Category Archives: InTune Artist News

Jacob Bryant Releases Second EP – Through The Windshield

JB.WindShieldCvrReleasing THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD, his second EP, Jacob is quickly turning heads and further developing his signature country voice and southern rock sound.

Songs on the new EP include the monster track Save My Soul , co-written with Jon Lawhon of the rock band Black Stone Cherry, Just Enough Jesus, written by Bridgette Tatum and Danny Myrick (She’s Country- Jason Aldean) and Where Has The Time Gone, co-written with Taylor Phillips. The southern anthem, Holdin’ On To Home written by Adam Craig (Jason Aldean, Dustin Lynch) and Jamie Paulin (Justin Moore) features a nostalgic sound, while the title track, co-written with Chris Rogers and Ray Fulcher, delivers a smart, country-rock single with a catchy guitar riff.

For more, visit www.JacobBryantMusic.com.

Chris Weaver Hopes Brazil Adventure Leads to More Nashville Exposure

cwbbillboardbrazil(By Chuck DauphinBillboard.com) As a relatively new artist, Chris Weaver has spent a lot of time on the road in the United States getting acquainted with fans and radio programmers. However, this spring, the West Virginia native took his music on the road like never before — all the way to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

How did he get invited to make the trip? “We were playing downtown in Nashville, and Sorocaba of Fernando & Sorocaba was in town seeing the sights and doing his thing. He sees us at The Stage one night. He just happened to be looking for some American talent. He flew me and Jeff Catton, my manager, down for two weeks.”

Once they got down there, the men were surprised by what they found. “We get down there, and he winds up being the George Strait of Brazil. For 10 days, we toured the whole country, and he’s playing for 15,000 to 30,000 people each night. They let me sing and perform on every show, which was an incredible experience. We ended up creating a small fanbase and are going back down there in September, and then maybe next spring.”

Weaver, who has also snapped up American fans with singles such as “Raise the Dead” and “Time Has Wings,” is looking forward to going back. “There’s so much potential with this, because Brazilians know so many different American tunes. They’ll sing them. We played [John Denver’s] ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ and [Alabama’s] ‘Dixieland Delight,’ some Kings of Leon, and [Creedence Clearwater Revival’s] ‘Have You Ever Seen the Rain,’ and they were singing every word back to us. What they are doing is trying to inject more American country into what they are doing. Fernando & Sorocaba is the first [Brazilian act] to use banjo, fiddle and pedal steel. The next couple years are going to be really interesting, I think. We’re excited to see what kind of adventures that come from this.”

Weaver hopes video footage from his trip to Brazil makes its way to Nashville’s Music Row. “It really opens up a bridge for us,” he tells Billboard. “You can try to explain it to somebody, but until you see the pictures and put it in perspective, it’s tough. My voice and my style are a little different, so for people to see this and realize that we can entertain this many people is a big thing. Hopefully, that opens a door here in the States and makes people take somewhat of a harder look and maybe gives us a little more credibility. If I can just get Portuguese for Dummies down, I’d be set.”

Weaver’s latest single, “Time Has Wings,” has a very “baby boomer” feel, he says, “because it’s about your parents, about you. I didn’t know how well it would do with the younger demographic, but it’s gone over amazingly well. It’s probably one of the best-selling singles we have had. It’s a great contextual song. I’m glad to see that people are listening to the words, because with one like that … you’ve got to.”

Knowing that his music isn’t typical of Nashville these, days, the singer says he is grateful to his radio team of Regina Raleigh, Ann Chrisman and J.R. Hughes. “The rewarding part has been that because I’m not bro-country, or even country by traditional definition, it’s been cool that I’ve been given the opportunity by radio. ‘Time Has Wings’ or ‘Raise the Dead’ are songs about life, not about trucks or any singular thing. I like those types of songs. You can talk about the weekend, fishing or whatever you want, but at the end of the day, life is still about living and dying, your parents and reflecting on where you are in the world as you get older. I feel that people need those songs. I believe that people are longing for that more. It’s not all about finding a girl and drinking a beer. There’s so much more to life. I’m not saying I write that all the time. Obviously, I write my fair share of girl songs, because they are the easiest thing to write about, but there’s got to be something more. Hopefully, we can bring that to audiences here — and beyond!”

Chris Weaver Band Named 2015 Music Row Independent Artist of the Year

Chris Weaver Band accepts their honor for MusicRow’s 2015 Independent Artist of the Year. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser

Chris Weaver Band accepts their honor for MusicRow’s 2015 Independent Artist of the Year. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser

(By Bobby KarlMusicRow.com)

I love a good wiseacre.

“I’ve been trying to pay off radio with beer and Jack Daniels for four years, and it finally paid off,” said snarky Chris Weaver. He has a charmingly mischievous grin that makes him look like he’s up to something, even if he isn’t.

He was accepting MusicRow’s Independent Artist of the Year award for The Chris Weaver Band at the periodical’s 13th annual CRS bash on Wednesday (Feb. 25). I’ve always enjoyed this act’s music, and now I totally enjoy its frontman, too. Thanks, pal, for kicking off my convention experience with a grin.

The MusicRow event was also a celebration for Rodney Clawson and Brett James, who tied for Songwriter of the Year honors. This was Clawson’s second consecutive win. “Thanks, everybody, for playing our songs,” said James to the assembled radio folks. “We’re so grateful to be in this business.”

