Canada Country Aircheck Issue 3

COVER STORY: EMERGING ARTIST STEVIE JEWEL EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW PLAN YOUR TRIP TO COUNTRY MUSIC WEEK….THE ROAD TO LONDON DMDS REPORT NEW MUSIC RADIO NEWS & MORE!

Welcome to Canada Country Aircheck Digital Magazine. We will have a new issue each Wednesday with more in depth articles for the Canadian country music industry. We will still have our daily newsletter and the reason for starting a digital magazine format is many have asked for more detailed articles which is something we couldn’t do in our regular daily newsletter. I want to thank all those that read our first and second issues and the many e-mails we received.

In this issue we have will help you plan your trip to Country Music Week in London including showcases to see. It will be a jam packed week for those going. Our Cover story this week is on Emerging artist Stevie Jewel. We have our review of the Top DMDS downloads for the past week. We have our Indie News bringing you up to date on Indie artists, and we bring you the news from Nashville.

We are talking with a few companies so we can bring you charts and there is one that is really cool and would be on our web site if we make the deal. You can go in daily and see how songs are doing. We will keep you informed as we move forward.

We’d love to hear from you.

If you are a radio station and you want to share your new music adds with other country radio programmers and music directors we’d love to receive them. If you have news send it to us. If you are a radio station and you are looking for staff send us an e-mail and we will put it in our Opportunities section at no charge. If you are on air talent or sales person and you are looking for your next opportunity send us an e-mail and we will post it free.

Artists send us any news you have on your career, photo’s if you are visiting radio stations and make sure we are on your DMDS send list. If you have a story idea send it to us and we will consider all submissions.

You can send all e-mails to us at news@canadacountryaircheck.com.

Next week we will devote our whole issue to Country Music Week In London including a special cover story. We will give you our projections as to will win what awards. If we have missed something with regards to Live Performances listed in this issue let us know and we will get it in our Special Country Music Week Issue. We look forward to hearing from you.

Stevie Jewel Emerging Artist

When you want to be a doctor you go to medical school. When you want to be a lawyer you go to law school. And when you want to be a broadcaster you take a broadcasting course. So it just makes sense if you want to be an entertainer you learn all you can about the music business by attending a top entertainment school. And that is exactly the route that Stevie Jewel has taken. Many of the top country stars have taken this route. I remember asking Brad Paisley what advice he would have for someone wanting to get in the entertainment business and he said “Go to a great school like Belmont, learn as much as you can and meet as many people as you can because most of those people will be part of the career you have in the music business.”

Ontario born Stevie Jewel is Katy Perry meets Country with a twist of Southern Rock. Multi award winning and Grammy nominated before she turned 20, Stevie has performed at The White House, Country Music Week leading up to the CCMA Awards, and all over the U.S. to great acclaim. A graduate of The Royal Conservatory in Canada, Las Vegas Academy for the Performing Arts and the Atlanta Music Academy, Stevie’s powerful storytelling and stunning vocal presence highlight her unique artistic identity which connects her to her audience across the globe. Stevie’s single “MEMORY LANE” scored extensive airplay on CBC Radio in Jewel’s homeland of Canada in late 2015. Currently based in Nashville, Tennessee, Stevie is finishing her last year at Nashville’s premier music school, Belmont University. She is collaborating with Nashville’s Alisters like Country Hall of Famer Tom Douglas (LADY ANTEBELLUM, TIM MCGRAW), and Pop writer/ producers JODI MARR ( CAROLE KING, RICKY MARTIN) and Will Edwards ( Dexter, Burn Notice, The Sopranos.) on a new collection of songs and looking forward to hearing her new single “Bad Habit” on radio soon. We sat down with Stevie for an exclusive interview.

CCA: In the past we have interviewed Brad Paisley who attended Belmont and I asked him his advice for people who want to get into the music business. He said that attend a University like Belmont and meet as many people as you can because a lot of these people you will end up working with in the business. How has you experience been at Belmont?

Stevie: I’ve had an incredible experience at Belmont. I completely agree with what Brad said, some of my friends have already signed publishing deals and it’s so exciting to be able to grow with your peers.

CCA: Do they teach you all aspects of the business at Belmont?

Stevie: Yes, I’ve taken classes that cover everything from being an entrepreneur to copyright law. It’s so useful, because it’s all important when you get into the real world of the music industry. Knowing how royalties work, what an advance is, and how it impacts you is crucial to making good decisions in regards to your songs and work as an artist.

CCA: By attending Belmont have you been able to make any in-roads on Music Row? (key contacts etc) Stevie: Yes, Belmont has events specifically arranged for students to get to ask questions and meet industry professionals in an informal setting. Several of the instructors are still working in the industry as well as teaching, so almost everyone you meet is working or planning to work in the industry. I’ve made several contacts through Belmont that have been impactful to my career.

CCA: This past year you have made live appearances in New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas and LA. Tell us about some of these performances and where you played.

