Tuesday was a celebration of music milestones for Luke Brian and co-writers Sammy Mitchell, Steven Battey and Robert Williford. ‘One Number Away’ was the reason for the celebrations, and for the standing-room-only crowd at the Number One party at the Sutler Basement in Nashville. ‘One Number Away’ is Luke’s third Number One and the third cut from his debut full-length album, ‘This One’s For You.’ The party was hosted jointly by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC.
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges, Sony Music Nashville’s Shane Allen, MakeWake’s Zebb Luster, Big Machine’s Mike Molinar, River House’s Lynn Oliver-Cline, BMI songwriter Robert Williford, 50 Egg’s Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, ASCAP songwriter/producer Steven Battey, SESAC songwriter Sammy Mitchell, SESAC’s ET Brown, Concord Music Publishing’s Brad Kennard, and BMI’s Leslie Roberts. Photo: Peyton Hoge
In a previous interview Luke said, “We aren’t supposed to be here yet.” Hmmmm… let’s check out the stats. In the last 30 days: Recognized the success of Luke’s three number one singles. Debut single ‘Hurricane’ has been certified 3x Platinum while the next follow-up, ‘When It Rains It Pours’ was certified 2x Platinum. Meanwhile, ‘One Number Away’ was certified Platinum and album track ‘Beautiful Crazy’ was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
‘Singles You Up’ goes Platinum; tops 200 million streams
Jordan Davis and his co-writers got together with music industry colleagues and friends to celebrate a Number One. But it was a unique celebration in more ways than one. ‘Singles You Up’ topped Billboard’s Country Airplay charts in April, triggering the Number One party. The bash, co-hosted by ASCAP and SESAC, was held Monday, July 30, at Nashville’s Fat Bottom Brewery.
[L to R]: Steven Dale Jones, Jordan Davis, Justin Ebach. Photo credit: Catrina EngelbyAdditionally, Davis was presented with a plaque marking RIAA’s certification of the song’s Platinum status. During the ceremony, it was also noted that ‘Singles You Up’ has already chalked up more than 200 million streams. Adding a cherry to that sundae, Country Aircheck stated that ‘Singles You Up’ was the ‘most played’ track on country radio for the first half of 2018.
Jordan Davis
Remarkably, this was his first single release, making all the song’s achievements even more unique.
Davis was joined by his co-writers, Justin Ebach and Steven Dale Jones, during a press session prior to the presentation. I asked all three of them if they had left the writers’ room knowing they had a hit with ‘Singles You Up.’ And could they have imagined scoring 200 million streams?
‘You know you’ve got something’
“When I had my first hit, they didn’t have streams,” said Steven. “I remember loving it [‘Singles You Up’]. I remember getting the demo and playing it for my wife, and that’s usually the key. I play her five songs a year and I write a hundred and fifty. So that’s when you know you’ve got something.”
Justin had a similar story. “I think I was telling my wife last week,” he said. “I wrote ‘Sleep Without You’ for Brett Young which was a big hit and, once again, a first single on a new artist. And I literally told her last week – I was playing a [writers’] round – and I was like, ‘Singles You Up’ is bigger than ‘Sleep Without You.’ I mean both are great, I’m grateful for both of them. But this song has just taken on a crazy life. The speed of it and just how much people are holding on to it… So, no, I don’t think I imagined this! [laughs] You asked if it had happened before and I’m like, kinda, but not like this.”
“I was nervous. I was up early. I was trying to come up with something to bring to the room and show that I’m not just in there for him to write me a song.” – Jordan Davis
‘I didn’t want to screw it up’
[L to R]: Steven Dale Jones, Jordan Davis, Justin Ebach. Photo credit: Peyton HogeJordan had vivid memories of the writing session. “That day, that write was, A., getting to see Justin again, because we’ve written before. And B., trying not to have [Steven] notwrite with me again. I didn’t want to screw it up,” he recalled.
“I knew the name Steven Dale jones and I was nervous. I was up early. I was trying to come up with something to bring to the room and show that I’m not just in there for him to write me a song. I’ve never told him this, but that was the goal of that write. And what came out of it was ten times more than me just walking in and being, like, ‘all right dude, show Steven Dale Jones that you can write a song. Please, just do that.’ So definitely, it exceeded my expectations.”
