Thursday, January 31, 2013

THE X FACTOR WINNER TATE STEVENS TO BE FEATURED AT THE 55TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS
 
Pepsi to Debut Stevens’ New Music Video for “Holler If You’re With Me” During Awards Show; Song Available for Download Beginning February 5 on iTunes
 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Belton, Missouri native Tate Stevens captivated viewers worldwide on FOX’s The X Factor Season 2 with his emotive and powerful country vocal performances—never placing less than second throughout the entire competition. Now, from appearances on one star-studded stage to the next, Stevens will unveil a first look of his debut music video for the song “Holler If You’re With Me,” at the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 10 on CBS at 8 p.m. EST/PST. The new music video will debut during the GRAMMY broadcast complements of The X Factor sponsor Pepsi, as part of the grand prize awarded to Stevens in addition to his $5 million recording contract with Syco Music/RCA Nashville. Additionally, the song, “Holler If You’re With Me,” will be available for download on iTunes beginning Tuesday, February 5.
 
Starting out the competition as a 37-year-old blue collar construction worker with humble roots and a seemingly far-fetched dream of becoming a country music superstar, Stevens’ recent win on The X Factor proved to the world that in fact, dreams do come true. “Things are moving very fast since the finale of X Factor, and we’re already laying down tracks for my new album that will be out this spring. I truly feel so blessed to have been given this opportunity,” Stevens says.
 
Viewers of the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards can expect the new video “Holler If You’re With Me” to be what Stevens calls “a feel good anthem song,” and the accompanying video to encompass the picturesque scenery of Simi Valley, Calif. “Having chased this dream for nearly a decade, I was certainly familiar with the concept of a music video, but I had no idea what to expect. In spite of the 50 mph winds, everyone on the set had a great time. It’s a party song and so it was only fitting that we threw a party! I’m sure more than a few folks watching the GRAMMYs at home can relate,” Stevens says beaming.
 
As spring approaches, Stevens is gearing up for the release of his debut country album, which he says will have an overall upbeat, feel-good tone. A true singer’s singer and songwriter, he plans to write many of the songs on the record, teaming up with Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, Shane Minor and David Lee Murphy. Renowned Nashville producer, Blake Chancey, will produce the record.
 
Included in his co-writes for the album, Stevens recently collaborated with his long-time idol, country singer/songwriter Joe Diffie. “The moment I sat down in that room with Joe it hit me – this is my life now, this is my chance to follow in the path of my heroes and make my own unique mark on the genre – and that’s exactly what I plan to do.”
 
Stay tuned for updates and the latest career happenings by visiting www.tatestevensofficial.com or follow him on Twitter @tatestevensctry.
RANDY HOUSER CAPS OFF RELEASE WEEK WITH RIAA® GOLD® CERTIFIED SINGLE AND CRITICAL ACCLAIM

 
Song Has Sold Over Half a Million Downloads; New Album Hailed By Critics
 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country star Randy Houser may sing about getting “some of this slow-down fast” in “How Country Feels,” but right now his career begs to differ as the song, his first-ever No. 1 hit, also becomes his first RIAA® Gold® certified single, selling over half a million downloads and climbing. "How Country Feels" is the title track off of his new album which hit stores last week and debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. The album has also received praise from AP, CBS New York, The Washington Post, Billboard and many more.
 
In the midst of the barreling momentum, Houser performed for the nation last week on FOX News Channel's Fox & Friends, Walmart Soundcheck, AOL Sessions, Yahoo! Ram Country and  Better TV, and interviewed on GAC’s Headline Country, and CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown where he was challenged to see how country feels truly feels by hilariously having to identify different obscure "country" objects while blindfolded.
 
Chris Talbott of the Associated Press writes How Country Feels is “stuffed with country soul-inflected mid-tempo arrangements that highlight Houser’s rich voice, there’s likely a few more hits among its 15 tracks." Rhapsody’s Linda Ryan adds, “How County Feels is a polished collection whose other gems include feel-good ‘Growin' Younger’ and frivolous charmer ‘Absolutely Nothing.’ But Houser's soulful voice shines brightest on the straight and sincere songs, like ‘The Singer,’ ‘Power of a Song’ and ‘Route 3 Box 250 D.’"
 