Stevie: My favorite place of that tour was New York City, while I also loved Chicago, I love the energy of NYC, and Rockwood Music Hall is such a fun venue to play. I’ve performed in LA and Vegas multiple times and that’s always great too, especially to be playing iconic venues like The Mint.

CCA: Do you write all your own material and if so do you draw from your own experiences?

Stevie: I write most of my own material, because it pours out of me. It would be nearly impossible for me to write without somehow drawing on my personal experiences, but my favorite part about writing is the ability to tell the story however you want. We’ve all had that moment an hour after a conversation and thought, “If only I’d said this!” and songwriting gives that opportunity!

CCA: Before recording do you listen to other song writers material and what do you look for in a song?

Stevie: I am a fan of other writers, but I rarely listen to someone else’s music before recording. The reason for this is mostly because I already know what story or feeling I’m trying to convey and because I know so clearly what I want from the song. When I’m writing a song I look for a lot of things from it, a good melody, a good hook, but because I’ve majored in songwriting at Belmont for almost four years in addition to just being a songwriter for over 8 years, it feels very comfortable now, and I know what I’m looking to hear when I start to write.

CCA: Your new single is called Bad Habit tell us the story behind the song!

Stevie: We were talking over ideas and then somehow the words “bad habit” were said and we knew right then, that was the idea for the song! The whole thing was finished in less than two hours and when one of my producers, Will Edwards, heard the song he said, “That’s a hit!”.

CCA: What’s coming up for Stevie Jewel (ie Live Performances, Recording, going to the CCMA Country Music Week etc) Stevie: I’ll be attending the CCMAs, and then my team and I are about to start working on a full album! I’ve released several singles and now I’m so excited to be working on an album. I’ve also got some dates to share Bad Habit live, you can find the full schedule of live performances on my website, http://www.steviejewel.com CCA: How can people follow you online?

Stevie: I love connecting with fans! I’m usually on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram sharing photos and just chatting about life and music! I also blog about touring, creating music, and what’s like to be a musician!

Top DMDS Downloads for August 22ND to August 26TH AUGUST 22ND 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Hunter Brothers “Long Way To Love You” (Open Road) William Michael Morgan “I Met A Girl” (Warner) Keith Urban “Blue Ain't Your Color” (Universal) Billy Currington “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” (Universal) Andrew Hyatt “That’s How I’m Livin’” (Wax/DMD Promo)

AUGUST 26TH 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

High Valley “Every Week’s Got A Friday” (Warner) Dallas Smith “Autograph” (604/Sony/A. Wilson Promo) Hunter Brothers “Long Way To Love You” (Open Road) Stevie Jewel “Bad Habit” (Crown 26/L. Tutty Promo) Frankie Ballard “Cigarette” (Warner)

AUGUST 23RD 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

William Michael Morgan “I Met A Girl” (Warner) Hunter Brothers “Long Way To Love You” (Open Road) Drake Jensen “Wherever Love Takes Us” (Soaring Eagle) Andrew Hyatt “That’s How I’m Livin’” (Wax/DMD Promo) Stevie Jewel “Bad Habit” (Crown 26/L. Tutty Promo)

AUGUST 24TH 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Dallas Smith “Autograph” (604/Sony/A. Wilson Promo) High Valley “Come On Down” (Open Road) William Michael Morgan “I Met A Girl” (Warner) Drake Jensen “Wherever Love Takes Us” (Soaring Eagle) Hunter Brothers “Long Way To Love You” (Open Road)

Most Added This Week Keith Urban “Blue Ain’t Your Color” Kenny Chesney Feat Pink “Setting the World On Fire” Aaron Goodvin “Woman In Love” Carrie Underwood “Dirty Laundry” Dean Brody “Bush Party”

AUGUST 25TH 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Dallas Smith “Autograph” (604/Sony/A. Wilson Promo) Hunter Brothers “Long Way To Love You” (Open Road) David James “Starts With A Girl” (MDM/Dale Speaking Promo) Florida Georgia Line f. Tim McGraw “May We All” (Big Machine) Stevie Jewel “Bad Habit” (Crown 26/L. Tutty Promo)

Florida Georgia Line “May We All” Dierks Bentley holds on to the number 1 spot for the second week with “Different For Girls” Top Canadian on the Charts is James Barker Band with “Lawn Chair Lazy” at # 4

AM to FM Promotions is proud to work with Canadian Country Artists, and we are particularly proud to be working alongside Alessia Cohle and Jade Mya!

Alessia Cohle's new single, "How Bad" is at country radio now!

Alessia performed at the Manitoulin Country Fest on August 6th and wowed the crowd.

During the CCMA's, you can see Alessia perform at 11:30 am on Saturday, Sept 10th at the Diamonds in the Rough showcase Visit Alessia online at www.alessiacohle.com

Jade Mya has just released her debut CD, "Heartbreak Country".