Justin noted that he writes with a lot of artists but it’s great to work with artists who know their phrasing, they know their lyrics they want to say. “Not every artist can do that, and that’s just a testament to him,” said Justin. “As much as ‘Singles You Up’ was a collective and a group thing and may not be totally always the lyric he would say, it’s definitely come out that, looking across the album, his phrasing is in there. His melodies are in there, his lyric is in there. That doesn’t happen for a lot of artists.”
‘Take It From Me’ climbing charts
Home State, Jordan Davis’ debut album
The follow-up single, ‘Take It From Me,’ is already charting. (#38 for the week of August 4, Billboard Country Airplay chart.) Jordan recalled that there was a lot of discussion about which song would be his first single: ‘Singles You Up’ or ‘Take It From Me.’
“I’ve said this from day one, I fought pretty hard for ‘Take It From Me,’” said Jordan. “That’s why we have people that we trust in our corner. I’ve got people that I trust like crazy and they were a hundred percent right. I think ‘Take It From Me’ is a little bit more ‘me’ lyrically, and I think you can see a few more of my influences on some of those lyrics.”
“The artist thing was something that came along, I think, after struggling to get a publishing deal.” – Jordan Davis
Songwriter first, then artist
This may be Jordan’s first Number One, but it is no overnight success. He came to Nashville to be a songwriter and spent several years co-writing and honing his craft. “The artist thing was something that came along, I think, after struggling to get a publishing deal to be honest with you,” he admitted. “I felt that I had a specific way that I wrote songs and a unique way that I delivered them. It just so happens that I found some people that wanted to take a chance on me and make a record.”
Both ‘Singles You Up’ and ‘Take It From Me’ are taken from Jordan Davis’ debut album, ‘Home State (MCA Nashville). The album, produced by Paul DiGiovanni, was released in March 2018. Jordan co-wrote all twelve tracks. Music and more at Jordan’s website. See the official ‘Singles You Up’ video at YouTube here.
Preshias Harris is 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
Luke Bryan thanks his fellow songwriters. Photo credit: Preshias Harris
Luke Bryan is a songwriter at heart. Admittedly, a songwriter who can really sing, with a string of hits and awards to prove it. But it’s clear that Luke truly values songwriting and loves the amazing songwriters that he gets to work with.
He celebrated his 17th, 18th and 19th Number One singles at a party held at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville. Note that those are all Number Ones as a recording artist, but his songwriting career goes back a little further. I attended the party for his first Number One as a writer back in July 2007, honoring ‘Good Directions’ that Luke co-wrote with Rachel Thibodeau for Billy Currington.
The three songs being recognized as Luke’s latest chart toppers were:
‘Move’ written by Luke Bryan, Michael Carter and Jay Clementi
‘Fast’ written by Luke Bryan, Rodney Clawson and Luke Laird
‘Light It Up’ written by Luke Bryan and Brad Tursi
One billion streams
As Luke stepped up to receive his awards, he was introduced as a two-time ACM Entertainer of the Year and a three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year. In 2017, it was noted, Luke played live shows for more than 1.5 million fans and chalked up over one billion streams.
Songwriters celebrate three Number Ones. Photo credit: Ethan Helms
Each of Luke’s co-writers shared some memories about the songs. Jay Clementi said that this was his first No. 1 Award, drawing appreciative applause from the attendees.
“Cathy Gurley brought me to town and hooked me up to write with [hit writer] Radney Foster who mentored me,” said Jay, who added that Foster “must have seen something in me.”
Writing with best friend
Speaking about co-writing ‘Move,’ Michael Carter said, “I was very fortunate to work with one of my best friends, Luke.” Michael recalled writing for the first time with Luke. “The very first place Luke and I stayed was Motel 6 off Harding place [in Nashville]. I know that’s where we started writing.”
Luke said that he was in Europe when he first heard the finished demo of ‘Move’ that his co-writers e-mailed to him. “I can’t believe I got a chance to put a great song like this out,” said Luke, adding, “and I co-wrote it!”
Brad Tursi told the story of ‘Light It Up,’ his first co-write with Luke at Luke’s new house.
“It was the first write in my new writer’s room at my house,” added Luke. “When these genius songwriters give the demo to genius musicians to record,” said Luke, the result is “genius songs” for fans to hear.
Rodney Clawson’s 24th Number One
When Rodney Clawson talked about co-writing ‘Fast,’ he took a moment to say, “Thank you, Luke, for letting me fish in your pond.” After the presentation, Rodney reminded me that ‘Fast’ was his twenty-fourth No. 1 as a songwriter.