Annie Reuter, online reviewer for CBS New York, who attended his sold-out show in New York City at Mercury Lounge which was broadcast live on Sirius XM's "The Highway" notes, “Randy segued effortlessly from the high energy numbers to the slower ones but just because he got quieter didn’t mean the crowd ever would. No doubt excited for his show, fans screamed requests and compliments throughout his set. ‘You play like there’s 18,000 of us. We love it!’ one fan screamed.’”
 
Houser will make yet another national appearance on CONAN on Tuesday, February 5 at 11 p.m. EST / 10 p.m. CST, where he will perform "How Country Feels." Tune in to TBS to watch.
 
With a relentless tour schedule this year across the U.S., Houser will appear with Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley on the Locked and Reloaded Tour, A full list of tour dates can be found at www.randyhouser.com . Follow Houser on Facebook and Twitter @RandyHouser.
ADRENALINE MOB Announces U.S. Tour Dates
 
Covers EP ‘Coverta’ to be Released March 12, 2013
 
 
In support of their album Omerta and debut single, ‘Come Undone’, ADRENALINE MOB featuring Russell Allen (Symphony X), Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), and Mike Orlando (Sonic Stomp) will be commencing a U.S. tour on March 12th. Additionally on that day, the band will be releasing Coverta, an eight-track EP featuring cover versions of some of the band’s favorite songs. Long time fans of Mike Portnoy are aware of the multiple cover CDs he has released with Dream Theater and with Neal Morse. Coverta is the first CD of covers recorded by ADRENALINE MOB.  The tracks on Coverta are:
 
1-High Wire- Badlands
2- Stand Up and Shout- Dio
3- Break on Through- The Doors
4- Romeo Delight- Van Halen
5- Barracuda- Heart
6- Kill the King- Rainbow
7- The Lemon Song- Led Zeppelin
8- The Mob Rules- Black Sabbath
 
The tour will consist of two legs this spring. The dates for the first leg are:
 
 
Tue 12 Mar - New Haven CT @ Toads Place
Wed 13 Mar - New York NY @ Marlin @ Webster Hall
Thu 14 Mar - Pittsburgh PA @ Altar Bar
Fri 15 Mar - Allentown PA @ Crocodile Rock
Sat 16 Mar - West Springfield VA @ Empire
Mon 18 Mar - Jacksonville FL @ Brewster’s Roc Bar
Tue 19 Mar - Tampa FL @ Orpheum
Wed 20 Mar - Orlando FL @ The Haven
Fri 22 Mar - Houston TX @ Scout Bar
Sat 23 Mar - San Antonio TX @ Backstage Live
Sun 24 Mar - Dallas TX @ Trees
Tue 26 Mar - Albuquerque NM @ Launch Pad
Wed 27 Mar - Phoenix AZ @ Joe's Grotto
Thu 28 Mar - San Diego CA @ Brick By Brick
Fri 29 Mar - Las Vegas NV @ Cheyenne Saloon
Sat 30 Mar - Los Angeles CA @ Roxy
Mon 01 Apr - Colorado Springs CO @ Black Sheep
Tue 02 Apr - Kansas City KS @ The Voodoo Lounge
Thu 04 Apr - St Louis MO @ Fubar
Fri 05 Apr - Nashville TN @ Exit IN
Sat 06 Apr - Atlanta GA @ Masquerade
Sun 07 Apr - Richmond VA @ Kingdom
 
Tickets for all shows go on sale this weekend.
 
Nothing More will be the support act on the first leg. 
 
For more information on ADRENALINE MOB, please visit www.adrenalinemob.com.
 