The launch of the anticipated album was released nationally with street teams at 6 major cities across Canada The third single from the release, "Telescope" is at country radio now.

Catch Jade Mya at the 2016 CCMA's.

Visit Jade online at http://www.jademya.com/

Andrea Morris AM to FM Promotions

63 Thirteenth Street Toronto, ON M8V 3H3 416-469-1314 cell: 416-527-2967 mailto:andrea@amtofm.com http://amtofm.com

INDIE RELEASES

Stevie Jewel “Bad Habit”

Rod Black "Miles to Go”

Chris Ising “Got The Girl”

BECCA “Mountain Child”

Shae Dupuy Dungarees “I’m Down” “Good For Me”

Chance Tomke

Drake Jensen

Ray Mattie

Night Walker

Wherever Love Takes Us

JUST ANOTHER SMILE

We are going to start off listing some cool live entertainment and showcases you can see while in London.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 CCMA SONGWRITERS’ SERIES – SESSION 1 1:00-3:30PM (GENERAL ADMISSION) Wolf Performance Hall Presented By: SOCAN It's impossible to ignore what some consider to be the greatest aspect of country music, and what makes it resonant as a genre - the song writing. The CCMA Songwriters’ Series celebrates the crafting of original songs and the stories behind the words, indulging listeners with both new and familiar faces in the process. This four-day, acoustic performance event – a marque series as part of Country Music Week – is sure to inspire and evoke strong emotions in all who attend.

Performers: 1:00 p.m set Hosted by Wes Mack Mike Robins of Autumn Hill The Lovelocks Alex Runions

2:15 p.m. set Steve Wilkinson Bobby Wills Stacey Lee Guse Kelly Prescott

CCMA DISCOVERY SHOWCASE 8:00-11:00PM (GENERAL ADMISSION) London Music Hall CCMA Discovery Award presented by Country 107.3 The six 2016 CCMA Discovery Program finalists come together one last time, as each performs separately and vies for the attention of a secret panel of judges who are onsite to decide this year’s CCMA Discovery Award winner (presented at Saturday’s private industry event, the CCMA Gala Dinner & Awards).

Showcase Host & Performer: Beverley Mahood 2016 CCMA Discovery Program Finalists: Tenille Arts (Weyburn, SK) DaniElle (Pitt Meadows, BC) Eric Ethridge (Sarnia, ON) Livy Jeanne (Androssan, AB) Runaway Angel (Toronto, ON) TwoShine County (Calgary, AB) Special Guest & 2015 CCMA Discovery Award Winner: Raquel Cole

JACK DANIEL’S COUNTRY MUSIC WEEK KICK OFF PARTY THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8TH

The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®), in partnership with the London Host Committee for Country Music Week 2016, will stage the Jack Daniel’s Country Music Week Kick-Off Party on the evening of Thursday, September 8. This large scale street party, which will close Talbot Street between the crossroads of King Street and Dundas Street, will launch the 40th anniversary celebration of Country Music Week and commemorate London being host city of the event for the first time.

Branded the Fanshawe College and Downtown London Stage, Thursday night’s line-up includes:        

Amy Nelson James Barker Band PETRIC Meghan Patrick JoJo Mason Cold Creek County Aaron Pritchett Tim Hicks

Country Music Week 2016 will be held in London, Ontario, September 8 – 11. For the latest information on Country Music Week, visit ccma.org

CMA AND COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM Host FREE Concert Sunday, Sept. 25, Featuring The Time Jumpers and Charlie Worsham With Special Guest Patty Loveless Joining The Time Jumpers

If you have ever been to Nashville you know the must see show is the Time Jumpers that call 3rd and Lindsay home and they sell out each time they play.

The Country Music Association (CMA) and the Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum will partner to host Forever Country Live presented by Southwest Airlines®, a FREE concert to celebrate the 50th anniversary of both the museum’s opening and the CMA Awards. The community event will be held Sunday, Sept. 25, at Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville, with performances by Warner Bros. recording artist Charlie Worsham and Grammy-nominated ensemble The Time Jumpers, featuring Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill, Kenny Sears, "Ranger Doug" Green, and Paul Franklin.

The event is the official launch of Country Music Month, celebrated in October.

Festivities culminate Wednesday, Nov. 2, with the live, national broadcast of “The 50th Annual CMA Awards” on the ABC Television Network. The concert also kicks off the museum’s initiatives to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2017.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 9TH CCMA SONGWRITERS’ SERIES – SESSION 2 5:00-7:30PM (GENERAL ADMISSION) Wolf Performance Hall Presented By: SOCAN The CCMA Songwriters’ Series features acoustic, in-the-round performances by emerging and established artists alike. Experience firsthand how songs are brought to life by some of Canada’s best talent in the field of songwriting.

