MULTI-PLATINUM RECORDING ARTIST TRACY LAWRENCE LAUNCHES ROCKY COMFORT RECORDS
Dave Schmidt
RECORDS
Joint Venture Announced With CO5 Music
www.tracylawrence.com
NASHVILLE, TN-July 25, 2006-Multi-platinum recording artist Tracy Lawrence
has launched Rocky Comfort Records (RCR), a partnership with his manager
Laney Lawrence, to be based in Nashville. The label will operate as a joint
venture with CO5 Nashville (a division of CO5 Music) and has secured an
exclusive retail distribution agreement with A2M Distribution. As president
of RCR, Laney Lawrence will oversee the operation of the label, while Tracy
Lawrence will direct A&R. His first single, "Find Out Who Your Friends
Are," will be released to radio August 21 with his first studio album on
the RCR/CO5 Nashville imprint scheduled for release in early 2007.
"I have always dreamed of running my own label," says Tracy, "allowing
me to be more hands-on, unbridled and free to exercise creative musical
liberty. The time is right for independent labels to be a force in the
[country music] industry. In a perfect world it's 'about' the music. With
the launch of labels like Toby Keith's Show Dog, Neil McCoy's 903, Clint
Black's Equity Records, Tracy Byrd's Blind Mule, and now my own Rocky
Comfort Records, I hope we look back in five years and see that this new
movement was the change that brought us closer to the perfect musical
world."
CO5 Nashville will design and coordinate all national radio initiatives
for RCR/CO5 Nashville. David Newmark, head of CO5 Nashville, is positioned
at the helm to lead the dynamic team of radio promotion veterans that
includes Trudie Richardson, Darlene Starr, and "Bubba" Wayne McManners. A2M
is a premier distributor of prerecorded music to leading retailers in the
United States, United Kingdom and Canada.
Tracy Lawrence's career has spanned more than 15 years, during which
time he has proved to be a formidable stylist with an instantly recognizable
voice. He's garnered 16 No. 1 hits, many gold and platinum albums, and
numerous career achievement awards and honors. He continues to provide
country music fans with genuinely great songs delivered straight from his
heart and soul. His long list of hits, including "Alibis," "If The World Had
A Front Porch," "Time Marches On," "Sticks And Stones" and "Paint Me A
Birmingham," have made him a staple with country listeners.
Lawrence has created an impressive and continuing legacy, earning both
critical accolades and secure status. He has achieved many of his goals
playing substantive country music that acknowledges both real life and
small-town values. Tracy Lawrence remains a vital force in the genre on the
strength of solid country music and the high priority he gives to raising
the visibility and popularity of country music.
Contact Information:
Randy Guidry or Debbie Holley
HolleyoGuidry
Email Randy: ra...@holleyguidry.com or bayou...@aol.com
Email Debbie: deb...@holleyguidry.com or beehi...@aol.com
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Music fan helps refine Europe's country appreciation
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LUCIE DIAMOND SWEEPS THE BOARD AT EUROPEAN COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS
www.luciediamond.com
www.myspace.com/luciediamond
British country star Lucie Diamond swept the board at the annual European
CMA country music awards with three major wins - including Female Vocalist
of the Year & European Country Artist of the Year.
Up against fierce competition, including superstars Dolly Parton, Faith Hill
and Gretchen Wilson, Lucie - the sole British artist to take home a gong -
won more awards than any other artist.
She won:
"Female Vocalist of the Year."
"European Country Artist of the Year."
"ECMA Future Star" award.
Singer-songwriter Lucie scooped 3 of her 4 nominations, narrowly missing out
on a 4th - "Vocal Collaboration of the Year" - to Dolly Parton and Roy
Rivers. Lucie was nominated for her duet with Arly Karlsen, which was a
number one smash hit in 9 countries.
The awards were announced at a country festival and ceremony in Spain, but
Lucie was unable to attend due to a radio recording session in the UK. So
she first heard the good news when the ECMA officially announced the winners
to the nominees by email.