Justin Timberlake Set To Perform On The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards®

Music's Biggest Night ® — Hosted by LL COOL J — Airs Live on CBS Sunday, Feb. 10, 8 P.M. ET/PT

#TheWorldIsListening

SANTA MONICA, 
  -- Six-time GRAMMY® winner Justin Timberlake is set to perform on the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards ® telecast. This marks the first time in four years that Timberlake will grace the GRAMMY stage, and will be his debut TV performance on the eve of his first studio album in seven years. The music industry's premier event will take place live on Sunday, Feb. 10 , at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network  from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show also will be supported on radio worldwide via Dial Global, and covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com , and on YouTube. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon. For GRAMMY coverage, updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy®'s social networks on Twitter and Facebook.
Previously announced performers for the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards include current nominees Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert , The Black Keys, FUN., the Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, Rihanna, Taylor Swift , Carrie Underwood , Jack White , as well as Elton John and current nominee Ed Sheeran performing live together for the first time. Two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J returns as host of Music's Biggest Night®.
The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com .
For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Foursquare, GetGlue, Google +, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and YouTube.
SOURCE The Recording Academy
SOUND YOUR FUNKY HORN:
LEGENDARY KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND
CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF MAKING BOOTIES SHAKE




MIAMI, Fl.  – Put on your “Boogie Shoes” and prepare to “Get Down Tonight” with Harry Wayne Casey 'KC' and the band that created some of the world’s most beloved dance songs. Formed in 1973, KC & the Sunshine Band celebrate 40 years of making music – the result of which gave voice to a generation, helped define an entire culture and continues to make an impact today.

KC's story is a musically rich one. From his two year plus internship with TK Records in Miami where he learned each facet of the music industry from the ground up to his imaginative musical creations which included mixing Caribbean Junkanoo instruments with the music of Motown he had grown up with. The resulting sound from the accomplished singer/songwriter was a unique, infectious one and it grabbed the hearts and minds of the American public compelling them to get out of their seats and hit the dance floor.

KC & the Sunshine Band has earned lifetime worldwide album sales well past the 100 million mark and secured #1 hit smashes with “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “Get Down Tonight,” and “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty” as well as numerous signature songs like “I’m Your Boogie Man,” “Boogie Shoes,” “Keep It Comin’ Love,” “Please Don’t Go” and more. Their music has been featured on hundreds of movies, TV shows and advertising campaigns.

“In 40 years and in my wildest dreams I never imagined that I would still be doing what I love doing, and that is making and performing my music for you,” says KC. “I am so grateful and thankful for the continued support and belief in KC & The Sunshine Band from all of our fans new and old and those who have not admitted it yet.”
 


This celebratory year finds KC & the Sunshine Band on tour both across the country and internationally. He’ll cook with Paula Deen, be featured on the award-winning television show “Unsung,” and receive a prestigious award from the Florida Association of Broadcasters.

Look for new music from KC & the Sunshine Band in March.

To learn more about KC & The Sunshine Band and to find more details about its upcoming tour dates, visit www.heykcsb.com.

KC & The Sunshine Band is booked by William Morris Endeavor.

About KC & the Sunshine Band:
Formed in 1973, KC & The Sunshine Band aims to serve a single purpose: to create instant happiness through music. For nearly 40 years the group has done just that, topping the charts with seven No. 1 singles and three triple platinum albums, winning three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, an American Music Award, and becoming the first act since The Beatles to score four No. 1 pop singles in one 12-month period in 1976. In 2001, KC was honored with the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences Governor’s Award, the highest honor given by a chapter of the Academy. The band’s infectious sound gives life to countless ad campaigns and hundreds of movie soundtracks. KC & The Sunshine Band has defined disco and forever influenced music with its timeless sound and mission of getting people out of their seats to celebrate, which is still being fulfilled today.

 

with special guest

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April 4th 
Tickets on sale Saturday, February 9th at 10am

Tickets available at The Ford Box Office at Scottrade CenterTicketmaster.com, Ticketmaster Retail Outlets,
or charge by phone at             1-800-745-3000      

 All dates, acts, and ticket prices are subject to change without notice.  Tickets may be subject to fees.  
Produced by Live Nation

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

  
JANUARY 30, 2013 - Today, Forever The Sickest Kids will perform at the NFL PLAY 60 Kids' Day NFL Experience in New Orleans, LA, ahead of Super Bowl XLVII this weekend. 