Luke Laird recalled an earlier writing session that was his first ‘big’ co-write. “I suddenly realized that my co-writer thought I was Luke Bryan,” said Laird with a smile.
Making the achievement even more remarkable, all nineteen of these songs were consecutive Number Ones for Luke Bryan. He will soon be celebrating again. In May, ‘Most People Are Good’ became his 20th career chart-topping single.
Visit Luke Bryan’s website for music and tour updates, including info on the Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2018.
The party at the Hutton Hotel was presented by ASCAP, BMI, Global Music Rights and KPEntertainment.
Note: I originally posted this story here on the European website for Country Music News International magazine and radio show.
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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
It was a real pleasure to see these great songwriters on the stage together: Aaron Barker, Billy Dean, Eddie Raven, Frank Myers and Jimmy Nichols. They shared many memories behind the hit songs they have written.
Left to right: Billy Dean, Eddie raven, Jimmy Nichols, Frank Myers, and Aaron Barker. Photo credit: Preshias Harris
Aaron Barker: I was fortunate enough, when I moved to town, to get an internship at this new label called BNA Records. Aaron was an artist just signed to the label. I feel like I sorta grew up with him, as I continued to follow his career. I remember his mega hits for George Strait like ‘Baby Blue,’ ‘Easy Come Easy Go.’ I loved it when he performed ‘I Can Still Make Cheyenne’ and ‘Love Without Ending Amen.’ NOTE:Barker also writes and performs commercials for Blue Bell Ice Cream. Aaron was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in the fall of 2016.
Billy Dean: Every time he sings, he has the audience in the palm of his hand. Especially when he sings his song ‘Somewhere in My Broken Heart.’ Billy co-wrote the song with Richard Leigh. It had been previously recorded by Randy Travis on his 1989 album ‘No Holdin’ Back.’ Billy has recorded a total of eight studio albums (of which the first three – ‘Young Man,’ ‘Billy Dean’ and ‘Fire in the Dark’ – have been certified gold by the RIAA) and a greatest hits package which is also certified gold. His studio albums have accounted for more than 20 hit singles on the Billboard country charts, including 11 Top Ten hits. As a special treat he brought up ‘America’s Got Talent’ season eight contestant, Chloe Channell.
Eddy Raven: The Louisiana born Cajun-country star Eddy Raven brings the heat and six number ones to the stage. He has charted more than thirty-five singles in his career, including the Number One hits ‘I Got Mexico,’ ‘Shine, Shine, Shine,’ ‘I’m Gonna Get You,’ ‘Joe Knows How to Live,’ ‘In a Letter to You’ and ‘Bayou Boys,’with seventeen consecutive Top Tens between 1984 and 1990. His songs have been cut by Elvis Costello, Johnny Cash, Kenny Chesney, Roy Orbison, George Jones, Toby Keith, Waylon Jennings, Lefty Frizzell, Carl Smith, Heather Myles, Brenda Lee, Don Gibson, Faron Young, Jack Greene, Gene Watson, Jerry Jeff Walker, Lorrie Morgan, Roy Acuff, Jerry Reed, Oak Ridge Boys, Connie Smith and Charlie Louvin. He ended with the super song for the super group Oak Ridge Boys, super hit ‘Thank God For Kids’ that was a solo write for Eddy.
Frank Myers just kept playing hit after hit after hit. One of my favorites was the number one record for Lonestar, ‘I’m Already There,’ co-written with Richie McDonald and Gary Baker. Frank said, “I never thought I could top Eddie Rabbit and Crystal Gayle’s mega hit duet ‘You and I’ but I did!” Frank also said, “This next song I pitched a hundred times. Finally, [songplugger] Matt Lindsay took it. All-4-One recorded it and it stayed eleven weeks at number one on Billboard’s Top 100 charts and four weeks at number one on the country charts.” It was also a number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for John Michael Montgomery who actually cut it first. The song? The ginormous hit, ‘I Swear.’
Jimmy Nichols was the surprise guest. He is one of the busiest and most respected keyboardists in town, and has appeared on albums with Buckcherry, Scotty McCreery, Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis, Drake White, Reba, Faith Hill, Lonestar, Carrie Underwood, Billy Ray Cyrus and Tim McGraw and this is just starting the list!
One of the exciting things about attending any show at Tin Pan South: you never know who might show up as a surprise guest!