Performers: 5:00 p.m. set

6:15 p.m. set

Hosted by Jamie Warren

Eddie Eastman

Jason Benoit

Jaida Dreyer

Keith and Renée

*Genevieve Fisher

*Darren Gusnowsky &

Jeff Johnson

Rob Shapiro of Hey Romeo

CCMA Legends Show

Not to be missed is the CCMA Legends Show: A Tribute to Yesterday & Today; as this once-in-alifetime event pays tribute to Canadian country hits of the past and present by pairing some of Canada’s most cherished country artists, including Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductees, with rising and current hit-makers in the industry.

The star-studded 2016 CCMA Legends Show, taking place at London’s Centennial Hall, will feature such cherished artists as Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductees Donna and LeRoy Anderson, Johnny Burke and from London herself, Marie Bottrell. Hot off the heels of an album release and Canadian tour, George Canyon will also perform on the show. Michelle Wright, whose storied career boasts a total of 25 Top Ten radio hits in Canada alone, as well as an induction into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, will grace the stage. CCMA Award winners, Small Town Pistols, will perform – and Amanda and Tyler will welcome their dad, Steve, to join them for a special collaboration as The Wilkinsons. The acclaimed and CCMA-nominated group, The Western Swing Authority, will also perform.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

HURON COUNTY FANFEST 11:00AM-3:00PM Western Fair District, Metroland Media Agriplex Presented By: Western Fair District Official Retail Sponsor HMV Hosted by Today’s Country BX93 and Country 104 This is a FREE event

Join us at the Western Fair District for a line-up of some of Canada’s brightest country music stars! This FREE afternoon music festival will feature back-to-back live performances by a collection of fan-favourite artists. Attendees will have the opportunity to get their picture taken with country music celebs at the CCMA FanFest photo wall.

NOTE: to keep photo lines moving, a professional photographer will be snapping the photos, save the battery on your smart phone to capture all the live performances! This event is free and open to the public. Artist and CCMA merchandise will be available.

Huron County FanFest Performers: Chad Brownlee Lindsay Ell Tim Hicks Kira Isabella Brett Kissel Wes Mack Madeline Merlo Jess Moskaluke The Road Hammers Deric Ruttan

CCMA SONGWRITERS’ SERIES – SESSION 3 1:30-4:00PM (GENERAL ADMISSION)

Wolf Performance Hall Presented By: SOCAN #CCMA40

The CCMA Songwriters’ Series celebrates the crafting of original songs and the talent behind their memorable words. Join us for an acoustic, in-the-round performance by both emerging and established songwriters.

Performers: 1:30 p.m. set Hosted by Doc Walker

2:45 p.m. set Small Town Pistols

Patricia Conroy

Endless Summer

Drew Gregory

Jessica Mitchell

Kayla Luky

*No bar service available

Emma-Lee

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

CCMA SONGWRITERS’ SERIES – SESSION 4 1:00-3:00PM (GENERAL ADMISSION)

London Music Hall Presented By: SOCAN and ole

The CCMA Songwriters’ Series culminates with a session that features masterclass songwriters from both sides of the border in a guitar pull setting. Notable songwriters from Canada and the U.S. will share the stories behind country music’s biggest hits. Experience this unique and onetime-only stage event with the names behind the country songs you know and love.

Performers: Hosted by Ralph Murphy Kristian Bush Christopher DeStefano Deric Ruttan Jeremy Stover

CCMA AWARDS SHOW COUNTDOWN CONCERT 3:00-4:30PM

Talbot Street & Covent Garden Market Square Fanshawe College and Downtown London Stage Hosted by Country 104 This is a FREE event #CCMAawards

Help us get the party started and set the mood for the high energy CCMA Awards Show. With a fun, festival atmosphere, the CCMA Awards Countdown Concert will feature some of your favourite Canadian country music artists.

Performers: Lindsay Ell The Lovelocks Wes Mack River Town Saints The Washboard Union Bobby Wills

JOHN DEERE GREEN CARPET 4:30-6:00PM

Talbot Street & Covent Garden Market Square Hosted by Today's Country BX93 This is a FREE event #CCMAawards

The perfect opportunity to star gaze: If you’re a fan of Canadian country artists and personalities, the John Deere Green Carpet is the place to be. Nominated artists, performers, presenters and special guests walk the carpet and interact with fans and media along the way. Fans are encouraged to get to the FanZone early for prime spots to get a glimpse of, and cheer on, their favourite stars.

THE 2016 CCMA AWARDS SHOW

The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) announced that Dean Brody, High Valley, Madeline Merlo and Jess Moskaluke plus Kelsea Ballerini, Gord Bamford, Chad Brownlee, and Brett Kissel joined by Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Terri Clark, Cold Creek County, Tim Hicks joined by Colin James, Johnny Reid, and special guest Sam Hunt will all take the stage at Budweiser Gardens in London, ON on Sunday, September 11. The 2016 CCMA Awards Show will air live on CBC at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT) with an encore airing on CMT (Canada) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Country legend and nine-time CCMA Award winner, Dean Brody recently took home his second JUNO Award for Country Album of the Year (Gypsy Road). Brody’s latest single “Bush Party” is now available on iTunes. The track is the first single from his sixth album, due for release October 2016. Dean Brody's hit "Bring Down the House" is the top selling digital single for a Canadian country artist of all time.