The Dallas pop-punk quartet will perform infront of 1,500 local children and key NFL players at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center as part of NFL PLAY 60 Kids' Day. Attendees include Saints Owner Tom Benson, New Orleans Saints players: Chris Chamberlin, Jimmy Graham, Cameron Jordan, Michael Lewis, Lance Moore, NFL players: Chris Gronkowski (Denver Broncos), Dan Bronkowski (Cleveland Browners), Rob Gronkowski (New England Patriots), Andrew Luck (Indianapolis Colts), Congressman Cedric Richmond, GMC Representative Chris Hornberger, NFL PLAY 60 Super Kid Hunter Paulin, and WWL-TV Morning Anchor Sally-Ann Roberts
  
Kicking off their partnership with the NFL earlier this year, Forever The Sickest Kids recorded and performed the theme song for NFL's animated series NFL Rush Zone: Season Of The Guardians, on Nicktoons. NFL Rush Zone: Season Of The Guardians airs regularly Fridays at 9pm EST on Nicktoons and Saturdays at 7am EST on NFL Network. Check out the band's video for the theme song. 

NFL Rush Zone: "We Are The Guardians" Music Video feat. Forever The Sickest Kids 

The Dallas, TX foursome  are currently in the studio with producer Mike Green (All Time Low, Paramore, The Wanted) recording their third full-length album, set for release this summer. The band will also play an entire summer on the Vans Warped Tour 2013, and the band will perform at the SXSW Music Festival in March. 

ABOUT NFL PLAY 60 -NFL PLAY 60 Kids' Day gives more than 1,500 local children the opportunity to spend time with NFL players at the NFL Experience at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Area children will take part in the excitement of Super Bowl Week alongside current and former New Orleans Saints players. Kids will learn more about the importance or healthy living during Kids' Day as part of NFL PLAY 60, aimed at helping youngsters get 60 minutes of exercise each day. All Kids' Day attendees completed the NFL PLAY 60 Challenge in partnership with the American Heart Association in the months leading up to Super Bowl. As part of their Kids' Day experience, local children will participate in PLAY 60 fitness activities and take part in games including Punt, Pass, & Kick, speed and mobility drills, quarterback challenge games, and extra point kicking stations.  

FOREVER THE SICKEST KIDS Comprised of Jonathan Cook (Vocals), Kyle Burns (Drums), Austin Bello (Bass/Vocals), and Caleb Turman (Guitar/Vocals), the Dallas, TX pop rock quartet have been garnering fans globally since 2006. Produced by Matt Squire (The Used, Taking Back Sunday), David Bendeth (Paramore, Breaking Benjamin, All Time Low, A Day To Remember), Matt Mahaffey (The Sounds, Hellogoodbye), and Jeff Turzo (Bloodhound Gang), the band broke into the independent music scene with the release of their first full-length Underdog Alma Mater (Universal Motown) in 2008, and was succeeded by sophomore self-titled album, Forever The Sickest Kids (Universal Motown) in 2011. 
 The power-pop ensemble have toured alongside such acts as Third Eye Blind, Simple Plan, All Time Low, Good Charlotte, Breathe Carolina, and more. The band has also been featured on multiple installations of the Punk Goes.. series as well as collaborated with teen sensation Selena Gomez. Having press support from MTV, Seventeen, J-14, and Alternative Press among others, Forever The Sickest Kids has performed on the Alternative Press and Vans Warped tours. The band's Fearless Records debut is slated for summer 2013. 
  