“I wouldn’t change anything about my personal journey in the industry. I had to figure out who I was as an artist. I’m glad this didn’t happen when I was twenty-one. I wouldn’t have appreciated it as much as I do now.” – Carly Pearce
It’s a long way from Taylor Mill, KY to Nashville, TN, but perseverance paid off for the 28-year-old singer-songwriter who never gave up on her dream.
[L to R] busbee, Carly Pearce and Emily Shackelton celebrate. together. Photo credit: Ed RodeNashville’s music community came out to celebrate the success of Carly Pearce’s ‘Every Little Thing’ (Big Machine Records) on Monday, March 19. The Number One party, co-hosted by ASCAP and BMI was held at the CMA’s headquarters on Music Row, to honor Carly and her co-writers, Emily Shackelton and busbee.
The party celebrated ‘Every Little Thing’ topping Mediabase and Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. Not only was it Carly’s first No. 1 single, it was also the first No. 1 for one of her co-writers, Emily Shackelton. busbee, who also produced the song, is a music industry veteran with a string of hits both as a songwriter and producer.
Carly’s whole life, she told us, has focused on music. She was speaking at a media session before the awards presentation. “I dreamed about being on stage since I was nine years old,” she said.
Carly Pearce in front of the ‘Country Forever’ wall at the CMA Offices on Music Row. Photo Credit: Preshias Harris
“I’m an only child, and my parents have always supported my dreams,” Carly said. When she was sixteen, her family relocated from Taylor Mill in Kenton County, KY, to East Tennessee so she could follow her dream by finding work at Dollywood, the entertainment complex and theme park owned by Dolly Parton. When that dream took her from Pigeon Forge to Nashville, she had to find ways to support herself, often with menial jobs such as cleaning Air B&Bs. She said that her parents’ support and encouragement kept her going, even when she became disheartened and didn’t feel she could go on.
Long way from Dollywood to Number One
It’s been a long journey from those days in her mid-teens at Dollywood to standing on a stage, holding an award for a Number One hit song. There have been ups and downs in her career, but “I wouldn’t change anything about my personal journey in the industry,” she said. “I had to figure out who I was as an artist. I’m glad this didn’t happen when I was twenty-one. I wouldn’t have appreciated it as much as I do now.”
Speaking about this special occasion, Carly revealed, “I’ve dreamt of what it would be like to have a No. 1 song since I moved to Nashville.” She continued, “If I am living proof of anything, it’s that one song can change everything. I have experienced that with my peers over the years and have listened to the stories behind the songs that changed other people’s lives.” She added that, at the time she recorded ‘Every Little Thing’ she had no idea that was going to be the song that changed her life.
Carly was scheduled to appear at The Grand Ole Opry the next evening. I asked her if it will be different this time, with a GOLD-certified single to her credit.
“I’m nearing my 50th Opry performance,” she said. “The Opry has always showed me support, even when I didn’t have a record deal or a publishing deal [and] I had nothing going on. It’s a special time every time I step on the Opry stage.”
Carly added, “I dream of being an Opry member one day.”
The song’s co-writer and producer, busbee, has written or produced songs for artists such as Christina Aguilera, Tony Braxton, Adam Lambert, Lady Antebellum and Gwen Stefani. I asked Carly what it was like working with busbee. Carly said that, when she first met him, she thought, “he’s more pop and I’m country. I’m not sure he’s going to ‘get’ me.” However, she soon realized that it was a great working relationship. “It was amazing,” she said. “Like it was meant to be.”
ACM nomination: “I just screamed!”
Carly Pearce fields media questions before the Number One party. Photo credit: Preshias Harris
Carly was asked how she found out she had been nominated for an ACM award in the ‘New Female Vocalist of the Year’ category. She said she was in-flight on a plane when she received the news. “It’s hard to explain my feelings,” she said. “I just screamed!” She said that she used to sit on her couch, watching the show and dream of being nominated one day. Even if she does not win, “Being recognized in an honor on its own,” she emphasized.
Carly also talked about her experiences as part of Blake Shelton’s ‘Country Music Freaks Tour’ with Trace Adkins and Brett Eldridge. She said that Blake and Gwen Stefani were so kind to her. “Gwen is the most ‘down to earth’ person I’ve ever met, even though she’s a megastar,” Carly recalled. However, she admitted she was ‘too scared’ to ask Stefani for any fashion tips!
Learning how to ‘work’ an audience
Asked what she learned from the tour, Carly said, “I’m stronger than I think I am. I can go with less hours sleep than I thought I could!” She added that she learned a lot just from watching Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins. “They know how to ‘work’ an audience,” she said.