ECMA members - music industry professionals, including radio DJs, artists,
promoters and agents - voted on most of the awards. The ECMA executive,
chaired by Rafel Corbi, awarded the "Future Star" award.
"I am absolutely stunned. I actually burst into tears when I read the email
from the ECMA today, and saw my name on Female Vocalist of the Year. I adore
Dolly and Faith Hill, and it is just unreal that I beat them for that award.
But to win three out of 4 awards is just surreal.
"All I can say is, I am so grateful to everyone who voted for me, to Rafel
Corbi and his team at the ECMA, the radio DJs who play my records, and
everyone who likes my music. It is such an honour to be among such fantastic
company as Dolly, Faith, Gretchen Wilson and all of the other artists who
were nominated. I think they are all winners for being nominated," said
Lucie.
Lucie's manager and record producer Simon Redley, added: "Wow. It is the
first time I have been speechless for a very long time! It has been quite a
year or so, with 4 hit singles worldwide and some great shows in Denmark,
Norway, Berlin, London and Nashville. Now the industry has officially
recognised Lucie for her unique vocal talent, sheer hard work and the
potential to become the biggest country star the UK has ever produced. It is
really well deserved, and all of us at Kudos Music UK are so proud of her."
Since blasting on to the international country music scene in January 2005
with her debut single featuring guitar legend Albert Lee, British
singer-songwriter Lucie Diamond has made one heck of an impact - with 4
smash hit singles getting air play on radio in up to 60 countries.
Lucie made her first trip to the USA in May 2006, and wowed Nashville
audiences and the music industry with her unique brand of country-soul -
including an appearance at the world famous Bluebird Cafe. She is due to
return to Nashville in September.
The UK's number one daily tabloid newspaper, The Sun (6m readers a day), ran
a major feature on Lucie's success story and her work for the national
premature baby charity BLISS. The paper hailed Lucie as "The UK's number one
country export" and "singing sensation Lucie Diamond, a cross between Joss
Stone and Leanne Rimes." They did a follow-up report on her triple wammy at
the ECMA awards.
Her debut single last year, was a huge hit on radio worldwide, spending a
record 10 consecutive weeks at # 1 in the British country chart and reaching
# 5 in the European CMA chart.
The follow-up single, released Easter 2005, spent several weeks at # 2 in
the ECMA chart and was # 1 in several countries. It was penned by Nashville
session singer/writer Kim Parent, and California-based Rick Perry.
Lucie's third single, released to radio in September last year, was a smash
hit duet with Norway's Arly Karlsen of the classic "Always On My Mind." This
record spent 3 weeks at # 1 in the European CMA chart, knocking Faith Hill
off the top spot to claim the coveted Christmas # 1.
It was also # 1 in 9 countries worldwide, and played on mainstream and
country radio in approx 60 countries. The first ever duet treatment of the
song.
Lucie's last single "Did He Mention My Name" - her fourth - is a brand new
song written for her by two top Atlanta-based writers. Given a
country-meets-rockabilly treatment, with rock and roll stars The Jets
joining her for the track.
Released to radio in January 2006, it fast became a hit with 5 weeks at # 1
in the British country chart and 5 weeks at # 1 in the European CMA chart,
preventing American Idol Carrie Underwood reaching the top spot.
Lucie Diamond is the ONLY British country artist to have 2 consecutive
number ones in the main European country chart - plus a # 5 & # 2 - and all
this in a year or so!
Lucie's debut solo album "Sweet Medicine" is due for release later this
year.
She was signed by Carlsbro late last year, to be their first female
endorsee. The respected UK-based manufacturer of electronic equipment for
live performance since 1959, recognised Lucie's star quality, huge potential
and "brilliant achievements."
Her next single "Don't Even Think About It," is due for release to radio on
1st September. The popular opening number in her live set, and track 1 on
her forthcoming album "Sweet Medicine," the uptempo rocker was written for
her by top songwriters Lorna Flowers - a Brit' based in Nashville - and
Canada's Shelley Jacobson. Lucie's official website and her Myspace site,
both feature a sneak preview clip of the song.