VANS WARPED TOUR 2013 
Jun 15 - Seattle, WA @ White River Amphitheater
Jun 16 - Portland, OR @ Portland Expo Center Parking Lot
Jun 19 - San Diego, CA @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheater
Jun 20 - Pomona, CA @ Pomona Fairplex
Jun 21 - Pomona, CA @ Pomona Fairplex
Jun 22 - Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheater
Jun 23 - Ventura, CA @ Seaside Park 
Jun 26 - Las Cruces, NM @ N.M.S.U. Practice Field
Jun 27 - Phoenix, AZ @ Quail Run Park 
Jun 28 - Las Vegas, NV @ VENUE TBD
Jun 29 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Utah State Fairpark 
Jun 30 - Denver, CO @ Sports Authority Field at Mile High 
Jul 3 - Indianapolis, IN @ Klipsch Music Center
Jul 5 - Toronto, ON @ Molson Canadian Amphitheater
Jul 6 - Buffalo, NY @ Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
Jul 7 - Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Concert Center 
Jul 9 - Virginia Beach, VA @ Farm Bureau Live At Virginia Beach
Jul 10 - Washington D.C. @ Merriweather Post Pavilion 
Jul 11 - Boston, MA @ Comcast Center
Jul 12 - Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Bank Center
Jul 13 - New York, NY @ Nassau Memorial Coliseum 
Jul 14 - Hartford, CT @ The Comcast Theatre
Jul 16 - Scranton, PA @ Toyota Pavilion 
Jul 17 - Pittsburgh, PA @ First Niagara Pavilion 
Jul 18 - Cleveland, OH @ Blossom Music Center
Jul 19 - Detroit, MI @ The Palace of Auburn Hills
Jul 20 - Chicago, IL @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheater 
Jul 21 - Minneapolis, MN @ Canterbury Park
Jul 23 - Kansas City, KS @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheater
Jul 24 - St. Louis, MO @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - St. Louis 
Jul 25 - Atlanta, GA @ Aaron's Amphitheater at Lakewood 
Jul 26 - Tampa, FL @ Vinoy Park 
Jul 27 - West Palm Beach, FL @ Cruzan Amphitheater
Jul 28 - Orlando, FL @ Central Florida Fairgrounds 
Jul 29 - Charlotte, NC @ Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Jul 30 - Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
Jul 31 - Milwaukee, WI @ Marcus Amphitheater
Aug 2 - Dallas, TX @ Gexa Energy Pavilion 
Aug 3 - San Antonio, TX @ AT&T Center
Aug 4 - Houston, TX @ Reliant Center Parking Lot 

MOUNTAIN DEW® AND BRANTLEY GILBERT BRING REBEL COUNTRY TO THE DEW NATION
 
BRANTLEY GILBERT PHOTO - FOR MEDIA ONLY: https://bmlg.box.com/s/af3ca1e18bab29e70e1f
(Photo Credit: Justin Nolan Key)



NASHVILLE, TN (January 30, 2013) – Today, Mountain Dew taps into its southern roots and welcomes one of country music’s hottest emerging acts, Brantley Gilbert, into the DEW family. Embracing the brand’s Tennessee history and one-of-a-kind flavor, the new partnership is a perfect fit with the hit singer/songwriter’s high-energy live shows and authentic lyrics.

The Academy of Country Music (ACM) New Male Vocalist nominee has sold over 3.5 million tracks to date from both his debut album, A MODERN DAY PRODIGAL SON, as well as his current, Gold-certified HALFWAY TO HEAVEN DELUXE (The Valory Music Co.). Gilbert has scored four #1 hits, including the GOLD-certified smashes “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” and “Country Must Be Country Wide.” After playing to over 500,000 fans last year while on the road with Eric Church and Toby Keith, Gilbert will kick off the second leg of his first-ever headlining dates – HELL ON WHEELS TOUR on January 31.

“I have been a fan of Mountain Dew for as long as I can remember,” said Gilbert. “I’m honored to be able to partner up with the DEW family for some exciting projects this year.”

“Being part of the DEW family means making a style that’s all your own, and never conforming to a traditional mold,” said Greg Lyons, Mountain Dew’s VP of Marketing. “Brantley exemplifies all that DEW stands for – making country music that is true to its rebel roots, in very much the same way that the brand stays true to its own.  We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Brantley into the DEW Nation, and hope our fans will join us in helping him rock.”

Join Mountain Dew in helping Gilbert bring home the New Male Vocalist title by clicking here. Fans can vote one time per day, through February 4, 2013 at 3 p.m. Central.

For more information about Mountain Dew, visit www.mountaindew.com or join the conversation at @mtn_dew #IVOTEDFORBG or #BGNation.