“If I am living proof of anything, it’s that one song can change everything.” – Carly Pearce
Carly is a true ‘country’ girl, born and raised in the small town of Taylor Mill in northeastern Kentucky, and is ‘pure country’ to her soul. Her next single, ‘Hide the Wine,’ is already climbing Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. More at https://www.carlypearce.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Emily Shackelton
Co-writer Emily Shackelton, a native of Biwabik, Minnesota, is signed to Liz Rose Music/Warner-Chappell publishing in Nashville. In addition to ‘Every Little Thing,’ her first No. 1, her songs have been recorded by Wynona Judd, Sara Evans, Cassadee Pope and X-Factor winner Tate Stevens, among others.
‘More Girls Like You’ lead single from ‘Slowheart’
(L to R): Steven Lee Olsen, David Garcia, Kip Moore, Josh Miller. Photo credit: Preshias Harris
MCA Nashville artist Kip Moore was at The Hutton Hotel’s Analog on Tuesday, February 13 to celebrate with fellow songwriters of his newest Number One, “More Girls Like You.” The party, co-hosted by ASCAP and BMI, honored the song’s four writers David Garcia, Josh Miller, Steven Lee Olsen and Moore.
“More Girls Like You” is the lead single from Kip’s third studio album, Slowheart, following 2012’s Up All Night and 2015’s Wild Ones.
Kip has undeniably paid his dues on his trek to stardom. He made his first public appearance singing at a Mellow Mushroom in Valdosta, GA, and moved to Nashville in 2004. He was signed to a songwriting deal with the help of producer/songwriter Brett James. It would be a further eight years before Kip was signed to a recording contract with MCA.
“There was no Plan B”
During the media session before the award presentation, I asked Kip what he did with his career during those long eight years to keep his eyes on the prize. With a smile, he said, “It was knowing I wasn’t going to be happy doing anything else. There was no Plan B.” He admitted, however, “It was a battle to keep one foot in front of the other.”
(L to R): BMI’s Bradley Collins, songwriters Steven Lee Olsen, David Garcia and Josh Miller, Moore and ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe. Photo credit: Ed Rode
The four writers reminisced about the way “More Girls Like You” came about. Steven Lee Olsen (whose first No. 1 as a writer was the Grammy-nominated “Blue Ain’t Your Color” for Keith Urban) noted that when the writers got together, “something magical” happened. “We started talking and that’s how it started.”
“It started falling together fast,” added Kip. “They knew where my head was, coming back from Cost Rica!”
“Kip almost didn’t show up,” said Josh. “He was headed to the lake for some wake boarding.” We were reminded that Kip has a passion for the water, having been something of a ‘beach bum,’ surfing in Hawaii before making the commitment to come to Nashville.
Discussing tour plans, Kip said he is joining Luke Bryan on his ‘What Makes You Country’ Tour. “Luke has always been a gracious and nice guy,” said Kip. “I’m looking forward to touring with Luke and the Cadillac Three.”
CMA Songwriters’ Series in Europe
Kip will soon be crossing the pond for concerts in Dublin Ireland, Glasgow Scotland and London England as part of the CMA Songwriters’ Series. He’ll be joining his old friend Brett James for the European dates, along with Luke Combs, Natalie Hemby and Nicolle Galyon. In addition to a packed U.S. tour schedule, Kip also has 2018 shows booked in Canada and Australia.
Kip’s story of his arduous journey to the top is yet another reminder to aspiring artists and songwriters that there is no such thing as ‘overnight success.’ There will always be a battle to ‘put one foot in front of the other’ as he put it. For Kip, there was no Plan B.
For tour dates and more info on Kip Moore’s new album Slowheart, go to http://www.kipmoore.net
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Preshias Harris is 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
Jesse Lee and Brett Young answer questions before the No. 1 party. Photo: Preshias Harris
Big Machine Label Group’s Brett Young celebrated his third Number One at a party honoring him and co-writer Jesse Lee, Monday, February 12. “Like I Love You” is his third chart-topper and comes just over a year since the release of his debut self-titled album. The party was co-hosted by ASCAP and BMI.
Brett is one of only three acts in the Country music genre to achieve RIAA ‘Gold’ certification for an album released in 2017. His breakout single, “In Case You Didn’t Know,” has already reached 3X Platinum status, making him the only debut artist since 2014 to achieve that level. He is also the only new Country artist with a 2017 song to go multi-Platinum, too. All three Number Ones are from his debut album.