Anne Weaver Joins Montage Music Group As Southwest Radio Marketing Team
Member
Nashville, TN - Montage Music Group head Allen Butler is excited to announce
yet another signing to his Montage Music Group staff. Promotion leader Anne
Weaver has joined the Montage Music Group staff as Southwest Radio Marketing
Team Member.
"Anne was my assistant when I was the Southwest Regional Director for RCA in
Dallas. She was amazing at her job then, and she is one of the best and most
respected by radio in the business now. We are thrilled to have her at
Montage Music Group," said Butler about reuniting with Weaver once again.
The two first worked together at RCA when Weaver joined the label as
Southwest Regional Promotion Coordinator in 1989, and later at Arista when
she became the label's Southwest Regional Rep. In 1993, Weaver was tapped as
Vice President of Promotion for Mercury Records, where she helped steer the
careers of Toby Keith, Sammy Kershaw, Billy Ray Cyrus and Shania Twain. She
later joined Dreamcatcher Entertainment as National Director of Promotion
where she spearheaded a huge comeback for Kenny Rogers, helping him achieve
his first Number One record in 14 years with "Buy Me A Rose." Weaver comes
to Montage Music Group from Quarterback Records, where she was most recently
National Director of Promotion.
Weaver will report to Montage Music Group Radio Marketing Team Head, Mike
Wilson. "Anne is a quality person who works great with country radio. I'm
excited she is a part of our new team," said Wilson, of his newest staff
member.
Weaver can be reached at Montage Music Group at
awe...@montagemusicgroup.com. She will join the staff at their temporary
location at The Fall School, new phone number 615-312-7248.
Contact-
Vanessa Parker-Davis
Ne...@SplashPublicity.com
KATE RUSSELL:
AUSTRALIAN BRED SINGER SONGWRITER AND HER LABEL URUNGA RECORDS
SIGN DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH ASPIRION RECORDS
* * *
Russell's Debut Album "Powerful Stuff" Set For Release On October 31st
Singer/songwriter Kate Russell and her label Urunga Records have inked a
distribution deal with Nashville based Aspirion Records. Russell's debut
album Powerful Stuff is set for release on October 31st. The first single
from the CD, also entitled "Powerful Stuff" has been garnering attention at
country radio stations across the country.
According to George Collier, President & COO of Aspirion Records, "Aspirion
is proud to be working with Kate Russell and are looking forward to helping
her project make an impact at retail. We are very excited at the level of
professionalism that she & her team bring to the table."
Russell worked with two producers on the album: Rich Mouser (Oleander, Tears
For Fears) and Clyde Brooks (Ronna Reeves, Perfect Stranger). She describes
her musical sound as "Keith Urban meets Bonnie Raitt."
Aspirion Records Group is distributed nationally by Navarre Corporation. The
company has developed a record label program specifically designed to
increase an artist's sphere of influence and public awareness.
MIDAS RECORDS NASHVILLE NAMES SHELLEY HARGIS TO MIDWEST REGION PROMOTION
MANAGER
Midas Records Nashville announces the addition of promotion veteran Shelley
Hargis, who will assume the duties of Midwest Region Promotion Manager.
Shelley will report to Midas's newly appointed heads of radio promotion Rob
Dalton and Jeff Solima of New Revolution.
Previously Hargis was Co-National Director at Broken Bow Records. She began
her career at Epic Nashville where she rose to Regional Promotion Manager,
Southwest. At Epic, Hargis reported to Dalton, who was VP Promotion.
States Brad Allen, of Midas Records Nashville, "We are extremely pleased to
have Shelley on board at Midas. The fact that she already has a great
working relationship with our promotion team is a major plus for our
projects. The transition has been seamless and very productive."