About Mountain Dew
Mountain Dew, a product of PepsiCo Americas Beverages, is the No. 1 flavored carbonated soft drink in the U.S. With its one-of-a-kind citrus taste, Mountain Dew exhilarates and quenches with every sip. In addition to original Mountain Dew® and Diet Mountain Dew®, the permanent DEW product line includes Mountain Dew Code Red®, Mountain Dew LiveWire®, Mountain Dew Throwback®, Mountain Dew Voltage® and Mountain Dew White Out®. For more information, check out www.mountaindew.com, www.facebook.com/mountaindew or follow on twitter @mtn_dew.

About PepsiCo
PepsiCo is a global food and beverage leader with net revenues of more than $65 billion and a product portfolio that includes 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in annual retail sales. Our main businesses—Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade, Frito-Lay and Pepsi-Cola—make hundreds of enjoyable foods and beverages that are loved throughout the world. PepsiCo’s people are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth by investing in a healthier future for people and our planet, which we believe also means a more successful future for PepsiCo. We call this commitment Performance with Purpose: PepsiCo’s promise to provide a wide range of foods and beverages for local tastes; to find innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment by conserving energy and water and reducing packaging volume; to provide a great workplace for our associates; and to respect, support and invest in the local communities where we operate. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

ABOUT BRANTLEY GILBERT
ACM New Male Vocalist nominee Brantley Gilbert has already earned a striking set of “notches” on his industry belt, including four #1 singles, impressive album sales of over 1 million and multiple award show nominations from the CMA, ACM, ACA & CMT Music Awards. His sophomore project, the GOLD-certified HALFWAY TO HEAVEN DELUXE, debuted at #2 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart. As a celebrated songwriter, he has also penned #1 songs – “My Kinda Party,” “Dirt Road Anthem,” “Country Must Be Country Wide” and “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.” In 2011, he garnered the prestigious honor of being the only new artist to have a #1 hit at Country radio.
 

Tuesday, January 29, 2013


CMA PRESENTS TRIPLE PLAY AWARDS AT ANNUAL SONGWRITERS LUNCHEON

During the Luncheon, CMA Chairman Troy Tomlinson Announces $250,000 CMA Foundation Donation to Help Construct the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame at the new Music City Center
NASHVILLE – Third time’s the charm at the annual CMA Songwriters Luncheon with the presentation of the CMA Triple Play Awards, which honor songwriters who pen three chart-topping hits in a 12-month period. During the event held today at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, a dozen songwriters received the three-peat trophy from CMA Board Chairman Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO, Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville.
“People from all over the world recognize that Nashville is not only Music City, but the epicenter of the songwriting community,” said Tomlinson. “CMA celebrates this important membership group. The presentation of the Triple Play Awards is just another example of CMA’s commitment to honoring the creators of song.”
CMA leadership gathers with the newly named CMA Triple Play Award winning songwriters on Jan. 29, 2013 at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tenn. Back row (l-r): CMA Board President, Ed Hardy; Neil Thrasher; Rodney Clawson; Ben Hayslip; CMA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Moore; Josh Kear; CMA Board Chairman, Troy Tomlinson; and Brantley Gilbert. Front row (l-r): Eric Paslay; Dierks Bentley; Shane McAnally; and Chris Young.
Photo credit: Donn Jones/CMA