After taking home the 2015 CCMA Award for Group or Duo of the Year, High Valley went on to sign with Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville, and have spent much of the last year touring and making their mark on the U.S. Included on “artists to watch” lists by Spotify, CMT (U.S.) and Taste of Country, High Valley is currently charting on U.S. Country Top 40 radio.

2015 CCMA Rising Star Award winner and BC native, Madeline Merlo, is nominated for the 2016 CCMA Female Artist of the Year Award. In April, Merlo released her debut album, Free Soul. Her current single, “War Paint", a touching song about standing up for those in the midst of facing something difficult, has been steadily climbing the charts. 2016 brought Merlo across the country to perform on some of the industry’s most coveted stages, including the Calgary Stampede, Boots and Hearts and Rockin’ River Festival.

Jess Moskaluke is a multiple 2016 CCMA Award nominee, including Female Artist and Interactive Artist of the Year.

Acclaimed as the first female Canadian country solo artist since Shania Twain to achieve gold single status (with her hit track “Cheap Wine and Cigarettes”), in 2016 she achieved two Top 10 hits with her respective singles, “Kiss Me Quiet” and “Take Me Home”. A multiple 2015 JUNO Award nominee, she was also consecutively crowned the 2014 and 2015 CCMA Award Female Artist of the Year.

Kelsea Ballerini launched to stardom with two consecutive #1 smashes – PLATINUM-certified "Love Me Like You Mean It” and GOLD-certified follow-up “Dibs” – from her critically acclaimed debut album The First Time. Ballerini is the first solo female artist in 15 years to hit #1 with her first two country singles and one of only 11 women to have ever hit the top of the charts with a debut. Her latest GOLD-certified single, “Peter Pan” is flying up the country radio charts.

Awarded Billboard’s Rising Star honor at the prestigious 2015 Women In Music event, Ballerini continues to rack up the accolades earning her first-ever ACM Award win for New Female Vocalist of the Year, the fan-voted Radio Disney Music Award for The Freshest - Best New Artist (all genre) and the American Country Countdown Award (ACCA) for Breakthrough Female of the Year. She’s thrilled to be performing on the 2016 CCMA Awards Show.

Gord Bamford stands as one of the most decorated artists in Canadian country music with an impressive 20 CCMA Awards and multiple JUNO Award nominations. He’s also recognized stateside as one of only three Canadians, and the only two-time winner, of the Country Music Association’s 2013 and 2015 CMA Global Country Artist Award. It’s his distinctive sound and songwriting ability that defines Gord Bamford as one of country music’s best neotraditional artists.

Bamford’s seventh studio album, Tin Roof, is nominated for the 2016 CCMA Award for Album of the Year.

With over one billion radio impressions to date, Chad Brownlee has seen his singles rapidly climb the country music charts, with multiple songs cracking the national Top 10, including his recent single “I Hate You For It”. Throughout his career, Brownlee has received critical acclaim and numerous accolades including a highly coveted 2013 JUNO Award nomination for Country Album of the Year, and most recently multiple 2016 CCMA Award nominations, including Album of the Year for Hearts on Fire, the fourth release in his discography.

Brett Kissel has now been nominated for a CCMA Award a total of 19 times in his young career. Apple Music Canada named his sophomore release Pick Me Up the best country album of 2015, CBC included it on their list of top Canadian albums and it earned Brett a JUNO Award nomination for Country Album of the Year. His latest single, "Cool With That", has become his eighth consecutive Top 10 radio hit – including a No. 1 single with “Airwaves.” Joining Kissel for his performance on the CCMA Awards Show is one of the top leading ladies in Canadian country music – 17-time CCMA Award winner and JUNO Award-winning Carolyn Dawn Johnson.

Four-time CCMA Female Artist of the Year and eight-time CCMA Fans’ Choice Award winner Terri Clark, has sold more than four million albums and garnered 13 Top Ten singles including the hits; “Better Things To Do”, “Girls Lie Too” and” “No Fear”. In September, Clark will headline the Back to My Roots Solo Acoustic Tour kicking off in P.E.I. and wrapping in B.C. in November.

With three CCMA Award nominations this year (Rising Star, Group or Duo of the Year and Video of the Year), Cold Creek County delivers a powerful, dynamic sound that’s already captured the band a sizeable fan base and won them three CMAO Awards. Being heavily influenced by country and rock, the band brings both worlds together in a way that’s sure to get your feet stomping, and have already opened for such country stars as Dallas Smith, Emerson Drive, Kira Isabella and Jason Blaine.