The radio Reporter of the Year honor went to WGLR/Platteville, WI music director Ryan McCall, who offered the afternoon’s most touching acceptance. “To everyone who shared their music, their time and their wisdom with me, I can’t thank you enough,” he began. “I share this award with my family and friends, many of whom are here today….The greatest award I’ve ever been given is to be a part of country music.”

Waylon Weatherholt and Katie Bright accepted on behalf of Cole Swindell, MusicRow’s Breakout Artist winner, who was booked for a private out-of-town date. Vice President of Promotion Shane Allen accepted for Capitol Records Nashville as Label of the Year (winning for an unprecedented 10th consecutive time). Jimmy Rector accepted Eric Church’s Male Vocalist award because proud papa Church is at home with new son Hawk this week. R.G. Jones accepted for Female winner Miranda Lambert (her third in a row). Matthew Hargis accepted for Group/Duo winners Florida Georgia Line, who were busy playing a little venue called Madison Square Garden.

MR’s Sherod Robertson presided at the afternoon get-together. “We’re tired of the cold, but we’re glad you’re here,” he told the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd. “You’re looking good,” he added, taking a snapshot of the packed room. Staffers Troy Stephenson, Sarah Skates, Jessica Nicholson, Eric T. Parker and Kelsey Grady kept the event running smoothly.

Music is always a big part of this annual awards-and-music occasion. First up to sing was BBR’s Red Bow Records artist Chase Bryant, who tours with Tim McGraw. This Texas native is the grandson of a Roy Orbison/Waylon Jennings piano player and the nephew of the co-founders of Ricochet.

Bryant opened with the take-no-prisoners steamroller “Little Bit of You.” He led his four-piece band as its lead guitar player, which was on full display via a stinging solo on the power stomper “The Way I See It.” He followed that with his catchy first hit, “Take It On Back,” featuring an extended electric-guitar finale at the edge of the stage.

“Thank you to everybody in this room for making a kid from a small town of 800 people have a dream come true,” he said.

“It’s so nice to see so many nice faces,” said showcasing Austin Webb. The tall, tattooed, Streamsound Records artist led off with the rhythmic and hooky “If You See Her.” He then strapped on his acoustic guitar to augment his four-piece band. This guitar has signed photos of Kris Kristofferson and Guy Clark affixed to its back, which seemed appropriate for the philosophical “Slip On By.” Webb concluded with his new single, the rousing and clever “All Country On You.” Everyone clapped along.

This jammed room is a hard one to work. But I spotted industry mavens including Byron Gallimore, Bill Wence, Nancy Tunick, Mark Brown, Neil Spielberg, Rod Essig, Woody Bomar, Gene Kennedy, Wes Vause, Karen Tallier, Steve Pope, Rick Kelly, Earle Simmons, B.J. Hill, Lisa Smoot, Susan Collier, Bev Moser and John Dorris in the house. Most were grooving to the cool sounds on stage.

Several non-showcasing artists were working the room. Eric Lee Beddingfield, Jason Michael Carroll, Jody Lynn, Tracy Lawrence, Eileen Carey, The Cains Trio, Montana’s Kayla Adams and 16-year-old Texan Skylar Elise were schmoozing the radio folks.

Reminding everyone of how too-too cool it is outside, Robertson concluded the event with, “just remember how hot it was in here.”

And off we go into the full CRS extravaganza.

Chris Weaver Band Makes Billboard List of Ten Artists to Watch in Nashville for 2013

The gritty and soulful singer is picking up steam in the new year

(Nashville, TN) – Billboard Magazine recently released its 615 Picks: 10 Artists to Watch in 2013. Among the rising stars listed was the Chris Weaver Band.

The article states, “There is no other band on the market that sounds quite like this. They blend contemporary country with classic sounding R&B in what seems like an effortless manner. Their latest disc, ‘Standing In Line,’ is one that deserves quite a bit of attention – and we think they will receive it.”

Also included in the online piece is the video for their latest single and title track for their album, which was shot by acclaimed director Potsy Ponciroli.

In a recent review for Music News Nashville, Chuck Dauphin wrote, “Chris Weaver is a star in the making… an out-and-out singer – with a Capital S.”

Weaver is gearing up to release another single on the heels of success with “Standing In Line” and is working with legendary producer Josh Leo for his next album, who recently scored a number one with Love and Theft’s “Angel Eyes”.

“Chris has undeniable talent,” says manager Jeff Catton of InTune Entertainment, “and there really isn’t anything else out there like him. We’re excited about the direction of his career and thankful for the recognition.”

Check out http://www.chrisweaverband.com to see tour dates, listen to music and more.

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William Morris Endeavor Represents Adam Craig

InTune Entertainment announces another big step and recognition for the songwriter and performer’s career.

(Nashville, TN) – William Morris Endeavor (WME) talent agency has agreed to represent Adam Craig. Pictured (from L to R) here are InTune Entertainment President & CEO Jeff Catton, Jay Williams and Becky Gardenhire from WME, Adam Craig and WME’s Barry Jeffrey.

WME is known as the world’s largest and oldest talent agency and represents major artists of all types throughout the entertainment industry.

This marks another milestone in Craig’s career thus far, having signed as a songwriter for Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville last year.

“Adam continues to write great songs and put on incredible performances with his band,” says Jeff Catton, “It’s great to see him get some of the recognition he deserves and we look forward to all that the future has to offer.”

For more information on the Adam Craig Band go to www.adamcraigband.com.