Second No. 1 for Jesse Lee
Pictured (L-R): Scott Borchetta, BMI’s David Preston, Jesse Lee, Ole’s John Ozier, Brett Young, ASCAP’s Michael Martin, BMLG Records’ Jimmy Harnen and Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar. Photo Credit: Ed Rode
Co-writer Jesse Lee was celebrating her second No. 1 as writer, following 2016’s “Peter Pan,” a hit for Kelsea Ballerini.
“Like I Loved You” spent three weeks at Number One, but its release as a single was by no means a guarantee, following the success of Brett’s two previous hits.
“My first two singles were happy love songs,” said Brett at a pre-presentation media session. “Then Jesse and I wrote this one that is really different. My songs are like my babies. A part of me is attached to that song,” he noted. “I fought for getting this song on my record. We used our own money to cut the demo.”
Speaking about the writing session that resulted in “Like I Love You,” Brett said that this was a different kind of co-write, too. “We’d never met before. We went to lunch then came back and wrote it. That was in late 2014.”
The long road to Nashville
Both Brett Young and Jesse Lee might seem like newcomers, but as with most successful people, that isn’t really the case. At the media session, Brett noted that he’d been playing and performing for 14 years before moving to Nashville.
Jesse Lee is not new to the music business either. Signed to Atlantic Nashville in 2007, Jesse had some minor chart success as a recording artist, but then took a different path.
‘I reinvented myself and started to write’
Jesse Lee
Speaking of her early career as an artist, she said, “People didn’t want me one the radio! So I reinvented myself and started to write. Then I realized I was getting into publishing companies because of my writing not my artist talents.”
Reminded that Nashville is often referred to as a ‘ten-year town’ when it comes to developing a career in music, Jesse laughed and said, “it’s been more than a ten-year town for me. It’s been eleven!”
Speaking about the diversity of his musical styles and interests, Brett said, “I grew up with rhythm and blues and soul music, so You will hear the soul in my music.”
Brett is about to head out on Thomas Rhett’s ‘Life Changes Tour 2018’ this spring. Find tour updates at brettyoungmusic.com.
“it’s been more than a ten-year town for me. It’s been eleven!” Jesse Lee
What’s better than a Number One party? A DOUBLE Number One party, and that’s what happened Tuesday January 30th for writers of two of Dan + Shay’s recent chart-toppers. The double-header, co-hosted by ASCAP and BMI, was held at ASCAP’s Nashville HQ.
“From the Ground Up” and “How Not To” are the second and third U.S. Country Airplay chart toppers for Warner Bros. Nashville artists Dan + Shay (Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney) following 2015’s “Nothing Like You,” a cut from the album WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. The two latest Number Ones are both cuts on OBSESSED.
The honorees for “How Not To” were songwriters Kevin Bard, Paul DiGiovanni and Adam Hambrick. Publishing honors went to Kevin Bard Music, Ole Red Cape Songs, Paulywood Music, Sony ATV Music Publishing, Red Like The Sunset Music and Universal Music.
Accepting songwriters’ awards for “From the Ground Up” were Chris DeStafano, Shay Mooney and Dan Smyers, while the publishers’ nod went to Beats and Banjos, CDS Words & Music, Shay Mooney Music, Sony ATV Publishing and Warner/Chappell Music Publishing.
Inspired by grandparents’ long-lasting love
From left: Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Chris DeStafano talk during media session. Photo: Preshias Harris
At a pre-presentation media session, Dan, Shay and Chris talked about the origins of “From the Ground Up.” The idea was sparked by a very personal incident. “Driving back from my grandfather’s funeral, we ended up at [Chris] Stefano’s place,” said Dan. “When Chris stepped outside to take a call, [Shay and I] started talking about how both our grandparents were married for 65 years. it so incredible to married for 65 Years!” It was from that discussion and family memories that the song took shape. “We knew we had something special and it was written in about 45 Minutes,” Dan added.
‘Personal moments’ shape songs
Personal life moments are often the genesis for songs, as Dan and Shay can attest. During the media session, they recalled writing “When I Prayed For You.” The song, about a soon-to-be-father praying for his child, was featured in the movie, “The Shack.” Shay noted that it was written when he and his wife Hannah were expecting their daughter, Asher. Anticipating the birth of a child in real life added poignancy to the writing, Shay recalled.