Celebrated as one of Canadian country music’s most dynamic live performers, Tim Hicks has cemented his reputation as an elite chart topping act since making his country label debut in 2013. Hicks’ catalogue of highly praised releases have earned the 2014 CCMA Rising Star Award winner five GOLD-certified singles in addition to multiple sold-out headlining dates and tours across the country. With seven Top 10 singles, multiple JUNO Award nominations and a 2015 SOCAN Award, Hicks recently announced September 9 as the release date for his third album, Shake These Walls.

Joining Hicks for his performance on the CCMA Awards Show is multi-award winning iconic Canadian blues rock artist, Colin James.

Over an illustrious career spanning more than a decade, multi-award winning singer/songwriter, Johnny Reid has captured the hearts of fans and audiences around the world. The recipient of several CCMA Awards, with three nominations this year, Reid is critically acclaimed and widely known for his lyrical honesty and musical ability, as demonstrated by an extensive catalogue of hit songs, album sales totaling over 1 million units, and multiple sold out national arena tours. His most recent studio recording What Love Is All About is certified platinum in Canada.

Sam Hunt’s debut album Montevallo on MCA Nashville topped the Billboard Country Albums Chart in its first week and remains the best-selling debut album for a country artist since 2011. Montevallo landed on multiple “Best of” lists including the Associated Press, Billboard, Country Weekly, Los Angeles Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, SPIN Magazine, Village Voice and The Washington Post. The album has produced three consecutive #1 PLATINUM-selling singles with “Leave the Night On”, “House Party”, the double-PLATINUM “Take Your Time,” plus Hunt’s PLATINUM-selling single, “Break Up In A Small Town”. His fifth single from the project, “Make You Miss Me” is playing at radio now.

Hunt recently earned his first-ever GRAMMY nominations for Best New Artist and Best Country Album and celebrated his first American Music Award earning the all-genre New Artist of the Year title.

CMA AND COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM Host FREE Concert Sunday, Sept. 25, Featuring The Time Jumpers and Charlie Worsham With Special Guest Patty Loveless Joining The Time Jumpers

The Country Music Association (CMA) and the Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum will partner to host Forever Country Live presented by Southwest Airlines®, a FREE concert to celebrate the 50th anniversary of both the museum’s opening and the CMA Awards. The community event will be held Sunday, Sept. 25, at Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville, with performances

by Warner Bros. recording artist Charlie Worsham and Grammy-nominated ensemble The Time Jumpers, featuring Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill, Kenny Sears, "Ranger Doug" Green, and Paul Franklin.

Keith Urban Celebrates Number 1 for Break On Me

Global Superstar Dolly Parton Teams Up with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® to Release Deluxe Version of Pure & Simple Album

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® today announced that Dolly Parton is its latest Spotlight Music artist. The legendary singer will exclusively release a deluxe version of her new album Pure & Simple in Cracker Barrel stores nationwide and online at crackerbarrel.com on Friday, Aug. 26, 2016.

This deluxe offering of Pure & Simple features 10 new tracks inspired by Parton’s East Tennessee roots. The album is complemented by several pieces of content exclusive to Cracker Barrel, including two versions of the singer’s charttopping hits “Jolene” and “9 to 5” recorded live at Glastonbury Festival and a 48-page magazine filled with photos and interviews highlighting memorable stories from Parton. The deluxe edition also includes coupons to various Parton attractions.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE NOTCH SEVERAL MAJOR APPEARANCES WITH DIG YOUR ROOTS LAUNCH

Fueling their highly anticipated DIG YOUR ROOTS album release on BMLG Records today (8/26), groundbreaking duo Florida Georgia Line nailed three major TV appearances this week – ABC’s Good Morning America 2016 Summer Concert Series as well as NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and TODAY. Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley took both GMA and The Tonight Show to church with spirited performances of their 16-week #1 “H.O.L.Y.” on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. They also showed off their playful side late night during a hilarious game called “Musical Beers.” Facing off against Fallon, Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), and Tig Notaro (One Mississippi), the fierce competitors challenged each other to an “adult” version of musical chairs where red Solo cups were used in place of the chairs.

In addition to taping their new single, "May We All,” exclusively for GMA’s website, FGL also treated early morning viewers to a surprise sneak peek of the hairraising music video’s world premiere. Successful actor and Country icon Tim McGraw is featured in both the one-of-a-kind mini-movie and on the track. The cinematic thrill-ride also includes exclusive behindthe-scenes footage shot in 360° virtual reality technology. The official full-length debut is Monday, August 29 at 8 p.m. ET on the FGL YouTube channel.

Kenny Chesney Spreads the Love to 121,399 in Boston

“The ups, the downs, the road, the shows – have been leading to… this moment,” Kenny Chesney told the crowd of 61,242 partway through “Beer In Mexico,” his second night set opener at Gillette Stadium. With his six-piece band rumbling like a ’72 muscle car, the the 8-time Entertainer of the Year’s 14th and 15th sold-out shows closed his Spread the Love 2016 Tour with a vengeance.