“Nashville is legendary for its songwriters and CMA is proud to recognize this important segment of our industry,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “It is an honor to present these songwriters and songwriting artists with the Triple Play Award and acknowledge this incredible accomplishment and their significant contributions to our format.”
Attending today’s luncheon were Dierks Bentley, Rodney Clawson, Brantley Gilbert, Ben Hayslip, Josh Kear, Shane McAnally, Eric Paslay, Neil Thrasher, and Chris Young. Also in attendance were hit tunesmiths from ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC, as well as songwriter members of CMA and representatives of some of the most successful publishers in Music City.
Recognizing excellence is central to CMA’s mission and the Association recognizes songwriters throughout the year with the CMA Award for Song of the Year, which is presented on the annual broadcast to the winning songwriters, and the creation of a rotating category for songwriters in the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame.
In addition, the CMA Board of Directors created and launched the CMA Songwriter Series in 2005 at Joe’s Pub in New York City, which has grown to include shows in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Washington D.C. In 2012, the series expanded to the U.K. and Ireland and will be going back for a second time in February. On March 1, the Songwriter Series will take place in Paris for the first time as part of the CMA International Marketing Summit.
In alphabetical order, the recipients of CMA’s Triple Play Award:
  • Dierks Bentley: “Am I The Only One,” “Home,” “5-1-5-0”
  • Rodney Clawson: “Drink On It,” “Drunk On You,” “Take A Little Ride”
  • Eric Church: “Drink In My Hand,” “Springsteen,” “Creepin’”
  • Brantley Gilbert: “Dirt Road Anthem,” “Country Must Be Country Wide” “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do”
  • Ben Hayslip: “Honey Bee,” “I Don’t Want This Night To End,” “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”
  • Dave Haywood: “Just A Kiss,” “We Owned The Night,” “Dancin’ Away With My Heart”
  • Josh Kear: “Dancin’ Away With My Heart,” “Drunk On You,” “Blown Away”
  • Charles Kelley: “Just A Kiss,” “We Owned The Night.” “Dancin’ Away With My Heart”
  • Shane McAnally: “Alone With You,” “Come Over,” “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye”
  • Eric Paslay: “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” “Angel Eyes”
  • Neil Thrasher: “Tattoos On This Town,” “Banjo,” “Fly Over States”
  • Chris Young: “Voices,” “Tomorrow,” “You”
Brantley Gilbert (center) accepts his CMA Triple Play Award from CMA Chief Exectuive Officer Steve Moore (left) and Board Chairman Troy Tomlinson (right).
Photo credit: Donn Jones/CMA

“I'm so grateful to be a part of the Nashville family,” said Paslay. “One of my biggest dreams was to have a song on Country radio. Getting a No. 1 was sugar on top. Being honored by the CMA with a Triple Play Award has made 2012 the sweetest year of my life so far!”  
“Considering my love for Country Music and my lifelong dream to have songs on the radio, I am blown away by the idea that I would have a No. 1 at all, much less three in one year,” said McAnally.  
Dierks Bentley (center) accepts his CMA Triple Play Award from CMA Chief Exectuive Officer Steve Moore (left) and Board Chairman Troy Tomlinson (right).
Photo credit: Donn Jones/CMA

During the luncheon, Tomlinson also presented a $250,000 donation from the CMA Foundation to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation to help construct the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame at the new Music City Center and “Songwriters Square,” an exterior plaza and walkway leading into the state-of-the-art Center, which will be engraved with the names of Songwriters Hall of Fame members and the titles of their most beloved compositions.
About CMA
More than 11,000 industry professionals and companies around the globe are members of the Country Music Association. Formed in 1958 as the first trade association for a single genre of music, the organization’s objectives are to serve as an educational and professional resource for the industry while advancing the growth of Country Music around the world. This is accomplished through CMA’s core events – CMA Music Festival and the CMA Music Festival television special, “CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock”; the annual CMA Awards, which are recognized as Country Music’s Biggest Night™; and CMA’s newest TV property, “CMA Country Christmas.” All of CMA’s television properties will air on the ABC Television Network through 2021. For more information about CMA visit www.CMAworld.com.

Bon Jovi's "Because We Can" Nets #1 Global iTunes Success In 12 Countries, In Advance Of New Album, What About Now, To Be Released March 26th On Island Records!

iTUNES GLOBAL ALBUM PRESALE CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES FEB. 12th WITH INSTANT GRAT OF TITLE SONG, "WHAT ABOUT NOW"

"BECAUSE WE CAN" VIDEO DIRECTED BY FISHER STEVENS, PREMIERES TODAY ON VEVO

BON JOVI APP (AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD) ENABLES DEVICES TO OPEN UP A WORLD OF AUGMENTED REALITY!