Getting back to “From the Ground Up,” Chris DeStefano said, “It’s amazing to me to be part of a song that fans can connect with.” Chris is no stranger to chart toppers, having written or co-written Number One songs for Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge, Jason Aldean and more. “I won’t ever take it for granted, being a songwriter,” he said.
Wexford, Pennsylvania, native Dan Smyers and James Shay Mooney (from Natural Dam, Arkansas) met in Nashville in December 2012 and began songwriting together. They were quickly signed to Warner/Chappell Music. The following year, their first single – “19 You + Me” – went to Country radio. Although it never topped any chart, the song continued to sell steadily since then and has since been certified Platinum by RIAA.
Pictured (l-r): Songwriters Chris DeStefano, Paul DiGiovanni, Kevin Bard, Adam Hambrick and Dan+Shay’s Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney. Photo: Ed Rode/ASCAP
Garth Brooks will likely remember Saturday, December 9, 2017 for a number of reasons. When he and wife Trisha Yearwood picked up their mics at the afternoon press conference, he told us it was something of a homecoming for them: the first time they had played Nashville since the fundraiser following the ‘great Nashville flood’ of 2010.
Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood at press conference. Photo: Preshias Harris
As Trisha said, after three years on the road, it was pleasant to realize they didn’t have to pack a suitcase. After each of their Nashville shows, they could simply drive to their home in Goodlettsville. Garth smiled at said, “Welcome to the end of the journey.”
December 9 also marked the official announcement that Garth’s latest single, ‘Ask Me How I Know,’ reached Number One on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. It was his first Number One since 2007’s ‘More Than A Memory.’ To add poignancy, December 9, 1989, was the date that Garth reached the Number One spot for the first time with ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes.’
Oh, and Saturday was the eve of Garth and Trisha’s wedding anniversary: they were married December 10, 2005. A memorable weekend in so many ways.
Garth’s pre-show celebration
Garth Brooks on stage at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Preshias Harris
At a backstage party prior to Saturday’s show at Bridgestone Arena, Garth and Trisha celebrated their return to Nashville following an incredible tour that shattered every record for attendance and ticket revenue. Awards were presented to Garth, one after another, marking so many milestones in a unique career. Among his astonishing achievements: he is the best-selling solo artist in the United States with over 148 million domestic units sold, and over 160 million records sold worldwide.
He is also the only artist to have released seven albums that reached diamond status, according to RIAA. (This is an even greater achievement when you remember that he took a hiatus from recording between 2001 and 2009 to focus more fully on being with his family.)
At the pre-show party, it was also announced that Garth also tops the Nielsen BookScan chart with the Number One non-fiction book, ‘The Anthology, Part One: The First Five Years.’
Mitch Rossell at the Bridgestone. Photo: Mike Harris
And then it was showtime. A packed Bridgestone Arena was treated to a superb show that opened with a solo set from singer/songwriter Mitch Rossell who wrote Garth’s current chart-topper, ‘Ask Me How I Know.’ That song is Rossell’s first commercially released cut as a songwriter, making it a memorable night for him, too. Rossell was followed by a set by Karyn Rochelle, a fine songwriter who co-penned ‘Red High Heels’ with Kelly Pickler.
Two+ hours of high energy
Garth at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Preshias Harris
When Garth finally hit the stage, the sold-out crowd erupted as he roared into ‘Let’s Lay Down and Dance,’ the beginning of more than two hours of faultless high energy. Garth is a master of handling a crowd. At one point, without saying or singing a word, he virtually ‘conducted’ the audience like a mime. For several minutes, he urged different sections of the crowd to compete in the volume of the noise they could produce, building to a deafening crescendo.
As he had pointed out at the press conference, he understands an audience’s desire to hear the familiar hits and he knows how to finesse the performance of lesser-known or current material into his set. He didn’t disappoint, performing a string of crowd favorites, including ‘The Thunder Roars,’ ‘Rodeo,’ ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes,’ and many more. Trisha joined him onstage with some of her own hits including ‘She’s In Love With the Boy’ and ‘Memphis.’