“This night in Foxborough and the past 48 hours, I just wanna say one thing: shut the door, best night of our touring life ever!

Cheers everybody,” Chesney enthused after the show.

With the city extending their curfew to accommodate the final night, Chesney played surprises and did extra songs with his guests – and, during a mash-up of the Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker” and Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds,” brought a young woman onstage in a cowboy hat. As the reggae classic lilted, Chesney removed her hat, revealing a bald head, then took off his own and smiling, rubbed his head against hers; then hugging her, he sang, “Every little thing’s gonna be alright…”

The crowd – who sang louder than the band in several places, throwing their hands back and forth throughout the night – erupted into massive cheers. The extended stints of cheering peaked with an almost two-minute burst of applause following “American Kids,” which prompted the songwriter/superstar to respond, “That is the loudest thing I’ve ever heard in my whole life!”

“THE 50th ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” NOMINATIONS TO BE ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY AUGUST 31ST

To celebrate 50 years of CMA Awards history, the Country Music Association will announce final nominees for “The 50th Annual CMA Awards” live from the Grand Ole Opry House Wednesday, Aug. 31.

The Opry was home to Country Music’s Biggest Night™ from 1974 through 2004.

Hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, “The 50th Annual CMA Awards” airs live Wednesday, Nov. 2 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on the ABC Television Network. _____________________________________________________

10TH ANNUAL ACM HONORS TAPING AUGUST 30TH

Miranda Lambert, Chris Young, Dan + Shay, The Band Perry and Alicia Keys are the latest performers announced for the 10th Annual ACM Honors, taping Aug. 30 at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium and airing Sept. 9 on CBS. Presenters revealed are Mike Fisher, Emmylou Harris, Martina McBride and Thomas Rhett.

Previously announced performers include Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Cam, Toby Keith, Maren Morris, Blake Shelton, Cole Swindell, Keith Urban and hosts Lady Antebellum.

The 10th ACM Honors is an evening dedicated to celebrating the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 51st ACM Awards. __________________________________________

ERIC CHURCH, MAREN MORRIS, AND CHRIS STAPLETON LEAD THE LIST OF FINALISTS FOR "THE 50th ANNUAL CMA AWARDS" WITH FIVE NOMINATIONS EACH

Eric Church, Maren Morris, and Chris Stapleton top the list of final nominees for "The 50th Annual CMA Awards" with five nominations each. This year's finalists represent the depth and range of Country Music over the past five decades from soulful traditionalists to contemporary groundbreakers.

If you notice a few big stars have been overlooked. Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton are two that got no nominations this year. Strange becuse Kenny continues to break live performance numbers playing for huge audiences. Blake had a very personal album this year. Also feels a bit strange not to see George Strait on the list but then again he is in retirement of sorts.

"I am very excited about this year's list of nominees," said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "We have artists who received their first CMA Awards nominations decades ago alongside first-timers; we have critically-acclaimed songwriters and artists who have reset the bar for Country Music. This is going to be an exciting year in addition to celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the CMA Awards."

Dierks Bentley, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban received four nominations and Tim McGraw received three nominations for trophies that will be handed out on Country Music's Biggest Night™.

"The 50th Annual CMA Awards" will be hosted by Brad Paisley and Underwood and broadcast live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 2 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

For the first time on ABC's "Good Morning America," the announcement of the final nominees in six of the 12 CMA Awards categories was made live from the historic stage of the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, which was home to the annual CMA Awards broadcast from 1974 to 2004. The announcement was made by Bentley, Cam, and Urban. Following "Good Morning America" the six remaining categories were announced by the nominated trio of artists on GoodMorningAmerica.com on Yahoo! as well as the "Good Morning America" Facebook

page through Facebook Live - making the announcements a complete ABC takeover for the second year.

Church's nominations include Male Vocalist; Album of the Year for Mr. Misunderstood, which was produced by Jay Joyce and Arturo Buenahora, Jr.; Single of the Year for "Record Year," which was produced by Joyce and mix engineered by Joyce and Jason Hall; Song of the Year for "Record Year," which was written by Church and Jeff Hyde; and Music Video of the Year for "Record Year," which was directed by Reid Long and John Peets. Church is a top nominee for the second year in a row, matching the five nominations he received in 2015. He now has a total of 22 nominations since his first in 2011 for New Artist of the Year.

Morris didn't just score her first nomination this year; she scored five, which ties her with Deana Carter (1997), K.T. Oslin (1988), and Gretchen Wilson (2004) for five nods in a debut year by a female artist. Only Kacey Musgraves has more, having received six nominations in 2013.