Midas Records Nashville is located at 1105 17th Ave. South, Ph:
615-469-2255 Fax: 615-469-4769
For more information on Midas Records Nashville contact:
Steve Levesque or Guy McCain at Luck Media & Marketing, Inc. at (310)
860-9170
in...@luckmedia.com, www.luckmedia.com, or www.midasrecords.net
Dave Schmidt's Top 10 Super Country Hits Podcast
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(do not need an iPod to listen to this podcast)
Listen to our "World of Country Music" podcast
Add a link to our podcast for your fans or listeners, below is the html
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<hr>
InProcess - Borderlands Podcast - (do not need an iPod to listen to this
podcast)
http://pastorjts.podomatic.com/
tr...@iwvisp.com
Dave Schmidt wrote:
> MULTI-PLATINUM RECORDING ARTIST TRACY LAWRENCE LAUNCHES ROCKY COMFORT
> RECORDS
> Joint Venture Announced With CO5 Music
> www.tracylawrence.com
>
> NASHVILLE, TN-July 25, 2006-Multi-platinum recording artist Tracy Lawrence
> has launched Rocky Comfort Records (RCR), a partnership with his manager
> Laney Lawrence, to be based in Nashville.
<snip>
> "I have always dreamed of running my own label," says Tracy, "allowing
> me to be more hands-on."
"hands on" has gotten Tracy in trouble in the past. He might want to
consider advertising that a portion of the profits of his new album
will be donated to the "Battered Women's Justice Project."
Ray Arthur
Mike Gefiin
Oh damn, you just had to bring that up again. Watch out for the Tracy
female fans to attack you now. They still dream of getting a fantasy
'stache' ride from him. :-)
KingCountryI@aol.com (Noah Tall)
> "hands on" has gotten Tracy in trouble in the past. He might want to
> consider advertising that a portion of the profits of his new album
> will be donated to the "Battered Women's Justice Project " . <
PUH - LEEZE ! Let's be honest, nothing happened to him for the simple
reason that "dirt bag" started it, and in my opinion deserved to be
beaten ! :) End of story !
Secondly, if you want to be a whining apologist for the women's
movement, that's fine, but as the ONLY admitted male fan of Conway
Twitty in the History of Country music, I think it's pretty obvious you
have some "issues" with masculine males, :) and that's exactly what
your post is all about, IMHO.
Finally, if you are IN FACT interested in helping the cause of battered
women, which I don't for a milli-second believe you are Girly - man :)
, once again, you should at least know something about what you are
talking about. :)
You see the FACT is, the single biggest cause of battered women, are
women themselves ! You might want to re-read that a couple of hundred
times and see if it begins to sink in . :) You see, if you really were
interested in HELPING, instead of demonizing another one of your
masculine whipping boys, you would NEVER have wasted our time with your
ignorant, holier-than-thou load of crap.
All you have succeeded in doing, is to enable the millions of women who
are victims of abuse, to remain in denial about their role in it, and
until they do, they will NEVER be able to free themselves from this
vicious cycle.
There was just a new study about this very thing that was published
within the last six weeks or so. Why am I not surprised you didn't know
that ? :)
Bottom line, lose your anger and get over your Napoleonic complex. :)
If that doesn't help, you might want to go with elevator shoes and
bigger heels ! :) Better yet, why not just stay on the radio and
hopefully no one will realize you're only five feet tall ! :) LOL
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. - What was the song Johnny Cash did about the DJ who was so
embarassed about being short and bald, that he tried to commit suicide
? "The Ballad of Bea Arthur" ? :) LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Answer - Smilin' Bill McCall)
Rick and Debbie Caudill
wrote:
Nah, we don't listen to the bullshit anymore......if people want to
live in the past, let them. I guess Country music has it's share of
bad boys as I've posted in the past, some of them being huge names in
the industry, legends, but hey, that's forgotten because others like
their music.....and btw, no one fantasizes about a stache
ride.......if one wanted that, I'm sure they have significant others
who would do......Did you ever stop to think in your "male sexual
mind" that some of us just might enjoy his music? Contrary to the
popular male belief, not everything in this world pertains to sex.