With all the records that Garth has already broken, he isn’t done yet. Although the current World Tour is finally coming to an end, there’s no end in sight to his unique and remarkable career, as much a tribute to his mastery of marketing as to his amazing musical talent. There’s more to come.
photo: facebook.com/mitchrossellofficial
Footnote:Mitch Rossell, who opened for Garth and also wrote the current Number One, may be finding his first taste of chart success as a writer, but he is no newcomer to the music business. As he told the audience during his set, he’d been playing music and writing songs as long as he could remember. He’d been in Nashville for about five years, determined to make music his career. He looked around the packed arena and said that before these tour dates with Garth, “I was playing Tootsie’s bar at the Nashville Airport.” Aspiring artists and songwriters need to remind themselves that ‘Nashville is a five-year town’ – or maybe a ten-year town for some. Patience and perseverance win out in the end.
Garth Brooks is undeniably one of the most enduring artists in Country music with a career that continues to set and break records.
This week, he is once again celebrating a chart-topper as his poignant ballad, “Ask Me How I Know,” hits Number One, landing the top spot on Billboard and Country Aircheck/Mediabase Country Airplay charts. The track is Brooks’ 20th No. One and the first songwriting cut by newcomer Mitch Rossell. The feat also marks a full-circle moment for Brooks, as this week is the 28th anniversary of his first No. One with “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” which summited the charts on Dec. 9, 1989.
First cut for Mitch Rossell
Brooks expressed his congratulations to the team at his record label and to songwriter Rossel. “I’m so proud of the Pearl Records team for working so hard for this No. One,” said Brooks. “Congrats to Mitch Rossell on his first cut…so happy for you, pal! And to country radio…four decades later, thanks for still believing. I’m humbled and very grateful.”
Brooks is on the final run of the Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood this week. He starts a seven-show run at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on December 9 to mark the end of the tour. (Personal note: I will be in the audience for the Saturday show, December 9th!) In a little over three years, the tour has sold over 6.4 million tickets, making it the biggest North American tour in history and the biggest American tour in the world. For tickets, click here.
Six-time CMA Entertainer of the Year
Garth Brooks just won Entertainer of the Year at the CMA Awards for a sixth time, a first for any artist. He is also the first artist in history to receive 7 Diamond awards for the now seven albums certified by the RIAA at over 10 million album sales each and remains the #1-selling solo artist in U.S. history certified by the RIAA with over 148 million album sales. He has received every accolade the recording industry can bestow on an artist.
Brooks has been inducted into the International Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame and most recently, the Musicians Hall of Fame. He has also launched Inside Studio G, a weekly Facebook Live series. It airs every Monday on Garth’s Facebook page at 7:00 PM EST. You can follow him at: https://www.facebook.com/GarthBrooks, https://twitter.com/garthbrooks and http://instagram.com/garthbrooks.
Tuesday was a celebration of music milestones for Luke Brian and co-writers Sammy Mitchell, Steven Battey and Robert Williford. ‘One Number Away’ was the reason for the celebrations, and for the standing-room-only crowd at the Number One party at the Sutler Basement in Nashville. ‘One Number Away’ is Luke’s third Number One and the third cut from his debut full-length album, ‘This One’s For You.’ The party was hosted jointly by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC.
Luke said that he was in Europe when he first heard the finished demo of ‘Move’ that his co-writers e-mailed to him. “I can’t believe I got a chance to put a great song like this out,” said Luke, adding, “and I co-wrote it!”
Speaking about this special occasion, Carly revealed, “I’ve dreamt of what it would be like to have a No. 1 song since I moved to Nashville.” She continued, “If I am living proof of anything, it’s that one song can change everything. I have experienced that with my peers over the years and have listened to the stories behind the songs that changed other people’s lives.” She added that, at the time she recorded ‘Every Little Thing’ she had no idea that was going to be the song that changed her life.
“Kip almost didn’t show up,” said Josh. “He was headed to the lake for some wake boarding.” We were reminded that Kip has a passion for the water, having been something of a ‘beach bum,’ surfing in Hawaii before making the commitment to come to Nashville.
Both Brett Young and Jesse Lee might seem like newcomers, but as with most successful people, that isn’t really the case. At the media session, Brett noted that he’d been playing and performing for 14 years before moving to Nashville.
Speaking about the diversity of his musical styles and interests, Brett said, “I grew up with rhythm and blues and soul music, so You will hear the soul in my music.”
Garth Brooks just won Entertainer of the Year at the CMA Awards for a sixth time, a first for any artist. He is also the first artist in history to receive 7 Diamond awards for the now seven albums certified by the RIAA at over 10 million album sales each and remains the #1-selling solo artist in U.S. history certified by the RIAA with over 148 million album sales. He has received every accolade the recording industry can bestow on an artist.