Morris received nominations for Female Vocalist; Album of the Year for Hero, which was produced by busbee, Brad Hill, and Morris; Single of the Year for "My Church," which was produced by busbee and Morris and mix engineered by busbee and Dave Clauss; Song of the Year for "My Church," which was written by Morris and busbee; and New Artist of the Year. Morris only receives one nomination each for Album and Single of the Year, but can receive additional trophies as producer.

After Stapleton's breakout year in 2015 when he had three nominations and went home with four trophies for Album (including producer), Male Vocalist, and New Artist of the Year, he is back in 2016 with five nominations, including his first for Entertainer of the Year.

His list of nods this year also includes Male Vocalist; Single of the Year for "Nobody To Blame," which was produced by Stapleton and Dave Cobb and mix engineered by Vance Powell; Music Video of the Year for "Fire Away," which was directed by Tim Mattia; and Musical Event of the Year with life and stage partner Morgane Stapleton (her first nomination) for "You Are My Sunshine." Stapleton only receives one nomination for Single of the Year, but can receive an additional trophy as producer.

The Final Nominees for "The 50th Annual CMA Awards" (by ballot category order):

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Garth Brooks Luke Bryan Chris Stapleton Carrie Underwood Keith Urban SINGLE OF THE YEAR (Award goes to Artist, Producer(s), and Mix Engineer(s)) "Die a Happy Man" Thomas Rhett Produced by Dann Huff and Jesse Frasure Mix Engineered by Justin Niebank The Valory Music Co. "Humble and Kind" Tim McGraw Produced by Byron Gallimore and Tim McGraw Mix Engineered by Byron Gallimore Big Machine Records "My Church" Maren Morris Produced by busbee and Maren Morris Mix Engineered by Dave Clauss and busbee Columbia Nashville/Sony Music Nashville "Nobody To Blame" Chris Stapleton Produced by Dave Cobb and Chris Stapleton Mix Engineered by Vance Powell Mercury Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville "Record Year" Eric Church Produced by Jay Joyce Mix Engineered by Jay Joyce and Jason Hall EMI Records Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville ALBUM OF THE YEAR (Award goes to Artist and Producer(s)) Black Dierks Bentley Produced by Ross Copperman and Arturo Buenahora, Jr. Capitol Records Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville Hero Maren Morris Produced by busbee, Maren Morris, and Brad Hill Columbia Nashville/Sony Music Nashville

Mr. Misunderstood Eric Church Produced by Jay Joyce and Arturo Buenahora, Jr. EMI Records Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville Ripcord Keith Urban Produced by Jeff Bhasker, Tyler Johnson, Dann Huff, Greg Wells, Nile Rodgers, busbee, K-Kov, Nathan Chapman, Jonny Price, and Keith Urban Hit Red Records/Capitol Records Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville Storyteller Carrie Underwood Produced by Jay Joyce, Mark Bright, and Zach Crowell 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville/Sony Music Nashville

SONG OF THE YEAR (Award goes to Songwriter(s)) "Burning House" Camaron "Cam" Ochs, Tyler Johnson, Jeff Bhasker "Die a Happy Man" Sean Douglas, Thomas Rhett, and Joe Spargur "Humble and Kind" Lori McKenna "My Church" busbee and Maren Morris "Record Year" Eric Church and Jeff Hyde

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Kelsea Ballerini Miranda Lambert Maren Morris Kacey Musgraves Carrie Underwood

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Dierks Bentley Eric Church Tim McGraw Chris Stapleton Keith Urban

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR Lady Antebellum Little Big Town Old Dominion Rascal Flatts Zac Brown Band

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR Brothers Osborne Dan + Shay Florida Georgia Line Joey + Rory Maddie & Tae

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR (Award goes to each Artist) "Different For Girls" Dierks Bentley feat. Elle King Capitol Records Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville "Home Alone Tonight" Luke Bryan featuring Karen Fairchild Capitol Records Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville "The Fighter" Keith Urban (featuring Carrie Underwood) Hit Red Records/Capitol Records Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville "Think of You" Chris Young (duet with Cassadee Pope) RCA Nashville/Sony Music Nashville "You Are My Sunshine" Morgane Stapleton with Chris Stapleton Low Country Sound/Elektra Records MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR Jerry Douglas (Dobro/Lap Steel Guitar) Paul Franklin (Steel Guitar) Dann Huff (Guitar) Brent Mason (Guitar) Derek Wells (Guitar)

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR (Award goes to Artist and Director(s)) "Burning House" Cam Directed by Trey Fanjoy "Fire Away" Chris Stapleton Directed by Tim Mattia "Humble and Kind" Tim McGraw Directed by Wes Edwards "Record Year" Eric Church Directed by John Peets and Reid Long "Somewhere On A Beach" Dierks Bentley Directed by Wes Edwards

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR Kelsea Ballerini Brothers Osborne Maren Morris Old Dominion Cole Swindell

STEVIE JEWEL HAS A “BAD HABIT”

AVAILABLE NOW ON DMDS!