Rick and Debbie Caudill
tr...@iwvisp.com
Esker again embarrassed himself:
> There was just a new study about this very thing that was published
> within the last six weeks or so. Why am I not surprised you didn't know
> that ? :)
Let me guess, it was in the July issue of "I'M AN IDIOTIC ASSHOLE"
monthly. Why am I not surprised you did!
Ray Arthur
tr...@iwvisp.com
> Rick and Debbie Caudill wrote:
> Go stand in the corner Ray.
Debbie you know I was thinking about you when I posted that message.
We're both so predictable!
What will be interesting is to see if he succeeds with this venture.
Artist owned record companies have primarily been used to serve their
fan base when the artist can no longer secure a record/distribution
deal. They don't make a lot of profit but they can produce the album
for a lot less by cutting out the record company/distributor.
It appears there is more success with currently popular artists rather
than fading stars. On the rock side of the market, "Korn" went indie
with their own label awhile back and continue to ride high. The only
difference is that they are now keeping about an additional $5 per
album.
Ray Arthur
red_stetson
> popular male belief, not everything in this world pertains to sex.
>
>
Yeah, but...but....sex makes all things possible for humans. That's because
sex is the reason we're all here. However, it 20 years, with cloning,
artificial insemination, and etc., it sure seems men like me are an
endangered species.
Neil Downe
> Let me guess, it was in the July issue of "I'M AN IDIOTIC ASSHOLE"
> monthly.
Bea, it's disturbing that you're familiar with such a magazine. I've
never heard of it. Are you a subscriber?
Neil Downe
> Yeah, but...but....sex makes all things possible for humans. That's because
> sex is the reason we're all here. However, it 20 years, with cloning,
> artificial insemination, and etc., it sure seems men like me are an
> endangered species.
On the assumption that you are a White person, would you be just as
willing to publicly admit that your race is also an endangered specie?
Rick and Debbie Caudill
I knew ya were ya little shit.........
Yeah.....seems like there are just about as many record companies out
there as there are lawn care companies......I can see where it would
allow an artist artistic freedom, but I can also see where one could
lose their shirt........At any rate, here's what it says on his page
about it, I don't understand the mumbo jumbo about the other
companies, but this is it:
NASHVILLE, TN—July 25, 2006—Multi-platinum recording artist Tracy
Lawrence has launched Rocky Comfort Records (RCR), a partnership with
his manager Laney Lawrence, to be based in Nashville. The label will
operate as a joint venture with CO5 Nashville (a division of CO5
Music) and has secured an exclusive retail distribution agreement with
A2M Distribution. As president of RCR, Laney Lawrence will oversee the
operation of the label, while Tracy Lawrence will direct A&R. His
first single, “Find Out Who Your Friends Are,” will be released to
radio August 21 with his first studio album on the RCR/CO5 Nashville
imprint scheduled for release in early 2007.
“I have always dreamed of running my own label,” says Tracy, “allowing
me to be more hands-on, unbridled and free to exercise creative
musical liberty. The time is right for independent labels to be a
force in the [country music] industry. In a perfect world it’s ‘about’
the music. With the launch of labels like Toby Keith’s Show Dog, Neil
McCoy’s 903, Clint Black’s Equity Records, Tracy Byrd’s Blind Mule,
and now my own Rocky Comfort Records, I hope we look back in five
years and see that this new movement was the change that brought us
closer to the perfect musical world.”
CO5 Nashville will design and coordinate all national radio
initiatives for RCR/CO5 Nashville. David Newmark, head of CO5
Nashville, is positioned at the helm to lead the dynamic team of radio
promotion veterans that includes Trudie Richardson, Darlene Starr, and
“Bubba” Wayne McManners. A2M is a premier distributor of prerecorded
music to leading retailers in the United States, United Kingdom and
Canada.
Deb