We may be a month or so out from the first NASCAR race of 2015 at Talladega, but Eric Church and Luke Laird are getting a jump on it with a no.1 song. The titular “Talladega” single was celebrated by BMI yesterday at Acme Feed & Seed in downtown Nashville.
The song marks a third no.1 penned by the pair following “Drink In My Hand” and “Give Me Back My Hometown”, and the fourth overall chart topper for Church. Laird lauded his co-writer saying “He comes from the old school of writing. A great song comes from a great idea.” The tune garnered Laird his fourteenth no.1 single.
During the event Eric was also presented a plaque for his latest album The Outsiders being certified platinum, as well as one for his first record Sinners Like Me going gold.
Outstanding propensities for writing and performing will only get you so far. Church made sure to let everyone know that by giving a big shout out to his road crew and people who have helped him achieve his well deserved success. “I’m a big believer in not recognizing what you do, but who you do it with”, said Church.
I’ve said “I’ve said it before” before, but I’m going to say it again… Eric Church is legit. Make no mistakes about what you think outlaw country is, it’s this.
In fact, just to prove how badass he is, it is now illegal to sell unlicensed Eric Church merchandise at his shows. A restraining order has been granted which prohibits any sale of counterfeit merch within a five mile radius and 24 hours of an Eric Church concert. What, you’re thinking that picking on some vendors sounds like bullying? When will people realize that the only way artists make money is live shows?
Writers get paid by radio plays, which as you can imagine in a digital world is causing many a songwriter’s ribs to show, and performers get paid from what they make on the road, including merchandise. Believe me, until one reaches superstar, or Kenny Chesney level, it’s not as much as you think. What about album sales, you ask? Well, you’ll have to ask Sony and Big Machine where that money goes. Selling counterfeit merch is analogous to stealing music.
OK, my rant is over. That being said if you want to check out an Eric Church show for yourself visit ericchurch.com …and buy a t-shirt.