"BON JOVI BECAUSE WE CAN - THE TOUR" OPENS FEB. 9th

NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2013  -- After blasting out to worldwide radio on Jan. 7th, Bon Jovi's new single "Because We Can" quickly turned into the biggest single launch in the iTunes era of the band's storied career.  "Because We Can" hit Top 5 on iTunes in 24 countries and reached #1 in 12 countries.
On February 12th, iTunes launches the global album presale campaign of Bon Jovi's upcoming studio album, WHAT ABOUT NOW , set for March 26th release on Island Records.  As an added bonus, fans who pre-order the album will instantly receive the album's title track, "What About Now." 
Today also marks the VEVO video premiere for "Because We Can," directed by actor and acclaimed documentary filmmaker Fisher Stevens.  Following the premiere, fans will be treated to the release of a new alternate version of the video every other week leading up to the March 26th release of WHAT ABOUT NOW . Go to: http://vevo.ly/WB6SAv
The single cover for "Because We Can" is out now, unleashing an exciting and unprecedented interactive experience for the fan/consumer via the free Bon Jovi App (download at: http://smarturl.it/BonJoviApp).  
The Bon Jovi mobile application is at the heart of the WHAT ABOUT NOW campaign, tying together the latest content and cutting edge technologies including augmented reality. Augmented reality (AR) is image recognition technology for smartphones and tablets that creates an interactive "wow" experience. Point the Bon Jovi app at the WHAT ABOUT NOW artwork (wherever it appears e.g. posters, single art, cover art, magazines etc.) and unlock an animated version of the imagery in 3D space. Throughout the campaign, fans will be treated to animated and interactive versions of Bon Jovi artwork as well as exclusive access to the latest news and content. The Bon Jovi app already has over 250,000 downloads. The AR technology has been developed in partnership with Aurasma, the leaders in image recognition and augmented reality technology. What's unique about this campaign? "First ever 2D animation in 3D space" "Augmenting fine art."
Bon Jovi's return to the road in 2013 will launch the latest chapter in an ongoing blockbuster run which has already secured Bon Jovi's status as the essential live rock band.  "BON JOVI Because We Can - The Tour" will make its way across the globe with dates in the USA, Canada, Europe, Japan, South Africa, Brazil, and Australia.
* For up-to-date information on all things Bon Jovi, please visit www.bonjovi.com
* Bon Jovi Tickets: http://live.bonjovi.com/tour
* New Bon Jovi Merch: http://store.bonjovi.com/
"BON JOVI Because We Can - The Tour"
Date  City Venue  
Feb. 9 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
10 Washington DC Verizon Center
13-14 Montreal, Que. Bell Centre
17-18 Toronto, Ont. Air Canada Centre
20 Kanata, Ont. Scotiabank Place
21 Pittsburgh, PA CONSOL Energy Center
23 State College, PA Bryce Jordan Center
24 Buffalo, NY First Niagara Center
27 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
March 1 Tampa, FL Tampa Bay Times Forum
2 Sunrise, FL BankAtlantic Center
5 Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena
6 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
9 Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena
10 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena
13 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center
14 Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center
16 Oklahoma City, OK Chesapeake Energy Arena
17 Lubbock, TX United Spirit Arena
April 2 Calgary, Alb. Scotiabank Saddledome
3 Edmonton, Alb. Rexall Place
5 Winnipeg, MB. MTS Centre
7 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
10 Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center
11 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
13 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
14 Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena
16 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
17 Salt Lake City, UT EnergySolutions Arena
19 Los Angeles, CA STAPLES Center
20 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena
23 Glendale, AZ Jobing.com Arena
25 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion at San Jose
July 12 Chicago, IL Soldier Field
18  Detroit, MI  Ford Field
20  Foxboro, MA  Gillette Stadium
24-25 East Rutherford, NJ MetLife Stadium
(The tour will also hit the following cities, with additional details to come: Memphis, TN; Milwaukee, WI; Philadelphia, PA; Portland, OR; Raleigh, NC; San Antonio, TX; Seattle, WA; Vancouver, B.C.)
SOURCE Island Records