT&T U-verse® Fan Fair X at the Music City Center matching 2013’s attendance record of 80,000 fans per day. “The advance sell out speaks to the strength of the event with our fans,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern. “The popularity of our artists and the entertainment value of this Festival is what drove attendance and filled the streets of downtown Nashville.” Attendance figures for 2014 include four-day ticket packages and promotional tickets, as well as attendance in Fan Fair X, and free areas downtown. In all, more than 450 artists participated in more than 150 hours of concerts on 11 different stages. Fans obviously liked what they saw: tickets for 2015 CMA Music Festival, which will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 11-14, are selling quicker than ever. Ticket sales are 28% ahead of last year with 75% of available tickets already sold. Fans can order tickets by calling the CMA Box Office at 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378). Intermittent rain on Thursday and severe thunderstorms Saturday impacted attendance in the free areas and delayed the start of the Nightly Concert Saturday, but fans in rain ponchos were undeterred, waiting out the weather to see their favourite stars perform. Attendance in the numerous free areas including The Buckle, Fan Alley, public events, and concert venues was brisk and attendance at many stages showed significant growth year-to-year. Opening day at Chevrolet Riverfront Stage saw tens of thousands of fans pass through the gates for the free concerts. Crowds for the new Samsung Galaxy Stage in Walk of Fame Park were strong, and attendance at the Bud Light Stage on the Bridgestone Arena Plaza increased over 2013. The BMI Tailgate Party stage at LP Field, which debuted in 2012, was a hit with fans entering the stadium for the nightly concerts. Corporate brand partnerships are a key element to the marketing, fan experience, and support of the Festival. Nearly 60 different brands participated in the CMA Music Festival – a 39% increase from 2013. “This year’s Festival featured sold-out shows at LP Field in record-setting time, so we knew our corporate partners were going to benefit from the excitement and attendance generated by this event,” said Damon Whiteside, CMA Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships. “The strategy for our partnerships is to develop innovative experiential and marketing opportunities that will engage our passionate fans not only during the June Music Festival, but throughout the summer season leading into our ABC Network TV special, ‘CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock.’ Along with the amazing lineup of talent and fan experiences at all of our stages and AT&T U-verse® Fan Fair X, our brand partners are creating some of the best activations the Festival has seen to date, which is essential for CMA to keep the fans excited to come back year after year.”

American roots field gains “Best American Roots Performance” category, raising Americana related categories to three The Americana Music Association applauds the Recording Academy® for adding a new category – Best American Roots Music Performance, an artist’s award – to the American Roots Music Field for the 2015 GRAMMY® Awards. The new category will give Americana, and other roots music artists, a home for the recognition of their work. The new category compliments previously created categories including Best American Roots Music Song, Best Americana Album, Best Bluegrass Album, Best Blues Album, Best Folk Album and Best Regional Roots Album. According to a press release from the Recording Academy the new category “recognises singles/tracks only as well as solo artists/duos/groups/collaborations. This puts the (American roots music) field in line with the pop, rock, rap, R&B, country, and gospel/contemporary Christian music fields, all of which have performance categories.”

Kicker Country Stampede, to be held June 26-29 in Manhattan, Kansas, is delighted to announce that all camping & reserved seating is officially sold out for the first time in the 19-year history of the festival. Festival organisers recently surveyed the grounds and added an additional 200+ camping sites, which sold out immediately upon releasing them to the public. “What a milestone! We want to thank the fans for their continued support throughout the years!” said Wayne Rouse, general manager of Kicker Country Stampede. “For the first time, the demand for camping has exceeded the supply! However, we want as many fans to have the opportunity to experience Stampede as possible, so we are looking into ways to accommodate even more folks in future years!” Country’s fastest rising female star Jana Kramer has been added to the star-studded line-up, which includes Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Chris Young, Easton Corbin, Lee Brice, Joe Nichols, Randy Houser, Dustin Lynch, Thomas Rhett, Charlie Worsham, Tyler Farr, Joe Diffie, Will Hoge, Jon Pardi, 6 Degrees West, The Railers and Logan Mize. Kicker Country Stampede is giving tickets holders the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see their favorite country stars, including Luke Bryan, Eric Church,Chris Young, Easton Corbin, Randy Houser and more, up close and personal with the newly-added Party Pit. The Party Pit is located directly in front of the main stage, putting fans steps away from their favourite artists during their performances! There are a very limited number of passes in this standing-room-only area. Fans who wish to have Pit access for more than one artist must purchase individual artist pit passes.