Friday Roundup

Country music legend Ronnie Milsap is set to release Country Again on July 26. The new 12-track set is his first in over five years and will be supported with a single release titled, “If You Don’t Want Me To” which goes to radio July 18.The album is a joint venture between Milsap Music Group and Bigger Picture Group. Milsap has earned over 40 No. 1 records, six Grammy Awards and numerous CMA/ACM trophies.

At the recent Recording Academy spring Board of Trustees meeting in Los Angeles, music video director/producer George J. Flanigen from Nashville was re-elected to a second term as Chair; recording artist Christine Albert from Texas was elected Vice Chair; engineer/producer Glenn Lorbecki from the Pacific Northwest continues for a second term as Secretary/Treasurer; and five-time GRAMMY® winner Jimmy Jam from Los Angeles was re-elected for a second term as Chair Emeritus. Additionally, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to the recently announced restructuring of the Grammy Awards with 78 categories to be presented at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012.

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Soundland 2011 continues to build with over 100 bands set to perform at a number of Nashville venues Sept. 21-24. Ticket purchasing information can be found here. The event, previously known as Next Big Nashville, now describes itself as “four days and nights of music, art, food and fun. Like NBN, SoundLand will feature showcases, concerts, VIP parties and music business workshops, but now the festival will be adding outdoor stages, an arts village and more interactive fun.” Participating venues include Mercy Lounge, Cannery Ballroom, Public Square Park, Third Man Records, 12th & Porter, MAI, The Basement, The Station Inn and more. For more info go here.

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Following the success of Sinners Like Me in 2006 and RIAA-Certified Gold Carolina in 2009, EMI Records Nashville’s Eric Church offers his third studio album, Chief, on July 26.

This upcoming release features the lead single and current hit “Homeboy.” The album is available for pre-order on his website, www.EricChurch.com, and purchasers will receive an instant song download, “Creepin”, from the new album. A variety of package options are offered including new merchandise items and an opportunity to become a member of his fan club community, Church Choir.

Church’s artist site has a gritty new design showcasing live images from his 2011 tour, new videos from the road, and other exclusive content.